Wow! Thankyou all for you kind reviews. It is lovely to know that people are enjoying reading this as much as I am writing it.
Here's the next chapter, this one is unbeta'd so all mistakes are my own. Please forgive me if you find some.
I own none of the characters or settings in this story.
Chapter 3
Opening the door of the car, Andrea was led inside the Elias Clarke building by a gentle hand on her elbow, it didn't pull and it didn't press too hard on her already sensitive limbs, it simply guided her from one place to another.
Stepping into the lift, Andrea looked to the woman on her left. She let her eyes rake over the features and pause on lips that she wished would say something, anything to just get her out of this awkward silence she had been in since sitting herself down in the car.
The lift pinged and the doors opened, the gentle hand was back; this time on her lower back guiding her into her saviours office. Looking around Andrea felt like a deer in headlights, she didn't know what to do with herself, she was simply stunned.
Looking up she noticed the older womans eyes on her.
" will you tell me what has been happening now Andrea?" the voice was quiet but held concern.
She couldn't answer, not yet. It was all a little too painful. She never expected Nate to be like that. Yes ,fair enough he had been heavy handed in the past but never to the extent of drawing blood or making a bruise appear. Inhaling sharply Andrea gazed into the older woman's eyes. Her whole body shook.
" ok, why don't you go into the bathroom and get yourself cleaned up, i'll go to the closet and get you a clean set of clothes."
Miranda eyed the young woman carefully. She knew she had to tred very carefully, the woman was broken and if she wasn't careful she was sure the woman would end up shattering.
Taking Andrea's hand, Miranda led her to the bathroom on the way to the closet.
" use this one, i'll be back shortly with a change of clothes for you."
Nodding her head, Andrea walked into the bathroom while Miranda got her a clean change of clothes.
. . . . .
Walking into the closet Miranda looked around. She was looking but she wasn't really taking in what she saw. Her head was swimming with the image of her assistant, well her ex assistant but her assistant none the less. The distressed look in her eyes as she opened the door, the dried blood on her neck, the bruise and new cut on her eyebrow. How could anybody do that to her?
Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Miranda walked towards the nearest row of clothing, pulling out a pair of true religion jeans and a soft chanel jumper. Walking over to the shoe rack she pulled out a pair of ugg boots. These were never usually kept in the runway closet, but a shoot from the night before had allowed them to remain in the closet a lot longer than they should have. Taking one more item from another row of clothes, she pulled out a Michael Kors coat and rested it over her arm. Walking out of the closet Miranda headed over to the bathroom which she left andrea to clean herself up in and pushed the door open.
. . . . .
Andrea released a gasp as the bathroom door swung open; she thought she had locked it. She stood there in just her bra and knickers, waiting for Miranda to bring her her clothes.
She looked over at the woman standing in the door way, her jaw was hanging open and her eyes were scanning Andreas body.
Taking in a breath, Miranda took charge of the situation.
"ok Andrea, let get you sorted, ive brought you some clothes."
As Miranda's eyes travelled over the young womans body she couldn't help but notice the way her skin sunk in between each bone in her rib cage and the way her hip bones jotted out in a very prominent way. Her flat stomach didn't look healthy; the skin stretched over every bone in her body.
Turning away to place the clothes on the back of the door and to turn the look to ensure no one else could just walk in, she couldnt help but take in a staggering breath. She had seen many woman like that before but they were modelling couture they hadn't just been attacked by their partner.
Turning around Miranda kept her eyes very firmly on the young womans face.
" ok, lets get you changed and then we will see what we can do with your cuts and bruises."
Nodding her head slowely, Andrea bowed her head and began to play with her fingers. Two fingers found themselves under her jaw and lifting her head ever so gently.
" Andrea, come on, get dressed."
Walking over to the door, Miranda took the jeans and handed them over to the young woman, doing the same with the jumper and boots until Andrea was fully dressed again.
Taking in the vision infront of her, Andrea's eyes scanned the womans face.
" why are you doing this?"
she questioned quietly.
Looking up from the wash basin, Miranda contemplated her answer.
" because you needed my help Andrea."
shaking her head, Andrea replied.
" No Miranda, you could have just left me, I dont work for you any more and I told you to leave, you could have just left me to deal with it myself. Why didn't you?"
considering her words Miranda spoke carefully.
" I couldn't exactly leave you there Andrea, I knew something was wrong with you this afternoon. I'll admit, I came round to your apartment to try and make you take your job back but then I saw what had happened to you and.. I dont know, I just knew I couldn't leave you there any more."
Nodding, Andrea knew nothing more needed to be said and also knew Miranda wasn't going to say anymore.
" oh god, look at the state of me, how am I going to cover this up?"
She pointed to the bruise on her head and pressed it ever so slightly to see how much it hurt. Wincing slightly she lowered her hand and rested it on the sink.
" A little concealer and rearanging of your fringe will cover that, don't worry. Now, lets see about getting you cleaned up shall we."
Miranda walked over to the small cupboard on the far side of the bathroom. Pulling the door open she pulled out a few gourges and a bottle of antiseptic. Walking back over to the young woman Miranda began to speak.
" Ok andrea this may sting a little."
covering the soft wadding in antiseptic, Miranda made quick work of cleaning up the cuts on Andrea's neck and face.
Both could feel the others breath on their faces, Andrea's breath began to become staggered, the last time a person had let a person this close to her the had inflicted pain; the realisation made her feel nervous. However, knowing that Miranda wouldn't hurt her calmed her shredded nerves some what.
Pulling the last gourge away Miranda looked at her work.
" ok, it may be sore for a little while but they will heal. Try not to wear earings for a little while though."
Nodding Andrea looked up at the older woman and spoke quietly.
" thankyou."
Nodding Miranda moved away slightly and put the used material in the bin next to the sink.
" Andrea? What are you going to do?"
shaking her head, Andrea replied.
" I.. I really don't know, I suppose ill get a hotel for a couple of nights before I go back."
Gasping Miranda looked down in shock.
" Andrea you can't go back to that man, have you forgotten already what he has done to you ?"
" of course not"
Andrea replied a little firmer than normal. Pulling in her temper she spoke again.
"But what else can I do ? That is where I live, I can't avoid going back forever. Besides all my clothes are there, I can't keep coming into work each day in a pair of jeans and ugg boots can I."
frogetting momentarilly that she no longer worked for the editor.
letting out a little snigger Miranda replied.
" I suppose not, but Andrea you really can't go back there. Not with him there anyway. Do you know when he will be out?"
Shaking her head Andrea let out a defeated sigh.
" I know he goes to his friends on tuesday nights to play poker, I suppose I can go back then and get my things, but where am I going to go ? I have no one Miranda the only people I have live on the other side of the country."
" ok, well until tuesday we will get you clothes from the closet to wear, though andrea I must say despite the fact that your clothes are rather fetching they are a little too big for you now, we will have to sort something out on that front."
looking over at her ex boss, shock set in.
" Miranda, I .."
"No Andrea, I do not mean to cause offence but it is rather obvious that your clothes don't hang right anymore. We will get you a few outfits from the closet until we can sort something different."
" why are you doing this Miranda, you shouldn't have to do this for me."
" no, I shouldn't, but, I want to. Every body needs someone to look after them Andrea."
With this Miranda nodded her head and moved to the door.
" Come along Andrea, we need to find you some clothes."
. . . . . . .
Both woman walked in silence towards the closet; Miranda's hand on Andrea's back and Andrea hands clutching her clothes she had just changed out of very close to her chest.
Clothes, At the moment that was all she had, she had no family close by, no roof over her head, no shower and no job. So her clothes, she held very close.
. . . . . . .
" ok andrea lets have a look what we've got shall we?"
walking through the closet Miranda pulled out many different outfits, shoes and underwear. She pulled out a large louis vuitton carry case and carefully packed the clothes into it.
Picking up the bag she walked over to the Make up department with Andrea trailing close behind her.
Pulling out a clear bag Miranda began to place various pieces of make up in, making sure all would suit andrea's complexion and would aid in hiding her cuts and bruises.
She continued to move around the different departments until all items that would be needed for the next couple of days were in the carry case.
. . . . .
"Andrea, you are more than welcome to stay at the town house if you wish, the twins arent there so there won't be any questions."
Looking over at the woman, all Andrea wanted to do was nod her head and accept the invitation but she couldnt, she knew that would add fuel to Nate's fire and only give him more ammunition to cause her harm.
" Miranda I would love to but I can't it... it would be too much, i'll stay in a hotel for a couple of days until I get my self sorted."
Miranda looked at her confused.
" Why ever not?"
Andrea let out a long sigh, she knew she would just have to tell the woman in order for her to understand.
" It would just make things worse. The reason this all started with Nate was because of... because of you."
Miranda tried ber best but she couldn't fully cover the gasp that escaped her lips.
" me? What has this got to do with me?"
Sighing again Andrea looked the woman straight in the eye.
" Nate thinks we are having an affair. I spend so much time here, I am never home and he has seen many pictures you and me at all different events. He has got it into his head that we are sleeping together. I've tried telling him endless times, I really have that nothing is happening but he wont believe me. Now i'm getting notes left at my desk every morning and questions and accusations thrown at me every night."
Once she started she found it hard to stop. After so long of not telling anyone anything for the last month her mouth seemed to move a lot faster than her brain could and she began to ramble.
The whole time Miranda stared at the young woman slightly unable to believe her ears.
" right, I see. I understand why it would be hard for you to come home with me."
" I am sorry Miranda, I would truly love to but I can't risk it. For either me or you."
" for me ? What have I got to do with it?"
"Miranda, me and Nate aren't even together and look what has happened to me, I can't risk it happening to you too. Besides he has threatened to go to the press with the story. Me coming home with you will make it look all that more real.. no, no ill just go to a hotel and stay there for a while. I've got some money saved up so hopfully soon ill get an apartment of my own."
Nodding her head, Miranda understood now, she understood that even though the woman was afraid, she was even more afraid of scandalous and truly rediculous rumors hitting the news stands.
' her heart truly Is too big' Miranda thought to herself.
" ok, well I shall get you booked into a suitable hotel and put it onto the Runway expenses, I will ensure that you are safe but you have to do something for me."
At this Andrea furrowed her brown and looked at the older woman.
" I want you to be in work tomorrow morning at 9 oclock."
Contemplating the idea Andrea took her lower lip between her teeth. Nodding slightly she let go of her lip and attempted a small smile.
" But what about Irv? What will he say about a hotel expense?"
At this Miranda laughed.
" Forget about Irv, after what i've heard about him and his Assistant as of late he really is in no position to question me."
Gasping andrea looked over at her boss and smirked.
" he isnt?" Andrea questioned, however no disbelief was in the queation.
" I can assure you Andrea he is"
" oh, wow"
" hmmm yes"
. . . . . .
Walking back into her office Miranda sat down and pulled out her phone, She began to dial a number which she seemed to know off by heart and waited for the phone to be answered.
" I need a hotel room for about 3 nights, maybe more .As of now."
" no, no that isn't what I said to you, I need it as of tonight."
" well I suggest you find me a room, I have used your hotel many times and if I remember rightly you were very happy to accomodate myself and my staff the last time."
"Miranda priestly."
" ahhh right yes I see you remember me now, so I need a room for 3 night possibly more, as of tonight."
" no it is not for myself it is for an employee but since a lot my staff and models have stayed in your accommodation before I expect the same level of competence towards this emlpoyee also.
" yes the name is Andrea Sachs."
" I will pay for three nights now and I will pay again if more are needed."
" No, add it to the Runway expenses, I know we have a running bill with you."
" yes Good, she shall be along soon, ensure her room is ready for her arrival. That's all."
Putting the phone down Miranda couldn't help the smug look that grazed her whole face.
" Well now you have a place to stay, I will see you In work at nine oclock tomorrow morning yes?"
with a nod of her head Andrea's imidiate fate was sealed. And it was all down to the one person she expected not to care.
" come on andrea we will get you to your hotel."
looking her up and down Miranda considered her words carefully.
" are you hungry we could stop on the way to get some dinner. I know I haven't eaten this evening."
'oh no! Food again' Andrea thought to herself.
" Miranda I.."
seeming to read the expression on her young employee's face Miranda understood that food would be an issue if she pushed.
" No don't worry, we will take you straight to your hotel, However if you do get hungry ring down for room service; it will get added to the bill."
Nodding her head Andrea was truly grateful that she had managed to get out of that one so easily.
. . . . .
Walking into the hotel Miranda walked over to the woman at the reception, she began to talk and held out her hands for the keys.
Andrea couldn't hear what was being said and in all honesty she didn't want to know, all she wanted to do was crawl into bed and not wake up.
Miranda took hold of the carry case as she led the way to Andrea's room. Talking behind her Miranda took two more steps before putitng the key card in the door.
" if you need anything Andrea, anything at all just let me know."
Looking down she thought about her next words carefully.
" I know its hard but it will get better, I can assure you."
' wooahh hang on, what does that even mean?' Andrea thought to herself, 'oh this is all too much for one day.'
"i.. thankyou Miranda, seriously, I really don't know what would have done if you wasn't there."
Looking slightly embarrassed Miranda nodded.
" yes well, I was so.. just ring me Andrea if you need anything and I will see you tomorrow at work."
Gently laying her hand on Andreas arm, Miranda smiled.
"Good night Andrea, sleep well."
" you too Miranda, and thankyou."
Smiling Miranda looked at her one more time.
" you're welcome, now go and get some sleep Andrea, i'll see you tomorrow."
. . . . . .
Walking into her hotel Room Andrea looked round. She felt so small in such a huge room and she felt so alone. There was no one in the whole world she could turn to right now, she was stood in a room that was so big it made her look like a dot in comparison.
Thinking back over the last 24 Andrea's eyes began to water. Willing herself to stop made the tears come even more.
The one person she thought would be there for her through everything had turned against her in the worst way possible.
They had both moved to New york together, matured together and learned together through out college. They had cried together and laughed together, and now it was all over. The one person she thought she could trust with her life, now wanted to harm her.
.. . . . . . .
Crawling into her bed, She pulled the covers right up to her nose and inhaled the lavander smell.
Even though she had been through so much over the past day; She had a person in such close proximity of her that they were able to cause her pain with out having to stretch. All she wanted was for someone to be lying next to her, some one holding her hand and tell her everything would be ok. Some one to give her a cuddle and kiss the top of her head.
But no, she was alone in a big bed, in a big room and all she could do was sob.
. . . . .
After half an hour of heart wrenching tears She picked up her phone, there was only one person she could possibly talk to, the one person who actually knew what was going on.
She held the phone close the her ear and waited.
" hello?"
Sobbing Andrea tried to control herself enough to talk.
" m.m.m.m. Miranda. . . I. . . I please."
" don't worry i'm on my way, ill be there in 15 minutes."
with that the line went dead and the tears continued. She felt so weak but the only thing she wanted was some one to be there, someone to look after her and and make things be ok again.
. . . .
15 Minutes later a soft knock sounded through out the room.
Pulling herself out of her bed she tried to wipe her tears but they just wouldn't stop. Pulling the door open Andrea looked at the older woman stood in the door way and all she could do was break down in tears.
Pushing the door open and walking into the room, closing the door behind her Miranda opened her arms.
" oh darling come here."
Thankyou all for reading, please let me know what you think. x