STONE'S DIARY

Chapter 61.)

   Years ago

      "Aren't you supposed to be here with Renae?" Julie asked King after checking the sign-in sheet.

         "Nah... unless that's tha' only way you'll talk to me?" He responded about to open the door but she shook her head and waved him over.

        "What's going on? You look... extremely angry," she said as she watched as he paced back and forth.

        "I would be wrong to leave her wouldn't I?"

        Julie stared at him confused, she wasn't sure how she was supposed to answer that without knowing exactly what was going on.

         Grabbing her clipboard and pen, she cut her phone off and nodded towards the couch, "Can you sit down please?"

          "I can't."

          "Standing is good... um... ok," she nodded putting her stuff down and stood as well.

          Walking towards her window, she opened the blinds just as the rain came crashing down even harder. Wanting to give him some time, she went ahead and cut on the air humidifier and the noisemaker before she dimmed the lights and let the violet color shine through.

         Walking towards King, she stood a few feet away and slid her hands into her back pockets as she watched him for a few minutes as she tried to get a good read on his energy; he wasn't just angry he was hurt and conflicted.

        "You're in pain... why is that?" She asked.

         When he didn't answer, she took a deep breath and took a step forward and cautiously placed her hand on his shoulder.

         When he finally looked at her she smiled softly, "Why do you want to leave Renae?"

        "It's not permanently... it's just... I don't know what to call it," he admitted as he went to sit down but she grabbed his hand and stared at his face.

        Noticing the welt on the right side of his face she leaned forward and examined his face noticing the small scratch on his neck.

         "Are these... did she hit you?" She hesitantly asked. She wasn't sure what to ask or even label it because Renae didn't give off the domestic violent type.

        "Yeah... I'm good tho," he shrugged moving her hand and stepped to the side of her before sitting down.

        Taking a deep breath, Julie sat across from him and just stared.

         She was so confused, for as long as she's known Tish, she never mentioned anything about Renae being violent nor did Renae, herself give off that vibe.

          "How long has she been hitting you?" She asked and King shook his head, this is what he didn't want.

          "I'm not being abused,"

          "Technically... you are but since I don't know the details, you can fill in the blanks," she stated and he stared at her for a moment then blew out a breath.