A Summer Thing

9 - Callie

When I woke, I didn't know where I was until I turned over and the pain reminded me. Did Parker miss me? Was he worried about me? I shut my eyes and remembered his kiss and - but then I felt the lingering pain. I had looked closely in the bathroom before bed. My labia was swollen and the tender flesh inside was raw. I winced just thinking about what had happened at the hospital. The looks everyone had given me were worse than their poking and prodding.

Was doing what he did to me love?

Outside my door was a pair of cotton pants. They would be big on me, but they had a drawstring to cinch the waist in. As I descended the stairs, the smell of bacon filled the air. I found my Mom in the kitchen and she smiled the moment she saw me.

"How did you sleep, honey?"

"I slept all night. I must have been tired. Is there any coffee?"

"Sit. Let me get your breakfast."

I wanted to protest, but the aroma made my stomach growl. I stared at the plate in front of me, since I hadn't had bacon in years. The scrambled eggs were fluffy and the bacon crisp. It reminded me of growing up, when I felt safe and loved. I hadn't felt safe for a very long time.

My mother asked about clothes. "If I can use a computer and a credit card, I can shop online. I have money, but it's all cash."

"Online will take a few days. I'm not sure you can fit into my..."

"I guess you can pick up some underwear, but no granny panties."

"I'm not ancient. I don't wear granny..."

She stopped, and I turned and saw Mr. Currier in the doorway.

"Sorry, ladies. Good morning Callie."

I wanted to laugh because Mom was beet red and he looked uncomfortable having walked in on our conversation. He didn't have a daughter. Mr. O would have rolled his eyes, because he was used to girls.

"Mom, I'll look on the Target website and show you a few things to pick up."

I hadn't been near a Target in years, but I didn't care. I wondered how long I would stay here. When would I be able to go back to New York?

My mother kept putting an ice pack on my face. Mr. Currier could tell I hated it and smiled sympathetically at me. I was glad to sit up and take the ice off, so I could speak on the phone when Alice called. I wasn't glad about what she told me.

"What's happening with Parker? Does he miss me?"

"Miss you. The man went crazy when you weren't here at six. He's been calling me all day today. I hired security to keep him away. He thinks you're missing. I'm not certain it has occurred to him you left him."

"I could go back and say I was abducted. He'd be so glad to see me and I'd be good." I pleaded.

"No, there is no reason to return. I can't have you working here. He has already scared clients away. So you can stay with your mother." Alice's voice sounded detached and she ended the call.

The tears pooled and dropped down my cheeks. Did she just fire me? Parker could support me. I didn't need to work, but then I'd really be his whore.

My mother squeezed my hand. "Darling, it's time we talked."

Thanks for voting ⭐️