Pay It Forward

Protecting family

Michal awoke Wednesday morning ready to accompany his mother. He didn't have classes, so he was available to go with her at any time.

Delia wanted to talk to Clementine early, because she knew how hectic a full workday could be. She based this in how grumpy Shaun was at the end of the day when he worked long hours. Shaun and already contacted the retirement home Clemmie worked at to request the time for the meeting. At first her supervisor refused, but when she realized with whom she was speaking, her tune changed quickly.

Clemmie arrived at work earlier than usual. She had liberally applied makeup to cover the fading bruises on her eye. It was mostly unnoticeable. If anyone noticed, no one said anything. She was worried about Darren. When he saw her face, he knew something was wrong. Even with makeup, she could not hide the truth from her baby brother.

She recalled what had happened days before. Shuddering at the memory.

"Clemmie, hey big sis. Glad you made it." Darren hugged his sister.

Clemmie groaned inwardly because his embrace hurt. "She hugged him back lightly, with her left arm. It was then that Darren noticed she favored her right arm. He looked closely at his sister, something was off. She wore too much make up. Clemmie didn't wear makeup. She was hiding something.

"Clemmie, what's going on?" but he knew. Robert had hurt her in some way.

"Nothing Darren, I'm fine. Just working so hard." She tried to change the topic. "How are you doing? Where are your friends Kevin and Gianni?"

Darren didn't fall for it. At this point, Gianni and Kevin had walked in. They knew something was wrong. Darren glared at Clemmie. Fury rolled off of him in waves. "Darren" Gianni ventured to ask, "What's wrong?" his voice was filled with fear.

"Darren, what is it?" Kevin asked, looking from his friend to his sister.

Darren didn't address them. His eyes were trained on his sister. "Clemmie, what are you hiding?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing, Darren, Stop being weird." She answered. Thinking I have to be careful. He can't learn the truth. He'll snap. Gianni and Kevin sat beside their friend, both concerned, Then Kevin looked closely at Clemmie. He noticed her left eye was bloodshot. Her right eye was clear. She seemed so afraid, and it wasn't because of Darren. Kevin began to speak, but Darren spoke first.

"Clemmie, take your jacket off." Darren demanded softly. Clemmie seemed terrified at the request. She was visibly shaken.

"Wait, Darren, she shouldn't-"Gianni tried to intervene when Darren stopped him but holding up his hand.

Clemmie stood. She couldn't hide the bruises on her arm and her brother didn't need the trouble. She should not have come. "Darren, you're tripping, and I'm out." She declared, as Darren reached her and the jacket fell down her arms. She was covered in black bruises. One name escaped his lips. "Robert, Robert did this."

Klaus the floor guard had made it to the group to see what was wrong. He realized the sister was the cause and ordered her to leave. He caught her arm to escort her out when she screamed in pain. He immediately let her go. He had no intention of causing her pain. When Clemmie screamed in pain, Darren attacked. The other two boys tried to pull him off as a female officer came and escorted Clemmie out. Clemmie stood at the window to the visitor's area sobbing, helpless as she witnessed the guards take her brother down.