by Robyn, Amy
One day father came home from work early. He was starting to do that more and more. I thought nothing of it. He brought me presents all the time and would sit beside me while I still had my cast on. Now that it was off, I was excited. I just knew he was coming home early to take me somewhere to celebrate.
He came home that day and sat me down.
“You know the woman you thought was your mother isn't?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Who is then?” I asked thinking it must have been a woman before her.
“Your blood was tested in the hospital because you have a rare blood type. I am also not your father. I think she kidnapped you and said I was your father so I would have to marry her. You see I was already planning to marry someone else. A woman of great standing. She ruined that for me with her claim.” He had said.
I remember I started crying at that point. I didn't want it to be true. Even though she had shown me no love. My father had and I was terrified of losing that love. He pulled me into his lap and wiped my tears away. It wasn't until he pulled my head back and started kissing me that I knew that something wasn't right. I was very naive for my age because I had been so sheltered. Even I knew you didn't do this with a girl my age. I knew it was wrong. Even if I am not his daughter by blood. I had still felt it in my heart. Well, until that day anyway.
There is a knock on the bathroom door that pulls me out of that painful memory.
“Yes.” I say. I clear my throat and wipe the tears from my eyes. You would think, I would be immune after all of the tears I have shed, due to that memory. No such luck.
“It's me, Sam. I brought up some clothes for you.” She says through the door. I climb out of the tub. I wrap a towel around my hair and another around my body. I check my reflection to make sure that my crying jag isn't noticeable. I open the door to Sam and step into the bedroom.
She grabs me and wraps her arms around me and releases a shuddering breath. I must have had her very scared. I feel bad that any of this happened. All of us have been through enough in our lives. We deserve to have comfortable lives now.
There are reasons our group has bonded beyond that of a normal friendship. We are all survivors. We met in group counseling. Sam had been abused by a psycho boyfriend. He tried to kill her when she broke things off. It took her a long time to start dating again and now look at her. She is getting married soon. Maybe there is hope for me.
I think about Forest and I think that maybe some day we may be able to have normal lives together. He is sweet and I feel very safe with him. Logically, I know it is too soon to feel that way, yet I do. He makes me crave normalcy.
She pulls away first and looks me in the eyes.
“Did they hurt you?” She asks. I nod my head.
“Did they rape you?” I shake my head no. She breathes out a sigh of relief.
“Did they molest you?” I nod my head. One did. He was a monster. I can guarantee I am not the first he treated this way. If I hadn't been a virgin to be sold intact, I know he would have raped me. Things could have been so much worse and were, I am sure, for other women. He needs to be stopped. They all do.
“I am sorry, sweetie.” She says as she holds me and sways back and forth in a attempt to comfort me and it works fairly well.
“I am actually okay.” It is the truth. For some reason it doesn't seem to bother me as much as it should. Maybe it will hit me later. I wonder if it has to do with sharing my emotions with Forest. Forest. Just the thought of him sends butterflies dancing in my belly. Shouldn't I fear him? I have every other man I have ever met. He has only kissed me once and it was closed mouth. It didn't scare me in the least. I actually enjoyed it very much. He hasn't tried to be intimate with me. That will be telling.
I had begun to think that I would never be with a man, but now I think it just may be possible. I think Forest can help me overcome just about anything. Isn't that strange? I feel this way after only just meeting him. I just knew that from the first time our eyes met, everything felt right. Like my world was finally on it's axis.
I walk over to the neatly folded stack of clothes and start dressing. I am not embarrassed to be seen naked by Sam. She is like a sister. I am so thankful that she remembered the little things like bra and panties. She even brought my comfy socks I like to wear around the house without shoes.
When I am finished dressing she comes over and hugs me again.
“I was so scared.” She whispers to me.
“I am okay now.” I smile up at her.
“You could come and stay with me. I know men make you uncomfortable.” Any other time she would be right and I would gladly leave with her. This was very different.
“I can't explain it, Sam. I feel as though I have known him my entire life. When he touches me, I don't panic.” I shrug my shoulders and continue.
“I want to see where this can go. I know it isn't like me. I know it is going to cause you to worry, but don't. I want to be here.” I finish as Sam starts laughing joyfully.
“I never thought I would hear those words come from you. I am happy for you. Graham has always had nice things to say about Forest.” I smile at her.
“Well Shelby likes him, and that cat hates everyone but you.” Sam says with a smirk. If only she knew why that is. I start brushing the tangles from my hair. I look in the mirror and notice that there isn't even a scar to show any of the damage that had been done to me lips. I run my finger across them.
The vision hits me like a sledge hammer. The monster forcing his way into my mouth. The nasty taste of semen and blood. I can't...
I barely make it to the toilet in time to throw up. Sam squats beside me and pulls my hair away from my face. She rubs my back gently as I empty my stomach. I haven't had much to eat in days so it doesn't take long. My stomach still tries to expel what is already gone. I dry heave until I feel him behind me. He calms me. How does he do that?
“Are you okay?” He puts a wet wash cloth to my mouth. All I can do is nod. My stomach cramps again, but I do not retch this time. Sam moves away as he lifts me off of the cold tile. I stop him before he can take me out of the room.
“Please. I want to brush my teeth again.” He sits me down on the sink and hands me my toothbrush. He spreads some paste across it. I love how he takes care of me. It makes me feel cherished. Nobody has ever done that for me, not even my parents. Not that they were my true parents, but they never really took care of me.
I put the brush in my mouth and start scrubbing out the awful taste until it feels clean again. He fills a cup of water and hands it to me. I look over at Sam who is watching all of this. Her mouth is practically hanging open. Now she sees why it is so important for me to at least give this a try.
He kisses my cheek before picking me up and carrying me to his bed. He lays me down and steps back. I sit up.
“I'm fine, Forest.” I tell him.
“You were throwing up.” He looks at me as if I missed that.
“I know, but it was from remembering something..... Not from being physically sick.” I look away from his penetrating gaze. It always feels as though he can see everything in me. Who knows? He probably can. He runs a finger down my cheek and I look up at him. Butterflies in my stomach take flight at the devotion I see reflected in his eyes. He leans in to press his lips to mine, but my stomach makes a loud grumble. It's letting me know I just threw up the very little I have had in two days.
“I am hungry, I guess.” The corner of his mouth turns up in an almost smile.
“Are you sure you can eat?” He pulls back so that he can see me better. I nod my head. He helps me off of the bed.
“My mother is here so I am sure she is cooking. Let's go see how long it will be.” He leads me out the room. I look back in time to see Sam following us out. She catches my eye and gives two thumbs up and a wink. I almost laugh. I think that's her way of showing she approves.
Chapter 7.
I can feel her distress as I am already walking up the stairs to
get her. I run the rest of the way to find her kneeling over the toilet. I take care of her the same way my mother would take care of me when I was sick. I wet a wash cloth and put it to her mouth. Sam moves aside and I take her place.
I have no idea what I am doing with her. I have never had to take care of anyone before. I have never dated and actually avoided anyone but family, for as long as I can remember. My family was never sick and in need of my help, in this way. Now, I am wishing I had some experience.
Part of me wants to keep her up here and to myself. I know that will not work when her stomach growls. God damn it. I almost started kissing her instead of taking care of her as I should be doing. I lead her down and into the kitchen. Mom turns and sees us.
“Oh my goodness. She is so pretty. Isn't she pretty Dagen?” My father steps up beside her.
“Indeed she is.” He puts his hand out.
“I am Dagen. Forest's father.” She tentatively takes his hand.
“It's nice to meet you.” She says timidly. He frowns at how scared she seems. I will have to talk to him later.
“I am Leah. Forest's mom.” She steps forward and wraps her arms around her. Emma gasps at first and then hugs her back. When mom steps away I notice how shiny Emma's eyes are.
“What smells so good?” I ask my mom so that the attention is off of Emma a bit.
“I thought I would make chicken and dumplings. It's a good comfort food. We could all use a little comfort.” She opens the pot and gives the contents a stir.
“You two go sit down. It is nearly done and I will bring you a bowl.” She waves us off toward the table. I pull out a chair for Emma, and then I sit down beside her. I pull my chair close to hers, so that I can feel her heat. I need to feel her near me. I kiss her cheek before turning to my father who has taken a seat across from us.
“The boys tell me you're a Psion and didn't know it.” That's my dad. He cuts to the chase.
“Yes sir, I had never heard of a Psion before today.” She says shyly. He leans forward to take her hand and she flinches away. My father's jaw ticks as he looks over at me. I give him a slight nod to let him know that I am aware that she has been abused some how. It's one of the many things that make us perfect for one another. We are both damaged.
“Your parents didn't tell you?” Dad asks.
“No sir, I was kidnapped as a baby. The people who raised me had no idea.” She ducks her head and dad looks deep in thought.
“When did you find out you had a gift?” He asks.
“I was fourteen.” She says it just above a whisper. I can tell she doesn't like to talk about this. I take her hand and show her that I am there for her no matter what. She looks up at me through her red bangs and smiles at me. My girl is strong.
“I think I know whose child you are.” Her head snaps around to pins him in place.
“Really?” She sounds scared and anxious.
“I will contact them. Their daughter went missing twenty six years ago. How old are you?” He asks.
“Twenty seven, sir.” He thinks about it for a moment.
“That sounds about right.” He states.
“Do you really think it is possible to find my parents after so long?” She looks between the two of us as she says this.
“The Psion community is close knit. We are in constant communication with each other. We even have a notice board website. It is where we announce upcoming births and news.” He looks up at me and winks before getting up and walking over to help mom carry bowls over to the table. I am starving and I can imagine Emma is also. They couldn't have fed her well in that hell hole.
They set the bowls in front of us and we both dig in. She seems to be in such a hurry that she burns her tongue. I take the spoon from her. I dip it into her bowl and pull out. I pull it up to my mouth and blow on it. I dip my bottom lip into it to test the temperature and then I move it to her mouth. She sucks the spoon into her mouth, never breaking eye contact with me. I keep feeding her until the bowl is empty.
Only as I let the spoon falls into the bowl with a clatter do I realize that everyone is watching us. I had forgotten that there was anyone else here in that moment. It was only the two of us. I look around at everyone who had been busy and stopped everything to watch us. I growl at them. Which brings Blue running in to check on us.
“Blue.” She wraps her arms around him and he rests his head on her shoulder. It is such a touching sight.
“He missed you.” I tell her. She runs her hand down his back to the nub of his tail.
“I missed you too.” She says, as she takes comfort in his familiar warmth. I watch them and enjoy the peace they give each other. I have never witnessed such a symbiotic relationship. Both of them comforting the other and taking comfort so beautifully. This is the reason I am more partial to dogs, although I love all animals. A dog is a true symbol of loyalty and unconditional love.
“Eat up son.” Only when mom mentions it, do I realize I had abandoned my own food to make sure she could eat. I dig back in and finish the bowl.
“Are you still hungry dear? There is plenty.” Mother asks Emma. Emma smiles shyly at her.
“I would love a little more.” Emma moves away from Blue but mom has already grabbed her bowl. Mom hums as she fills her bowl and and brings it back to the table. Emma reaches for it. I take her hand.
“Let me.” I say as I lift the spoon and feed her again. I enjoy it. The feelings it provokes in me. My protective instincts have kicked in full force. I will do anything to keep her safe so that she never suffers anything worse than a head ache for the rest of our lives. Yes, I am already planning a future with my One. I would never have believed it even a week ago.
Blue barks and happily lays down at our feet as I feed her. Again I lose myself in the motion and watching her eat and the soft slurping sounds she makes. Her soft lips pressing into the spoon is making my body react. I shift a little to alleviate some pressure. It does no good.
When she is finished I drop the spoon into the bowl and I lean in and lick a drop from her lips. She squeaks and my father clears his throat. Fuck, I keep forgetting others are around.
“I am taking off. Sarah will be angry if I'm not home before it's time for bed.” I roll my eyes.
Each of my brothers decide it is time to leave. Sam decides to give Graham a ride home so she can visit with Kristen. Each one comes over and hugs my woman. It makes her tense each time which makes me growl at them. They think it is from jealousy, but I can feel her anxiety. She does not like men touching her.
When they all leave except my parents, my father pulls me aside.
“You know you have to take your time with her? She is as skittish as a baby colt.” He says as he makes sure we are out of ear shot.
“I know dad. I can feel her emotions.” I tell him.
“Really?” He is stunned.
“Yes, We can even talk telepathically.” His jaw drops open.
“You two are that connected?” I nod. I feel it is more of a statement than a question.
“She must be powerful. I definitely know who her parents are. They are third generation of both parents being Psion.” That gets me. I know who he is talking about. They are the most powerful Psions in the world.
“The McMahon's had a daughter?” I ask in surprise.
“Yes, When you were just a baby. They were in New York visiting friends when a rash of kidnappings happened. She was taken from a park where her brothers were playing.” She has siblings. I hope she takes this well. It is scary. I will be with her every step of the way.
“Call them dad. Get them here. It will give us more people protecting her also. You know they are going to be after her?” I tell him. He nods his head in understanding.
“We will not let them have her, son. You can count on all of our help. I will call them as soon as we leave.” He pulls me into a big hug.
“I am so glad you found each other. Maybe this will help heal both of you.” He knows. I don't know why that is
surprising, but it is. I just nod. I am unable to speak. I am thankful I have my parents. They are loving and nurturing. I couldn't have asked for better.
We walk back over to the women who are talking quietly. Mom has her arm around Emma and Emma has watery eyes. Whatever mom has said to her has touched her heart enough to bring tears to her eyes. I feel nothing but pride at seeing them get along.
“Come, dear. Lets get you home and in to bed, old man.” My mom says as she gets up and walks toward us. She stops and kisses me on the cheek.
“Call if you need us.” She says as she takes my dad's hand.
“Nice meeting you, Emma. I am sure we will be getting to know each other plenty.” He puts his hand out and waits for her to gently place her hand in his. He gives it a shake and lets go. He doesn't want to spook her again. Good man, my dad.
When they leave. I clean up the dishes quickly as Emma puts away the left overs. We work in sync as one unit. This is so comfortable. For some reason I always thought it would be awkward until we got to know one another, but this is anything but awkward. Love, it has to be love. It is too powerful to be anything less.
When we are finished I lead her back upstairs and into my room. She pulls a pair of pajamas out of her bag and goes into the bathroom to dress. I change into my pajama bottoms just before she comes back out.
“I can't bear for you to be in another room. If you are uncomfortable sharing a bed I can sleep on the floor.” I let her know.
“I don't mind you in the bed. I don't want to be alone right now.” I pull the blanket and sheet back and climb in one side as she follows on the opposite side. I turn off the bed side lamp and move closer to her.
“Can I hold you? I promise I will not try for more.” She reaches for me and that's all the answer I need. I pull her into me and wrap my arms around her. She nuzzles into my shoulder and breathes against my neck. It feels so good having her in my arms.
