She walked out of the studio office with her head down. To say she was embarrassed was an understatement. Miss Liz asked her in for a talk after practice was over. She had been peppered with questions for almost 30 minutes. She was beyond exhausted. She finally convinced her teacher that the bruises were the result of a clumsy skating accident. She felt awful lying. She wasn’t even sure Miss Liz believed her. But she had no other choice. She was equal parts ashamed and relieved. Ashamed because she’d allowed herself to get too comfortable. Ashamed because she’d almost put people she cared about in danger. Ashamed because she was weak and had let her guard down. Relieved because someone else actually cared. Just a little.
Lee was waiting outside the studio for her. After Saturday practices he sometimes drove her home as a favor to her mother. He was quiet. The silence was a little uncomfortable. She stepped up into his truck and closed the door with a thunk. As she clicked the seatbelt into place, he switched on the radio. Ronnie Milsap sang about Smoky Mountain Rain. It keeps on falling. I keep on calling. Her name. It made her sad. The ride home was tense. There was no conversation. Both looked straight ahead. Lee pulled into her driveway. And as her right hand reached for the door, he grabbed her left wrist.
“Listen. I’m not sure what to say because I’m not sure what to think. Something is wrong. Very wrong. I know that much. I can feel it. We’re really close- but you won’t talk to me. I have my suspicions, but I can’t make you talk..” His voice cracked with emotion. Tears streamed down her face, but she refused to look at him. Her breath hitched and her chest heaved. He cleared his throat and continued. “I want you to know I care about you a lot. I think you know that already. You’re the little sister I never had. The one I never knew I wanted. And if I find out someone is hurting you...” he sniffed suddenly, “well, let’s just say I won't have that.” He reached out and turned her chin towards him.
”Liz told me to drop it. Said it’s between you and her. For now. And I’ll respect that. For now. But the next time I see a bruise, or any sign of this again, I’m getting involved. Understood? This scares me. You’re a strong girl, but you’ve been hiding some secrets. I think this may be something much bigger than you. I will help you. I’m here for you. Whenever you need me, but you have to talk to me.”
She bolted out the truck. Leaving the door open and her bag strewn on the floorboard. This was why she didn’t allow others in. It hurt too badly when they found out. When their disappointment became obvious. She couldn’t take the pity, the concern, the worry and hurt she saw in their eyes. Their pain only made her feel worse. She cried herself to sleep that night. As she had so many other nights before. But for a completely different reason, this time.