For Keeps

25. Scarlett

Almost two years ago
Things have been tough since the wreck.
I was hoping for the best, that maybe after losing Asher, he would be like he was when I was pregnant. It was good for a while, but it was just the calm before the storm. 
It's sad that as I lie on the floor, I actually think:
'that wasn't so bad'
'it could be worse'.
One morning after a night of him drinking too much, which I have a lovely shiner to show for, I grab chap stick from my purse and drop a card into the floor.
Angela Portwood.
The name of a cafe written on the back.
Should I meet with her? Sadness crashes over me when I think about leaving Cooper, but as I look up into the mirror and touch the bruises on my face I realize this:
Love isn't wearing extra makeup to hide bruises. Or wearing clothing to hide marks left behind. Love isn't laying on the cold bathroom floor crying as you bleed. I love Cooper, but this relationship is toxic.
I look back at the card and then I look at my watch which reads 8:47 AM. I have time to make it there by 10.
I grab my purse and a coat and leave for the cafe.

Forty five minutes later I'm standing in front of the place written on the back of the card.
I'm still hesitant to go in, until I catch my reflection in the glass: my huge sunglasses barely covering my black eye, my long sleeve shirt covering the bruises on my upper arms.
I take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and enter the small café.

The cafe is a little outdated but it's quaint. I like it.
I order a hazelnut latte and take a seat facing the door.
My mind is wandering as I sit and wait. My fingers pick at a rip in the brown material in the booth I'm sitting in. I tap my foot to the music that's quietly playing.
At about 10:10 the chime of the door grabs my attention as Angela walks in.
She orders a coffee and briefly scans the shop. Surprise takes over as her eyes settle on me.
My right hand goes up as I manage a small wave at her. She walks to my booth and sits down.
"I was starting to wonder if you would ever show." She takes off her sun glasses and sets them on the yellow table.
"I'm still not sure I should have came." I say and shrug.
"I'm glad you did." She reaches over and squeezes my hands lightly. "So how can I help? I assume things haven't gotten better." She says nodding towards my glasses.
I sigh. "I don't know what to do. I have tried to leave... I've never made it past the airport. He has people follow me. It seems impossible."
She nods. "But what if Scarlett Shay vanished? What if we got you a new identity completely. What if I knew someone who could hide your breadcrumbs?"
"How is that possible? How do I know I can trust you?"
"Let's just say I know a guy who owes me a favor. A big favor. And you don't know, I guess, but I'll prove to you that you can."
"Cooper has connections. He has money. I'm sure he would find me."
"My guy wouldn't let that happen." She takes a drink of her coffee. "I wouldn't let that happen. I've been there. I knew what was going on the moment I saw you. I get it, you're scared. You should be, but we can do this together."
"Why do you want to help me?" I ask.
"Because if my ex husband wouldn't have wrapped his car around that pole, I guarantee I would be dead. And that can happen to you."
Shivers run up my spine.
"So what do we do?" I whisper.
"Keep meeting me. Maybe twice a week? I'll talk to my guy today, see how fast we can get rolling."
"I have money... for the identities." I say and hand her an envelope from my purse. Let me know if you need more." I say and finish my latte. "I've been slowly building and selling my designer collection. I have a good chunk of money stashed away."
"Smart girl." She smiles.
"Thank you Mrs. Port-"
"I think it's safe to call me Angie." She smiles warmly at me.
For the first time in a long time I feel hope.
Hope to leave this life behind.
"Thanks Angie."
"So let's meet back here Friday, if that works for you." She smiles and slides the envelope back to me. "Keep this for when you need it." She tells me.
"Friday is fine, but are you sure about the money?" I ask.
"Yes, Scarlett. I'll see you then." She says and stands.
"Okay."