Page 31 of Breaking Conviction
Naomi opened her mouth to argue but snapped it shut, feeling like she’d been slapped. Sophie hadn’t said it with derision or judgment, more… envy? It made Naomi feel sick to her stomach.
Sophie wasn’t wrong about the ghosting part, but the rest of it…
When Naomi and Dean met at a college bar years ago, she’d been a sophomore and he’d been a police officer like her daddy. His wide smile and bright green-brown eyes drew her in like the final shot of whiskey right before last call. She’d felt like shit the next day, but she never realized how long the hangover from that night would last. A positive pregnancy test and a few months of ‘trying to make it work’ later, Dean’s true nature finally revealed itself. That was when she began to realize his smile had a bite to it and his eyes reminded her more of dead leaves than a gorgeous autumn day.
Five totallynotperfect years later, getting cut off from her momma for having a child out of wedlock, and having to drop out of college, she’d gotten her associate’s degree and a job at a global charity that made her feel like she was doing something worthwhile.
But even with that, Dean liked to remind her she only got her foot in the door with that job because of him. She’d tried for years to make a life she could be proud of and to have a happy, loving home for her daughter. That hope would never fade, but she was still on the fence with her ‘dream guy.’
As soon as she thought the words, a set of piercing blue eyes behind black rectangular frames and a smile that warmed her soul flashed across her mind.
Nora cleared her throat, clearing Naomi’s thoughts with it. “Well, we’re here to answer any questions you might have, listen to whatever you might want to tell us. Keep you company during your exam... We’re here for you and whatever you need.”
Sophie sighed and bowed her head. It seemed like she was taking in soothing breaths until they developed an unsustainable rhythm and sobs soon racked her body. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be one of the good ones.”
Naomi’s heart cracked in half. What had happened to her friend while she’d been too caught up in her own relationship? Naomi couldn’t even think if Sophie was with anyone, couldn’t even remember the last time they’d spoken. What had happened to her over the years? The woman she remembered was a ball of swirling energy and defiance, loving life and kicking men to the curb when they didn’t treat her right.
Naomi grabbed a chair from the corner of the small room and nearly tossed it toward Nora before climbing onto the bed beside her friend. She tucked Sophie into her arms and let her friend cry on her shoulder, trying not to hate herself for not being there when she’d needed her.
“Soph... what happened, girl?”
Sophie turned and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “God, I’m embarrassin’.”
“No, you’re not, doll.” Nora reassured her. “Take your time, or say nothing at all. We’re here for you whenever or however you need us.”
Sophie sniffed at Nora’s words, but straightened. “There’s not much to tell, really. There’s a guy I’ve been seein’. I thought he was one of the good ones, but I found out last night he’s not. End of story.”
Naomi and Nora sat in silence, taking cues from Sophie, hoping she’d talk more if she was ready. Sure enough, Sophie closed her eyes and cursed again.
“He’s one of the ones who can’t hear ‘no’ when he’s had a couple whiskeys in him. When he didn’t like that answer, he took matters into his own hands. I woke up this morning not remembering how I got in his bed but knowing sure as hell that I didn’t get there just on one glass of wine. It took all day for me to get enough courage to get here.” She covered her face and spoke through her fingers. “And what really sucks is that I know that type all too well. I dated one in college—”
“Jeremy?” Naomi couldn’t stop herself from questioning her.
“Naomi,” Nora hissed and shook her head minutely. They were supposed to be silent listeners until given the right cues and never interrupt, but she hadn’t been able to keep her shock to herself.
Sophie groaned. “Yeah, fuckin’ Jeremy. He got that way after we graduated. He never went as far as…hedid last night. But I was so glad I got rid of him when he moved outta Ashland.”
Naomi was floored. How had she not known what her friend was going through? Naomi searched her brain, only vaguely remembering seeing Jeremy and Sophie together. She’d thought they’d been happy. Was that how she and Dean looked from the outside? Had she really been so caught up in her disaster of a relationship that she’d forgotten all her other good ones?
Of course I did.
Naomi mentally chastised herself. Getting pregnant, in a new relationship, dropping out of college, and having a baby all in one year was a whirlwind for anyone, but it was no excuse to leave her friends by the wayside. Especially not to leave them to fend off predators by themselves.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know, Soph.”
Sorry.She resisted the urge to grimace at her own apology. She knew better than anyone how empty it sounded in the face of reality.
Sophie waved her hand. “It’s whatever now. The point is, the guy last night wasn’t much different. I’m just mad it took a repeat of the past to make me realize it. He’d asked me out on a date. We went back to his place for drinks and I guess he thought that meant I was an automatic yes. I should’ve left as soon as he got handsy, but it felt good to be wanted again for a little while. Until he wanted more than I was willing to give him. I don’t remember much after that… I think he might’ve done something to my glass of wine.” She covered her face with her hands again and let out a muffled sob. “God, I’m such anidiot.”
Anger crashed into Naomi and she braced herself for the impact right before she let it out. “You arenotan idiot. The one who’s in the wrong here is that asshole last night.Notyou, Soph.” Naomi leaped up off the examination table, adrenaline coursing through her. “Who is he? Are you gonna prosecute? This guy needs to godown.”
“Naomi—”
“I-I wanted to do the rape kit… just in case, but…” Sophie’s eyes were deep, dark pools of confusion, but Naomi could only see red. “I-I’m not sure I want to prosecute yet.”
“That’s okay, Sophie,” Nora interjected. “The hospital keeps rape kits for up to a year, so you have plenty of time to decide what’s best for you.”
“No, screw waiting a year. How could you not be sure about reportin’ him? This guy laid his hands on you, Soph!” She pointed to the light bruising dotting up and down Sophie’s arms and Sophie tugged on the cardigan. “He drugged you and leftbruises, Soph! He needs to pay!”
