The Big Bang

June :Unexpected Help - Chapter 3

I passed to pick up Isabel first. Then I drove to Grace’s house which was not so far from Carmen’s. I parked in her driveway. Isabel was sleepy so she had dozed off and was snoring quietly in the back. Gwen came out first and then Grace cradling Juliet.

“Thanks Grace for listening.” Gwen hugged Grace.

“No problem Gwen. You know I will always be here for you guys, I love you all!” Grace smiled at her.

“Hey you.” I opened my arms for Gwen.

She crashed into me and sighed deeply. It was affecting hard. She had never even seen Stephan’s cruelty and all of a sudden she had to experience it.

“How are you feeling? How’s the wrist?” I asked searching her face and wrist. She still had the mark on her face and wrist.

“Better, but I’m scared. I don’t want to go back Lola. I just-“ and she sobbed. I held her tightly. I looked up at Grace.

“Lola, you need to get out. You just have too.” She said sadly.

“I know. I know…” I said sadly. I felt myself choke and I started to cry with my sister.

I cried for our screwed up lives. I cried for not being able to protect her better. I cried for myself. I wasn’t loved by no one. I had no man to protect me. I didn’t have a shelter. I had lost my virginity to a drunk, abusive step-father. I had lost my dignity. I lost my soul.

“Take care Lola. You know my house is always available for all of you. Please don’t hesitate to call on me.” Grace said now closer to me. Juliet was asleep in her arms.

“Thanks Gracie. I love you. I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. For the mean time, I’m going to talk with Richard tonight. I might stay for the weekend at his place, if he lets us.” I shrugged. Gwen slipped out of my arms and looked at me questioningly.

“Wont he tell Stephan?” Gwen asked me.

“I don’t think so, but at this point, I need to take a shot.” I said to her. She half smiled.

“Well, I guess we can try…” she trailed off.

“Well whatever happens let me know.” Grace told me as she carefully gave me Juliet.

“Yea I will, I’ll text you ok? And thanks a lot Grace.” I smiled at her. She hugged me.

“No problem Lola, anything for you guys, you already know.” She smiled. I could see that she was scared for us.

“Well lets go. I told Richard I’d be there in 10 minutes.” I told Gwen.

Gwen opened my door and moved the seat forward so I could strap in Juliet. Once I did I pushed my seat back and got in. I waved good bye at Grace and then after Gwen had buckled up I backed out and drove away. Gwen kept tapping her foot. She was nervous. Unconsciously she touched her wrist. She kept looking out the window, but in one of my glances I noticed that she was crying. I placed my hand on her thigh. She looked at me and just smiled half heartedly. I was getting nervous. I kept on reciting what I was going to tell Richard. I hoped that he wouldn’t snitch. I hoped he would help us. I really hoped that he wasn’t going to be like his father. Which so far it didn’t seem like it but, you just never knew. I had turned onto his street and got lost. I did a u-turn and finally found his place. His place was huge. It was two stories. It looked nice and clean, for a guy who lived on his own? Pretty damn good I thought. I parked in his drive way and I guess he heard me come because suddenly he was outside looking at us. I got out and told Gwen to wait inside the car first. I walked around my car and walked right up to him. He smiled.