Taking Chances

by Flowers, Loni

  Paul let go of her and grabbed Alex’s hand, trying to pull it off. Alex pushed him against the building, increasing the pressure. Paul started to choke, his eyes watering as he gasped for air.

  “If I let you go,” Alex warned. “You better get the hell out of here. Do you understand me?”

  He nodded and Alex pushed him away. Paul fell to the ground, gasping for air, taking deep breaths. Alex stood behind him, blocking him from the girl. Paul stumbled to his feet, rubbing his neck. He walked across the street in the same direction his friend had gone. Alex continued to watch him until he was out of sight, but not once did Paul look back.

  Alex turned to the woman who was sitting up against the lamppost, her knees bent with her hands covering her ears. He walked toward her, but she didn’t look at him. She stared straight ahead, as if in shock. Kneeling down in front of her, he saw her lip was swollen. Blood dripped down her chin and Alex instinctively reached to wipe it. She flinched away from him and he drew back, putting some space between them.

  “I’m sorry. I’m not going to hurt you.” Alex said softly.

  She pulled her hands down from her ears and looked at him. “I know, sorry.”

  Alex hesitated before approaching her again; he pulled his shirt off, keeping his tank top on. Holding it slowly to her chin, he said, “Your lip is bleeding pretty bad. Are you hurt anywhere else?” She winced when he touched her chin as she took the shirt from him, pressing it gently to the side of her mouth.

  “The back of my head got hit a couple of times, but I don’t know if it’s bleeding or not.”

  She reached up and rubbed her head, grimacing at the tenderness. When she pulled her hand away, there was no trace of blood on it. “Well, at least they didn’t crack my skull open, that would have been a mess,” she said, laughing lightly.

  Her laughter turned to sobs. Covering her face with her hands, she laid her head against her knees. Alex eased closer and gently rubbed her arm. She lifted her head up, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hands. Giving him half a smile, she said, “I’m sorry…”

  Alex shook his head, “You have no reason to apologize. It’s completely understandable.” He stood up and looked down at her, “Do you think you can stand up? We should probably get out of here. I don’t want them coming back once they realize I didn’t call the police. My car is just a few blocks away; I’ll take you to the hospital to get checked out.” He held his hand out to her.

  “NO! I’m fine. I don’t need to go to the hospital. I’ve only got few scratches,” she said with determination.

  Pulling herself to her feet, she ignored his hand and stumbled backwards. Alex caught her, catching her waist with his hands. He pulled her to him and for a moment as he smelled a familiar scent. It was the smell of the city, the asphalt and dirt. But underneath it all, he smelled lavender. He knew that scent anywhere. It was his mother’s favorite fragrance and before her, his grandmother’s. It reminded Alex of his home from long ago. The smell of her bedroom was the only memory Alex had of his mother, her life stolen before he was old enough to remember her. All he had left were the countless pictures his grandparents took of them together when he was a baby. The smell sent him back into a period of time that almost seemed lost to him.

  Alex looked into her eyes and for a moment, they locked onto one another. He was able to look past the dirt and dried blood, and only see her eyes. They were big and bright, and brown like chocolate. They pulled him in. The longer he stared, the more he could see himself in her, where she’d been and what she’d been through. Her hair fell in tangled layers around her face, with the longer strands hanging past her shoulders and cascading down her back. Alex swept the hair from her eyes, his fingertips lightly brushing down her cheek before he tucked a loose strand behind her ear. She held his eyes a second longer before she looked down, stepping backwards and Alex released his hold on her.

  “What’s your name?” she questioned.

  “Alex,”

  “I’m Clair. I’m sorry I got you in this mess. I’ve had a rough day… well actually, my whole year’s been rough, but that’s another story. The last place I want to be right now is the hospital, you know?”

  “Sure. I’ve had some bad years myself, so don’t worry about it.” He pointed to her face, “You better sit down and hold your head back.”

  “Why?” Clair asked, confused.

  “Your nose is bleeding.”

  She held her hand up to her nose and when she pulled it down, blood covered her hand. Clair stumbled backwards again; eyes closed, and slumped down to the ground. Alex caught her before she hit the concrete and laid her back against the sidewalk. He crouched beside her, lightly tapping her on the cheek.

  Clair opened her eyes and looked at him. “Damn it! I passed out, didn’t I? Like I can’t embarrass myself anymore than I already have.”

  “Yeah, you did. But it was only for like five seconds, so it hardly counts.”

  Clair laughed and he was glad to see she didn’t take everything so seriously. But looking at her, Alex thought she looked pale. He needed to get her to a doctor just to make sure she didn’t have a concussion or anything else he couldn’t see with his eyes. “You don’t look so good though. I think we better get you to the hospital.”

  “No, I really feel fine, I swear I do.”

  “Uh-huh, sure. I’m not leaving you here alone. Let me take you to the hospital, or at least to my house. I live right around the corner and you can clean up there.”

  “Umm, I don’t think that would be a good idea. No offense, but I don’t even know you,” Clair said, looking skeptical.

  “If it makes you feel better, take my cell phone. Keep it until you get ready to leave. If you feel threatened, call the police.” He took his phone out of his pocket and handed it to her.

  She looked at him, unconvinced, but took his phone anyway. “I don’t think a phone is going to help if you decide to overpower me.”

  Alex chuckled, “You’re probably right, but if I wanted to hurt you, I could have already. So you have three options: I take you to the hospital; walk you to where you need to go; or I’ll just call the police and file a report.”

  “Fine. I’ll go… to your house,” she acquiesced, “But I’m keeping this, just in case.” Clair waved the phone in front of him before cramming it in her pocket.

  “Whatever makes you feel comfortable; I’m just trying to help.” Alex stood and held his hand out to her again. “Do you think you can stand…without passing out this time?” he teased.

  She held out her hand. Alex took it and pulled her gently to her feet, ready to catch her if she fell again. Stepping closer, he waited for Clair to get her bearings before he started to lead her to his apartment. She stopped moving when he attempted to walk. She looked at him, her brow creased with apprehension. He gave her a small comforting smile, “I promise you can trust me. I’ll never hurt you.”

  Clair started walking. She looked across the street. “Do you think they’re still around? They didn’t seem like the type to be scared off.”

  “Nah, I doubt it. They thought I called the police. I’ll bet anything they are long gone now.”

  “I suppose it’s my own fault. I was at the diner up the way earlier and they were in there, acting stupid, making passes at me. I was relieved when they left before I did, but I should have been more careful. I didn’t even realize they were behind me until it was too late.”

  Alex stopped. He looked at her thoughtfully. He rubbed his thumb across her hand, trying to comfort her. “You could have been more alert, but you didn’t ask to be assaulted. Don’t blame yourself.”

  Clair shook her head. “No, I’ve seen a lot since I’ve been on the… well, I’ve seen a lot. I should have known better. I shouldn’t have let my guard down. That’s been a big rule of mine for the last year or so. It’s easy to get your heart broken or your shoes stolen.”

  He tilted his head, surprised by how similar what she said compared to what he’d bee
n through. She sounded like him when he was running the streets a little over a year ago. But he must be wrong. A woman like her couldn’t know a thing about a life like that.

  She looked down at their joined hands and pulled her hand out of his. “So are you just walking me around the block for the hell of it, or is your apartment really around here?”

  Alex grinned, “Yep. We’re here. I hope you like climbing steps because you’re about to get a workout.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Clair

  Five stories, she counted as she looked up at the tall building. Standing at the base of it, she could not help but notice a large set of concrete steps at the front entrance. Alex stayed beside her, sliding his hand under her elbow, and helped her up each step. Once inside, Clair was standing in a foyer with a staircase dividing two hallways that ran the length of the building to access several apartments on the first floor.

  She looked back at him, “Let me guess, you don’t live on the first floor do you?”

  “Nope, the third,” Alex said, with a wide grin on this face.

  “As if I haven’t gotten enough exercise for the night,” Clair said, huffing.

  “Well,” he said, stepping closer, “I can carry you if you don’t think you can make it.”

  Clair rolled her eyes. “No, I can manage. It’s not like my legs are broken.” She started up the stairs, leaving him behind.

  He laughed as he trotted past her, “Suit yourself.”

  She was used to walking, but two flights per floor were ridiculous. Walking the streets didn’t compare to six flights of steps. It was much more rigorous than a lazy stroll down the side of the road. Finally making it to the third floor, Clair looked up to see Alex leaning leisurely against a doorframe. His arms were folded over his chest and one foot crossed over the other, waiting for her… with one of those smug grins on his face.

  “Jerk,” she said under her breath. Bent over at the waist, hands on her knees, she tried to regulate her breathing. When she heard him laugh again, she stood up and glared at him.

  “What? I did ask if you wanted help, didn’t I?” He unlocked the door and walked inside, leaving it open. “Come on in.”

  She entered and watched him take his shoes off, setting them inside a small room to the left. Clair gave him a curious look, but followed him. Not wanting to be rude, Clair followed suit and removed her own shoes.

  “Hmm, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy take his shoes off at the door before.”

  Alex gave a small smile and shrugged. “Well, some habits die hard, I guess. When you get slapped in the back of the head as much as I did growing up, it kind of becomes a habit.”

  Following him down the short hall, she turned to her right and saw Alex with his head in the refrigerator. He produced several beverage bottles, which he held in his hands.

  “Would you like something to drink? I have soda, beer, or water. Sorry, I don’t keep much here, I’m always eating at the diner down the street.”

  Standing under the light from the kitchen, Clair could see more of him then the streetlights allowed earlier. His hair was black and wavy, the tips curling out in every direction, a tangled mess. When he ran his fingers through his hair, the layered strands feathered around his face in an unkempt fashion. When his bangs fell into his eyes, Clair wondered if he were in need of a haircut or if that was the way he liked it. Alex pushed them aside, revealing his blue eyes and she couldn’t help but stare.

  His forehead creased, the lines of his mouth turned down, and his eyes filled with remorse. He walked up to her and held her chin between his fingers, tilting her face up so he could look her over. Tenderly, his thumb brushed over her lip.

  “My God, Clair, that guy really did a number on you. I should have beaten his ass instead of letting that prick walk away. Let me get you some ice to put on it.”

  Clair winced from his touch and pulled back, pushing his hand down. “I’m sure it looks worse than it really is. Hopefully, after I wash up, I’ll look better.”

  Alex crossed his arms, looking unconvinced. “Well… I don’t know about that…” He stumbled over his words, “I mean, I think you look great… I mean, you’re pretty banged up. I’m not so sure a little soap and water is going to help.”

  Clair rubbed her neck. She was surprised it didn’t feel sore after being choked earlier. Her lip hurt more than anything and her head was starting to pound. “Well, I’ll just clean up and see what happens. Then I’ll be out of your hair.”

  “Clair, I really don’t mind. I’d just be sitting in that chair over there, flipping through the one hundred plus channels of mindless television I have. Believe me, you’re much better company.” Alex stepped back into the hall and opened a closet door, pulling out a towel and washcloth. The room adjacent from the kitchen was the bathroom and she could hear him moving things around before coming back out, smiling. “You’re all set. I’ll just be in the living room, watching TV.”

  “Thank you,” Clair said sincerely. “I’ll be real quick.”

  Alex smiled, “Take your time.”

  Closing the door, Clair immediately felt the doorknob for the lock. Twisting it into place, she turned the handle to test it; it worked. She was still a little leery of Alex, even though she felt deep down he was a caring guy. He had a genuine way about him. But even that didn’t stop her from peeking out from behind the shower curtain to make sure the door still remained locked. What if he had a key? she thought, paranoia sinking in.

  The shower was refreshing. Her last effort at hygienic maintenance was a handful of water splashed in her face at a bathroom in a restaurant at a truck stop. She was thankful for the extra change of clothes in her bag because the shirt she was wearing was covered with blood and destined for the trash.

  Wrapping the towel around her, Clair peeked in the mirror. She gasped at what she saw. Her bottom lip was swollen and split on both sides. Bruises started to form around her collarbone, along with a red ring around her neck. She could picture it happening all over again, Paul’s hands around her throat, cutting off her breath. She turned away from the mirror and hung her towel over the side of the tub, trying to block the man’s face from her mind. A wave of nausea washed over her and she opened the door to breathe in the cool air. The hot water and steam must have been getting to her. When she looked out, she saw Alex sitting on the couch, watching TV.

  He looked at her and smiled. “Feel better?”

  “Yes. Though I think you’re right, the soap and water didn’t make me look much better.” Clair approached him on the couch, then froze. Her mouth watered uncontrollably and she could feel her dinner coming up. With her hands over her mouth, she turned and ran for the bathroom. Slumping to the floor in front of the toilet, Clair barely made it before spewing the contents from her stomach.

  “Are you okay? Can I get you something?” she heard Alex ask.

  “Yes, please. Water would be good.”

  He came back and knelt down beside her. She sat up and took the glass from his hand and he swept the wet hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. He grabbed the wet washcloth from the bathtub and wiped Clair’s chin. She was embarrassed by all that he was doing for her.

  “Come on; let’s get you off this floor and on the couch,” he said, lifting her by the arm. He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked her to the couch. “Sit here, I’ll be right back.”

  Clair nodded and watched him walk around the house, each time emerging from a different room with something new stuck under his arm. How in the world, after six months of being on the road, did I luck out and find the most caring stranger I’ve ever met? she thought.

  “Here you go, sweetie,” Alex said, sitting next to her. He handed her a glass of water and a pack of crackers. “Maybe the crackers will help.”

  “Thanks,” she said, sipping from the glass. She nibbled on a cracker, the salt soothing her stomach. Tears began to fill her eyes, a mixture of embarrassment and dread, Clair turned away from
him. She had never felt so needy in all the time she’d been on her own. She’d already been through so much. Her life during the last six months on the road had exposed her to more than just what happened tonight, and she didn’t want to think about leaving. It wasn’t because of Alex; though his compassion and kindness were more than anyone had shown her before. Clair was tired of running. At first she had a reason—to get away, but now what was she running from? She just didn’t know anymore.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” Alex asked, moving closer to her.

  She felt his fingers lightly pull her chin toward him. Clair closed her eyes; releasing the flood of tears she had been trying to restrain. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, covering her face with her hands. Alex rubbed her back in a soothing gesture. Wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, she stiffened up, attempting to pull herself together, while giving Alex a faint smile. It was time for her to go. There was no need postponing it. She didn’t want to burden him any longer. Standing, she said, “I’m going to head out now. Thank you… for everything you’ve done for me tonight.” Clair walked over to the bathroom to gather up her things.

  “No, wait. Maybe you should stay, just a little longer; at least until morning. Or I could walk you home?”

  Clair turned and gave him a confident smile. “Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll be fine. Plus, you said those guys are long gone. So I should be okay.” With a firm voice, she made herself sound positive, when in truth, she wasn’t. Clair had no idea where those guys were. For all she knew, they were still waiting for her and there was no doubt that they would succeed if they got their hands on her again

  Alex moved toward her. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on and I’m not asking you to tell me. But it’s not safe out there. Plus, what do you think the police would do if they saw you on the street in that condition?”

  Clair hadn’t thought about that. What would the police do? Probably nothing, she thought. She shrugged her shoulders, “I’ll just have to make sure they don’t see me. It’s not hard, I’ve done it before.”