Chapter 35 - 10/11/2022
It is a good day. Pretty soon, everywhere is going to be back to normal, maybe even more crowded than before. There would be long lines waiting to get the shot. People wouldn't be afraid to come out. Non-essential stores would be allowed to be opened. Those who are dying to go to bars and strip clubs would be very happy. The only thing that would stop people from coming out would be a blizzard. Jen probably thinks that's going to be happen very soon since she's been coming out whenever she can even if this weather is a little too cold to be sitting on the park bench doing nothing except admiring the view of the sunny blue sky which instantly brought back memories when Jen accidentally spilled some of her hot chai latte on her sneaker after taking the cover off the cup.
"shoot"
"Here" Brie quickly handed her the napkin which won't help the sneaker but it will help her hand. "What's that?"
"cool, isn't it?"
"Is that" It is. It's one of the many tattoos that Hope has on her forearm, the one I asked about that very first night.
"Whaat? Love and peace go together. I just thought it's unique." Jen said while knowing what Brie must be thinking.
It is unique. It's not the usual uneven sliced pizza peace symbol. It's a heart shaped tattoo with leaves, roses and flowers and other peace symbols. "Is this real?"
"nno, it's not safe to get one now"
That's a good point but that might not be the real reason since she just admitted to having second thoughts after watching how tattoos are done online which is quite funny. Doesn't she already know it would hurt? Her interest in Hope is apparent. She's not even trying to trying to hide it. "I haven't seen her for weeks and I don't have her number." Her disappointment can be seen. It's not a lie. Hope hasn't shown up since that night she apologized.
"What's her last name?"
I don't know. Saying that would surely lead to more questions, then more lies. The only way is to let her know what type of person Hope is; one who's very quiet and who's not interested in anything she's interested in.
"People can change. I just want to get to know her, not sleep with her...not yet."
Jen has a habit of saying shocking things just to make people laugh. This isn't the first time. The last time, she said the same thing about a guy in her class. This time is hard to tell if she's joking because she's wondering out loud what it would be like to be with a woman. What's coming is obvious so before she asks very personal questions, it's time to get her to think about something else and someone else.
"She hooked up with my neighbor." Brie said, expecting Jen to be shocked. She is. She doesn't need to know the neighbor's name. All she needs to know is that the neighbor moved out afterwards so if she is interested in Hope, this will make her think twice. "I think she broke her heart." Shocking, isn't it? It's shocking that she believes it.
"What does she look like?"
"What does it matter?"
"hotter than you?"
"Again, what does it matter?" Brie asked, then realized what Jen is thinking of after getting an explanation that is so ridiculous, it would be funny if it's the truth. But even if it is not, laughing out loud is to let her know she's so damn wrong.
"It's not impossible."
"Yes it is."
"Well think about it. Why did she go to the club alone? It's because of you. Why did she hook up with your neighbor when she knows you'll find out? One reason, to make you jealous. She realized it didn't work. They broke up. She moved out."
For someone who's majoring in accounting, she sure has a good imagination but that doesn't even make sense. "Why would I be jealous?" It seems that Jen is expecting that because she came up with another theory very fast and this time she has evidence to back it up. It's a video, taken by accident, on that day in the park. Anyone else who sees this would think it's just 2 friends walking together yet somehow Jen thinks Hope and I were more than just friends because of the way I reacted.
"You were so shocked when I called for you, like abnormally shocked.
No I wasn't.
"Then you said she was your bodyguard."
That's because she is but it was intended to be a joke and Jen took it as that but misinterpreted Hope's sudden need to get away as trying to prevent her and Leo from finding out about our relationship. As wrong as she is, that does kind of make sense. Interesting. That's not the only the thing she noticed. Refusing to give her Hope's number, saying bad things about Hope, and the way I yelled at Hope that night after the strip club incident proved that we were dating, according to Jen. Laughing didn't work before but this is funny. Only she could come up with that. When all else fails, the only way to let her know that she's wrong is by talking in a very serious way. She should get it now. Friends look out for each other. That's all I was trying to do, yet somehow she misunderstood my intention. "c'mon let's go, it's getting cold."
Lunch is over. Taking a walk in the park after lunch does feel good despite the cold weather. Jen agreed to leave but it didn't stop her from continuing with the topic. One lie led to another as expected because Jen wanted more details. When is the last time you talked to Hope? How do you know they hook up? How do you know she moved out because of her? Coming up with lies isn't difficult. Convincing Jen that Hope won't be coming back is because according to her, Hope doesn't look like that type that would give up easily even if I have no interest in her. Crazy!
The theory that Jen came up with did sound crazy but now that the body is warmed up back at home and the mind is relaxed, it had time to think about it; It doesn't seem that impossible, parts of it anyway. The responses given weren't all lies; some were true. Noel did hook up just not with Hope. How do I know? Jen doesn't need to know how because then she might figure out who the neighbor is. I heard noises. That's how and it didn't sound like it was coming from the tv and it happened more than a few times and that never happened before until recently so it was shocking to find that the walls of this luxury condo that costs millions of dollars are that thin, even more shocking to find that Noel was having sex with her husband's coworker. Who else could it be? On that day, prior to the elevator incident, Noel was talking to him in front of the building. She did appeared to be embarrassed about it that night during the surprise birthday dinner when she was asked about him. She did say he asked her out but she didn't say she rejected him so who else could it be? It was so obvious but now, like Jen said, the obvious might not be the truth. Could it be…Hope? How though? Noel isn't that type. Noel was married to a man. Noe did seem sad on that day she left and she also said "take care of her" which seemed strange then and still does now. Why would she say that? What happened? There's a way to find out.
Brie picked up the phone. 4PM is not that late. Why isn't she picking up? What could she be doing? Did she block me?...ughh. Riley would know where Hope is but calling her to ask would probably give her the wrong idea. Noel knows but would she tell me? Did you sleep with Hope? She would probably say no but let's see. "Have u heard from Hope?" Message sent. That's not a personal question. Why isn't she reading my message? New Jersey has the same time zone. Did she block me too? But why would she? She would if she found out about me. Maybe this is why she moved? It's not because she had planned on doing so. Ughhh. What did you say to her!
Brie tried texting Hope this time instead of calling, again and again until the phone rang. It's not Hope. It's Riley and there's only one reason why she would call. She must have found out I went out. "Hello" Surprisingly, that's not it. "I'm going to say this one last time. I don't do that anymore and you better not…what?" It was a misunderstanding but it's her fault. She shouldn't have said 'I need you to come over' without explaining first. The explanation is short but it's enough to do as requested. No one else can know. The phone needs to be shut off. A disguise is necessary before going out. Emergency bag is too. The destination isn't far. No one is following but it's hard to tell with this traffic. Like the last time, the destination is a hotel but this one doesn't have a balcony and is more luxurious. Unlike the last time, Riley doesn't need just any woman who's willing to take the job. Riley needs me because Hope needs me.
"What happened?" Riley said Hope got injured on the call. She didn't say Hope is lying unconscious on the floor.
"I can't wake her up."
Riley is obviously worried to the point where it's affecting her ability to comprehend a simple question. Questions can wait then. Hope is breathing. That's good but her forehead feels way too warm to be normal. "Help me" The bed would be more comfortable than the floor. "Take her pants off." Socks too. The undershorts and whatever is underneath it can stay on. Oh Hope. What did you do now? The wound isn't visible but the bandage around the left leg now is. A cold wet towel on her forehead should help but this is not normal. "We need to get her to the hospital." No, no, no? What is wrong with her? She's stuttering and repeating and not making any sense. How is waiting going to help? The fever might go down but it might not.
"She's just tired. Let's just wait."
Tired? Hope looks dead, not tired and Riley is looking very guilty. "What did you do?" An explanation is expected not a sudden burst of tears after a moment of hesitation. Now she's breathing abnormally. "Calm down" She didn't but she is able to continue. The explanation is not detailed but it is shocking because she just admitted to hitting Hope on the head because Hope tried to rape her. What! How is this my fault? I didn't say I was forced to that night. What I said is irrelevant. Riley doesn't need to know but she needs to know this since she's wasting time. "She's bleeding." Riley might not have noticed but she can now see the blood soaking thru the bandage on the back of Hope's left leg. It's not a lot of blood but she should know the longer she waits, it could lead to infection, seizure and other serious issues so what's there to think about? This isn't the time to worry about cops finding out whatever Hope did. Is this what she's thinking about?
"I didn't mean to."
Rape didn't happen but she clearly is still traumatized. "I know you didn't." Any women would be in that situation especially by a man. Hope isn't a man but she's disguised as one. Any woman would have fought back and no woman should need to apologize for fighting back. "I believe you. Okay? I believe you." It's not her fault. Hope crossed the line. It's not the first time. Hope underestimated others. It seems that Riley is doing the same. Doctors wouldn't be able to help? That will be true if we keep waiting here!
Brie didn't interrupt this time since Riley has more to say. More tears are streaming down. If Hope could hear, she would love to hear this because Riley is apologizing again multiple times but…it might be too late; Riley didn't just hit Hope's head. Riley just admitted to tazing Hope's head with a stun gun.
Oh my God. When did this happen is no longer a question that needs to be asked. Finding out where it is is important because people have survived after getting shot in the head. The skull is strong. The skull protects the brain. The skull can…oh nno. It wasn't obvious before but now is. There's a burnt mark on the left temple. No wonder she said doctors won't be able to help. What can doctors do? As good as her reasons are, this is not right. "How long do you plan on waiting?" She said wait but she didn't say how long so is she waiting for a miracle or is she waiting for Hope to let out her last breath?
"Until tomorrow"
It seems that she had thought about this. She might not have said what she plans on doing after tonight but her change in tone and behavior shows that she has one. She's no longer crying. She's no longer panicking. She's providing more reasons. It is true; People have survived after a lightning strike. The electric shock from a stun gun is nothing compared to lightning. But how could this have happened before? Riley didn't go into detail about the incident but believes that Hope will wake up just like the last time. As convincing as those words came out of her mouth, her body shows otherwise. An hour has passed yet her knees are still shaking like she has Parkinson's disease.
"Haaay, take it easy." It's too late to take the glass of red wine away from her but it's not too late to take the bottle away. This isn't the time to get drunk. This isn't the time to talk about my skills either but if she really wants to know: "I learned it online."
The cut on Hope's leg isn't as bad as the last time but it is deep. Having seen how it's done before definitely helps. Bringing the emergency bag including Noel's suture kit is the right call. It's not that difficult, just like Noel said. The difficulty is having the courage to do it. Riley obviously does not have that since she can't even get herself to look at the suture process for more than a few seconds.
"What about you?" Brie asked after taking a bite of the chicken dinner.
"What about me?"
For someone who chose this to be in this type of business, she certainly lacks the qualifications. "I'm just wondering why you took this job." Looks like she's regretting it. That's not water but she's drinking it like it is.
"Why did you?"
Typical. If she really wants to know, then "no parents, no income, too young to know anything other than I don't like moving from one place to another. I don't like calling strangers mom and dad when they're not. I did what I had to do because the government thinks that an 18 year old with no skills, no money, no college education can survive on their own. How about you?" Brie said without pausing, expecting Riley to say sorry because she has shown herself to have empathy, not the bossy type but it seems that this incident has affected her or maybe the alcohol did because she just asked a question that shows that she doesn't care about anyone else. "I didn't say that." Pushing back is now necessary since she's blaming me again.
"Then why did she asked if I forced you?"
How long has she known Hope? It seems that she still doesn't understand. Hope wouldn't do that…unless she's drunk or high. Hope didn't smell of alcohol but Riley did and still does so the question is "Did you?"
"Did I what?"
She definitely had one too many. "Am I the only one?" Get it now? It seems that she does since she's in that thinking mode again, holding her head, which is odd. Does she know she just admitted to it? "So you did force them?"
"Of course not. They choose if they want to take the job. I didn't force them. I didn't force anyone…"
She's not that drunk after all. She's blaming it on society. She's using the same reason that many others have to convince others that she did nothing wrong. She's right. If she doesn't take this job, someone else will. That is true but does she realize she's part of the problem? Nope. She's justifying her own situation by explaining that she too had a tough childhood with no parents to depend on and only a brother who's now in prison. For what, she didn't say but she made another request that is so unreasonable, it shows what type of person she really is, either a coward or a manipulator.
"She doesn't want to see me. She'll kill me."
She's both. She has a point though. No woman would want to share the same bed with the one who just tried to assault her. Hope wouldn't want to see her either. But what about me? "Do you realize what you just asked me to do?" She does. Multiple apologies immediately followed. Crying, begging and kneeling too and that's not all. She doesn't have anyone else to call? Her boss is missing? She said don't trust anyone? She could be hiding? Hope might know? Don't know? Don't know what? What is she talking about? How many glasses did she drink? Don't throw up here. Eww gross. What did I get myself into?
Room service can't be called. Thankfully, Riley wasn't too drunk to clean up the vomit herself but she can't help. I shouldn't have picked up the phone. It's too late now. I can't leave now. "Wake up, Hope. You hear me? I want to go out. Wake up." Her fever has gone down. The liquid medicine worked but nothing could get her to wake up, not talking, not pinching, and not even a kiss on her bearded face. "What did you do to yourself? Is that a bruise or tattoo?" Hard to tell. Her body and arms are covered with all kinds of designs and there it is, the heart shaped tattoo with the peace symbols. "I know you can hear me. You're loving this, don't you?"
A scalp and body massage should help with the blood flow but this is getting tiring.
"Remember Jen, she likes you. She thinks you're so cool…and brave…and unique. What's that? You think I should stay away from her? Well I'm not like you, you know. I need friends. You have any?" Probably not. Hmm. There's a way to check.
Brie got off the bed and searched thru Hope's coat for the phone which isn't difficult to find, then realized why Hope couldn't be reached. It's shut off. Password protected. Of course it would be. Her wallet isn't though. "You mind if I look into your wallet? Yes. Well too bad. You went thru my things so." There's nothing unusual except for the cash. One, two, five hundred dollars? "You are strange. Fake ID? Whyyy?"
Brie lies back down on the bed next to Hope then continued talking until the mind gives in which took awhile since falling asleep is difficult to do next to an unconscious body. It feels creepy even with the lights on. No wonder Riley doesn't want to. She's too drunk anyway to look after anyone.
Next morning
She's still sleeping? "Hey, wake up." Brie said after lightly pushing on Riley's shoulder. "Wake up." Six is a little early but she went to sleep early last night so nine hours should be enough. "Riley!" Speaking loudly into her ear is cruel but it's necessary since there's no change in Hope's condition and Hope's stomach is growling.
"hmm?"
Did she take drugs with the wine? "Hello? Remember Hope? Guess what? You're wrong. She didn't wake up so we need to get her to the hospital. NOW!" That worked but her mind obviously needs a moment. Her body does too. The couch is not as comfortable as the king size bed. That's to be expected. "hurry up" She's walking to the bathroom, way too slowly.
"Can you order breakfast?"
Is she serious? If she is, she better have a good reason other than filling her stomach! She does but whatever drugs she took must be making her stupid because she said she knows a doctor whom she could call last night, yet she didn't because her boss's last message before they lost contact was 'Don't trust anyone.' Now she has no other choice because Hope didn't wake up like she thought she would. What a stupid reason! She's calling now but it doesn't look good. It could be too early. The doctor might still be sleeping or sick or ignoring her. Leaving a message is not a good sign. "How long do you plan on waiting?" If she says after breakfast then
"Do you know anyone?"
Hunger must be affecting her this time not alcohol. "If I did, I would've told you last night!"
"sshhh"
Why is she still worrying about others knowing? "Look, I know what you're worrying about but you need to focus. Her life is more important now!"
"Let me try one more time. If he doesn't pick up, I'm going to get her to the hospital."
Finally. That's good to hear but "What was that?"
"What?"
That means she didn't hear it, probably because she's too stressed with the situation and the ringing tone prevented her from noticing a noise. It sounded like it came from the next room. How could this hotel be so…Hope.
Brie hurried after tossing the towels on the couch, then realized she was right but regretted bursting into the room like an intruder because if she hadn't, Hope wouldn't have been startled.
"What are you doing!" Riley shouted.
Riley is obviously pissed but can't she see this isn't the time to yell? Can't she see there is something wrong with Hope? Those are tears. Hope doesn't cry. Hope can be a little crazy but she wouldn't break the wall mirror just to grab a piece, then holding it like she's using it to defend herself. "You okay?" She's obviously not since she's pulling her hair like she's uncomfortable, like she wants to rip it off.
"This isn't funny."
Riley is right. This isn't funny but can't she see that Hope isn't trying to be?
"You know how expensive that is?"
Can't she see her remarks are making Hope even more irritated and unstable?
"I'm sorry. All right. I didn't mean to…"
It's now necessary to pull Riley back and stop her from saying nonsense. Can't she see her posture? That's the 'come any closer and I'll stab you stance.' Can't she see how tight Hope is holding onto the broken mirror? "Hope, you're bleeding." Anyone would've put it down by now so why is she looking at it as if she has never seen blood before? Not only her hand, her feet are too. They're stepping on shattered mirror pieces. Why is she (gasp) Riley should now know Hope is not pretending. Hope wouldn't cut herself on the arm. Hope wouldn't slice herself on the thigh. A person with mental issues would, again and again. "Stop it!" She might not be able to speak but she can hear. She stopped but the blood didn't stop dripping. Her tears didn't either. "It's me. Brie." Those teary eyes may be looking this way but they resemble a child who's lost and confused. "We're your friends. Let me help you. Okay?" Brie said, letting her own tears fall, and continued speaking like she would to someone who is suicidal.
Riley should now understand the damage she has done. The Hope she knows wouldn't hurt herself. The Hope she knows doesn't have fear in her eyes. The Hope I know would collapse on the floor when she doesn't feel well but wouldn't allow herself to be held in this vulnerable position like she doesn't care anymore. The Hope I know isn't here. "It's okay. It'll be okay." With her knees on the floor, Brie held onto Hope's bearded face against her own while wondering why Riley is still standing there in shock. Go get the first aid kit. Get some towels.
Riley understood but she still doesn't understand why Hope can't know the truth. It's simple. She's not ready. It took awhile to get Hope stitched up, bandaged up, cleaned and fed. Thankfully, she's willing to eat. That means she's not going to hurt herself again, not suicidal, just confused. "Too much information can hurt her."
"Then why did you tell her about the last 4 years? Did you see her face?" Riley asked.
Of course I noticed. Hope might not have said a word but she had the same expression as everyone who first learned how a foul mouthed fraudster with dozens of rape and sexual assault lawsuits became the most powerful man in the country. No one would want to hear about how bad and unsafe this country has become. That does sound like a discouragement to continue living but "Did you see her face after I told her how strong she is?"
Hope is strong. Hope is brave. I've never seen anyone as courageous. Hope is not afraid of anything or anyone and she doesn't let people like that get away with it.
If Riley saw, she too would be surprised. She didn't because she left after getting a call. Using Jen's speech on women rights and equality was effective. Hope's eyes lit up in disbelief when she learned that she works as a bodyguard. She even looked at the tattoos on her arms and abdomen like she was admiring them.
"I need to find my boss."
That's what she's been saying. Why she thinks Hope would know, she didn't explain. She doesn't seem concerned with Hope's health either. Did she notice the electric shock didn't just affected her mind? Some people have high tolerance to pain but no one could have no reaction after cutting their own flesh, no one who's sick. That could be why she cut herself; she didn't understand either. "I still think she needs to see a doctor."
"Let me ask her."
Ask Hope if she wants to be seen by a doctor? Of course she doesn't. Not now. "Wait. I don't mean now. She needs rest." Riley didn't wait and instead used my reason given earlier. She can't wait because waiting any longer could put her boss's life in danger.
Brie followed since there's nothing she could do other than make sure Riley doesn't say more than she has to. "Don't tell her about us." Riley agreed so okay. This has to be done the right way though. Can't just ask the question. Hope wouldn't know the answer. Hope would need to know the truth to help her remember though. So here goes. "hey"
Hope isn't startled this time but looks like she had not been able to get more sleep. Her eyes are wet. If Jen were here now, she wouldn't be interested in this Hope. That confidence is gone.
"I know I said tomorrow but she said this can't wait." Brie said, giving Hope a moment to sit up on the bed, then realized Riley didn't understand the agreement earlier. What's the point of telling Hope she's my bodyguard when she no longer is? Her brows are now knitting together. That's the same look she had before. What is she thinking? Is she thinking I lied about our friendship or is she thinking why I need a bodyguard? Whatever she's thinking, it doesn't seem like she likes Riley because she's sitting up straight and pulling the comforter over her shoulders like a frightened child. She's shaking her head to Riley's questions even before she asked them. She looks like she's about to cry again. Poor thing. "It's okay. We'll take you home. It'll help you remember." Riley hates the idea and she's not hiding her frustration. It is frustrating but what else is there to do? Wounds need time to heal. The brain will take longer or it might never heal. "Get dressed. I'm going to help you put the beard back on. Okay?" Brie said, immediately noticing the change in Hope's expression. She's probably wondering why? Well, it's because there are cameras in this hotel and she was wearing men's clothing and she has a fake ID. "Riley, c'mon" (sigh) She's still trying but this time, not with words. How are pictures going to help when she can't even remember us?
"Do you remember her?" Riley said, holding up her phone.
Hope didn't shake her head this time. She's taking the phone from Riley. So maybe she does?
"What's her name?" Riley asked.
That's an odd question. Why is she showing Hope a picture of someone whom she herself doesn't know?
"That's Hans. Remember? You like her." Riley said.
What? The singer Hans or just someone named Hans? Brie walked over to take a look. It's Hans. Hope might not have answered but looks like she does remember. That's a good sign. At least she can remember famous people. That's a good idea. Drinking 2 cups of coffee is a very bad idea. Gotta go again. Oh great. Missed messages and none of them are from Noel. Having a friend who cares is good but sometimes Jen can be annoying. That's a lot of messages and reminders.
Can't take class today. I'm fine. Yes, I will let u know if I heard from her. ttyl. Brie texted back to Jen.
Sorry Jen. Brie tried calling Noel again until she heard a scream. What did she do now? Hope doesn't scream even when she's upset but not this Hope. Brie got out of the bathroom as quickly as she could, then realized she misunderstood after rushing into the bedroom. Hope was screaming 'AHH!' but her intention for doing so wasn't just to get help. It's to drown out Riley's call for help because her mouth is stuffed with a towel and her legs and hands tied behind her back on the bed.
"What're you doing?" Brie quickly stepped back while putting her hands in surrendering position. This time, Hope isn't holding a sharp broken mirror. She's holding a mini tazer and a swiss knife.
"On the floor, face down"
"You can…okay okay" So she can talk but she doesn't sound like Hope. Her behavior is similar to Hope's but Hope wouldn't tie my hands up behind my back for this reason. "Hope, we're your friends. You don't have to do this. We wouldn't hurt you." Riley is mumbling loudly again so maybe she knows. Maybe she did something to her and now Hope doesn't trust her, doesn't trust us. So she's protecting herself and now she's getting annoyed with the noises that Riley is making.
"I will hurt you if you don't stop."
Hope doesn't talk much but this one does and this one is even more impatient. Two seconds of waiting to answer her question is considered too long and one word answer isn't enough. "Nobody else knows. We were going to take to you to the hospital. You woke up so we didn't. No one's coming." Good enough? Apparently not since she gave the same warning as before. Answer my questions and you won't get hurt. "Hope, you wouldn't hurt me. It's me. Brieee." Brie said in an upsetting tone but it did nothing. Warning is again given. Another question is asked and this question is unexpected because it's ridiculous. "I don't know. I'm not her friend." Why would she think I would know where Hans is? The next picture on the phone is as crazy. "Isn't she a model?" This is getting weird. Maybe she used to work for them as their bodyguard and now trying to remember who these famous people are? The third picture is another blonde, not a famous blonde. Maybe she is. "Who's that?" Hope didn't say and she's looking very frustrated. She's pulling her hair again like before. She's...oh no. This time, she's not going to hurt herself. This time she's going to hurt Riley. "Hope! Calm down!" This time, Hope didn't calm down. She continued with the 10 second countdown and she's not accepting 'I don't know' for an answer.
"MMM!"
Ten seconds hasn't passed yet. This time, she's not waiting any longer. Riley couldn't stand the pain any longer either. What…a…lying, stupid, ungrateful coward. Is it that difficult to make up a lie? Even if she couldn't think of one that would explain why she would taze Hope's head to defend herself, she could've told her the truth without mentioning me. She could've said it was another prostitute not me. No wonder Hope doesn't like her. Now she must be thinking I lied about everything. That expression looks all too familiar. That's a look of disgust. "Don't look at me that way. You asked for it. You paid for it. You enjoyed it. That's who you are." There's no reason to keep it from her anymore. Letting her know about that night might jog her memory but even if it doesn't, it will let her know everything she heard before wasn't a lie and more importantly how a client-customer relationship became more. "You saved me. You would never hurt me." She should now know there's no need to do all of this so why is she still asking the same question she did before? Did I sound like I was forced to? "She didn't force me."
"MMMMM!"
(gasp) Did she hear me or does she think I'm lying or is she tazing Riley for revenge? That's what it sounds like but Hope wouldn't ask Riley for information since she should already know what business Riley is in. She should know she's part of the problem so why is she threatening to cut her stomach? Hope wouldn't actually do it but this Hope might. "She didn't force me!" This Hope isn't any different in this aspect. She's not listening. She didn't stop, not until Riley gave in, telling her everything she wants to know including what she was assigned to do. It seems that Riley has her own reason to because now it makes more sense. It does sound like the job Hope was assigned to do has something to do with her boss's disappearance but look after? This term is used by many but it doesn't mean the same thing. Why does she need Hope to look after her? Who's her? Why is Riley crying all of a sudden? It's time to get off the floor and break out of this silly phone cord. No wonder Riley is crying. Hope isn't doing anything to her yet but she is holding the mini stun gun against her head. "Put that down before you accidentally kills her."
"Sit down."
"Listen to me. You're not feeling well. I…okay okay." Brie said, immediately did as told but sat on the corner of the bed near the headboard away from her instead of the floor. For whatever reason, Hope is picking up Riley's phone again and Riley is again not giving her the answer that she wants.
"MMM!"
Ooh that looks painful. It didn't sound painful with the towel in her mouth but her facial expression shows. As much as she deserves it for not keeping her promise, this needs to stop. "Let me help you. It's very easy to find a person these days. Who are you trying to find?" Keep saying I don't know isn't going get her to stop. This did. Finding out where a celebrity is wouldn't be easy but it would be easier than an unknown. "What's her name?" She doesn't know her name? That's possible but not possible for Riley since she had said before she knows where this woman lives. Even if she doesn't live there anymore, how is it possible that she doesn't know her name? That doesn't make sense. No wonder Hope thinks she's lying. Hope is pulling her hair again, hitting her head too. She is definitely not feeling well. Why is she putting her pants on? "You're not going there, are you?"
"You can't go there."
Riley's right but it seems that she still doesn't know how to deal with this Hope. Don't tell her what she can't do. "Why can't she?" Brie asks since she wants to know too.
"There are people after her. We don't know who they are. They might recognize you. They'll kill you."
Those are good reasons but not good enough. "I'll go with you. We'll put on a disguise, then" Brie stopped talking since Hope is no longer standing. She might not have collapsed on the floor like before but she's looking like she's about to. She might not be screaming in pain but it's obvious her head is bothering her. "You okay?" Brie said softly after getting closer, then saw what she didn't noticed before until Hope lifted her head. Hope's hands are shaking. It could be because she's hungry but hunger shouldn't cause red streaks in her teary eyes. "c'mon" Hope didn't resist the help in getting up. That's good. It's not good for Riley to be talking again although she has a good reason to. "I'm going to let her go. Okay?" Asking for permission has been working but not this time. Wow, she really hates Riley. That's understandable but this bed will stink of pee if she doesn't. "She's not going to hurt you, are you Riley?"
"I was defending myself. She tried to"
"Riley!" This isn't time to say more than she has to. What's wrong with her? Just say
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I'm really, really sorry."
That's better. Now go. Hope will feel better without her here. She's no longer holding the knife or taser. She's sitting down on the chair patiently. This is getting better already. "We're going to eat first. Then we're going to put on a disguise so no one will recognize us. Then we'll go together. Okay?" See. All it took was simple instructions in a gentle tone to get her to agree. Crouching down on one knee to her level and holding her hand help too...or maybe not. Hah. This one is shy. This Hope isn't into woman? Interesting. "What would you like to eat?" No comment is good. That means she's not picky. Hope isn't either. Would she agree to see a doctor first? "Are you allergic to anything?" No or just don't remember? What could be causing those red streaks? "I'm going to order what you've eaten before just to be safe. Okay?" Okay. This is good. Getting an apology is really good, strange but good. Who knew? This Hope can be so sensitive, so…normal. "It's okay." It would be if Riley would just keep her distance and stop saying the wrong things.
"I just want to get my phone."
It seems that Riley finally got it. She apologized again to Hope without being asked to. She even made the suggestion of getting a doctor.
"if you want, whenever you're ready" Riley added.
That's it. Don't force her. Let her decide. Hope can't be forced. This one can't be either. This one is more reasonable.
"I really don't know who she is." Riley said before giving it to Hope.
Another woman? It seems that Riley has forgotten about this since she didn't mention this earlier. That's because this Hope didn't ask about it and this woman isn't on her phone which makes sense but why didn't this Hope…
"Who's she?"
Brie immediately took the photo from Hope's hand without asking first after realizing why the back of the photo looked familiar. This Hope wouldn't know. Riley should so why did she say she doesn't but more importantly "Why is she looking for her? Did she say?" Talking about Hope when she's right here now seems a little odd but it looks like this Hope is interested too and this Hope looks like she doesn't believe a word that Riley said. It's probably because Riley's explanation lacks detail. Whose room is this? Riley didn't say. Did she call Hope to be here or did Hope call her? How did the conversation started? That's all important but in this case, only one thing is. "Why would she think you're hiding her?"
"I don't know."
That's not good enough! For someone who's as young as she is, she sure has a bad memory. Did she get hit in the head too or does she have too many clients and too many women working for her so she can't remember or she doesn't care? Regardless, she needs to know.
"She's Brooke, my sister, deceased, a long time ago, so I want to know why Hope thinks you're hiding her!"