She reached for my hand, and this time she laced her fingers in mine.
“I gave up for about a year and just lived with it.” Her voice sounded a bit stronger than it had before but it was still so quiet. “I was hoping he would change, or something. Every time I tried to leave, I did something different and he always caught me. If I came home late from work, even if it wasn't my fault, I would get in trouble. If I did not answer a text within a certain amount of time at work, he would appear at my work and make sure I was still there. I was so afraid to go to anyone who could help, even law enforcement. I tried once, and he made me seem like I was crazy. He never left physical marks on me, so I could never prove anything. It was mostly just emotional and mental pain he caused.
“He physically hurt me when he pulled my hair and occasionally when he wanted to be intimate. You know...being aggressive like I said or occasionally he would smack me if I couldn't get in the mood or...finish...I was finally able to sneak a call in one day when I got home before him, and that night was when I ran.”
My brain was going a million miles a minute as I was trying to think of what to say. What do you say in a moment like this? I gently rubbed circles on her shoulder with my thumb.
The fire had died down again so there was only a soft glow illuminating our faces. “Rae. Sunshine. Look at me, please.” The glow of the flames was bright enough to see the look in her eyes. The fear. The pain. But I could also see how strong she was.
As she looked at me, a single tear rolled down her face. I moved to wipe it away and she flinched before I could touch her cheek. Dang it.
“Sorry, I...” Her eyes fell.
“Hey, I won't hurt you. I won't ever hurt you,” I said gently, getting choked up by my own tears as my palm touched her cheek and my thumb brushed away the tear. “You're safe here. You're safe with me. I am so sorry that happened to you. You deserve so much better than what he gave.”
She hesitated for a brief moment and then gave me a hug. I froze in surprise, my one arm still around her. I let her decide how long to hold on for. She pulled back quickly and then looked embarrassed. I gave her a smile to let her know she was okay and that I understood.
She leaned against my shoulder again, with my arm around her, and whispered, “Thank you.”
Chapter 17
Rae
We sat in the bed ofthe truck, holding hands, with one of his arms around my shoulder as I leaned my head on him until long after the fire died down. We didn’t say anything for a bit until I yawned. I was exhausted.
I hadn’t planned on telling Caleb my entire story tonight. I didn’t know if I ever planned on telling him or anyone, but I did, and I actually felt better after. He didn’t run away either.
Another yawn betrayed me.
“Would you like to hang out a bit more or would you like me to take you home? I know your car is here, but I don’t want you driving when you are this tired. You could even stay in the guest room overnight if you wanted. I have extra clothes you can change into if you decide to stay.”
I thought about his offer for a moment. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel safe with him, because I knew I would be, but I really didn’t know if I could stay here. “I appreciate the offer, and for listening to me tonight, but I'm really tired. Would you mind driving me home?”
Caleb nodded and we moved away from each other so we could get out of the truck bed. It was noticeably colder away from him, and I hated it. Not that I hated the cold, but I hated how it felt away from him.
Caleb hopped out of the truck bed. He reached out his hand to help me down, and I took it. As soon as my feet touched the ground, one foot hit uneven dirt and I stumbled. I started to fall, but Caleb caught me and our faces were inches apart.
