Mercy's Angels: Elizabeth

by Barbi Barnard

  “I have the Babysitter. You'll like it. It fits us. I'll fix you some juice if you don't want beer.”

  I know he is up to something. The Babysitter isn't a movie I want to watch. I would never think seducing a married man was a good thing. The rating is an R so I know he picked it for the sex in it. I have a feeling tonight is going to be a long one with no sleep. I hear him coming in again.

  “Here's your juice. Hurry up, the movie starts soon.” His voice is toxic to me. It actually makes my skin crawl. I slowly put my books away as he watches me. Can't he go into the living room? I hate having him in my room. It's like he is contaminating it. I stand to place the books in my bag and he reminds me to drink my juice. If that doesn't send up a warning sign nothing else will. I grab the glass and bring it to my mouth. His eyes light up. I don't drink it, I just keep my lips closed and swallow. I lick the remains off my top lip and taste alcohol. He is a first class low-life.

  I follow him to the den and sit as far away as possible. He is watching me out of the corner of his eyes. It makes me so nervous. My mouth is dry, but I can't drink the juice. Wish he would just pass out and die. Maybe I could spill it or something. “Where's the popcorn?” I ask to get him out of the room.

  “I'll go make it. Finish your juice and I'll get you more.”

  “Just pour another glass and I'll drink it soon. Too much and I'll need the bathroom.”

  As soon as he left the room I poured it into the corner of the chair. I'll have to clean it later. I left a bit in it so it looks like I just drank it and not dumped it. As soon as he comes back, his eyes go straight to the juice glass. A smile appears on his face but is quickly covered up. He hands me a bowl of popcorn and we sit in silence while the movie plays. This is a disgusting movie. If he was a decent man he would know I shouldn't watch this. He has his hand in his pants and isn't even trying to be discreet. I feel so UN-comfortable. I just want to get out of here. I stand to leave and his voice stops me.

  “Where you going? The movie just started.”

  “I need the bathroom and I want to change into my sweats. It won't take long.”

  “Well just hurry. I don't want you to miss the good parts.”

  Good parts my aunt fanny. I stay in the bathroom as long as I can. He is calling me. Stupid man thinks he's funny asking if I fell in. As I walk to my room I look at the pictures on the wall and I see the photo of my parents on their wedding day. I miss daddy so much. I wish he didn't die and leave mom so lonely. I see the photo of me and mom last Christmas. It wasn't a great one, but I love her smile. I know this will be the last time I see these photos. I can't stay here if he's here. He's calling again.

  “Just going to change. I'll be right there.”

  I change without any problems and make my way back to the den. I see he has moved my juice glass and popcorn to the coffee table next to his. He pats the couch next to him. “Come sit here. If you fall asleep at least you'll be comfortable.”

  I can't think of a way to refuse so I sit on the end and curl up. He hands me my juice and popcorn. I fake another drink and set it down.

  “You’re not drinking much of your juice.”

  “I just brushed my teeth and it tastes horrible right now. I'll give it a bit to go away and then finish.”

  He nods his head and leaves it alone. He goes back to watching and I fake a yawn and try to look sleepy. I close my eyes, but try to listen for anything he might do. I feel something on me and my eyes shoot open. He is leaning over me with a blanket.

  “Calm down girl. I am just putting a blanket on you.”

  I give a little smile and close my eyes again. He is so creepy. The movie is still going and it just gets worse the longer it goes on. I snuggle down and try to pretend to be asleep. It doesn't take long and I can hear him unzipping his pants. He is grunting. So gross. I want to throw up. He is calling my name softly, but I won't answer him. He calls me a little louder and I fake a snore. I feel him get off the couch and I hear the TV go off. Thank heavens he gave up.

  He takes a hold of my legs and stretches them out. I try to relax, but it's so hard knowing he's touching me at all. I know he's still close. I have my eyes closed so I'm not sure how close. Then it happens. He lays right on me. His hand grabs my boob and the other has my hip. His weight has me trapped and it's hard to get a breath. I try wiggling to get him off of me. “Oh yeah, baby. Rub on me. I know you’re ready”

  I think I am going to puke. His breath stinks and he's pushing my shirt up. I scream as loud as I can. “Get off of me you pervert.”

  He puts his hand over my mouth and I panic. I bite with everything I have. The sound of his yelp is so welcoming. Then he hits me. Right across the face. I actually see stars. My face feels like it is on fire. He lets up a little and I take a chance. I raise up enough for leverage and push hard. He falls back some, but only to the side of me. I have to get up and the blanket isn't helping. I struggle and fall on the floor. He is right behind me. Grabbing my leg and slowing down my escape. He only has one leg in his grasp. I use the other and kick out hard. I'm free. He's off me. I hear a thud, but I don't look as I run to my room.

  I place my robe on the door corner and shut it tight. Using the door stop I wedge it as hard as I can under the door. I know it won't keep him out but it will slow him down. I touch the letter to mom on the back of the door. I wrote it months ago just for this. If Dennis finds it, he will never let her see it. I told her everything. She might not believe me, but if she asks him, maybe it won’t be all lies he tells her. She will have to ask where I'm at sooner or later. I hope. I grab my bag and what little money I have and I leave through the window. I don't even look back.

  ***

  It's a short walk back to the Pen. The parking lot is full and the sound of the juke box can be heard over the din of voices. Sounds like a good time for the customers. I slip in the side door and make my way to the office. Checking the cameras, I see we have a full house and it's all going well. Sarah has the bar going fine and the girls are working the floor. That little Welks girl needs a longer dress, but I don't feel like fighting her tonight. If that girl’s dress gets any shorter, we will all see her belly button. I need a drink and to forget. I trust Tiffi to handle anything and I think I can play opossum for a change. Locking the door, I lay on the couch and finish my drink. Sleep finds me without any dreams.

  Morning comes and with it a shiver in my spine. Something is coming, I just don't know what. I'll handle it like everything else in life. Head held high and with my big girl panties on. I've never ran from trouble since I ran from home. And with that thought the memories come flooding back.

  ***

  I hid in Old Man Coopers house for three days. I blocked the window in the bathroom with a black trash bag so I could turn the light on. I made sure to only do things when the neighbors were at work. No radio or TV so it stayed quiet. I would have stayed longer, but the Realtor showed up and I had to hide outside. I listened as he told another person to empty the house and rip up the carpets. He had a buyer and he needed it cleaned. They were going to start in the morning.

  I wasn't proud of it, but as I gathered my things I snooped. I found a couple hundred dollars stashed in a Bible on the bedside table. I took it. Felt guilty for weeks about it. I set the alarm for five am and slept fitfully that night. By five-thirty I was on my way to the other side of town away from everything and anybody I knew. I was scared, but was not going to show it.

  It didn't take long to learn the street rules. Stay out of places during the day. You could sit in a diner for an hour or so then you got funny looks. You could sleep in a hospital waiting room at night if you used a different floor every time. Libraries were good on rainy days. If you didn't act scared or nervous people didn't notice you. Scared… I was. Just sixteen and on my own. I got a job in a laundry mat and that helped. At least I could wash up and clean my clothes. The left behind box added to my wardrobe some. I met a couple other kids on the street and I didn't feel so alone. I did
n't know their story and didn't tell mine. One girl liked a guy on a motorcycle. When he came looking for her, he would be with his friend. That guy was nice. He would let us shower at his father’s club house. Oh how a hot shower could feel so good after sink bathing for weeks. I lived on the streets for almost seven months before I was caught.

  The rumble of the bikes coming down the street had Lauren smiling. She's going with her friend to a party at the club today. I see Greg and wave. He waves back and parks his bike. “Got any plans today?

  “Oh yeah. Lots. Going to have tea with the President at noon.” his smirk is so cute. If I wasn't hiding and had a better personality maybe he could see me differently.

  “Come to the club today. There's a big party going on all day. Plenty of food and you can shower and sleep in my room tonight. There will be so many people no one will notice.”

  The thought of a long hot shower and free food was a dream. My money ran out long ago and I was always hungry. The only drawback was the other men around. Lauren said they have sex right out in the open. Just grab a girl, lift her dress and bend her over. I was still a virgin and I wanted to stay that way.

  “I don't know. I heard stories about your parties. Not the kind of thing I want to be a part of.”

  “That's why you can use my room. I have to leave in a bit and won't be back for two weeks. I'll help you out and show you around, then you can hide.”

  It did sound good. Shower with hot water. Eat free food and nap in a real bed. Oh how good it sounded. “Are you sure no one will bother me? I don't want any trouble. I would love to wash my hair and shower.”

  “Good. It's settled. Grab your bag and let's go.”

  I did get some great food. There was tons. I ate till I was full and Greg filled another plate and covered it for me. Said I could eat it later. He was going to walk me to his room when someone called his name. He gave me a little shove and told me to look for Clayton on the door. Help myself and no one would bother me unless I came out. He said he would check on me in a couple of weeks when he got back. I saw the name and slipped inside, locked the door, and took a deep breath. The room was filthy, but it was also mine for the night. Would have been helpful if he told me there were two rooms with Clayton on the door.

  Chapter Two

  As I sit here with my coffee I try to put on a smile and convince everyone I am fine. Burying Charlie hit me hard. He was my friend, my confidant. He stayed here after the Angels left and never blinked an eye. He knew all my dark secrets and never brought them up. Never treated me any different. I'm going to miss him so much. I need to thank those who made the arrangements. I sure wasn't capable of it. I haven't been capable of much this week. All I seemed to do is cry or sleep.

  “Good morning momma. How you doing today?” I smile up at Tiffi as she dances her way into the kitchen. Her energy levels are high and just increase as the day goes on.

  “I'm better baby. I have decided to stop mourning Charlie and to celebrate his life.”

  “Oh momma, I'm so happy for you. I was worried about you.”

  “I am going to be just fine. I will find a way to remember him without it being painful to my heart. Now, how are you? You doing okay with this?”

  “Yeah, I'm good. Nick was a help. I was a little sad that Match couldn't find any family for Charlie. I guess we were it. Makes me appreciate you and Greg more. “

  “Well thank you, baby. Can you explain the Kenneth comment? Why was he looking for family?”

  “I'm sorry if I overstepped. I asked Match to look for any of Charlie’s family when he died. I thought they should know. Seems he didn't have any to speak of. Match found his will and contacted his lawyer. And he also arranged the honor guard for the funeral. I thought it best not to bother you. You were a little distracted at the time.”

  “Baby, a little distracted doesn't even begin to describe me. Thank you for everything you've done this week. And I will make sure to thank Kenneth also.”

  I watch as she grabs her coffee and a jelly roll. She looks so happy since she and Greg found each other. To think I raised his daughter and never knew. Well, he didn't either. “You ever going to call Greg dad?”

  My question must’ve startled her because she gets the deer in the head lights look. “Uh, change of subject, wasn't it? Why would you ask that?”

  “Just curious I guess.”

  “Well no, probably not. He's more the older good friend. Besides. I got a Momma. Why do I need a dad? Gotta go. Love ya.”

  I laugh as she rushes out of the room and I can hear Beast trying to get traction on the slick floor to catch up. She sure didn't want to open that can. I kind of like that she doesn't claim him as dad. Technically that would make me her step-grandmother and I don’t want that can opened at my age. At forty-six I can be a momma, but I am not ready to be a Grandmother at all. My girls came potty-trained and housebroke.

  I finish my coffee and make my way to the bar. I grab the best bottle of whiskey we have and head to the back of the building. My first stop is Kenneth, to thank him for his help. I don't find him so I leave the bottle and a quick note. I wave at Tiffi as I go to my own office to do the paper work for the Pen and write out the paychecks. It keeps me busy til lunch.

  When my stomach growls I decide to feed it. I haven't had an appetite, but it seems to have returned. There is an aroma coming from the kitchen that makes me pick up my steps. Someone can cook and cook well. I find Candi with her arms crossed leaning on the wall. There is a large, young black man at the grill and she is watching him. From her look I can't tell if this is a problem or not. I walk into the room and grab her attention. “Something smells really good.”

  “You can say hello to your new cook. This is Mooki and he knows his way around a kitchen. Mooki, this is your boss unless you poison her. Meet Miss Elizabeth.”

  The young man wipes his hands and smiles brightly. “Glad to meet you. Hope you’re hungry because I don't know how to cook small meals.” His laugh is beautiful.

  “Yes, I'm hungry and there are plenty of people to feed, so we don't have much waste. And Beast will handle any leftovers if we do.”

  “Why don't you go sit and I will get everything on the table for you to choose from.” I'm a little confused what he means by choose. I sit and watch as dish after dish is set on the table. There are three meats and six vegetables. There are rolls and biscuits. I see a pie and a cobbler on the side board. I look at Candi and see her grinning.

  “Miss Elizabeth, what would you like to drink?” I see Mooki pushing a cart with what looks to be pitchers of tea and ice water. I am slightly shocked by the amount of food on the table. I was expecting to grab a sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch.

  “Water will be fine, Mooki. Is anybody going to join me or am I going to eat all this alone?” Once again Candi grins and waves her phone at me. I see her hold up her hand and slowly lower her fingers one at a time. By the time she has only one finger left I hear boots clomping down the hall and Beast barking.

  As some of the guys round the corner, I see shoving and good-natured swears can be heard. I hear comments from all of them as they see the food.

  “Wow!”

  “That's some spread.”

  “Is today a special day?”

  Tiffi can always be counted on to make me smile. “Momma, did you get hungry?”

  “Y'all come join me and give this food a taste test. We have a young man wanting to work here, so he fixed a little something for lunch. If you like it, he gets the job.” I wink at Mooki so he understands his employment is a done deal. I take a small spoon of each dish and the flavors are remarkable. Not a lot of talk goes on after the first bite. Everyone makes grunts and groans of approval. I notice the food is almost gone and some of the guys haven't come in yet. I think they missed out on a great meal.

  As I finish my plate, Mooki hands me a plate with a dollop of cobbler and a sliver of pie. Fresh blueberries covered in cream is a favorite and the cobbler crust is more cake li
ke than pie shell. The pie is peanut butter. Both are so good. “Mooki, I can honestly say that unless one of us drops dead in the next couple hours, the job is yours. We can talk hours and pay in the office.” The smile on his face is big and bright.

  “Thank you. While you finish I will clean up a little and cover the rest for the others when they get time to eat.”

  I look around the table and see my friends and family. It brings a happy beat to my heart. I have so much to be thankful for. I see Greg, Nick, and Kenneth come in. The sad look on their faces as they notice the empty bowls and crumbs on the plates is funny. Kenneth is the first to speak up. “Were you boys hungry? You didn't save a bite for your Pres?” Candi and I both laugh, but it is her that goes to the window and asks for three plates for the latecomers. Dish after dish is placed on the pass through and Candi replaces the empties. As the food fills the table, Kenneth gives me a nod to acknowledge his note and gift. Greg and Nick waste no time filling their plates and I watch with a smile as Stephen gets slapped for reaching for the rolls.

  Doing the paperwork and details with Mooki doesn't take but an hour. He's a single father and would like to work days. I can agree to that as we'll have a second cook for the bar. We go over menus and he signs for his Play Pen credit card to pay for purchases. Just as we are finishing up, I hear a knock on the door and Kenneth lets himself in. He’s carrying a tablet and looks a little sheepish.

  “Excuse me, Elizabeth, Candi said you were hiring today. I was wondering if you mind me getting the fingerprints and I need to know where to allow access in the building.”

  Mooki looks a little unsettled until we tell him about how security works. He gladly does the scan for his prints and says he sees no reason to ever leave the kitchen or dining areas unless it’s to go to the bar after his shift. Kenneth taps on his screen and nods to his findings. He must be happy, as he slaps Mooki on the back and mumbles something about good food. Mooki smiles and tells me he needs to finish in the kitchen and plan for tomorrow’s meal.