She believed she was now an illegal immigrant.
“Okay,” I said gently. “First, we go to my house, then to the doctor, and after that you can go to Vancouver.”
When we pulled into my driveway, Oreo began barking loudly inside the house.
Geeta hesitated before stepping out of the car.
I reached for her hand. “Trust me,” I said softly.
Her chin trembled, but she followed me inside.
Oreo immediately approached us and sniffed her hand. Within seconds, he sat down and began wagging his tail enthusiastically.
Geeta stepped into the house behind me while Jack followed, carrying her bag.
I took Geeta upstairs and handed her some clean clothes. “Take a shower and change,” I told her. Then I returned downstairs and made tea while Jack poured himself coffee.
“I don’t think this is a good idea, Jiya,” Jack said quietly. “You don’t know her.”
I looked at him. “You didn’t know me either, yet you took a chance and were kind to me. I would like to pay it forward.” I began preparing breakfast for the three of us. “She’s beaten up pretty badly. What could she possibly do to me?” I added, pointing to my pregnant belly.
A few minutes later, Geeta came downstairs.
I guided her to the dining table and placed a plate of food in front of her. She ate everything in minutes.
After breakfast, Jack drove us to a nearby family clinic.
Dr. Maya Gurung greeted us warmly. “How can I help you today?”
“Well, actually,” I said, glancing at Geeta, “I was hoping you could help my friend here. Could you do a quick check-up for her?”
The doctor nodded.
“Where are you from?” Dr. Maya asked Geeta.
“I from Nepal.”
The doctor began speaking to her in another language.
I watched Geeta’s face light up with relief. During the examination, when Geeta’s sweater was lifted, I saw the bruises covering her stomach and sides.
A chill ran through my body.
Memories I had tried to bury came flooding back.
The bruises I once carried, given by Jeremy and Dorothy Lipster, looked exactly like Geeta’s.
I still had not healed from that past.
Perhaps I never would.
After the examination, the doctor spoke to me privately. “Did she tell you how she got those bruises?”
“Yes. Her employer beat her and threw her out.”
“That’s correct,” the doctor said. “It wasn’t the first time either. She is very frightened. Luckily, nothing is broken. I will give you medicine and ointment. She should take them after food.” Then she paused before speaking again. “I do not think she has anywhere to go. Would it be okay if she stayed with you temporarily for a day or two? I can contact a shelter nearby and arrange for transportation to Vancouver to her cousin.”
“Of course,” I replied.
