A massive thank you to Purple-Kissed-Wishes, Ray-Tiger-Cat, LovelySinner7, Taco, Moonlight Memories, zekesbabe, Beywriter, ... (it means that in British slang too, yes I did know :)), Misty Elizabeth, StZen and Petalwhisker X Fireheart for your reviews!
A week late, I'm afraid. And it's short, too, but I like it short. :P
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Edit; shit, I forgot the prompt! Thanks, zekesbabe and Purple-Kissed-Wishes! In my defence, I was only about a quarter awake.
I am the domestic-violence survivor who found the support system grow suddenly cold and distant when they found out my abusive partner is also a woman.
"Hello?"
"Hello, this is the Lamth Women's Refuge Centre, how can I help?"
"I need to … I don't know. Book a place or whatever you do."
"You need somewhere safe to stay?"
"Yes! Wasn't that what I just said?"
The women with the calm, professional voice let a moment's silence pass. The caller scowled, recognising the subtle reprimand, and pulled a stray pink hair off the cushion she was holding with her bad arm.
"Can I have your name, please?" There was a long silence.
"No." She expected an argument, but that was clearly a reply that the woman was used to because she went to the next question without so much as a question.
"Address?" She reeled it off, watching the front door nervously.
"Hurry," she whispered.
"Do you live with the troublemaker?"
"Yes, and she's going to be home soon! Hurry, please!"
"She?" Suddenly, the woman's voce was cold and sharp.
"Yes, 'she'. Is that a problem?"
"No, of course not." But the tone had changed, all helpfulness gone. "If you would come to our headquarters, number 25 on the high street, I'll see what we can do for you there. Is that all right?"
"Yes, fine," she said quickly; she could hear footsteps. "I'll be there tomorrow." She put the phone down.
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"Were you talking to someone?" Mariah asked sweetly, chucking a heavy shopping bag on the sofa beside her.
"No, no-one helpful," Queen answered honestly, clutching her injured arm slightly closer to her. Mariah noticed the motion and her eyes narrowed.
So-o, who thought it was Mariah making the call? Anyway, really not happy with this one, but never mind. It's up and it's a way around writer's block so all is good. I should be back on schedule now.
Opinions?
xIlbx