For Coby

Alone

I woke up on the floor. I checked to see if anything was broken. I touched my nose, it was swollen. I could feel tender spots all along my face and neck. Coby must've had fun throwing me around, I thought. As I got up, I saw that my clothes had been ripped apart, and there where long red gashes on my stomach. They would heal in time, just like all my other scars.

I soon saw Coby sitting on the bed. So, did you enjoy last night? He smiled.

I smirked and held my hip, which burned. There could be worse things then getting fucked by a demon, I thought. This was the first time he knocked me out before doing it to me, which I felt both relieved and disgusted at.

I limped to my closet to put on some clothes. Coby saw me and walked over.

"I'm just going to buy more food". The supermarket was the only place Coby felt was safe enough that he didn't need to follow me.

He placed a hard, cold grip on my neck. I could breath, but it wasn't easy. I'm going to trust you again... You wouldn't want another repeat of what happened, would you? He loosened his grip.

I choked. "I'll be back home soon, I promise". I took his hand in mine and squeezed it to show my affection.

Once he let me go, I slowly walked to the car. I could see him waving from the window. I smiled back.

I sped off into the direction of the supermarket until I knew he couldn't see me, then I turned to go to Dr Tully's. I needed this appointment. Coby and I both did.

I parked as quickly as I could, not noticing the "handicap only" sign.

The building was just as I remembered it. Big, bulky, sad, grey.... Patients came running in and out, some with doctors following them and some by themselves. I buttoned up my cardigan, and headed inside.

The lady that was siting at the front desk smiled at me, "Hi, are you here for a scheduled appointment"?

I stood still. I wasn't used to complete silence after someone finished talking. Coby was the one who always spoke next. "Uh, I called but... I was busy".

"Ah, my missing caller, well that's okay". She handed me a clipboard. "Fill this out, and I'll see what I can do about the appointment".

I sat down at one of the benches. I never noticed how quiet the world was before. I saw there was questions on the sheet so I sighed, grasped the pen and checked off each one. I didn't want to be qualified or chosen for anything, I just needed to see the doctor.

"Ashley"?

I spun around in my seat. Had Coby found me already? But instead, I faced a tall, dark haired young man. It was my rescuer.

"Dr Tully". I reassured him that it was me.

He smiled, "I thought I'd never see you again. You stormed out of the office months ago, and... I got worried". When he got closer, he saw the marks on my face. I wondered what they looked like, how ugly I must've been.

"I'm fine". I blurted out, hoping not to cause alarm. "Just fell". I covered up the left side of my face with my hand, but winced in pain as I drew my hand back.

"Your bleeding". He pointed out. He pulled a cloth from his pocket, and held it to my face.

I jolted back and nearly fell off. I wasn't used to the gentle touch of affection, unless Coby was in a very good mood. That part of my cheek was still sore. "That hurts. And I'm fine". I stood up.