Mercy's Angels: Elizabeth

by Barbi Barnard

  We both moan and I hear a laugh from Match. I look at him and see him watching me. “Go after what you want, make it feel good for you. I want to see you come undone.”

  I pull him down to me, kissing him with everything I have as Greg moves in that slow dance of pleasure. I never thought I would enjoy sex. This is a dream and I am loving it. I feel Greg swelling and his hand plays with my clit to set me off with him. I break the kiss with Match and look him in the eye. With a powerful thrust back onto Greg we both fall over the cliff together.

  I lay there with a sheen of sweat on me. I feel my wetness under me on Greg’s legs. As he softens and pulls out I can feel his cum also. I need a shower and to clean this up. Match is still watching me and he must be a mind reader, he lifts me and carries me to the bathroom.

  “Let me clean you up.” He starts the shower and never puts me down. Stepping in he holds me so the water rinses my lap. With a dexterity I’ll never have he changes my position. He washes me tenderly as he holds me to his chest. I allow myself the chance to kiss him.

  His kisses make me regret nothing. I feel his hard cock between us and I want him. “Match. Please.” He knows what I want without me saying a word. He presses me against the shower wall and enters me slowly. He is larger than I thought and it’s been a long time, my body is tight. His groan of enjoyment is mixed with my own. I hear him cuss and try not to laugh. With a sharp thrust he is seated all the way and I clench tightly. With tongues and teeth, we nip and bite as we dance to our fulfillment. I feel wanted and cherished. I feel whole. No embarrassment at all, I scream out a release that has him coming with me.

  As the water cools he puts me down and steadies me until I get my legs to work. I quickly rinse off and move so he can. He pulls my chin up and kisses me sweetly. He turns the water off and grabs the towels from the shelf. Wrapping me in one, he dries himself. As we enter the bedroom I see clean sheets on the bed and Greg has coffee made. He hands me a cup and bends to kiss me, also.

  “Good morning, Sweet.” I look at him and then Match. With a steady voice I tell them, “Best morning ever.” I get sandwiched into hugs as I hear them laugh.

  ***

  We all go our separate ways to get our workday started. I seem to have an extra burst of energy today and maybe it has something to do with the wake-up I had or maybe just a feeling of freedom. I finish the daily sheets quickly and decide to ride to town to do a bit of shopping. I pick up the sticky notes to see if there are any for town. Making mental lists of where to go I grab my keys and cards and I am on my way.

  First stop is the post office. The mail came that Greg told me about. I sent it straight to my lawyer without opening it. I don’t need to do anything but sign the papers for the divorce. I have no desire to read anything he might have included. To think I can change my name and be free from that part of my past.

  I drive the two blocks to the quaint main street we have. Paved with bricks from the original settlers it has that small town feel. Everything you need can be found in the small shops lining the street. We have a bakery, jewelry shops, pawn brokers and music stores. Accounting services next door to a computer repair shop. Need a formal dress? You can find it also. And if you want, the dress shop has some very nice intimate apparel as well. I need the drug store and then maybe the coffee shop.

  Grabbing my favorite body wash and finding a stock of the matching body spray I grab extra as it isn’t always carried. I check the pharmacy to see if Tiffi’s prescription is needed yet. A few more items weigh my basket down and I decide I have enough. Standing in line I see Judge Butler and the light bulb in my head flashes. I hurry to him and ask if he has time for a coffee. With a quick nod we check out and head to the café.

  Grabbing two coffee’s I make my way through the aisle and to an empty table. “Elizabeth, you’re looking radiant as ever. Thank you for the coffee.” His words send a blush rushing to my cheeks. “What can I do for you? Anything that gets me invited to Sunday dinner?” I laugh at his remark.

  “You're welcome to dinner any day, not just Sunday. We have a new cook and a baker to make your mouth water with just one sniff. You really should come and check out the feast we have each and every day. But, there is a favor I’m looking for, if you are free. I need someone to perform a wedding on Saturday in the chapel at the Play Pen. Two of my employees are wanting a small low-key wedding with no fan fair.”

  I see him checking his phone and figure he's looking at his calendar. He nods his head and closes out of his phone. “I’m free up until seven p.m. Have them come to my office tomorrow for the paper work and I expect dinner Sunday.” Laughing, I agree to send them on. We chat about other trivial things until his break is over. Checking his watch, he gathers his things and stands. I follow suit and shake hands. With a “see ya Sunday” he is off to finish his business day. I send a quick text to Sarah about the paper work and directions to the office. They need to get there so the three-day waiting period isn’t a problem.

  Hearing my stomach growl, I decide to order lunch. Looking around at how crowded it is now, I get it to go with a coffee refill. The park is just at the end of the block and has benches for a nice place for a picnic. The walk doesn’t take long and I find myself smiling at everyone I pass on my way.

  Sitting here under the shade of an old oak tree, I can people watch, as I eat. I see an older couple huddled together looking over papers. Are they planning a vacation? Maybe reading the side effects of a new medication? You never know someone else’s story. The young woman looking haggard with the stroller and the chemistry book. Is she a young mother trying to get ready for a test, or maybe just babysitting to pay for school? The young boy hiding half-way in the bushes. Is he having trouble making friends, or is he playing hide and seek? You can see it all in full color from a park bench on a sunny afternoon. Before I realize it, it’s late afternoon and I have spent all day just watching the world.

  I make my way back to the truck and once again get distracted by a “sale” sign. My favorite store has a big sale and I’m a sucker for it.

  A little later and a lot lighter in my bank account, I finally get to my truck. I fill the back seat with my bags and smile big. It’s been forever since I did anything just for myself. It feels wonderful. I went way overboard on spending. It’s a nice feeling, knowing I don’t have to answer to anyone on what I spend or how I spend it. I may never wear some of the things I bought, but they were cute in the store and I couldn’t resist. Laughing at my thoughts, I head to the Pen. Happy with my day, I wave to everyone I see.

  Turning into the drive of the Play Pen I see the parking lot is filling up. It’s dart night and I was out later than I thought. I drive to the side and park next to the patio. Looking into the rear view mirror I groan as I think of the multiple trips I may have to make. Pulling on my big girl panties, I get out and open the back. Loading my arms up, I use my hip and ass to close the door.

  I find Belinda and Miss Rae on the patio reading. I say my hellos and Belinda jumps down to catch the door for me. ” Thank you so much sweet girl. Are you having a good day?”

  She turns pink instantly. “Yes ma’am. I am learning my words.” She is so sweet. Reminds me of Jenni at that age. So happy to be a big girl and to go to school.

  “Study hard and you can be anything you want when you’re grownup.” I hurry inside before her little arms wear out holding the door. I can hear the thumping of the juke box and skip along with the beat. Juggling my purchases, I fumble to open the door when a hand grabs me from behind.

  I am slammed into the wall. I feel my head hit hard. My vision blurs. Shaking and jerking has me going in different directions at once. I stumble and trip. Getting my wits about me, I hear yelling and screaming. I try to focus on what is being said.

  “Where the fuck do you think you have been?”

  “Huh.” What’s the problem? I only went to town.

  “God damn it woman, answer me!” Spit flies from his mouth. How did Richard get here? Why is
he mad?

  I don’t have a chance to answer. I struggle to get loose. I know what is coming next. I didn’t ask permission to leave. He’s mad. He thinks I told someone about him. Oh god where’s Jenni. Please let her be at school. I feel him shoving me into the room. I stumble again and his hold loosens. This is my chance. I need to run.

  The screaming. I hurt. So many hands on me. It all goes fuzzy. I go to the place in my mind where I can’t be hurt.

  ***

  I waken on the table. I feel the razor cutting up the drugs on my chest. I hear Axel sniffling. My legs are cramping from being tied down. I can’t feel my fingers anymore. How long have I been here this time?

  I try to gather my wits and get myself coherent. I don’t have that fuzzy feeling in my brain, so I don’t think they shot me up this time.

  Someone is arguing behind me. I hear someone saying they paid already.

  Axel is snorting powder and licking my chest. I gag at his smell.

  Phones are ringing. I hear cussing and yelling about trouble coming. Someone cuts the rope off my hands and feet. They are numb. I get shoved hard in the shoulder. “Get up and clean this shit storm up.”

  I stumble and fall as I try to get off the dining room table. The table I need to feed Jenni at tonight. Am I the only one that cares about that child?

  Laughter is heard as the door slams.

  I sit on the floor working the feeling back into my hands. Press hard onto the floor then release. Repeat over and over. It takes forever for the purple to go away and the blood to flow. The bite of circulation has me crying. At least with the pain I know I haven’t lost the use of my fingers. I still need to do my feet and legs. I lay on the floor while my body circulates the blood. Pain isn’t new to me.

  I turn my head and look at the mess. Beer cans litter the floor. Alcohol is dripping from the counters. Rolled up hundred dollar bills litter the floor like discarded straws. I search for the clock. I have less than three hours to get myself and the house cleaned. Jenni has dance class today after school. I need a mirror to see if I can go and watch her or sit in the car and wait. I bite through the pain and pull myself up.

  After two hours I have the mess cleared out and the house scrubbed clean again. Now to see about me. I make my way down the hall and to the bathroom. I have avoided looking at myself. I can’t take time for a pity party. This is my life. There is no end. One day Jenni won’t be able to be protected and that is my biggest fear. Until that day, I do what I must. Filling the tub with hot water, a box of Epson salt and a few cups of bleach, I let it fill. I turn to the sink for the inspection. The cuts aren’t deep. My face for once is bruise free. My neck is another matter. Looks like I’ll be wearing scarves again. Time to soak.

  ***

  “Momma, momma wake up. Please momma wake up.” Is that Jenni? Did I fall asleep in the tub?

  “Please help her, please help my momma.” Why do I need help?

  “I need her.” Is she in trouble? She sounds like she is in trouble.

  “I can’t do this without her. Momma please wake up.” I hear voices telling her to let me sleep. A man’s voice I can’t place tells her sleep is good for me. I like that idea. I don’t want to wake up. It’s peaceful here. Nothing hurts me here. I close my mind and go back to the bliss of sleep.

  ***

  A full bladder nudges me to wakefulness. A growling in my stomach brings me the rest of the way. I rub the sleep from my eyes and take notice that things aren’t as they should be. The light beside the dresser is on. I can’t ever remember turning that lamp on, since it’s more decorative than useful. The television is on a sports channel. Didn’t even know I have sports channels. The door to the sitting room is open with lights and muted sounds are coming from there. I am not in the habit of leaving lights and television’s on. I’m not suffering from a hangover, not that I notice yet.

  Attempting to sit up brings pain. Severe pain. I gasp and bite my lip. The chair creaking brings my head around to the side. Match is sitting up and leaning forward. “Slowly. You’ve been injured and need to go easy.” I’m confused as to what he means. My bladder says she is first and information can wait. I swing my legs off to the side and feel the pull of sore muscles. Match is beside me holding out a hand to offer help. I check to see what I am wearing before pushing the covers off me. Standing is a slow process and I can’t hold in the moan of pain.

  The sounds I make alert others I'm awake and my bedroom fills quickly. Tiffi quickly rushes to my side. “I got you Momma. Let me help.” She has a ‘look conversation’ with Match and takes my arm. “I need to talk to you privately.” Her words register in my pain-laden brain halfway to the bathroom. I stop in my tracks and look at her. She nods her head in the direction of the bathroom without explaining.

  We make it into the bathroom and shut the door. I turn to look at her and notice the tears. “Baby, what’s wrong? What can I help you with?”

  The stark look of surprise on her face would have been funny if I wasn’t so sore. “Momma, I’m fine. You’re the one that is injured. We had the doctor come round last night.” My look of confusion lets her continue. “You have a bruised kidney. When you do your business you need to check for blood in your pee.” I nod my head as I need to get to that business urgently.

  I finish and hold onto the counter to steady myself before washing my hands. Looking into the mirror I see my face could use a wash also. I see Tiffi watching me with concern on her face. I have a ton of questions and no clue where to start. Grabbing my hair brush she stops me. “You have a large knot on your head. Be gentle.” Using my fingers, I feel for it. Yup. Big goose egg. My fingers feel sticky and looking at them I notice blood. I need a shower.

  “Baby I need a shower.”

  Her eyes narrow and I think she wants to say something against it. She must think about it because I see her nod. “If you feel you can, I won’t argue. You must feel gritty.” Nodding my head to agree brings a slight pain. “Let me gather you some clothes. Will you just wait for me? I don’t want you to slip and fall while I’m gone.” I sit in the dressing chair and feel relief from getting off my feet. I feel like I was hit by a bus. Then the damn thing must have reversed and did it again.

  Tiffi returns with some sleep clothes and helps me remove mine. Her gasp has me looking in the mirror again. I have a large angry bruise the size of a dinner plate on the left side of my back. It must be a deep bruising as the colors are both purple and black with some red blood color in the middle. I reach to touch it and the pull on my other muscles stop me. Might be a good thing. I look at Tiffi and grimace. “Make the water hot.”

  Cleaned, dressed and feeling somewhat better, I pile back into my bed. Tiffi has a plate of fruit and cheese with a bottle of soda. I now have a room full of people all asking how I feel. I love that they care, but I’m not liking all these people in my bedroom. This is my private area and there have been only a handful of times that I've invited someone in here. I think a person’s bedroom tells their secrets about them. The mementos they keep out let you know their weakness. I don’t like anyone knowing that about me. I show a strong face to the world at large.

  I eat quickly and try to portray a tired look. I must be doing a good job as Tiffi shoos everyone out of the room. After many get well’s and good night’s the door is closed, she sits beside me on my bed. I then notice Match is still in the chair. “Momma, can you tell me how you got injured?”

  I think back and have no clue. I remember talking to little Belinda and Miss Rae then nothing. I look at each of them and rub my head trying to think. I don’t remember coming to bed. I open my mouth and close it just as quickly. What am I supposed to say? I guess she deserves the truth.

  ” I’m not sure baby, I don’t remember.”

  Match leans forward onto his arms and Tiffi squirms around on the bed. I can tell they both have something to say. Do I want to know? Probably not but here goes.

  “Just tell me. I know you have something.” Tiffi lift
s my hand and holds it in both of hers. She glances at Match then back to me. I see her look at Match again and nod her head. He stands and paces the room. It’s making me nervous. “Just spit it out already.” Match takes his seat again and looks me in the eye.

  “Yesterday while you were gone Mooki had a little problem with a delivery and wanted to ask you about it. When he couldn’t find you he came to Tiffi.” I see this could be a long story so I get comfortable.

  “When Tiffi couldn’t reach you, she came to us.” Damn I caused a lot of problems just going to town. “You weren’t answering your phone and we found it in your office.”

  I never think to take my cell phone. I don’t ever use it like the kids do. I nod my head to him to continue and nibble on the cheese and crackers again. “You were seen returning as you pulled into the Pen and word spread quickly that you had arrived safely. Both Tiffi and I made our way here, to your rooms, from different directions. We found Greg holding you and you were screaming about Jenni being safe. Tiffi noticed the blood coming from your head and when she asked you about it, you looked at her hands and passed out.” I reach up and feel the knot that's there. It’s still painful and a little wet from my shower. My hands come away clean and I sigh in relief.

  “Tiffi called your Doctor and explained and he came right over. She will have to tell you what happened as we, the men, were all forced to wait outside.” He takes a deep breath and I see the worry on his face. I hold my hand out and he leans over to take it. I pull on him and he comes to the side of my bed.

  I wait till he settles and look him in the eye. “Thank you Kenneth for your concern and worry. I’m fine and you need to quit with the guilt look.”