Mary Oceans Hurts

Junior Year

She pushed me away and drove off. I didn't mean to make her feel unsafe. Her reaction was that of if I had spooked her, which I had no intention of doing. I needed her attention I craved it; she had ignored my presence all night, and it was killing me.

I went back in and waited to have a moment alone with Hazel, my sister-in-law. I told her what had happened and how I didn't mean to scare Mary or give her the impression that I would hurt her in any way. Her expression quickly soured.

"She is very jumpy; you shouldn't have done that." Hazel said looking away, I sensed she wasn't telling the truth.

"That reaction was not- be honest with me Hazel. We are family." I needed the truth to clear this mistake up with Mary. But Hazel hesitated, she was holding something back.

"I wouldn't betray your trust or the safety of your sister." I reassured her. She looked into my eyes and I could see a bit of pain in hers.

"If she finds out I told you, she'll be very angry with me, Charles." She whispered. I grabbed a hold of her hands. I felt her shoulders slouch a bit in relief.

"When she was finishing Junior year at Cornell, she decided to go to a party with a friend. The friend left her alone at the party and she somehow ended up in a room alone with a random guy. The dude overpowered her and took advantage of her." She said it as fast as possible, she thought saying it fast would make it hurt less. A bolt of rage went through my body, but I remained calm.

"Did he get what he deserved?" were the only words I could form without losing my temper.

"He tried to get a few of his buddies to join in and- and rape her too. But they became witnesses and were at the end his demise. He received 25 to life."

"What's his name?" I had bad intentions.

"What are you going to do with that information?" Asked she. I looked down, if she saw my eyes she would be aware of my intentions.

"He is in jail, Charles. He is paying for what he did." She said, suspecting disposition.

"He is still hunting her. She still fears even though he is locked away. What will happen to her mental state when they let him out." I tried to make her understand but she shook her head no.

"She refused to continue going to therapy, Charles."

"You blame her?" I couldn't believe her own sister didn't understand the effect that could have on an individual. She stayed silent, maybe guilt could do her some good.

I went home and tried calling Mary but she wouldn't pick up. I couldn't sleep after knowing that I made her feel unsafe.

Mary

It's Sunday and I decided to forget about yesterday. I wouldn't have to think about Mr Macallister until tomorrow.

I got up at 10am and started cooking so grandma wouldn't have to eat hospital food. The weather dropped and the skys threatened with rain.
I arrived at the hospital and saw nurse Maddi come out of grandma's room with a huge smile adorning her face. "What a hunk?" She hinted at me.

"Grandma." I entered and there he was Mr Macallister sitting next to Grandma's bed.

"Mary! This man tells me he is your boss." I turned and looked at grandma who was pleased to see me.

"Yes." I reassured.

"He speaks very highly of you, darling."

He stood, his eyes not leaving mine. I placed the food and purse on a table without saying a word. I walked to the door and opened it, looked and hinted at him to follow me outside.

"What are you doing here?" I didn't give him attitude, that was not necessary.

"I wanted to meet you grandmother; she seems to be a vital part of your life." He said with a small smile. I hated the feeling it gave me. It was the first time I saw him smile and I loved it and I hated that I loved it.

"I am your employee. Nothing more." I tilted my head. Reminding him of his lines.

"I didn't mean those words." He lied.

"You did." I folded my arms, hiding myself from his analyzing gaze.

"I'm sorry for grabbing you like that. I didn't mean to make you feel unsafe." His expression softened and his eyes tried to reach mine but I looked away in fear that I might start crying.

"Let me say goodbye to Mrs Lola Blakes. I don't want to seem rude." He gave grandma a kiss and left. Why did I feel guilty for making him leave? He did look sorry for what he did. I may have overreacted. But my past and fears are real, not just pettiness or even meant to hurt those around me.

Tomorrow I must face him and continue working alongside him. I must push my internal torments down for the sake of my sanity and the preservation of relationships. Even if that relationship involves Mr Charles Macallister.

"What was all that about?" Grandma didn't appreciate my actions.

"Why didn't you let him stay?" She insisted, I sat beside her on the bed.

There was silence between us for a couple of minutes, she read me and I resisted her gaze.

"I don't know what he did; but whatever it was he seemed sorry." She defended him without knowing what he had done. I questioned my judgment. If grandma-the wisest woman I know- saw him as a repentant man, what was I seeing wrong? Was I wrong for not asking him to stay? I kept my silence, I didn't know what to say.

"Sugar, I know that the world has hurt you and failed you more."

I looked at her with teary eyes.

"You do deserve happiness, despite what your life experiences have taught you to believe. You deserve happiness." I couldn't hold in the tears.

"I don't know what I would do without you, ma." I cried like a baby and so she held me like one.

I decided to pick up Mr Macalister's coffee before going to the office. I arrived at the only coffee shop that makes coffee how Mr Macallister likes it. Three blocks away from Listers inc. I am convinced he said that coffee shop instead of any closer one just to inconvenience me.

I entered and got on line. I felt a tap on my shoulder, I turned to meet sweet black eyes. Mr Macallister.

"I've got our coffees. Come on." He handed me my small black coffee and opened the door for me. I walked in front of him for a while then he catched up to me, my shoulder rubbing against his arm. The pavement was wet from the previous night's shower.

"Be careful." He pulled me by my waist closer to him, to avoid the big puddle of water that I didn't see because of my daydreaming.
I was surprisingly shocked but he let go as soon as he met my eyes.

"Sorry." He apologized and let me go quickly. His demeanor reminded me of that day I first met him, the interview. When he tended to my wounds.

"You mustn't go into your woolgathering while in public, Mary." He advised with a stern voice, not mean like before, but caring.

He walked ahead of me and into the building. I didn't know how to feel. His hands were sudden but I knew they had no ill intent. His body was warm and firm and my heart raced when I was pressed up against it. But my heart and my brain never agree on the subject of man. Especially Charles.

HIIII!!! SORRY THIS CHAPTER KINDA SHORT ಠ⁠︵⁠ಠ LIFE IS LIFING. WHERE YALL WANT THIS CHARACTERS TO END UP?

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