Just the three of us...

Chapter 14 Alice

The way Tag looked in horror at my bruised ribs caused new fissures of pain in my core. I ran back to Mel's room and pulled the duvet over my head. Soon the sheets beneath me were wet again with my tears. I didn't think I had any left after I'd spent all night sobbing, reliving the humiliation my father made me feel as he threw me out like trash into the night. Eventually I'd fallen into a dead sleep, exhausted. I'd been woken up by Tag's deep chuckles, and only wanted some human contact. But his lips had soon been on mine, and his....I press my hand between my legs, trying to alleviate some of the need I felt there. 

I spend the next few days in and out of sleep. I'm aware of Tag and Mel popping in to check I'm still breathing, and to put drink and food on the table next to the bed. I stagger to the bathroom when I hear them both leave for work, but otherwise just stay cocooned in Mel's bed. I'm starting to smell. I must really stink to be able to smell myself. Behind me I hear the door creak open and a clink as another glass of water is set down on the table. The mattress sinks down a little as Mel sits next to me.

"Me and Tag are going to work. I've told Kelly you're down with the flu, but it's been four days now and she's starting to get a little suss." I hear a shuffle, and imagine she's running her fingers through her hair. She sighs. "Well....we'll be home about eight."

As soon as the front door shuts the tears start again. Mel and Tag have been so nice in letting me stay, but I kind of feel like I'm taking advantage of them now. I take a few deep breaths and stand up, walking over the mirrored door of Mel's wardrobe. The Alice In Chains t-shirt Mel had pulled over my head four days ago was creased and sweaty. I quickly take it off, my nose wrinkling as I get a bigger wiff of my b.o. The bruise on my side has faded to a pale green, and the one on my left eye a paler yellow. I've still got a very small scab on my lip, but otherwise the signs of my dad's attack were nearly all gone. I shimmy out of the black panties and turn to strip the bed of the dirty sheets I'd become at one with. The least I could do was wash my stink out of everything. 

Once I've loaded the washing machine and turned it on I make my way to the bathroom and treat myself to a long hot shower. I only realize afterwards that I don't have any clothes to put on. Wrapping my wet hair in a towel I stand in the middle of Mel's room, deliberating on whether she'd mind me going through her things to find something to wear. I decide probably not, as she'd already lent me clothes on two other occasions. I find the jeans she'd loaned me before, and pull out a plain black skinny sweater. Underwear....I pull out a drawer and find it rammed full of plain black cotton panties. I pull on a clean pair and look for a bra, not that Mel's would probably fit me but I still feel weird not having one on. There are none with the panties, so I look through the rest of the drawers. Nothing. Shit. Oh well! I get dressed, and pull my hair back into a ponytail. 

I find my car keys on the kitchen counter, with a door key and little note from Tag Hey babes, if you do leave know you can always come back here X

My heart swells slightly, and tears fill me eyes again. No! Not going to dissolve into tears again.

I drive to my house and sit for a few minutes looking at the empty driveway, trying to work up the nerve to go inside. The front door opens and Mrs Holmes emerges. She walks over to the car, and I roll down the window. Tucking an invisible piece of hair behind her ear she leans down.

"He's not here pet. He flew to London the day after...." I see her eyes well up, and get out of the car to wrap my arms around her. She pats me on the back, and clears her throat before continuing. "I'm so sorry pet. I shouldn't have let you leave like that. Where have you even been staying?"

"With some friends. From work." I shrug. "I've just come back for some clothes, and my purse."

Mrs Holmes purses her lips, but doesn't say anything. I'm glad. I don't think I could have handled her trying to guilt me into staying in this house. A shiver runs cold down my spine.

I follow her inside, and quickly grab a gym bag, stuffing a few sets of underwear in and some jeans and tops. I look around for my uniform but don't see it anywhere.

"He shredded it, and threw it out after...." Mrs Holmes says quietly from the doorway. Again I feel tears fighting their way out. I grab my handbag and the bag of clothes and storm past her, back out to my car. As I pull away, Mudvayne on full blast to fill the silence, my vision blurs with the unshed tears. I pull over in the first car park I get to, and put my head in my hands, sobs finally finding their escape.

Eventually I'm just sniffles again. I look round and see I'm parked by a grocery shop. I feel a smile play on my lips as I decide to thank my new friends with a home cooked meal.