"J-J-Joe?" I stammered. I started backing away, leaving the cart where it was. He moved towards me. His hands were outstretched in a 'peace' sort of way. He took a big step and easily closed the gap between us. He reached and put his arms around me in a hug. I started to push away but looked around. People were staring so I decided it best not to fight it.
"I've missed you, Kara my sweet." Joe's boozed breath came into my ear. After what seemed far long enough, I tried to push him off me. When he straightened up I glanced into his basket. Yep. All liquor. This time it was the hard stuff. Which meant plain old beer wasn't doing the trick anymore.
My heart was beating out of my chest as he tried an attempt at small talk.
"So Kara bear, how are you doing?"
"Fine."
"Things going well for you?"
"Yes."
"Whatcha been up to these days?"
"Not much."
"Where ya stayin?" He tried to act casual, picking up a can and glancing at the label as he asked the question. But I knew in that question that he'd been trying to track me down. Since he couldn't find where I was living he had gotten frustrated. But now that I was here, he had me. And we both knew it.
"With a friend." I say when I can finally form words. I swallow but my mouth feels as if I've been sucking on cotton. I feel I'm overreacting. I mean, we're in a public place. It's not like he's going to hit me here. It's just the after I worry about. What if he follows me to George's?
I start to panic. I want him to leave me be. I move for the cart and try to make it seem as if I have to go but he blocks my way.
"Why the rush? Can't your friend wait just a moment?"
"Um... I... Um..." I stammer like a stupid idiot.
"Ah there you are!" I turn and find an old man I've never seen before, standing behind, looking at me.
"My sweet grandbaby! I thought I lost you. You know not to leave my side in the market. Come 'ere Button." He waves me over and I slowly approach, utterly confused. The man holds his arms outstretched and I hug the stranger.
"You looked like you needed some help there, Button." He said into my ear. I breathe I sigh of relief.
"I am so happy I found you. Now! Let's get back to that list, shall we?" I nod my head. I take a few steps back to the cart, the old man follows me close behind.
"So long, Sonny. Nice to see you." The man says to Joe, without a smile. I turn the cart and the old man starts to talk as we walk around the corner.
"Now, your grandmother wants sweet grain brown rice. But me, I don't know what in the hell that is so we'll just get normal white rice..." He trails off as we leave Joe's line of sight and come up to the man's cart.
"Thank you so much for your kindness, sir." I say. He chuckles and shakes his head.
"It ain't a worry Button. But you just be careful. There's some real creeps out there." We both look around to see if Joe is spying. When neither of us sees him, the old man gives me a squeeze and starts to head off with his own list. I smile as I watch him go.
I finish getting everything and then I go towards the check out. George gave me an envelope with a large amount of money in it, much more than I need. I use what I need to pay for the groceries. When I head outside, I look around for George's driver but I don't see him. I decide to start walking towards the side parking lot. I figure that's where he'd be waiting if not on the actual street. I take not even ten steps before a shadow steps out in front of me, blocking my view.
"Your grandfather? Really?" Joe spits. I panic, looking around and I see no one.
"He ain't here to save ya now." Joe grabbed my arm and pulls me into the alley he came out of.
He starts kissing me. Hard.
"Joe... Joe..." I try to pull away but that only makes him hold me tighter. He starts to lift my dress and I want to scream. I try with all my might to kick and shove and bite but it does no good. I may be stronger but I'm still very weak.
Eventually I'm wore out. I keep telling him to stop but he only presses harder. I'm certain my back is bleeding from the brick and my hands are already bruised from his meaty fingers wrapped around my wrists.
"Joe stop... Please... Stop... Please... Ahh!!" Suddenly a sharp pain and I know what he's done.
I haven't let George touch me there, much less anywhere. And the pain leaves me feeling nauseous.
When Joe's finally finished, he grabs my bags and pulls them over to me. A kind gesture. I figure he must feel bad. That feeling goes away when he spits at my feet and stalks away. Leaving me crying and bleeding.
