Hey, guys! Thanks for reading and reviewing :) I just wanted to say that I don't think the Shelby's are capable of something so vile. I just felt the need to address this issue in my story, somehow, since the Stanford victim released a letter to her attacker. It really broke my heart and I suggest you all read it for a more broad perspective on how victims are still negatively affected in this modern age. Though my story can't really improve her life and change anything regarding the issue of sexual assault, just know that my prayers are with her. –Fia J.
In the next second, Rain found herself indoors.
How long has it been?
She was in a bleak study. It wasn't the work office. It was something much more refined. The room she sat in held a large desk. Nothing on top of it was organized. From the windows behind a seated Mr. Shelby she could see that she was still in Birmingham. The buildings outside were familiar, but this office was not.
Mr. Shelby was soaked in rainwater. He sat sternly in his chair across from Rain and wearily mouthed something. It took another second for Rain to register that he was speaking with her. She shivered in her seat, realizing a heavy coat sat over her half-naked body.
"Did you say something, Mr. Shelby?" she asked. Rain's tone enveloped all that she was feeling. It was rather numb and idle, almost as if she were unaware of what had occurred prior to this appointment.
Mr. Shelby narrowed his brows slightly. He couldn't process how to address Rain. She was clearly in shock and refused to focus on one thing without drifting off into a senseless state. He held her gaze for a belated moment, before peering off to someone who stood behind Rain.
"I said I wanted to apologize on behalf of my brother." He said in his usual taut voice, although the sincerity was present as he continued. "John had no right to harm you like that. He was drunk and ignorant-,"
"-But he would never do anything like that if he were sober?" she cut off. Nothing bitter clung on to her tone, and yet she spoke a bit louder than before. "I suppose that's what you wanted to say."
Mr. Shelby held Rain's unblinking gaze. "I'd like you to know that he won't be anywhere near you from now on."
"I'm not afraid of John, Mr. Shelby." She shook her head subtly. "If he were to try it again, I wouldn't think twice before cutting him." However, Rain's heart wrenched with agony. It was the first time she felt it all night. She was able to escape this evil once more . . . but how many people have already suffered in its grasp? Rain's vision faltered, but she eased back into focus. "You want to know if he actually managed to do it?" She lethargically questioned. "No." she smiled lightly, eyes squinting with fatigue.
From behind Rain's seat, someone paced across the wooden floors. She made no effort to turn and see who it was, but had a feeling already she knew.
Rain felt every water droplet sink from her hair and fall to her barren thighs. She wanted to know why she was free to live another day without a demon trailing behind her. Why was she released from the devil's snare and given another chance to run from it? Why is this something she, and countless others, must constantly worry about?
The ticking clocks filled Rowan's conscious. It only reminded her of every passing second that indicated someone's life, somewhere in this bloody world, was being threatened the way hers was Rain . . . and she could do nothing but sit and thank the Lord for his kindness, because she managed to slip away.
Mr. Shelby was in mid-sentence before Rain unknowingly cut him off. "If you don't mind, Mr. Shelby." He stopped speaking, and she lifelessly continued, "I'd like the day off tomorrow." Rain stood up slowly from her chair. It was harder to do so with the anchoring coat that encompassed her frame.
"Yes, of course, Rain." He said, his voice neutral, though his blue eyes were filled with question.
"I'll be at the office on the day of the robbery." She informed him. Not a hint of pain strained her words, but she spoke more quietly than her usual lively voice.
"No need. I'll send over a car at six o'clock." He added calmly before addressing the quiet bystander. "Michael, see to it that Rain gets to Ada's safely. I'll let her know your arrival won't be too long."
Rain nodded her head before turning towards the exit. There was no energy left in her to deny Mr. Shelby's orders. She bid him a silent goodnight.
Michael did not properly look at Rain. He said nothing as he opened the door of the office and led her out. He said nothing as he patiently waited for Rain to walk down a long corridor. He said nothing as he gingerly helped Rain into a car. He even said nothing when she shuddered from his touch, and so he refrained from touching her again once he sat next to her in the car.
The ride to Ada's home went unnoticed. One minute she was in the car, the next she was stepping out of it. The storm had passed, and so she didn't wait for the driver to open the door for her.
Rain struggled to climb out, but managed to do so without tripping on the heels she still wore.
There was blood all over them.
Desperately, Rain bent her knees and strived to tear the straps off with her numb fingers. Her mind suddenly shifted from blank spaces to crashing red waves of anguish. She managed to kick off one but fought rigorously with the other. Her hands began to shake and her balance almost gave way, but a hand reached down to unhook that final strap.
Rain abruptly stopped her frantic behavior. She had forgotten about Michael.
For a moment, she had forgotten anything good existed.
Michael stayed clear from making contact with her skin. He cautiously removed the shoe from her foot and grabbed the other pair before silently dumping them into a bin nearby.
If Rain hadn't been so tired and cold, she would've lingered on to the grand white apartment that Ada called her home.
However, the only thing she wished to do was sleep, to have this night end.
As she climbed up the terrace, Michael hovered behind. The oak doors were thrown open before Rain could reach for the knob.
"Rain," Ada whispered in worry, as to avoid disturbing the neighbors. "You're soaking, get inside." She ushered her inside the warm living room.
The night was finally behind her.
"There are some dry clothes and towels in the bedroom over there." Ada pointed hurriedly across the snug couches and toys that trailed the hallway into a white room. "I'll come with bandages and some tea-"
"-Don't worry, Ada." Rain intervened quietly. "I can put me 'self to bed." She hobbled across the floor on her bare feet.
"You're limping, Rain." she protested.
"I'm fine, Ada." Rain exhausted, facing Ada once she reached the door. "I've suffered worse." Everything about Rain seemed weary. Her speech, her posture, her drooping eyelids, and the way she held her head up lazily, nothing about this girl resembled a hint of Rain Kinsley. "I just want to sleep."
Rain ignored Michael and Ada's worried glances and turned away, heading inside that white room. The door creaked as she pushed it further.
"Rain, please." Michael coaxed before Rain could shut the door behind her. "Let us help."
It was the first thing he said to her all night . . . of what she could remember.
Rain failed to turn around this time. "Go home, Michael." She said tiredly. "I want to be alone." And she quietly closed the door behind her, indulging herself in complete isolation.