Page 28 of Reaper

“Of course.”

Evelyn wipes her hands off and turns, giving me her complete attention. “I don’t know what all you went through, and honestly, I don’t want to know. I don’t have time to go to jail, and I’m sure it would tempt me if I knew.” She takes a deep breath. “But what I do know is that you went through something really fucking traumatic. Abuse, physical or verbal, is never okay, and tell me if I’m wrong, but I’m guessing it went on for quite a while.”

I nod, unable to speak.

“Now, this is just my opinion, but I think you might want to talk to someone. They would teach you ways to manage your reactions and just learn to live again. You aren’t who you were a year ago and they will give you the tools you need to find your new normal. Therapy is hard but worth it. If you don’t, I’m afraid that the trauma will just eat at you and follow you around. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want that to happen to you.”

“I don’t either,” I whisper softly as I run my finger over the countertop. “It sounds good and well, but I don’t know if I’m staying around here. I have so many things I have to figure out, like a job and a place to live. I don’t know if I can even afford therapy.”

“We both know you aren’t going anywhere right now. If you want, I can set you up with someone. I know someone who does free therapy to victims of domestic violence. All you have to do is say yes.”

“Can I think about it?”

A look I can’t decipher crosses her face before she smiles. “Of course.”

“Hey, is it okay if I grab a drink, or is it a bad time?”

We both turn and look at a woman standing at the edge of the kitchen. She has on short shorts and a white tank top. Her dark brown hair hits right below her shoulders and she has half of it pulled back with pieces framing her face. Something about her dark hair and tan skin really makes her blue eyes pop. She’s beautiful.

“Of course.” I smile, thankful for her appearance. I know Evelyn will drop the subject now that it's not just us.

“How are you, Tara?” Evelyn asks.

“I can’t complain. You?”

“You know how it is.” Evelyn rolls her eyes before pointing at me. “Have you met Natalie yet?”

Tara eyes me as she makes her way to the fridge and pulls out a pitcher of tea. “No, I was actually gone when you showed up, but I’ve heard about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” I quip.

Tara smiles. “You could say that. Would you like any sweet tea?”

“No thank you,” Evelyn and I say in unison.

Tara smiles at us. “I better get back in there,” she nods toward the main room. “It was nice meeting you.”

“Same,” I say softly as she leaves.

“It will get easier, you know.” Evelyn reaches out, grabbing my hand.

“Will it?”

“It will with a little time and therapy.” Evelyn smirks, making me roll my eyes.

For some reason, I have a feeling she won’t let this go until I give in.

six

“Morning,”I tell Jacob as I enter the main area.

For the first time since I’ve been here, no one besides him is lingering around.

“Hey, how did you sleep?”

“Not too bad.” I smile. “You?”

“Same. You hungry?”

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