Pawned Virtue - #wattys2015 BK4 TPBS - Completed 1st draft

-6-

Not edited. 

She shook her head and looked down at the pillow she was holding.

"Please."

"Why?"

"I want you to look at me when I say something to you. I need to see that you believe me because I don't think you do."

He waited, fully prepared to wait for as long as she needed so he was surprised when it wasn't long before her head lifted up and she was looking at him.

"Thank you Tara." He knew he had to be careful with the words he used. Just one and he'd be destroying her more than he already had. For her to have any chance of moving forward he had to be completely honest with her and talk about something... someone... he hadn't talked about in a long time.

"I owe you a proper explanation for why I did what I did... why I was so... why I didn't give a damn about your feelings. Would it be ok for me to tell you that? I don't want you to feel bad but if you're willing to listen then I'll tell you."

He stayed quiet and again he waited. Her face spoke a million words. Her eyes... her eyes killed him.

"Can I..." her stomach growled and Lucas chuckled.

"How about we get you some food first and then talk?"

She nodded in relief as Lucas stood up and headed to the door.

"I was just going to ask for something" she admitted.

He turned back to her.

"Never be afraid to ask for something Tara. Anything you want is yours."

He went to turn away again when she spoke.

"Is it ok if I have a shower?"

"Of course you can." He nodded his head and left.

Tara sat for a moment before heading to the bathroom. She had no idea where she'd find clothes and she remembered that there was a robe hanging behind the door when she was last in here. To her relief it still was and the warmth of the shower was a blessing.

They rarely had hot water at home. her father had always spent the money meant to pay the bills. He could care less what conditions he letting his daughter live in. She was expected to keep the place clean but luxuries like hot water and food were surplus to what he provided for her.

She wasn't a big girl. She wasn't a thin girl. The reason she didn't become a bag of bones was because her school friends always brought extra with the pretence that there was no way they could eat it all. She'd felt like a charity case but the only way to survive was to accept the offerings they gave her.

What would it be like to have food available at any time? The thought excited her. Lucas said he'd take care of her... would he buy food or would she need to find a job? The last job she had was at MacDonalds but once her father found out she had no choice but to bring her small wages home. He counted it to make sure she didn't take a cent... the day she decided that she wouldn't work if she couldn't use the money to buy food she had to pretend to be fired after a customer complaint. After he heard what she said, he slapped her across the face so hard that she fell into the wall with blood spilling out of her mouth as her back teeth ripped into the soft flesh lining her mouth. That was the beginning.

She shuddered at the memories as a knock came on the door. Maggie.

"Tara dear, I have clothes for you."

Thank God.

"Thanks Maggie. I'll be out in a sec."

"No rush dear."