Forbidden

Chapter 6

As Stef rushed into the condo the sight of Lena gave Stef a sensation that she would never be able to describe. Lena laid there with a blackened eye and dried blood coming from her nose, mouth, and different parts of her hair line. She wore the same outfit from the night before and there wasn't a section of her bare skin that wasn't bruised.

A sense of relief and hope washed over Lena when Stef came through the door. Knowing that Stef will without a doubt get her out of there. She tried to sit up as she swayed from the dizziness. Before she knew it Stef was kneeling in front of her, gently holding her face as she examined her and tried not to look too worried.

"Baby, do you think anything is broken?" Lena looked down in shameful embarrassment, "No, just pain," she once again croaked. "I have to get you to the hospital!" Stef grabbed her phone but Lena grabbed hold of her arm as her hand shook. "He will find me". Stef's eyes remained focused as she put the phone away and tried to think. "Ok is he coming back soon?" Lena shook her head still looking down as Stef noticed her body begin to lean to the side and her eyes shut again.

"Lena! Stay awake for me love, ok? Just keep listening to my voice". Stef positioned the cushions around Lena to keep her propped up. Then ran to the kitchen. "I was thinking of finally decorating my apartment, you know," Stef yelled to her as she looked to the fridge and got some water and bottle of Gatorade. "After you left yesterday I finally unpacked the last of a few boxes, believe it or not. I guess you can say I've officially moved in". She looked around and couldn't really find much but grabbed some apple sauce and peanut butter crackers. "But I'm not the best with shopping so I may need your help." Remembering something else Stef want back and grabbed tons of ice and wrapped it in a towel. She ran back to the front room glad to see that Lena was still awake.

She knelt down and made Lena drink the Gatorade to gain back some of her electrolytes. And then gave her the water. Stef could already see the color sort of coming back to her face and body strengthen. Lena was even able to hold the ice to her eye as Stef began to feed her some of the apple sauce.

"You know your daughter was worried sick about you when she saw that sub in your classroom" Stef smiled and spoke softly, "She loves you". A tear escaped Lena's eye as she finally looked at Stef. "He doesn't like kids. I can't let her have a life like this." Stef put the empty applesauce down and opened the crackers. "Well I love them". Scared to cause any more pain Stef kissed the palms of Lena's hands.

"Ok Love Let's get you out of here. I'm going to bring the car around". When Stef returned after a few short minutes she packed as many suitcases and bags of Lena's as she could. As long as she had something to do with it Lena would never live with this man again. As Stef held out her arms to brace Lena to stand they heard Lena's phone ringing on the ground. They both looked to it as 'Mason' displayed on the screen. "Leave it," Stef said, "tracking".

The whole ride to Stef's place, she was still too afraid to let Lena sleep. So she kept talking to her and singing to keep her awake. By the time they arrived, Lena's strength and equilibrium were much better. She was able to slowly walk on her own but Stef was very close by carrying in some of Lena's stuff.

Once they were inside Stef had Lena sit in the living room and drink more water and eat fruit salad as Stef ran to her bathroom. She prepared a very warm bath with bubbles, Epsom salt, and calming oils. A combination that usually helped her aching muscles after an intense day.

When the tub was full she ran out to help Lena into the room hand in hand. Stef planned to let Lena undress and inside in privacy but before she turned to leave she could see that she was still a little unsteady and too sore. "Do you need me to help at all?" Lena winced as she tried to lift up her shirt trying to hold back tears, "Please".  Stef lift up Lena's shirt as she tried to hold her arms straight up. Her entire back was black and blue and there were distinct fist marks on her ribs. Lena turned her head to look at Stef as she undid her bra. She could see the glassy look in Stef's eyes as her nose and cheeks began to turn red. "That bad, huh?" Stef looked at her trying once again to bring back her poker face. "It's nothing that you won't heal from".