The sun came up bright and early. Sunshine poured through the windows
like rainwater. The birds' song rang through the winds that carried all
over the world. Shadows of fog lifted from the streets as the morning dew
danced and twisted upon the rose petals in the next door neighbor's yard.
At first it was the smell of his cologne that drove her crazy, but now it
was the concern that she saw in his eyes when he saw her. He worried about
her. His love was so pure and trusty. Nothing in the world could take that
from him, if it tried. So much had happened, she thought. Just laying there
thinking about him, made her excited, but she didn't want that known to him
yet. She didn't want to scare him into having to love her and take care of
her. But she knew her worries were so unneeded. She was safe now. Her legs
spread across the bed and her hair wild upon the pillow made it known to
the man standing at the door, that she was so comfortable. His crystal blue
eyes were sparkling with wonder. Her head was turned towards the window. He
didn't know whether she was asleep or awake. He couldn't believe the way
she made him feel alive. She was so mysterious, he thought. He remembered
the night they met, the way she looked at him with so much fear in her
eyes. But yet he wanted to know who this woman was. Who was she? He
remembered asking her, but she had avoided the question so many times. She
had run from him into the pouring rain. At that time when he stood there
with his hands griping her arms in rain, he knew he wanted her already. Not
in a sexual way, but in a loving way. He wanted to know everything about
her. How she felt, what she loved to do, and most of all, what had made his
brother go insanely crazy for her? He was obsessed with this profound
creature. She made him feel the same way. Always wanting to know what she
was doing at all times, where she was or whom she was with. It was
controlling, but it was the way he felt. What Troy never knew was that
Nora's eyes were open, and their brown color flourishing throughout her
beauty. He stepped out the doorway just as she turned her head. Nothing
there, just a shadow, she thought. But she knew it was him. It was Troy.
She liked the fact that maybe he was watching her. Watching and enjoying
every little detail. The shirt she wore had tired to recede up her hip,
letting her legs show, greatly. Nora rolled off the bed to find Troy. She
walked down the hallway and down the same path as him. She could smell
coffee and bacon. Oh, what joy it was to smell Troy's cooking. As she made
her way to the living room, she saw Troy coming from the kitchen holding
two coffee cups with a bright smile upon his lips.
T: (enjoying his view of Nora) Well, good morning sleepy head. Finally you decided to wake up.
N: (coming towards him) Ha, Ha, very funny. I really enjoyed your bed, Thanks. That coffee smells great.
T: (handing her a cup of coffee) Well, you're very welcome, young lady. (grinning)
N: (closing her eyes while drinking the coffee) O, Troy this is great. I'm jealous. (laughing)
T: (enjoying her voice) O, really. I don't think I've ever tasted your coffee.
N: Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. I can't cook, so that includes making coffee. I've been known to burn water.
T: (laughing) Nora, I don't believe you one bit.
N: Well, its true.
T: Well, why don't you just relax and enjoy my coffee for a little while.
N: (walking towards the couch) Ok, maybe I'll just do that. So, what's new Troy? I mean I haven't seen you for a while, since married.(looking down)
T: Nora, just say it. I know. Sam. Since you married Sam Rappaport. Nora, (taking her hand) What happened?
N: (taking her hand away) Look Troy, do you have to know everything that happens in my life?
T: (watching her closely) Nora, I've seen the bruises and cuts, and I know about the bruise on her stomach. I can tell it's the ribs. So, stop not telling me what I already know. N: (angrily) You know what, Troy, I am so tired of people telling me what I can and can't do. I thought when I got here, you wouldn't grill me and cross-examine me to death. That all you would do was love me and hold me when I had a nightmare.
T: Nora, I'm sorry, but how long do you think you can hide this from me. What ever is killing you, why won't you tell me? (yelling) Just tell me!
N: (furious and sad at the same time) I don't need this Troy! (standing up and walking away) I could have just stayed at home for this!
T: (coming towards her and yelling at her) Nora! Stop it! Stop hiding from me!( grabbing her by the arms and shaking her a little)
N: (angry) That's right! (choking on tears) You go ahead! Why don't you just hit me too. (laughing mockingly with hurt) It works. You can get whatever you want from me! (yelling with hurt) SO GO AHEAD HIT ME LIKE HE DID! (quietly, almost a whisper) What do I care.
T: (noticing what he's done) Nora, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.(Letting her go)
N: (crying while taking her arms down) I'm going to go, ok. Don't worry, I'll be out of here, just give me a minute. (walking away)
T: (sorry) Nora, wait a minute! Please, I love you more than anything in this world. I never meant to hurt you. I saw myself turning into him when I grabbed you like that. I am nothing like him. I will never hurt, I promise. I would lay down my life for you, before I see you go back to him. (watching her shoulders shake with painful tears) Please, Nora don't go, because I don't think I can take seeing you hurt, again.
N: (turning around to look at him) Troy, you have to promise me one thing.
T: (hurt) Anything, Nora.
N: Please, don't ever do that again.
T: (enveloping her in his arms) Never, again Nora. Never again, I promise.
He picked her up and carried her upstairs. She cried the whole way. He took her to his bed, and laid her down. She had stopped crying and curiously watched his eyes. Troy wanted to be with her, more than anything, but he laid down next to her wrapping his arms around her. He secretly enjoyed the fragrance of her hair. It hadn't been long before she fell asleep in his arms. He listened to the rhythm of her breathing. And after while, he too, had fallen asleep.
It was late in the afternoon, but the sky had turned a sad gray. The clouds rumbled with fury, igniting the skies with impatience. The sounds of bird flying away were everywhere. It began to pour upon the streets. Trees swayed back and forth. Winds began to pick up speed. The window in Troy's bedroom was always open. The winds brought rain and cool air into the air while blowing the curtains wildly out of place. The room became shadowed. It was now that it was clear. He watched her sleep like a child. She was so beautiful. How could he hurt her. All he remembered was the way she looked when he grabbed her arms. She was terrified. She acted as though he would slap her or worse. What had happened that ran her so far away? Besides the obvious, that is. And last night when he had grabbed her wrists and she cried out with pain. He looked over and picked up her left hand to see her wrist. It was red. Unmistakably, it was bruised with a black bruise and the other the same. Suddenly, Nora began to turn in her sleep. She began to mumble and a frown appeared over eyes. He got closer to her lips to hear what she was saying.
N: (in her sleep) Please, I'm sorry. No I didn't. Please, don't hurt me.I.wait Ssss.(trailing off)
He started to shake her, but then she began to throw her hands around desperately as if she was trying to fight away something. Then she screamed.
T: (shaking her) Nora, wake up.honey it's just a dream. Nora! Wake up!
N: (in her sleep) No, please get away from me!(shaking her head, furiously)
T: (still shaking her) Nora wake up!!
N: ( waking up and crawling away from Troy, and falling out the bed) No, stay away from me! (crying) No, please don't hurt me, I'll do better next time, I promise. Just please, don't hurt me.
Troy just looked at her. She had crawled all the way into a corner of the room and hugged her knees to her chest, rocking back and forth, while crying. As her surroundings sunk in, Nora just sat there and cried. Her nightmare was another real memory. It was very much real. She had remembered the day it happened. She'd never forget it.
Three months ago.
He had been a little on the edge since the time he walked in the door. She made sure she stayed out of his way, but there was always something he'd call her for. Whether if it was an accusation or a question. But this was different. She was trying to do some work for a client, when he came in and slammed the door to the house.
S: Nora, where are you?
N: (coming out her office) Sam, honey what's wrong?
S: ( walking towards her) So, you think you're real sneaky don't you. Yea, a real slut you are!
N: (disgusted with him) What are you talking about?
S: (standing directly in front of her) Yea, that the way to do it, right Nora. Play stupid. Act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Smart.
N: (uncomfortable with how close he was) Sam (backing away) I don't know what you are talking about. What are you? Drunk?
Sam slapped her so hard she fell to the floor. Nora's lip began to bleed.
S: See, now look what you made me do.
N: (trying to get up, but too dizy) I'm sorry, Sam. I shouldn't have said that.
S: Yea, well I bet you're not sorry about sleeping with your new law partner!(yelling)
N: I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't slept with anyone. Who told you that?(angry)
S: That doesn't matter, Nora. You see, because this person has proof.
N: What proof, Sam. I haven't done anything. Jackson and I are just partners.
S: (angrily grabbing her from the floor) I am so sick of your mouth!
N: (terrified) Please, Sam don't hurt me! I didn't do anything!! I didn't.
Before Nora could finish her sentence he slapped he, again. He grabbed her feet and dragged her into their bedroom. Behind those closed doors, nearly killed her to rememeber. All she knew, was that the next day he called her law partner and told him she was sick. But the truth was, he had beaten her so badly that she was rushed to the hospital. She came back with a broken arm and a broken rib. It was true, he was drunk with jealous rage. He admitted that one his firm buddies had joked with him, but he took it seriously. Later that week, he apoligized and promised he'd never do it again. When she came home from the hospital, there was a rose with card which said; To My Darling Nora, I'm very sorry. I'll never hurt you again. Signed yours truly, Sam. She remembered lots of roses. She always put them in a spot where she kept them. They were his 'I'm sorry' gift. As she put the rose in the vase, she counted how many were there. The total was 12 roses. A dozen roses for a dozen.
Nora sat there and just stared into space. Troy watched her closely, wondering how she must've felt. All he could do was comfort her. Something had Nora heart, and laughter, along with her happiness which she used to carry proudly. The rain pounded on the windows. Troy didn't notice that someone was pounding on the door downstairs.
To Be Continued.
T: (enjoying his view of Nora) Well, good morning sleepy head. Finally you decided to wake up.
N: (coming towards him) Ha, Ha, very funny. I really enjoyed your bed, Thanks. That coffee smells great.
T: (handing her a cup of coffee) Well, you're very welcome, young lady. (grinning)
N: (closing her eyes while drinking the coffee) O, Troy this is great. I'm jealous. (laughing)
T: (enjoying her voice) O, really. I don't think I've ever tasted your coffee.
N: Don't worry, you haven't missed anything. I can't cook, so that includes making coffee. I've been known to burn water.
T: (laughing) Nora, I don't believe you one bit.
N: Well, its true.
T: Well, why don't you just relax and enjoy my coffee for a little while.
N: (walking towards the couch) Ok, maybe I'll just do that. So, what's new Troy? I mean I haven't seen you for a while, since married.(looking down)
T: Nora, just say it. I know. Sam. Since you married Sam Rappaport. Nora, (taking her hand) What happened?
N: (taking her hand away) Look Troy, do you have to know everything that happens in my life?
T: (watching her closely) Nora, I've seen the bruises and cuts, and I know about the bruise on her stomach. I can tell it's the ribs. So, stop not telling me what I already know. N: (angrily) You know what, Troy, I am so tired of people telling me what I can and can't do. I thought when I got here, you wouldn't grill me and cross-examine me to death. That all you would do was love me and hold me when I had a nightmare.
T: Nora, I'm sorry, but how long do you think you can hide this from me. What ever is killing you, why won't you tell me? (yelling) Just tell me!
N: (furious and sad at the same time) I don't need this Troy! (standing up and walking away) I could have just stayed at home for this!
T: (coming towards her and yelling at her) Nora! Stop it! Stop hiding from me!( grabbing her by the arms and shaking her a little)
N: (angry) That's right! (choking on tears) You go ahead! Why don't you just hit me too. (laughing mockingly with hurt) It works. You can get whatever you want from me! (yelling with hurt) SO GO AHEAD HIT ME LIKE HE DID! (quietly, almost a whisper) What do I care.
T: (noticing what he's done) Nora, I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.(Letting her go)
N: (crying while taking her arms down) I'm going to go, ok. Don't worry, I'll be out of here, just give me a minute. (walking away)
T: (sorry) Nora, wait a minute! Please, I love you more than anything in this world. I never meant to hurt you. I saw myself turning into him when I grabbed you like that. I am nothing like him. I will never hurt, I promise. I would lay down my life for you, before I see you go back to him. (watching her shoulders shake with painful tears) Please, Nora don't go, because I don't think I can take seeing you hurt, again.
N: (turning around to look at him) Troy, you have to promise me one thing.
T: (hurt) Anything, Nora.
N: Please, don't ever do that again.
T: (enveloping her in his arms) Never, again Nora. Never again, I promise.
He picked her up and carried her upstairs. She cried the whole way. He took her to his bed, and laid her down. She had stopped crying and curiously watched his eyes. Troy wanted to be with her, more than anything, but he laid down next to her wrapping his arms around her. He secretly enjoyed the fragrance of her hair. It hadn't been long before she fell asleep in his arms. He listened to the rhythm of her breathing. And after while, he too, had fallen asleep.
It was late in the afternoon, but the sky had turned a sad gray. The clouds rumbled with fury, igniting the skies with impatience. The sounds of bird flying away were everywhere. It began to pour upon the streets. Trees swayed back and forth. Winds began to pick up speed. The window in Troy's bedroom was always open. The winds brought rain and cool air into the air while blowing the curtains wildly out of place. The room became shadowed. It was now that it was clear. He watched her sleep like a child. She was so beautiful. How could he hurt her. All he remembered was the way she looked when he grabbed her arms. She was terrified. She acted as though he would slap her or worse. What had happened that ran her so far away? Besides the obvious, that is. And last night when he had grabbed her wrists and she cried out with pain. He looked over and picked up her left hand to see her wrist. It was red. Unmistakably, it was bruised with a black bruise and the other the same. Suddenly, Nora began to turn in her sleep. She began to mumble and a frown appeared over eyes. He got closer to her lips to hear what she was saying.
N: (in her sleep) Please, I'm sorry. No I didn't. Please, don't hurt me.I.wait Ssss.(trailing off)
He started to shake her, but then she began to throw her hands around desperately as if she was trying to fight away something. Then she screamed.
T: (shaking her) Nora, wake up.honey it's just a dream. Nora! Wake up!
N: (in her sleep) No, please get away from me!(shaking her head, furiously)
T: (still shaking her) Nora wake up!!
N: ( waking up and crawling away from Troy, and falling out the bed) No, stay away from me! (crying) No, please don't hurt me, I'll do better next time, I promise. Just please, don't hurt me.
Troy just looked at her. She had crawled all the way into a corner of the room and hugged her knees to her chest, rocking back and forth, while crying. As her surroundings sunk in, Nora just sat there and cried. Her nightmare was another real memory. It was very much real. She had remembered the day it happened. She'd never forget it.
Three months ago.
He had been a little on the edge since the time he walked in the door. She made sure she stayed out of his way, but there was always something he'd call her for. Whether if it was an accusation or a question. But this was different. She was trying to do some work for a client, when he came in and slammed the door to the house.
S: Nora, where are you?
N: (coming out her office) Sam, honey what's wrong?
S: ( walking towards her) So, you think you're real sneaky don't you. Yea, a real slut you are!
N: (disgusted with him) What are you talking about?
S: (standing directly in front of her) Yea, that the way to do it, right Nora. Play stupid. Act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Smart.
N: (uncomfortable with how close he was) Sam (backing away) I don't know what you are talking about. What are you? Drunk?
Sam slapped her so hard she fell to the floor. Nora's lip began to bleed.
S: See, now look what you made me do.
N: (trying to get up, but too dizy) I'm sorry, Sam. I shouldn't have said that.
S: Yea, well I bet you're not sorry about sleeping with your new law partner!(yelling)
N: I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't slept with anyone. Who told you that?(angry)
S: That doesn't matter, Nora. You see, because this person has proof.
N: What proof, Sam. I haven't done anything. Jackson and I are just partners.
S: (angrily grabbing her from the floor) I am so sick of your mouth!
N: (terrified) Please, Sam don't hurt me! I didn't do anything!! I didn't.
Before Nora could finish her sentence he slapped he, again. He grabbed her feet and dragged her into their bedroom. Behind those closed doors, nearly killed her to rememeber. All she knew, was that the next day he called her law partner and told him she was sick. But the truth was, he had beaten her so badly that she was rushed to the hospital. She came back with a broken arm and a broken rib. It was true, he was drunk with jealous rage. He admitted that one his firm buddies had joked with him, but he took it seriously. Later that week, he apoligized and promised he'd never do it again. When she came home from the hospital, there was a rose with card which said; To My Darling Nora, I'm very sorry. I'll never hurt you again. Signed yours truly, Sam. She remembered lots of roses. She always put them in a spot where she kept them. They were his 'I'm sorry' gift. As she put the rose in the vase, she counted how many were there. The total was 12 roses. A dozen roses for a dozen.
Nora sat there and just stared into space. Troy watched her closely, wondering how she must've felt. All he could do was comfort her. Something had Nora heart, and laughter, along with her happiness which she used to carry proudly. The rain pounded on the windows. Troy didn't notice that someone was pounding on the door downstairs.
To Be Continued.