Bring The Rain

Chapter 21

Ara's POV

The summer weather was blazing day and night but I was enjoying every moment of it. Today would bring a high of 88 degrees and I wanted to dress Zahir in a red Ralph Lauren short set but he was being a stubborn toddler and only wanted to wear his Black Panther T-shirt. I decided not to argue with him and let him make his own decisions. I had to admit that he did look adorable in his character shirt, jean shorts, and light up sneakers. I took pictures to send to Mike letting him know we were on our way to his office.
We had a meeting scheduled for 12:30 with a facility that I thought would be great for Zahir. Then Mike was taking us out for lunch and shopping. I was so excited to get new things for Zahir. I wanted to potty train him, work on his speech, and teach him how to swim this summer. Geneva suggested that we put him into daycare so that he could be around children his own age and hopefully began to talk more. Mike was a little hesitant at the thought of Zahir being in another public care facility since Heather had a bad track record of putting him into the cheapest, and shadiest places she could find. That's why I was hoping this new facility that I'd found would be a better environment. If Mike agreed to let Zahir attend this new center he would only go a few days a week for no more than 2 hours at a time. If this worked out I'm sure I could convince Mike to let Zahir start with a real daycare by the fall season and I wanted my baby to be prepared for a large group setting.
Mike had already made plans for Zahir to continue speech therapy and we hoped all of the work we were putting in would get him on the road to better speech and less tantrums. Mike wanted him to have the best of everything so I was praying that this facility was up to his standards. I hope to see some of their classes and activities in action during our meeting so that Mike could get a first hand look at everything they offered.
Mike could be a little overbearing at times but I knew it was because he cared. I loved how he supported Zahir and always tried to do the best he could for him. I wanted my future husband to support my kids just as much as Mike did. I wanted my kids to grow up in a home where they could prosper and succeed. That's something I knew wouldn't happen if I stayed in a relationship with Javier. Everyday I was coming a little closer to forgiving myself for staying with him; and forgiving him for being the monster he was.
However I still haven't forgiven myself for the way I'd treated my family nor have I been able to contact them. Tara brought it up while we were talking on the phone last night and I changed the subject quickly. She was persistent but I just couldn't bring myself to speak to my parents, not yet. Instead of focusing on finding the courage to contact my family I decided to put all my time and attention into working with Zahir. I was determined to give him the best care possible and impress Mike with how well I took care of him.
All morning I'd been asking Zahir to say new words or at least try to say them. When we finally pulled into the parking garage of Mike's office I asked; "Zahir who are we gonna see"? He ignored my question so I repeated it and asked him to say "da da" as he had the day before. He gave me a mischievous smile and said "NO!" while throwing himself into a fit of giggles. I rolled my eyes and didn't bother trying to force him to say it. Zahir is very smart but also quite stubborn when he wants to be. I knew that fighting with him at the moment would just be a losing battle.
I unstrapped him and took his hand in mine as we walked into Mike's building. There were fewer people walking around now that lunch time was over and we easily made our way to the elevators. I didn't remember every turn and hallway that we took to get to Mike's office but I hoped to find it on my own.
It took a few wrong turns but I finally remembered the way and was almost there when I heard sniffles and harsh whispered tones. "Will you stop fucking crying"! I heard a voice say through gritted teeth, the tone alone told me that this had to be someone very upset. I pulled Zahir into my arms contemplating what to do. I couldn't turn back, I would probably lose my way again and there was no other way to get to Mike's office other than down the hallway in which the voices were coming from. "I'm sorry", I heard a female voice whisper. A man frustratingly breathed deeply; "You know I don't mean to be so harsh with you baby. Just do as you're told and this wouldn't happen. If you could just listen, things could be so much better between us". The words sent shivers down my spine, it was a textbook example of something Javier would say to me after an abusive episode.
I began to turn around as quietly as I could. My heartbeat quickened at the thought of what might happen if this man found me eavesdropping. Even Zahir held onto me tightly without making a sound, he could probably feel my fear and the intensity of the situation.
"Daniel I'm sorry, I've talked to my grandfather as much as I could. He said he's still on the fence about promoting you to Palm Beach. He said he doesn't think you're ready for such a big assignment". The entire thirtieth floor fell deathly still as I waited for what was to come of her remark. I expected the man to go into a rage at her response and I felt that she had the same thought. Everything seemed so quiet I could hear the women's shallow breathing. Finally he broke the silence; "Baby, he will promote me. Once you tell him about our upcoming wedding he'll have no choice but to give the position to his new grandson". The woman spoke through tears as she stated "Daniel I told you I'm not marrying you if you continue to do this! I will not be pushed around, and mentally beat down by you any more"!
So many times I wished I had the courage to stand up for myself the way this woman was doing. The few times that I'd tried resulted in terrible fights and physical altercations. This woman was stating her true feelings even if she was fearful and I could feel that she was definitely terrified. Again, we all waited in suspense for the man's response. I wanted to get Zahir and I both away from the situation but my feet wouldn't move. Something inside me wouldn't let me walk away from that spot, what if something worse happened after I left? I needed to get Mike but how could I do that without the man hearing or seeing me?
While I racked my brain for a solution I heard the sound of a door opening and shutting. The man quickly rushed past me, gripping the woman's arm. I don't think he even noticed me standing there as quickly as they ran by me. I breathed a sigh of relief but I still feared for her safety.
I quickly made my way around the corner trying to find Mike before any other drama occurred and I ran right into his hard chest. "Slow down before you run me over". Mike laughed as I almost knocked him down. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention". Mike stroked my cheek as he asked if I were ok. I told him about some of the things I heard leaving out most of the details. I couldn't bring myself to speak on their situation when I allowed myself to stay in something much similar for so long. "The guy just gave me the creeps". Mike shook his head in agreement; "It had to be Loroux and Natalie, the guy is a menace and I'm sure he doesn't treat his girlfriend right. I'm not surprised you heard them fighting". I recognized their names right away. Mike told me about Daniel Laroux, the man who managed to take away the promotion he had been working so hard for.
"Don't worry about that, I'm sure Laroux will ruin the Florida location in no time and they'll be wishing they put me in charge. Today is about us, so let's go get everything you've been wanting". Mike smiled and wrapped his arm around me as we walked to the elevators. He had taken Zahir holding him in his arms as he talked to him and asked him if he'd been a good boy today. Mike stated that his diaper felt wet and I was thankful that I had a few extra diapers in my purse just in case. I took him into the ladies room to change him and once I finished I let him wash his own hands. The restroom had a small sink that came just to knee level and was clearly meant for children. Zahir of course couldn't wait to use it. He poured himself far too much soap and laughed as he splashed the running water and played in the soap bubbles.
I was trying to hurry him up when I heard the ringtone of an iPhone. "Yes? Ok I'll be there in just a moment". The voice sounded just like the one I'd heard a few moments ago and my suspicions were verified when the door of the last stall opened and out walked the same woman. I thought that I'd seen her before but I barely got a good look at her just a moment ago when she walked, or was basically dragged past me in the hallway. It was the same woman that I'd seen in the elevator yesterday and that man had to be the same one that pulled her out of the elevator angrily accusing her of taking too long.
She didn't say a word or make eye contact as she hurriedly washed her hands and checked her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy like she'd been crying and her hair was a tangled mess. She pulled a brush from her bag brushing every strand until silky smooth and back into place. Then put on large gold rimmed designer sunglasses to cover her tear stained eyes.
I was nervous about saying anything to her for fear of getting in between her and Loroux but seeing her so sad broke my heart. I wished I'd had someone to talk to and lend me a helping hand when I went through an abusive relationship. I found the courage to meekly speak to her, saying hello and asking how she was. She mumbled a soft spoken "I'm fine" and quickly dried her hands before turning to walk out the door. I don't know why or what made me stop her but I placed myself between her and the doorway.
I extended my hand and offered a smile; "You're Natalie right? I'm Ara. I'm Mr. Taylor's nanny". She took my hand mumbling a quick 'nice to meet you' before trying to walk around me and exit the restroom. Again I blocked her way but before I could speak she abruptly cut me off. "Look I'm sure you're going to ask me about the presidential promotion, but I have no say in my grandfather's business. And for the record, Daniel has earned that spot no matter what Mr. Taylor or anyone else in this building is saying". She sounded so sure of herself while defending the man that treated her like garbage. She stood tall and looked down on me as if I weren't worth her time. Hearing her bring Mike into this struck a nerve. I was surprised how quickly my empathy for her turned into my need to defend Mike and his hard work. However I bit my tongue deciding not to stoop to that level. Behind that display of arrogance I could see the real physical and mental pain that she was hiding.
I smiled sweetly at her, looking straight through her façade. "I used to defend my ex too. I sounded just like you. Always willing to prove that he was worth everything that I was giving. He used to talk to me in the same manner that I heard Daniel speaking to you; arrogant and judgmental. He told me how he wouldn't hit me if I'd just listen and do exactly as I was told. But it didn't matter. Even if I followed his every command he always found a reason to hurt me or put me down". Her eyebrows raised in a shocked expression and she shifted her weight from one foot to another looking around nervously. "I don't know what you think you heard but my relationship is none of your business". I shrugged my shoulders and stepped out of her way grabbing paper towels to help Zahir dry off.
"You're right it's not my business, but when I was being slapped around I wished someone would have talked to me about it. Even though I probably wouldn't listen to them, it would have been nice knowing I wasn't the only one who had to deal with something like that. You know, he had no problem hitting me and leaving bruises but he usually did it where people wouldn't see. Mostly punching me in the stomach. Hit me so hard once he tore muscles in my abdomen and after I went to the ER he said that the next time I talked back to him he would 'break a few ribs' to teach me a lesson".
Natalie avoided eye contact looking around as if she wanted a way out. I stopped talking and walked away from her allowing her the chance to leave if she wanted to. I fished Zahir out of the sink trying my best to dry his hands and shirt. Natalie continued to stand there unmoving, I assumed she was processing everything I'd said. I reached in my bag pulling out an old crumpled receipt and scribbled my name and number on it. "Just in case you want someone to talk to". I sat the paper on the counter, grabbed Zahir by the hand and made my way to the door. Just before I opened it Natalie whispered something that I couldn't quite make out. "What"? I looked over and tears were now streaming down her face uncontrollably. "My hair" she repeated louder. "That's what he does so no one will see any marks on me. He yanks and pulls me around by my hair like I'm a dog. Sometimes when he's really upset he'll tug so violently that he pulls out patches of hair". She slowly turned and lifted the back of her straight brown hair revealing a few patches of short or newly grown hair but one large spot right in the center was completely bald and inflamed like it was newly scalped.
The sight broke my heart and I decided I was going to help her in any way that I could. I put my hands on her shoulder, turning her around. "What can I do to help"? She asked "How did you do it? How did you get away from him". I gave her a brief shortened version of how I escaped from Javier and ended up as a nanny. "You know, I have all the money I could ever need thanks to my grandfather's business investments. I don't even have to work and I have a family that I know would support me if I told them what's happening. You ran away with almost nothing and made a way out. I told Daniel so many times I would tell my grandfather what he was doing to me and each time he laughed at me; I guess he knew I was lying. I don't know why I can't find the courage to leave him. He said that he's the best I'll ever get in life, and I believe him. Men have never shown me the attention that Daniel has given me.".
I took her hand in mine and made her look at me as I gave her some advice. "We all get help when we're good and ready to. If you're truly tired of being treated like this I know you can find the courage to leave him. And Daniel is absolutely wrong about you not being able to find someone better. You're a beautiful woman and the perfect man is going to come along one day and treat you a million times better than Daniel ever dreamed of. But even if that doesn't happen you have to ask yourself if you want to spend the rest of your life in a relationship that causes fear and pain, or if you want to be alone but safe and happy". Natalie tried her best to wipe the tears from her eyes but they continued to fall. "He's in my grandfather's office now waiting for me. He gave me a diamond ring and I'm supposed to tell my grandfather we're getting married. He thinks that will be the best way to get the promotion. Unfortunately he's right, my grandfather is very big on family and if I marry him I know he'll support Daniel even though we all know he doesn't deserve it".
I couldn't let her walk in that office and make the biggest mistake of her life. I could tell she wanted to leave Daniel but abusers are such master manipulators and he obviously had a strong hold on this poor girl. "Natalie, as much as you think you love this man I want you to stop thinking of the great first date or how well he treated you when you met him. You need to focus on what he does to you right now; just think about how bad he makes you feel about yourself. I can tell you from my first hand experience that he never intended to treat you right, and holding onto hope that he'll change will never work out. Things will never go back to how they were at the very beginning, even if you truly want them too because the Daniel you met and fell in love with isn't the real Daniel. The man who belittles you, insults you, and puts his hands on you, is the real Daniel. You need to realize that before it's too late. If you insist on going to this meeting with Daniel and your grandfather I suggest you think long and hard about what you're going to say in there".
I took the paper with my number on it and handed it to her. "You can always call me for advice, help, or just in case you need someone to listen". She took my number and said that she'd be in touch. I left the restroom to find an anxious Mike waiting for Zahir and I. "Is everything okay? You two took so long I was contemplating coming inside the woman's restroom". I assured him that everything was fine and that I was just having some girl talk with Natalie.
He questioned me about what we were talking about for so long but I playfully avoided him and suggested that he mind his own business. He rolled his eyes at my smart remarks while he strapped Zahir in then helped me into the front of his SUV. I laughed at his annoyance but also at the nervousness I felt. He was so close to me that I could smell his cologne. And my body felt unsteady when he pressed his palms against my lower back and legs gently lifting me into the passenger seat.
I tried to break the awkward tension with another sassy remark but before I could get the words out I felt his lips gently press into mine. The kiss only lasted a second but I wished he had never pulled away. Mike caressed my cheek softly and apologized. "I'm so sorry! I was trying to kiss your cheek and you turned around before I could! I didn't want to...well I didn't mean to do it and I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. Ara, I'm sorry! I would never do that without permission". He stumbled over his words, clearly flustered at his mistake. He was adorable as his cheeks turned red with embarrassment.
I assured him that I wasn't uncomfortable or upset with him. "I don't mind your kisses". We were still just inches away from each other; neither willing to move. "You could try again", I stated. Slowly he moved closer to me, placing his lips on my right cheek and then the left. Finally his lips were almost touching mine as he cradled my head in his hand and whispered "I would never do anything to hurt you or make you feel uneasy. You're so special to me Ara". He stared into my eyes for what felt like an eternity before finally leaning in and pressing his lips against mine. I had nervousness, excitement, and arousal all building up inside of me. If I'm being honest I have to admit that I wanted more than just a kiss from him but this definitely wasn't the time or the place for that.
"Ah-Ah! Game!" Zahir screeched from the back seat causing us to both jump back with the realization of what we had done. Zahir couldn't go more than ten minutes without that tablet which I didn't like but his interruption was needed. I don't know if Mike really meant anything by the small gesture but it meant the world to me.
I fished out the tablet and his headphones from his diaper bag and handed it to him. Mike quietly helped with my seatbelt and shut the passenger door for me. Neither of us said a word about what happened and although it was a simple natured kiss it was a kiss that made my whole body tingle with excitement the rest of the day.