Ryan pried Vanessa off of him and looked her over as tears she had been so careful to keep in began to course down her face.
I didn't know what to do anymore, Ryan, she sobbed. I knew you lived here - I wanted to see you again. I didn't have anywhere else to go.
Ryan caught his breath as he studied her battered and broken face.
Who did this to you? Ryan asked, forgetting completely about the others in the room. What... was it...?
Vanessa nodded before he could finish and hugged him again, sobbing into his shoulder. Ryan gently placed his hands on her back, cradling her as he looked at Kirsten and Sandy for help. They said nothing as they watched, now suddenly expressing more concern than they had before.
Ryan let go of her and watched as she furiously tried to wipe her tears away from her face.
Um... this is Vanessa, Ryan explained to Kirsten and Sandy who had been staring at him in silent question. Ryan ignored their questioning gazes and looked Vanessa over again.
He did all this to you? he asked her, his voice lowered so Sandy and Kirsten had to strain to hear. He glanced down at her arms, noting long, deep cuts that began just below the wrist. Vanessa followed his gaze and quickly folded her arms across her chest.
That... that was me... she confessed in a low voice, trying to wipe some stray tears from her face.
From the couch Kirsten cleared her throat and slowly stood, never taking her eyes off Ryan or Vanessa.
Why don't you two go to the pool house, she spoke. I'll bring you some snacks, okay?
Ryan nodded and pulled softly on Vanessa's arm.
Come on, he said. Vanessa nodded. She picked up her bag from the floor beside the couch and closely followed behind Ryan, tugging lightly on his shirt sleeve for reassurance.
