This one is not as graphic but if you have been a victim of abuse, it might bring flashback so I'll leave it up to you to decide whether to read it or not.
Chapter 3
Lisa walks into Mercedes's room.
"Shane is here." She nodded for her aunt to let him in.
"I'll leave you too alone."
"Call me if you need anything." Said her mother before leaving the room.
Shane went to sit next to her on the bed and Mercedes move further away in the bed.
"What's wrong baby." He tried to put his hand on her cheek but she turn away.
"My whole body hurts that's all." She's struggling not to cry. She can't look at him, the shame is too much.
"You look feverish."
"I'm okay, really."
"I was worried, why didn't you take my calls?"
"I'm sorry I was asleep all day yesterday."
"Really because your aunt Lisa said you were out"
"Yeah I went to buy some aspiring."
"Yeah your mom said that there was something wrong." Once again he tries to touch her but she maneuvers herself out of his reach. He frowns but doesn't give it a second thought.
"You know how mothers are."
"For a minute there I though you didn't want to talk to me because of what happen the other night." Mercedes tense.
"The other night?"
"Yeah, we had that argument because I fought with that guy. Remember, you got upset for some so stupid and insignificant." Mercedes stayed quiet, her eyes wide in thought.
"Hey, why are you so quiet? Are you still mad? Are you keeping something from me? Come on tell me."
"No, it's nothing."
"Then why are you pulling away from me. You're usually more affectionate. Come on baby, I came here to be with you, instead of being with another woman."
"How would you feel if I have been with another man?" she looked at his from the corner of her eye but could not face him.
"Come on Mercedes there's no comparison, because we both know it's not true."
"But what would you do?" She had to know. What if she would lose him? The though broke her heart.
"Are you really taking that stupid comment about another woman seriously, it was a joke." He moved to kiss her and she jerks away from him.
"Don't touch me."
"Mercedes what's wrong baby? Why are pulling away from me? Why did you look so afraid when I tried to kiss you?"
Mercedes starts to cry and turns her head away from him. "Please just go."
"But Mercy…
"Please…
"Okay I'll go. I'll talk to you later." He looks at her for a moment and then leaves. Mercedes sobs and buries herself deeper into the bed.
"She's inconsolable, one minute she's calm and the next she balling in tears."
"I can't believe what I'm hearing. How could this happen?" asked Hector surprise at what his wife was telling him.
"It's horrible."
"And to a girl like Mercedes. It's inconceivable. Can you imagine the consequences this will bring to her in the future?"
"Please not you too, stop being so dramatic."
"It's not drama Lisa. Suppose this happen to our daughter?"
"I'm not denying that is awful. But it happened; it's something that happens every day. Mercedes just happens to be one of the unfortunate ones. But now apart from being the victim, she has to pay for something of no fault of her own."
"Yes, I guess you're right. Who is he?"
"A stranger; might as well be a beast."
"Does Raymond know?"
"Not yet, Mercedes wants to tell him and Shane before she goes to the police."
"No she can't do that. Can you imagine the scandal?"
"That's what I'm saying. Why add to the shame she already feels, why put herself through that ordeal. She doesn't even know he's name. But she's determined to go to the police."
"She can't." Hector knows this could be very bad news for the company. They are going through a very important business deal and if this gets out it could ruin it.
"I will handle this." He adds before heading upstairs.
"Her room is to the right." Says Lisa finding her husband stuck, not knowing where to go.
He goes to the door and knocks. "Come in." says Loretta from the inside. Loretta is holding Mercedes after finding her crying after Shane left.
"Mercy, I am so sorry. I know that does not make you feel better but I want you to know that we will make him pay."
"I know." She said, a determine look in her face. "I might not know he's name but I've been thinking. At the club there must be security cameras. Surely one of them caught his face."
"Sweetheart. I will handle it. You don't have to go to the police."
"What? But uncle…
"I will handle it. You're already traumatized enough, the last thing you need is more stress. I have friends that we'll take care of everything. You won't have to worry about a thing."
"I'm the victim; I should be the one contacting the authorities."
"I know, but like I said I have friends that will handle this matter very discreetly. I'm sure you don't want to be in the front of page six from the next six months."
"Even if your friends handle it, I will still have to give my statement."
"Don't worry about that right now princess. I will get the video surveillance from the club and find out who he is and justice will be served I promise you." She nodded; her uncle was a lawyer and knew how to better handle the case. "You just focus on your wedding and being the happiest and most beautiful bride the world has ever seen." She looked down at the last statement. She still had to tell Shane.
"Promise you will let me handle this?"
"I promise."
"I hate that I couldn't protect you then, but I assure you I'm going to protect you now."
"Thanks."
After her uncle left, Mercedes got out of bed, determine to get on with her life and put this nightmare behind her. Still she will have to get tested to give it to the police once his uncle contacts his friends in the force. The thought of being invaded again has her shaken and she almost changes he mind. But she's determined to make him pay.
Sam goes home and is heading to his room when's he's stopped by his father. Dwight motions for him to sit at the table. Once he does he's father stares at him which unnerves Sam.
"So who is she?"
"She?"
"I'm assuming there's a girl involve since you didn't make it home the other night."
"No, there's no girl." Says Sam thinking of Mercedes, the guilt eating him alive.
"Guy?"
"No dad, there's no one."
"I don't believe that. I saw lipstick on cheek and as far as I know you're not a cross dresser. It's fine son, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine. But please be careful with who you get involve. Don't get entangle in a spider web from which can't get out of."
"What?" he asked distracted.
"What I mean is that it might start like a game, but in the end you might be the one being played."
"But…dad."
"I don't pretend to tell you how to live your life nor what to do with it. You're a grown man and I can no longer tell you what to do. But at least take some advice from your old man. You're not one of those troublemakers' scoundrels, nor are you a womanizer. You always been a bit shy; collected."
"Yeah well to get girls you have to have money, and I never had enough to blow. Not that I'm complaining…
"I know what you mean son, I'm not offended. My point is that you've had little experience with women? One serious girlfriend and that was in high school, and any other girl you might have been with were probably a roll in the hay. Which makes me think that the girl you spent the night with might not be worth it."
"You can't judge someone without knowing them." Or their circumstances he though in his head.
"Just be careful. Some women would play with your emotions. Especially with nice guys like you. If this girl is just a pastime then fine, but if you're looking for a serious relationship you have to know how to choose the right woman. After all this is the woman that you will make your wife, the one you will bring home to your family, the one who will be the mother of your children. Your life partner." As his father talks Sam can't help but think of that girl from the beach and smile. How he thought she would be his wife someday and how he would have love to be the father of her children.
"Get yourself a good woman, that is honest, a woman that really loves you, and can fight with you by your side." A woman who really loves you. I don't have to know her to know she hates me.
"How did you know it was a girl?" Sam asked his dad curious.
"Oh I'm not a fool son, and that mark you have on your lips, it's from a bite." Sam tense and touch his cut lip.
"So I take it Shane doesn't know yet."
"No. I swear I was going to tell him but I got scare. I'm too ashamed." Mercedes told her mom.
"I know sweety, but he's going to be your husband, he loves you."
"What if he leaves me?" her eyes watered at the thought.
"He will understand. But sooner or later he will find out, wouldn't you rather he found out from you."
"Yes, I would."
"Shane what are you doing here." Asked surprise Lisa when she opened her door.
"May I talk to you about Mercedes?"
"Uh sure, come in."
"I know that maybe I should have gone to her mother but right now I rather be frank and Mrs. Jones is kind of too serious for me."
"You don't think I'm serious." They sit in her leaving room.
"Not it's not that, it's just easier to talk to you. You're younger and easygoing. I think of you as one of my friends."
"Well alright, how may I help you?"
"I was going to ask Mercedes but she's acting weird lately. When I went to see her she seemed cold and distant. I tried to kiss her and she looked at me like I was going to kill her or something. Can you tell me what's wrong? Why is she acting like this?"
For a second she stayed quiet. She knew it wasn't her place to tell and if it were up to her he'd never find out. She smiles. "Shane she's fine. She's just nervous. It's normal. This happens to all women and when we are getting married."
"Really?"
"Yes. The emotional rollercoaster of planning your perfect wedding, anticipating the honeymoon, you become tense, hysterical. I remember I turn into a bridezilla when I was getting married. Drove Hector crazy."
Shane smile in relieve. "Thanks for easing my fears. For a moment there I thought she stopped loving me."
"Don't worry, Mercy adores you. But you have to be very patient with her, especially now. She will open up to you eventually and you have to be understanding. If you do that then I guaranteed you'll be marry and very happy."
After thanking her again Shane left. A few minutes later Lisa went to see her niece.
Mercedes and her mom arrived at her gynecologist. This was one of the hardest things she had to do but it needed to be done and the sooner the better. Now that she was thinking more clearly she realized she was too traumatized to think about the consequences. The biggest one ending up pregnant. Just the thought of carrying that monster's child made her want to throw up.
Mercedes cleaned herself up and headed to the waiting are where her mother was waiting for her. She didn't have a chance to sit when her name was called.
"Mercedes how are you?" Asked .
"Not good, can we get this over with." Mercedes was shaking and her mom had to hold her hand.
"Sure." They went into the room and she motioned for Mercedes to take a seat on the bed. "Oh I didn't realize your mother was coming in."
"I rather she'd be here, please."
"Yes of course. The nurse told me you are here to get tested for STD and to get a pregnancy test."
"Yes, you see I…I was sexually assaulted." Tears flowed down her cheeks
"I'm so sorry to hear that. When did altercation happen?" said the Dr. Pillsbury handing Mercedes a tissue.
"Two days ago, at night. I know I should have come sooner but I couldn't think straight."
"It's okay. The first thing you need to understand is that this is not your fault." Mercedes nodded. "Have you contact the police?"
"Her uncle is dealing with the police." Said her mother.
"That's also why I'm here. They will need the results in the court case."
"Yes, let's proceed."
"First of all. I understand that you may not feel comfortable talking about your sexual history, but it is important and will help you in your case. Having said that, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to. If you prefer to talk to a counselor; we can provide that for you." Mercedes nodded but did not say anything.
"I am going to ask you a few questions about your sexual health and sexual practices. I understand that these questions are very personal, but they are important for your overall health. Just so you know, I ask these questions to all of my adult patients, regardless of age, gender, or marital status. These questions are as important as the questions about other areas of your physical and mental health. Like the rest of our visits, this information is kept in strict confidence. Do you have any questions before we get started?"
"No."
"Okay, if you don't feel comfortable answering any of the questions just let me know and I'll skip to the next one, okay."
"Okay."
"How many sexual partners have you had?" Mercedes lowered her head and sobbed. Her mother held her as she cried.
"Let's move on to the next question. Do you participate in different sexual practices that might make you more susceptible to STD's?"
"No." she whispers.
"Did the attacker use any kind of protection?"
"No." cried Mercedes.
"Do you know if the attacker used drugs or had past sexual partners?"
"She didn't know him doctor." The doctor nodded in acknowledgement.
"I know you have no previous history with STD's so I'll move on to the next question. Did you take any medication to prevent pregnancy after the attack?"
"No. I forgot."
"It's okay, you'd just gone through a traumatic experience, it's understandable. Do you want me to give you a morning after pill to prevent pregnancy or would you rather wait and see if you're pregnant?"
"No, I don't want to have the monsters baby!" Cried Mercedes bitterly.
"Okay, okay, I'll be right back."
A couple of minutes later the doctor came in with pill and a cup of water. Mercedes took it right away. "Unfortunately this is not a 100% foolproof so if you experience spotting or cramping, breast changes, fatigue, nausea, come and see me okay." To say Mercedes was disappointed was an understatement.
When it came time to take the samples Mercedes was terrified.
"It's okay Mercedes; no one is going to hurt you here." Still Mercedes clench legs tight.
"Give me a minute."
"Take as much time as you need."
After fifteen minutes Mercedes said she was ready. Mercedes cried the whole time trying to hide her head in shame, her mother cried with her and tried to console her. Mercedes would clench her thighs and then open them only to clench them again. What only took a few minutes felt like forever to Mercedes. Her doctor took a blood and urine sample as well.
"The results for most of the test will take from a couple to a few days. I can give you the results for HIV and trichomoniasis in a few minutes if you're willing to wait." Mercedes nodded
Dr. Pillsbury left and Mercedes waited nervously. The doctor came back with her chart.
"For what I've seen so far you don't have trichomoniasis or HIV." Mercedes breathe sight of relieve.
"Mercedes I cannot tell you what to do, but I really think you should see a counselor. We have one here or I can recommend a few for you. But you may seek help somewhere else if you feel more comfortable."
"Thanks doctor, I'll think about it."
"Do you have any questions or concerns you wish to address?"
"Not right now, I'm just praying for this nightmare to be over."
After her doctor gave her some documents, prescriptions and recommendations her mother took her home. Her aunt Lisa was just arriving. Mercedes let her in and they went to the living room. Her mother went to the country club where the wedding reception will be held.
Mercedes sat on her couch and suddenly flashes from that horrible night played in her head over and over again. A knock interrupted her thought, for which she was relieved.
"Mercedes…"
Mercedes shook her head. Her aunt resumes. "Shane came to see me." This made Mercedes look up. "He wanted to know what's happening with you."
"I had to make up a story; I told him it was normal for you to be a bit hysterical; planning the wedding. You have to be careful. Your actions are making him suspect something's wrong. He told me that he tried to kiss you and you pulled away from him and started to cry."
"I couldn't let him touch me. I couldn't stand being touch." Mercedes hugged herself protectively.
"Mercedes…
"I don't want any man to touch me. I wish I didn't have to deal with any man for the rest of my life."
"Don't say something so foolish."
"It's the truth aunt Lisa, I'm terrified of any man hugging me or kissing me, it disgusts me."
"But Shane is not any man, he's your fiancé."
"None, I don't want any man to touch me." She said with a glared in her eyes.
"How could you think like that, such a smart girl as yourself?"
"It's just I can't fathom how without your consent someone could invade the most intimate part of you, the most private and personal and sacred part of you. For someone to impose physical contact and there's nothing you can do about it. To feel powerless and having to withstand the abuse." She scream in rage, tears falling like waterfall.
"Mercedes calm down sweety."
"That sicko, animal, beast whatever, takes you like you're an object to satisfy his disgusting instincts."
"Mercedes please."
'In one minute they destroy your whole life. They change everything. Ruin your dreams, your plans. He had no right to do that!"
"I know…
"No, you don't. No one knows except for the person who has to gone through it. The lowest of scum, cowards because they don't just violate you physically, but it affects your dignity too. Your dignity as a human being, as a person. You feel humiliated, small, and you can't understand how a man that came from a woman is capable of such brutality against a woman."
"Mercedes be reasonable. You can't cut them all from the same cloth. How could you compare that savage with Shane? He, who is educated, has class and he's such a gentleman." Mercedes just shakes her head with her eyes close. "Did he ever try to force himself on you?"
"No, but…
"This experience has been hard and is just happened. Give it time…
"It's not about time. It's something I will never forget."
"Please make an effort. Hector is taking care of everything so you don't have to. Put this experience behind you, and forget about that monster. Move on with your life. Don't let him win and keep living your life the way it was meant to be lived."
The next day Mercedes was at the bridal store with her mom. She looks so beautiful in that dress. But she couldn't find any joy in it.
"You look so beautiful sweetheart."
"Thanks mom."
After Mercedes change went to the dean's office of her school. She was surprise to find her best friend Quinn there.
"Quinn."
"Mercedes." They hugged.
"What are you doing here?" asked Mercedes.
"I was getting a recommendation for a job from professor Guild." Showing her the folder in her hand. "Let's get something to eat I'm starving." Said Quinn leading her to a coffee shop.
"Me too."
"I will have a muffing and an orange juice please."
"I will have…can I just get toast and ginger ale please."
"Yes right away."
"So where did my maid of honor go."
"I spent the weekend with my parents, and trying to get some space from my parents I met a guy. How about you?"
"After the engagement party we went to a club. That was a disaster. I wished you had stayed."
"Oh you know Mercedes, your friends and I don't exactly mix."
"I told you I don't care about those stupid social classes. You know you're my best friend and my maid of honor."
"I know. But after the wedding we're kind of going our separate way. You're getting married and I start my career."
They got up to get their food and went back to their table.
"Girl you should start practicing law with me. If I were you I've start my own firm and with your connections you would have your pick of clients. Not like me that have to start at the bottom scraping my way to the top."
Quinn notices Mercedes in not really paying attention. She waves her hand in Mercedes face to get her attention.
"Hey you okay?"
"No I'm not. Something horrible happened to me and I can't shake off."
"Why didn't you call me, I would come to you right away."
"I had no sense to call anyone."
"Damn this seems really bad, why don't you tell me? Remember we tell each other everything."
"This is different. I don't want to talk about it. I'm so confused and all I want is to forget."
"I wish there was something I could do."
"What needs to be done, it's already been done. Tel my about your guy?
"Well, his name is Noah, he's a mechanic and so funny. I can't believe I found his pickup line funny."
"How did you meet him?"
"I was taking a walk to get away from by overbearing parents and I bought flowers for my apartment and stopped at a pretzel cart. Anyway I was walking with my flowers eating my pretzel when this guy comes running and crashed into me knocking down my flowers and the pretzel. I was pissed as hell, but though he looks rough around the edges he was so nice and apologized. He offered to buy me a new pretzel and new flowers. He asked me my name and I told him it was Quinn. Of course guys can't help themselves with the pickup lines. He said a name to befit a Queen.
"I swear if it were another guy I would have scoff and move on, but I don't know; I kind of found him charming. What's wrong with me?
"Nothing, I'm glad you found someone that could make you smile."
"Yeah, we are going out this weekend."
"I hope you have a great time. I have to go. I'll see you later Quinn."
"See ya, and don't forget I'm here anything you need."
"Thanks." They hug and go their separate way.
Sam borrows Pucks bike and rides to the beach. It took him a while to find the beach house. He stops in front and sees a man trimming the garden.
"May I help you?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for a woman. Beautiful mocha skin, button nose, plum cheeks."
"You're talking about Mercedes." Sam takes a deep breath and smiles slightly. "Mercedes" that's her name. Such a beautiful name, for a beautiful woman.
"Do you know if she's home, I really need to talk to her."
"She's not here, I heard her talk on the phone about going to the university that's a few blocks from here."
"Yeah, I pass by there earlier. Thank you." Says Sam starting the motorcycle again and taking off.
Sam went to the university and parked the bike. He started looking for Mercedes asking people if they have seen her. He looked everywhere and still he couldn't find her. He was going back to the motorcycle when he finally saw her and ran to her. As he got closer he slowed down as to not scare her.
Mercedes is walking deep in thought when suddenly she stops and her eyes widen. She doesn't need to see him to know that he was close. She looks up and there he is. Her eyes widen in fear and she runs to her car.
"Wait." He follows her, screaming at her to stop but she doesn't stop and gets into her car.
He arrives at her window and knocks on the glass making her jumps and trembling starts her car. "Please wait, I just want to talk. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
She takes off leaving him in the parking lot. He runs to the motorcycle, puts on his helmet and thought he struggles to turn it on he eventually succeeds and follows her. She sees him through her rearview mirror and accelerates and he follows suit. She tries to lose him but he keeps up. Finally she sees her opportunity at the intersection. She speeds up on the changing traffic light leaving him behind.
He's too distracted following her to notice the light turn red and almost runs into a street cart making him skid off the bike.
Mercedes sees the accident but doesn't care, she smiles having escape him. She finally allows herself to breathe. With her heart still in her mouth she stops a few blocks away to calm down. Taking deep breaths with her eyes close she stops. Why wasn't he in jail yet? Her uncle said he was going to take care of it, but he obviously hasn't. What if he has and the animal got off on bail. No I doubt that brute has a penny to stand on. Besides her uncle hasn't called her to go and give her statement. What did he want, to rape her again? Why did he apologize, like that will make things better? Nothing can make things better, but I still can make sure no other women are hurt by that degenerate asshole.
Sam immediately feels the burning pain on his knee and groans. He takes off his helmet and checks his bleeding knee ignoring the people staring at him. He gets up and limps to the bike and gets on it. He puts on his helmet and takes off a million thoughts running through his head. She's afraid of me, she hates me, of course she hates me after what I've done. I hate me. But I can't leave things like this I have to talk to her, explain. I know it won't help anything but maybe she will see that I'm not a bad person, but a human being who made a mistake. An unforgivable mistake. I still need to talk to her, tell her I'm sorry; that what happens was not her fault. He saw the fear, the shame she felt when she saw him. It broke his heart to see that he had caused that.
Please tell me what you think, constructive criticism always welcome.
