Counting Paths

Chapter 2.

"I...I don't understand."

"By the end of the day-afternoon, actually, I'll be long gone and you'll be glad that you never have to see me again. So, why put myself through the trauma of explaining what happened to me when it's not going to help?"

She's right. Why am I trying to get information out of her if I'm just going to send her away?

I nod, pushing off the table. "Finish your food, then figure out a place I can take you."

"Can I shower first?"

I nod. "Yeah. Actually, Imma take a nap first. Nurse Smith can help find some new clothes." I start to walk away but don't make it far before she jumps out of her seat.

"Why...did you help me, then, I mean, if you were just going to send me away?"

"I'm not sending you away like some-"

"That doesn't answer my question."

"You're a pain in the ass. That should answer your damn question." I walk away.

I return to my bedroom and collapse on my bed. I've had a hella of a night that was definitely unnecessary. Why did I help Sterling, anyway? Yes, I would save her from Ryan, but bringing her back here, to my home? What the hell was I thinking? I wasn't thinking, that was the damn problem. I should've cleaned out the warehouse and made her someone else's problem. Kevin's kinda scary looking for kids with the tattoos on his face and the piercings but I know he wouldn't do anything to kids. I think he has one, actually.

Sterling

"Does it hurt?" Smith questions as I examine the bruises on my neck and arms. "Do you need something for the pain?" I ignore her. The very sight of my marks makes my eyes pool, makes the memory fresh in my head, as if it happened only minutes ago. I force myself to look away and begin to strip. Smith quickly steps out of the bathroom.

I cried first, then after a long, hot shower that eased away the tension in my muscles, I feel like a new person. I actually almost forgot about everything.

There's a pile of clothes waiting for me on the sink counter when I step out of the shower. I play with the fogged mirror as I dry off.

I was given men's clothing. A pair of dark blue jeans, a thick pair of white socks, a white tank top, and a navy blue sweatshirt. Everything's huge on me. I wrap my wet hair in a towel, then leave the bathroom. And instantly get lost. "Smith!" I wander down a hall. I turn a corner and hit a hall. "Jesus!" I rub my head, peering up at Roland. "What are you made of?! Bricks?!"

"What are you wearing?" He asks.

"Clothes. Why? What are you wearing?"

He narrows his eyes at me. "Do you have to be a constant pain in the ass?"

"Y-"

"Okay!" He snatches me by my upper arm, I shout in pain, and he instantly releases me. "Fuck, I forgot!"

I wrap myself in my arms and take a step away from him. "I know where you can take me," I whisper to his feet.

"Where?"

"Nearest hospital."

Roland doesn't say a word. He doesn't apologize to me or argues with my choice of placement. He just guides me through the house and I follow in silence. All in silence. We step outside where his car is waiting in the unnecessary large driveway and climb in.

Fifteen minutes into the drive, he finally speaks. "What are you going to do?"

"I didn't think you'd care." I rest my arm on the door and tap on the window.