Perfection Redefined

Chapter 2

Searing, Aching, Blinding pain was the first thing Colette noticed as she opened her eyes. The sun was now streaming in through the cracks of the curtains, telling her that she had been unconscious for more than a couple of hours. Unable to contain it any longer, she burst into tears, big, hot, salty tears rolled down her cheeks and her sobs made it harder for her to breathe, more aware of her severe injuries.

Mustering up every bit of strength she had left, Colette hollered for help. She knew it was safe now that Alistair had left for Portugal. This was also routine in the Addington household, where the picture-perfect family often had the daughter beaten thoroughly and severely with a personal maid and doctor to fix her up till the next time it happened again.

Oh, how many times she had begged them to tell someone...anyone or at least help her run away, but they always refused. Alistair Addington was much too powerful and civil to the outside world for anyone to believe what would seem like blasphemous lies.

Agatha, her maid came rushing to the study, unable to contain her gasp at the sight of the crumpled young lady.

"Oh gods! Don't move miss, let me help you up." She said, running to Colette's side and lifting her as gently as possible.

Just then the family doctor came running through and carefully took over the task of transporting Colette to her chambers. With every step that Dr. Newton took, Colette felt like she was going to die. Twice on their way up, she got sick.

"It's really bad this time, Agatha. Get me all of my supplies immediately!" The doctor hollered as he started expertly assessing her injuries. His first task was to load her up with painkillers, to ease the pain slightly.

"This will pinch slightly, Miss but you'll feel much better after." He said soothingly, inserting two IVs in her veins.

"What's a pinch after a punch, good doctor." Colette said giving him a half smile.

Dr. Newton turned his face away immediately, utterly ashamed to be an accomplice in this truly horrendous act.

Colette absent mindedly wondered what her father possible had over the doctor, for he didn't seem like a bad person.

Neither does your father, said a voice in her head.

True to his word, the pain medication worked quickly, numbing her and putting her to sleep.

"Two broken ribs, internal bleeding, severe bruising, multiple abrasions and sprains..." Doctor Newton listed, his eyes filled to the brim, looking at the frail, underweight, damaged young woman it had taken him two days to stabilize.

"Agatha, you must watch her at all times, although she won't wake up till tomorrow morning. When does the master arrive?" He inquired warily.

"In four days." Came the maid's soft reply.

"We will surely go to hell for our sins, Agatha. Look at this girl! Look at her condition!" The doctor yelled mostly to himself.

Agatha turned her face away, for her thoughts mirrored the doctors. If only Alistair Addington didn't hold the power to destroy their entire lives...their families. It was never a choice, always a command.

"The best we can do now, is to take care of her." Agatha said softly, wiping her damp eyes.

*

When Colette awoke again, she felt numb. Mentally, physically and emotionally. With every beating she took, she lost a little of herself. She tried to lift herself up, but the quickening beat of the heart monitor made her stop her ministrations. Right on cue, Agatha entered the door, helping Colette into a sitting position.