Saving You Losing Me

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

CLARA

M om is angry. I’m not sure how I can tell due to the Botox freezing her face, but I’m guessing it’s the anger flashing in her eyes.

“You are giving up that low life job.”

Those were the first words she said as I headed through the door, still glowing from what just happened with Atom.

The ride back to the bar was exhilarating. Very different to the first one because as I clung onto his back, it was in the knowledge I was finally Atom’s girl. I made it happen. It was happening and my birthday is a mere inconvenience to endure before I get the one present I wished for.

I drove home after a long slow kiss, his lips and taste lingering long after he left.

I’m Atom’s girl. I always knew I was and now it’s a reality I walk with fresh energy in my step.

I don’t answer mom. In the mood she’s in, it would achieve nothing and just say over my shoulder, “I’m sorry, mom. I’ll head to my room to change.”

“Have you eaten?”

She calls after me and I shake my head. “No, but I’m guessing there will be food at my party later. I’ll eat then.”

“I’ll ask Vikki to bring a tray to your room.”

“Thanks, mom.”

I resist the urge to take the stairs two at a time because mom would be horrified at the lack of decorum shown. I feel like dancing up the stairs because Atom has given me the best gift any woman could wish for. His heart.

I hum as I dive into the shower and there is a lightness to my spirit that left me years ago and as I wash away the stench of the abandoned house, it’s with a huge smile on my face.

By the time I’ve finished and wrap myself in a toweling robe, Vikki has delivered the tray and is tidying away the clothes I dropped in haste.

“Miss Clara, these clothes are filthy. What happened?”

The shock in her expression causes my mouth to twitch, and I shrug. “That’s Easy Joe’s bar for you. I was cleaning the restrooms just before I left.”

She shakes her head in obvious distress.

“Why, ma’am?”

“Clara.” I remind her and point to the chair set by the window.

“Take a seat, Vikki. I want to ask you something.”

She perches on the edge of it gingerly and her eyes widen when I whisper, “I want to slip out later. Can you make sure the back door is unlocked?”

It’s part of her nightly routine, and she appears horrified.

“No, miss! I couldn’t possibly leave the door unlocked. I would be fired if your parents found out. Where are you going?”

I’m already second guessing my decision to involve her in this, but I need her help. We’ve always got on well because she is only about ten years older than me and is the only person I can fully trust in this house.

Vikki has always been the one I confided in. The one who brushed away my tears and provided a shoulder to cry on when my parents made life difficult. She comforted me when their displeasure took on more physical forms of punishment, and tended to the scrapes and bruises they inflicted on me. Vikki is the only other person who knows this perfect life is a fraud, and I’m certain I can trust her with my life.

So, I crouch down before her and whisper, “I’ve met someone, Vikki.”

Her eyes widen, but I detect the pleasure in her smile.

“A man?”

I nod my head. “Yes. He comes to the bar and is the reason I took the job in the first place. Anyway, today he told me he liked me and I arranged to meet him later after the party. The trouble is–” My face falls, and she reaches out and touches my shoulder in a show of support.

“Your parents.”

“Of course.” I heave a sigh. “They wouldn’t approve. He isn’t, well, he isn’t one of us and they would hate him and ruin things before it became interesting.”

“But–” I can tell she is conflicted, and I implore her, “Please, Vikki. Give me tonight. One night to be free before the chains tighten. I’m off to college after the summer and we both know what that involves. Let me have the summer with him; please, I’m begging you.”

Her eyes soften and glisten with tears, and she nods reluctantly.

“It doesn’t mean I’m not worried, though.”

“I realize that and I hate asking, but, well, you know how it is around here.”

“Sadly, I do.” She rustles in her pocket and pulls out a set of keys, and locates one in particular.

“Here is my spare key to the back door.”

She presses it into my hand and whispers, “The security system could be a problem, but the panel is by the back door. The code is your birthday, six figures only. Remember to deactivate it when you leave and activate it when you return. I swear I won’t sleep a wink worrying about this and if anyone asks, I had nothing to do with it.”

I fling my arms around her and squeeze tightly. “Thank you so much. I love you.”

For a second we cling together and she whispers, “Be careful, Clara. The most danger comes from within.”

I pull back and she shakes her head. “I’m not even talking about what happens inside this house.”

A lone tear escapes that she brushes quickly away and my heart aches for her. She doesn’t know, but I’ve watched my father take the staircase to her room late at night. I’ve seen the pain in her eyes destroying a beautiful woman from the secrets she’s bearing. I notice the bruises on her wrists and the marks on her neck and I’m well aware of the abuse she suffers at the hands of my father when the rest of the house sleeps.

It’s the unspoken secret that I hate knowing. I want to help but hold no power to change a thing.

“Why do you stay here, Vikki?”

She appears startled and I say carefully. “My father hurts you, doesn’t he?”

The shock on her face is mixed with guilt and she whispers fiercely, “No. You have seen nothing, Clara. Nothing I tell you. If you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. Please, keep my secret and I’ll keep yours.”

“It’s not a trade off, Vikki. I just want what’s right for you.”

“I’ll figure it out. I’m, well–” She slumps in her seat. “Once you’re at college, there is no reason to stay. I have been saving and when you leave, so will I.”

“Where will you go?” I am bursting with admiration for this woman and she places her finger on her lips. “I will tell you when I get there. I have a plan.”

She sighs. “Some secrets are best kept and I will keep yours. We’re in this together; we always were.”

She stands and smiles weakly. “Make sure you eat, ma’am. If you require any further assistance, call me.”

I say nothing and watch her as she leaves, wondering how she can be so strong. She has nothing to her name and yet more dignity than anyone I’ve ever met. She also has me and whatever Vikki needs, I will move heaven and earth to get it for her.