The car ride consisted of me drifting back and forth from consciousness, a dull throbbing in the back of my skull each time I would wake.
My eyes shot open as soon as I felt a hand on my arm, and I jerked away from the touch.
The guy frowned. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that were at my house... Can you walk?"
My eyes travelled down to look at my ankle, which was now swollen and bruised. I shook my head, watching him come around to the passengers side and pick me up bridal style once again.
I let out a strangled noise that was supposed to be a laugh. "At least buy me dinner first."
A quizzical look filled the man's eyes as he carried me up the stairs. Rather than calling me out on my failed attempt and avoiding what had happened to me, he he cracked a sad smile.
I sighed, letting my head rest on his shoulder as what little energy I had suddenly left me as if I was a popped balloon.
We stopped in front of a white door with the numbers '113' on it, and he attempted to open it. It took a few minutes, but eventually he twisted the handle and shut the door behind us.
He took me straight to the bathroom, setting me on the toilet seat. I watched him start the bath, shifting slightly at the freezing cold plastic I was sitting on. He left, coming back a short time later with a towel, a t shirt, and some sweatpants.
After the bath was done and he turned off the water, he just kind of stood in the middle of the room, awkwardly shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Um, everything you need should be here.. After you're done I'll come perform the little first aid I know..." I nodded. "So, uh, call for me when you're done, I guess." He turned around, waking it the door.
"Wait." My voice was a bit raspy. "What's your name? So I know what to call when I'm done."
"Frank." He flashed me a strange look before closing the door behind him and walking into his apartment.
For a moment, I just sat there. But as soon as the mental images cane forward, I stood up, shimmying out of my dress and undergarments and going to the bath on one foot. I lowered myself into the water, the warm liquid running over my body.
As soon as I was relaxed -well, as relaxed as I could be- I brought my knees to my chest, resting my chin on top of them. A million thoughts raced through my head, most of them unpleasant. Pictures flashed through my head, intense to the point where I rubbed my eyes. If only I could just rub away the images. But no, that would be too easy. I shook my head and began washing my hair and body.
One I finished, I unplugged the faucet and stumbled out of the tub. I lightly put pressure onto my left foot, wincing at the pain. After a moment of getting used to it, however. I could walk. It just hurt like hell.
I picked the towel off of the counter and half-heartedly dried my body, ignoring my dull headache. After I was mostly dry I slipped into the warm clothes. They were a bit baggy, but I was glad I didn't have to put the other stuff back on. I balled up my dress, tossing it in the trash.
My gaze fell on the mirror, finding a broken, blue eyes girl staring back. I'd look so innocent without makeup on, if it weren't for the bruised around my neck. I'm sure I has plenty more where I couldn't currently see. My face hardened. I'm not going to let something like this ruin my life.
