STAYING WITH TRUDY
Amber slept soundly in the bed of Trudy's guest bedroom.
It was the same day she told Tai-San she was leaving Bray. After fixing Amber up, Tai-San had closed the clinic, and they took Tai-San's car to Trudy's apartment on the far side of the City. Trudy usually worked, so they hoped she was home.
"Tai-San, I don't want to impose on anyone..." Amber said nervously as they climbed the steep cement steps up to 1B.
"Amber, I would take you, but Bray knows I'm helping you and that would put us all in more danger, but he doesn't know Trudy knows anything. Besides, Trudy was your best friend. Once she finds out what's been happening, she won't hesitate in taking you and Bray Junior in," Tai-San reassured her.
Amber sighed. They knocked, and, to Amber's relief Trudy answered.
For a moment she was stunned at the sight of Amber; her mouth hung open on it's hinges.
"Jesus, Amber..," She ushered Tai-San and Amber inside.
Trudy made them coffee as Tai-San told her what had been happening. Amber said nothing as Trudy made random sounds of astonishment. She was feeling a mixture of shame and fear. Shame for letting another person who had known her once as strong and bold know that now she was a weak nothing. And fear, fear of Bray as he would find their home empty that night.
Who would Bray take out his anger on then?
Who will be his b.itch now? Amber thought bitterly.
"Amber decided she's going to leave Bray," Tai-San concluded, finishing Amber's story.
Trudy sat with her head in her hands.
"I can't believe it, Amber...Bray? Bray...ugh, what a monster. God...but where will you stay?"
"That's the problem. I would take her in, but Bray knows she told me about what's been going on, remember?," Tai-San said helplessly.
"Amber, you can stay with me," Trudy said immediately.
"What about BJ? He's at school," Amber's eyes scattered around the room, trying to avoid Trudy's.
"I have to pick Brady up when she gets out of school, anyway, so I'll go early and get BJ too. Everyone knows we're good friends, and today is my day off for doing overtime on a shipment at work," Trudy said, concerned.
Amber smiled in relief, yet for a moment she thought about Trudy's willingness to help her. The duo had definitely drifted apart the last 2 years of her married life7. They saw eachother shopping, or around town, but other than that nothing had been profound enough in their relationship to keep it alive.
Yet Amber guessed something had been profound enough for Trudy to have let her stay with her. Putting everyone in danger. Bray had connections in the City from his past as leader. But Amber did too.
She would not go down easyily.
"That sounds like a great idea. I'll put Amber to bed when things are settled," Tai-San said cheerfully. She rubbed Amber's shoulders like she was trying to show Amber what life could be like without him. That one of her old good friends had come through, and maybe she could start trusting again because of that. But it would be a long time before Amber could start trusting anyone.
"Alright, let me just get my purse," Trudy headed down the hallway to her bedroom before Tai-San stopped her.
"Wait, what about Amber's things at home?"
Trudy's looked down at the ground, her eyes closed in thought.
"I could call Salene and tell her to pick up some clothes and what-not," Trudy shrugged.
So Trudy had kept in touch with Salene, but not her. Amber felt a spark of hurt.
"I don't want everyone knowing," Amber shook her head, feeling angry at herself for holding a sudden grudge against Salene and for imposing on everyone in the way she had.
"Salene isn't everyone Amber," Tai-San said gently.
"I know, but-"
"But it's already 1:00 in the afternoon. Bray'll be home at four, right?" Trudy tapped her wristwatch.
Amber nodded slowly.
"It'll take a half hour to get to the school, ten minutes to check the kids out, and another 30 minutes to get home. That time it'll be 2:30, and it'll take at least an hour or even two to pack all of your stuff. We don't have the time, Amber," Trudy smiled sadly.
Amber bit her tongue. The situation was out of her hands.
"Trudy, do you have a pen and a paper? We should have you write a list, Amber, so Sal knows what to get," Tai-San chimed.
"There should be one in the top drawer of the kitchen. I'm going to call Sal," Trudy dissapeared into her bedroom, and Tai-San began rummaging in the specified drawer. She pulled out a dark blue pen, and a cutesy yellow notepad made for memos.
"What do you need?" Tai-San said, hand poised over the paper.
"Um," Amber thought for a moment, "My clothes, BJ's clothes-- those can be found in the bureaus in both BJ's room and the master bedroom. She can find two suitcases in the closet in the hallway where she can put it all. BJ's toys, and books. The books on the bookshelf in the master bedroom-- They're all mine, Bray never reads. Er-- a box of photographs and a box of papers in that same closet in the hallway. And the pictures of me and BJ, or of my parents, or anyone except Bray around the house.. and...that's it," Amber said.
Tai-San scribbled for a few minutes, Amber repeating things she had said, and finally the list was complete. Trudy came from her bedroom, a solemn look on her face.
"Salene is going to meet me at the school for the list," Trudy said. She scanned her watch, "I have to go, it's been twenty minutes." She gave Amber a reassuring look, and bent down on her knees to look into Amber's face.
"BJ will be fine, Salene will get your stuff. Don't stress. I'll be back soon."
Trudy left.
"You need to get into bed, Amber or that rib is going to cause some serious damage to your internal organs. Come on," Tai-San got up off the sofa, and stood as a support for Amber. Amber lumbered herself off the flowery couch and fell onto Tai-San's shoulder. Tai-San slipped her arm around Amber's waist, and the duo dragged themselves to Trudy's guest room.
Amber laughed (gripping her side because it hurt her to do so) at the decorations Trudy had used. A flowery bedspread hung limply on the twin bed, three photographs of black and white daisies were nailed above the bed, evenly spaced apart. The walls were a twist of vines and sunflowers wallpaper, and opposite the bed was a rather large antique chest of drawers Trudy had saved from her grandparent's house. And in the middle room, on the wall farthest from the door, a huge window let sunlight spill into the room.
"This is like a garden. Maybe it'll speed your recovery," Tai-San grinned as she lied Amber down on the bed, which, despite it's lumpy appearence, was quite comfortable. Amber felt suddenly sleepy, and the pain at her side had died down.
"Typical Trudy," Amber chortled from the confines of the luciously comforting feather pillow.
"Definitely. I'm going to go make some dinner for when Trudy, Salene, and the kids get here. You sleep, and I'll check in on you when its ready to see if you're awake, but if you're not I'll save you some, alright?" Tai-San drew two heavy curtains that hung on either side of the window shut, sending the room into darkness.
Amber nodded, and as Tai-San left the room and shut the door behind her, she fell asleep.
Feeling safe for the first time in a long time.
~*~
Amber didn't wake up until next afternoon.
Tai-San had left long before, but she could hear Brady, BJ, and Trudy talking in low whispers from her bed.
"Keep it down, kids, Amber is trying to sleep," Trudy whispered severely.
"Sorry mom," Brady whispered back, loud as her talking voice.
"Sorry," BJ whispered even louder.
A smile broke on Amber's face, sending jolts of pain where the cuts were stretching. She took a deep breath-- her head felt woozy. No wonder, she thought bitterly. Her head HAD been rammed against a wall repeatedly. A sadness filled her when she thought of that. It also gave her a slight headache. She shook the feeling off, and slid from the bed, so her feet hit the floor with a thump. She was awfully hungry.
A rush of cold blood tingled through her veins. Her heart was beating fast. The pain in her ribs returned, and this time violently. She needed to stay in bed.
"Trudy!" She called feebly, shifting back into the covers. A light glow issued from the window behind the curtain.
The door clicked, and Trudy's head appeared with what seemed like the light of day.
"Amber, you're up?" Trudy shut the door, and sat down gently on the bed. "You've been sleeping since yesterday."
"Really? I must've been tired," Amber yawned, surprised.
"Probably. You've been through a lot," Trudy smiled gently and rubbed Amber's hand.
"Thank you so much for letting us stay with you Trudy. I just hope we don't become a burden-"
"Amber, you could never be a burden. Bray is a creep, and I know if something was happening to me you would do the same for Brady and I. I love you, Amber. We're friends. We've shared babies together, and a history. There is no way I would turn you out," Trudy said, looking into Amber's eyes.
It was almost bewildering. To see and accept kindness. Basic human respect, which had been denied of her. Such gestures reminded her of the days just after the Virus when all she cared for was justice, truth, and a new life. A life that could benefit everyone just if people could cooperate and work together and respect one another.
God I was so naive, Amber thought.
"Thank you Trudy. I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
"Anytime, babe. Well, I kept Brady and BJ from school today because of Bray. I called the school and told them Brady was sick, but I didn't say anything about Beej. I don't think the kids should go back until things are safe," Trudy nodded.
"I don't want to keep Brady from an education," Amber said tiredly.
"You're not. If Brady has to miss school for a couple of days, or even weeks, to save your life, than so be it. With Aphrodite Stevens as City Leader our kids aren't getting much of an education anyway."
"I guess you're right. What about our stuff? Did Salene come?"
"Yes, she dropped it off last night. She was really concerned about you. She wanted to see you, but you were asleep, and Tai-San refused to let anyone even open your door. A couple of times she came in here with some pills and a glass of water, but only that. But you're stuff is in the other spare bedroom that I use for storage. Salene got all the stuff on the list, and I guess she barely missed Bray."
"Oh God, Bray?!"
"She got out of there. Bray hasn't seen Salene in years, he doesn't know what she drives. She got your stuff, you and BJ are safe, you're healing-- that's all that matters."
"I'm so hungry..."
"Tai-San saved a fish sandwhich and some salad for you last night. Let me go get it," and with that Trudy left the room and came back with a blue plate and a glass of fresh milk.
The City had several farms running, and many products that came from them were readily available for the City to use. One could sign up for daily milk deliveries and one could shop at a grocery store and buy a loaf of bread or newly caught trout from the river in the forest. Vegetables were grown, and many people had their own gardens. Outside of Trudy's kitchen window was a small strawberry patch and on her balcony she was growing potatoes in a large brown tub.
The City had become resourceful.
Amber sat up, and scarfed down the sandwhich. The food was delicious, and the milk seemed to cleanse her as it spilled down inside her body. Trudy watched her as she ate.
"Good?" She smiled sarcastically, taking the empty glass and plate from Amber.
Amber wiped her face with her arm, "Mhmmmh."
"Do you want to see BJ?"
The happiness the good food brought her died. She had dreaded this moment of telling BJ why they had left.
"What should I tell him?" Amber swallowed hard.
Trudy looked at her. "What you feel is right."
Amber sighed.
"BJ you're mom wants you," Trudy called out into the living room when she opened the door. She gave Amber a thumbs up sign and BJ ran in.
"Mum!" He hugged Amber, digging himself into her side. Amber stroked his brown hair gently, taking in their little reunion as much as possible. With her son with her, she felt the real safety Tai-San and Trudy had talked about settle in at last.
"I love you, BJ," Amber whispered. Her eyes misted slightly. She had not realized how much she had feared for BJ with Bray. She had wondered many times if his outbursts would turn on BJ when he got tired of hitting Amber. Oh God, she loved him.
"Are we staying with Trudy and Brady because of Dad?" BJ's head rose, peering over the covers at Amber. He was a very mature little boy.
Amber, slightly surprised by his blunt question, stroked his cheek. "Trudy is taking us in for a short time until we find our own house to live in."
"Because Dad hurt you?"
"Yes."
"I'm happy we left, Mum."
Amber felt an entire river of tears threatening to spill over into reality.
"Things are going to be good from now on, BJ. We'll be happy."
"I want to be happy."
BJ laid next to her, and they both fell asleep.
~*~
Two weeks passed. Amber had one more to go before she was recovered as Tai-San had promised. Daily the healer visited Amber, complete with a heavy dosage of pills Amber guessed were painkillers and a jug of purified water instilled with vitamins to be kept in Trudy's fridge and to be drunk three times a day with every meal.
Amber was indeed starting to feel better. The pain in her side was nearly gone, and she didn't feel as weak. Trudy told her her face was healing, and only bruises remained of the violent beatings. Amber was grateful for Trudy. She had taken those two weeks off work to care for Amber, and make sure she was fine. She had gotten herself involved, and Amber, although intensly guilty, also felt incredibly grateful. Siva and Dee didn't mind the days off.
Trudy co-owned a department store with the two called Albertson's. They sold clothes, bath luxuries, new perfumes, and jewelry they made themselves. They also housed a musuem of jewelry recovered from the National Museum that turned a profit with local scientific researchers, children's birthday parties, and the random passerby who wanted a historical day on the town. Albertson's had a staff of thirty who worked to make the things Trudy, Dee, and Siva designed come to life.
One day, in the midst of the security that seemed to have throw itself upon Amber, Tai-San came over frantic and scared. Her calm demeanor was gone, and despite Trudy's protests, she barged into Amber's room.
"Amber, John Matheson stole the transcript of our conversation the day you came to see me!" Tai-San breathed hard. Amber's eyes widened. John Matheson had their conversation?
"But...what? What happend?" Amber asked urgently. The bowl of fresh corn she had been munching on lay forgotten on the nightstand.
"I was giving one of Spike's old friends a remedy to soothe migraines when he rushes into the clinic, and knocks on the door in the examination room. I was so angry! I opened it and tried to tell him off, but he pushed me aside and opened my storage room. He came out with a folder and ran off. I went to look when he was gone, and it was your file. That's all of my diagnosis on your treatment! I keep extra copies, just in case, but the transcript was in there. That means Bray is looking for you," Tai-San gasped.
Amber stared out the closed window. She had expected Bray to do something stupid like that. To get her information so no one would no what he had done to her in the past.
"Why didn't Spike's friend stop him?" She asked, irritated. She took a swig of the prescribed water.
"He had a migraine during his visit, but I sent him off when John ran out. He came back, and almost collapsed on the floor," Tai-San shrugged. She knelt down and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Amber. I need to keep those files to treat my patients."
"I thought Bray'd do something like that all along. I'm just sorry it's hurting you. And at least we have a backup file," Amber apologized.
"That's all John wanted and he got it. I don't think Bray'll try to get anything else out of me," Tai-San tried to reassure herself, though her eyes didn't quite believe it all the way.
"Just be careful. He may try to question you or get where I'm staying from you. Just make sure you keep your house locked and the clinic locked," Amber gave her hand to Tai-San's and squeezed.
"It'll be okay."
Tai-San nodded, and left.
Amber slept soundly in the bed of Trudy's guest bedroom.
It was the same day she told Tai-San she was leaving Bray. After fixing Amber up, Tai-San had closed the clinic, and they took Tai-San's car to Trudy's apartment on the far side of the City. Trudy usually worked, so they hoped she was home.
"Tai-San, I don't want to impose on anyone..." Amber said nervously as they climbed the steep cement steps up to 1B.
"Amber, I would take you, but Bray knows I'm helping you and that would put us all in more danger, but he doesn't know Trudy knows anything. Besides, Trudy was your best friend. Once she finds out what's been happening, she won't hesitate in taking you and Bray Junior in," Tai-San reassured her.
Amber sighed. They knocked, and, to Amber's relief Trudy answered.
For a moment she was stunned at the sight of Amber; her mouth hung open on it's hinges.
"Jesus, Amber..," She ushered Tai-San and Amber inside.
Trudy made them coffee as Tai-San told her what had been happening. Amber said nothing as Trudy made random sounds of astonishment. She was feeling a mixture of shame and fear. Shame for letting another person who had known her once as strong and bold know that now she was a weak nothing. And fear, fear of Bray as he would find their home empty that night.
Who would Bray take out his anger on then?
Who will be his b.itch now? Amber thought bitterly.
"Amber decided she's going to leave Bray," Tai-San concluded, finishing Amber's story.
Trudy sat with her head in her hands.
"I can't believe it, Amber...Bray? Bray...ugh, what a monster. God...but where will you stay?"
"That's the problem. I would take her in, but Bray knows she told me about what's been going on, remember?," Tai-San said helplessly.
"Amber, you can stay with me," Trudy said immediately.
"What about BJ? He's at school," Amber's eyes scattered around the room, trying to avoid Trudy's.
"I have to pick Brady up when she gets out of school, anyway, so I'll go early and get BJ too. Everyone knows we're good friends, and today is my day off for doing overtime on a shipment at work," Trudy said, concerned.
Amber smiled in relief, yet for a moment she thought about Trudy's willingness to help her. The duo had definitely drifted apart the last 2 years of her married life7. They saw eachother shopping, or around town, but other than that nothing had been profound enough in their relationship to keep it alive.
Yet Amber guessed something had been profound enough for Trudy to have let her stay with her. Putting everyone in danger. Bray had connections in the City from his past as leader. But Amber did too.
She would not go down easyily.
"That sounds like a great idea. I'll put Amber to bed when things are settled," Tai-San said cheerfully. She rubbed Amber's shoulders like she was trying to show Amber what life could be like without him. That one of her old good friends had come through, and maybe she could start trusting again because of that. But it would be a long time before Amber could start trusting anyone.
"Alright, let me just get my purse," Trudy headed down the hallway to her bedroom before Tai-San stopped her.
"Wait, what about Amber's things at home?"
Trudy's looked down at the ground, her eyes closed in thought.
"I could call Salene and tell her to pick up some clothes and what-not," Trudy shrugged.
So Trudy had kept in touch with Salene, but not her. Amber felt a spark of hurt.
"I don't want everyone knowing," Amber shook her head, feeling angry at herself for holding a sudden grudge against Salene and for imposing on everyone in the way she had.
"Salene isn't everyone Amber," Tai-San said gently.
"I know, but-"
"But it's already 1:00 in the afternoon. Bray'll be home at four, right?" Trudy tapped her wristwatch.
Amber nodded slowly.
"It'll take a half hour to get to the school, ten minutes to check the kids out, and another 30 minutes to get home. That time it'll be 2:30, and it'll take at least an hour or even two to pack all of your stuff. We don't have the time, Amber," Trudy smiled sadly.
Amber bit her tongue. The situation was out of her hands.
"Trudy, do you have a pen and a paper? We should have you write a list, Amber, so Sal knows what to get," Tai-San chimed.
"There should be one in the top drawer of the kitchen. I'm going to call Sal," Trudy dissapeared into her bedroom, and Tai-San began rummaging in the specified drawer. She pulled out a dark blue pen, and a cutesy yellow notepad made for memos.
"What do you need?" Tai-San said, hand poised over the paper.
"Um," Amber thought for a moment, "My clothes, BJ's clothes-- those can be found in the bureaus in both BJ's room and the master bedroom. She can find two suitcases in the closet in the hallway where she can put it all. BJ's toys, and books. The books on the bookshelf in the master bedroom-- They're all mine, Bray never reads. Er-- a box of photographs and a box of papers in that same closet in the hallway. And the pictures of me and BJ, or of my parents, or anyone except Bray around the house.. and...that's it," Amber said.
Tai-San scribbled for a few minutes, Amber repeating things she had said, and finally the list was complete. Trudy came from her bedroom, a solemn look on her face.
"Salene is going to meet me at the school for the list," Trudy said. She scanned her watch, "I have to go, it's been twenty minutes." She gave Amber a reassuring look, and bent down on her knees to look into Amber's face.
"BJ will be fine, Salene will get your stuff. Don't stress. I'll be back soon."
Trudy left.
"You need to get into bed, Amber or that rib is going to cause some serious damage to your internal organs. Come on," Tai-San got up off the sofa, and stood as a support for Amber. Amber lumbered herself off the flowery couch and fell onto Tai-San's shoulder. Tai-San slipped her arm around Amber's waist, and the duo dragged themselves to Trudy's guest room.
Amber laughed (gripping her side because it hurt her to do so) at the decorations Trudy had used. A flowery bedspread hung limply on the twin bed, three photographs of black and white daisies were nailed above the bed, evenly spaced apart. The walls were a twist of vines and sunflowers wallpaper, and opposite the bed was a rather large antique chest of drawers Trudy had saved from her grandparent's house. And in the middle room, on the wall farthest from the door, a huge window let sunlight spill into the room.
"This is like a garden. Maybe it'll speed your recovery," Tai-San grinned as she lied Amber down on the bed, which, despite it's lumpy appearence, was quite comfortable. Amber felt suddenly sleepy, and the pain at her side had died down.
"Typical Trudy," Amber chortled from the confines of the luciously comforting feather pillow.
"Definitely. I'm going to go make some dinner for when Trudy, Salene, and the kids get here. You sleep, and I'll check in on you when its ready to see if you're awake, but if you're not I'll save you some, alright?" Tai-San drew two heavy curtains that hung on either side of the window shut, sending the room into darkness.
Amber nodded, and as Tai-San left the room and shut the door behind her, she fell asleep.
Feeling safe for the first time in a long time.
~*~
Amber didn't wake up until next afternoon.
Tai-San had left long before, but she could hear Brady, BJ, and Trudy talking in low whispers from her bed.
"Keep it down, kids, Amber is trying to sleep," Trudy whispered severely.
"Sorry mom," Brady whispered back, loud as her talking voice.
"Sorry," BJ whispered even louder.
A smile broke on Amber's face, sending jolts of pain where the cuts were stretching. She took a deep breath-- her head felt woozy. No wonder, she thought bitterly. Her head HAD been rammed against a wall repeatedly. A sadness filled her when she thought of that. It also gave her a slight headache. She shook the feeling off, and slid from the bed, so her feet hit the floor with a thump. She was awfully hungry.
A rush of cold blood tingled through her veins. Her heart was beating fast. The pain in her ribs returned, and this time violently. She needed to stay in bed.
"Trudy!" She called feebly, shifting back into the covers. A light glow issued from the window behind the curtain.
The door clicked, and Trudy's head appeared with what seemed like the light of day.
"Amber, you're up?" Trudy shut the door, and sat down gently on the bed. "You've been sleeping since yesterday."
"Really? I must've been tired," Amber yawned, surprised.
"Probably. You've been through a lot," Trudy smiled gently and rubbed Amber's hand.
"Thank you so much for letting us stay with you Trudy. I just hope we don't become a burden-"
"Amber, you could never be a burden. Bray is a creep, and I know if something was happening to me you would do the same for Brady and I. I love you, Amber. We're friends. We've shared babies together, and a history. There is no way I would turn you out," Trudy said, looking into Amber's eyes.
It was almost bewildering. To see and accept kindness. Basic human respect, which had been denied of her. Such gestures reminded her of the days just after the Virus when all she cared for was justice, truth, and a new life. A life that could benefit everyone just if people could cooperate and work together and respect one another.
God I was so naive, Amber thought.
"Thank you Trudy. I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
"Anytime, babe. Well, I kept Brady and BJ from school today because of Bray. I called the school and told them Brady was sick, but I didn't say anything about Beej. I don't think the kids should go back until things are safe," Trudy nodded.
"I don't want to keep Brady from an education," Amber said tiredly.
"You're not. If Brady has to miss school for a couple of days, or even weeks, to save your life, than so be it. With Aphrodite Stevens as City Leader our kids aren't getting much of an education anyway."
"I guess you're right. What about our stuff? Did Salene come?"
"Yes, she dropped it off last night. She was really concerned about you. She wanted to see you, but you were asleep, and Tai-San refused to let anyone even open your door. A couple of times she came in here with some pills and a glass of water, but only that. But you're stuff is in the other spare bedroom that I use for storage. Salene got all the stuff on the list, and I guess she barely missed Bray."
"Oh God, Bray?!"
"She got out of there. Bray hasn't seen Salene in years, he doesn't know what she drives. She got your stuff, you and BJ are safe, you're healing-- that's all that matters."
"I'm so hungry..."
"Tai-San saved a fish sandwhich and some salad for you last night. Let me go get it," and with that Trudy left the room and came back with a blue plate and a glass of fresh milk.
The City had several farms running, and many products that came from them were readily available for the City to use. One could sign up for daily milk deliveries and one could shop at a grocery store and buy a loaf of bread or newly caught trout from the river in the forest. Vegetables were grown, and many people had their own gardens. Outside of Trudy's kitchen window was a small strawberry patch and on her balcony she was growing potatoes in a large brown tub.
The City had become resourceful.
Amber sat up, and scarfed down the sandwhich. The food was delicious, and the milk seemed to cleanse her as it spilled down inside her body. Trudy watched her as she ate.
"Good?" She smiled sarcastically, taking the empty glass and plate from Amber.
Amber wiped her face with her arm, "Mhmmmh."
"Do you want to see BJ?"
The happiness the good food brought her died. She had dreaded this moment of telling BJ why they had left.
"What should I tell him?" Amber swallowed hard.
Trudy looked at her. "What you feel is right."
Amber sighed.
"BJ you're mom wants you," Trudy called out into the living room when she opened the door. She gave Amber a thumbs up sign and BJ ran in.
"Mum!" He hugged Amber, digging himself into her side. Amber stroked his brown hair gently, taking in their little reunion as much as possible. With her son with her, she felt the real safety Tai-San and Trudy had talked about settle in at last.
"I love you, BJ," Amber whispered. Her eyes misted slightly. She had not realized how much she had feared for BJ with Bray. She had wondered many times if his outbursts would turn on BJ when he got tired of hitting Amber. Oh God, she loved him.
"Are we staying with Trudy and Brady because of Dad?" BJ's head rose, peering over the covers at Amber. He was a very mature little boy.
Amber, slightly surprised by his blunt question, stroked his cheek. "Trudy is taking us in for a short time until we find our own house to live in."
"Because Dad hurt you?"
"Yes."
"I'm happy we left, Mum."
Amber felt an entire river of tears threatening to spill over into reality.
"Things are going to be good from now on, BJ. We'll be happy."
"I want to be happy."
BJ laid next to her, and they both fell asleep.
~*~
Two weeks passed. Amber had one more to go before she was recovered as Tai-San had promised. Daily the healer visited Amber, complete with a heavy dosage of pills Amber guessed were painkillers and a jug of purified water instilled with vitamins to be kept in Trudy's fridge and to be drunk three times a day with every meal.
Amber was indeed starting to feel better. The pain in her side was nearly gone, and she didn't feel as weak. Trudy told her her face was healing, and only bruises remained of the violent beatings. Amber was grateful for Trudy. She had taken those two weeks off work to care for Amber, and make sure she was fine. She had gotten herself involved, and Amber, although intensly guilty, also felt incredibly grateful. Siva and Dee didn't mind the days off.
Trudy co-owned a department store with the two called Albertson's. They sold clothes, bath luxuries, new perfumes, and jewelry they made themselves. They also housed a musuem of jewelry recovered from the National Museum that turned a profit with local scientific researchers, children's birthday parties, and the random passerby who wanted a historical day on the town. Albertson's had a staff of thirty who worked to make the things Trudy, Dee, and Siva designed come to life.
One day, in the midst of the security that seemed to have throw itself upon Amber, Tai-San came over frantic and scared. Her calm demeanor was gone, and despite Trudy's protests, she barged into Amber's room.
"Amber, John Matheson stole the transcript of our conversation the day you came to see me!" Tai-San breathed hard. Amber's eyes widened. John Matheson had their conversation?
"But...what? What happend?" Amber asked urgently. The bowl of fresh corn she had been munching on lay forgotten on the nightstand.
"I was giving one of Spike's old friends a remedy to soothe migraines when he rushes into the clinic, and knocks on the door in the examination room. I was so angry! I opened it and tried to tell him off, but he pushed me aside and opened my storage room. He came out with a folder and ran off. I went to look when he was gone, and it was your file. That's all of my diagnosis on your treatment! I keep extra copies, just in case, but the transcript was in there. That means Bray is looking for you," Tai-San gasped.
Amber stared out the closed window. She had expected Bray to do something stupid like that. To get her information so no one would no what he had done to her in the past.
"Why didn't Spike's friend stop him?" She asked, irritated. She took a swig of the prescribed water.
"He had a migraine during his visit, but I sent him off when John ran out. He came back, and almost collapsed on the floor," Tai-San shrugged. She knelt down and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Amber. I need to keep those files to treat my patients."
"I thought Bray'd do something like that all along. I'm just sorry it's hurting you. And at least we have a backup file," Amber apologized.
"That's all John wanted and he got it. I don't think Bray'll try to get anything else out of me," Tai-San tried to reassure herself, though her eyes didn't quite believe it all the way.
"Just be careful. He may try to question you or get where I'm staying from you. Just make sure you keep your house locked and the clinic locked," Amber gave her hand to Tai-San's and squeezed.
"It'll be okay."
Tai-San nodded, and left.