2. Sarah
Sarah sat in front of her computer, reading the latest update on the fundraiser last night. Her boss, Olivia, walked by and huffed.
“All that work and we made the front page for the wrong reason,” Olivia grumped as she swept her long auburn hair into a loose ponytail, ready for the day’s work.
Sarah groaned as she put her head in her hands. “There is more to the story. They only saw the last bit.”
Olivia swiveled the chair so Sarah was facing her, “What do you mean the last bit?”
Sarah’s clear blue eyes widened as she looked at her boss, knowing she should have told her last night, but Sarah just wanted to get on with the fundraiser and forget the incident.
“I, ummm, I may not have told you something last night.” Sarah said, her elfin facial features twisting as she looked at Olivia.
Olivia’s face softened as she pulled out a chair and sat beside Sarah. “Tell me now.”
“Do you remember when I went on a blind date last week? My cousin’s friend? The one where it didn’t feel right” Olivia nodded but kept quiet as Sarah continued. “Well, he turned up last night at the fundraiser. He was drunk and he cornered me near the kitchen and said he wanted his goodnight kiss that I never gave him.” Sarah shuddered. “I can still feel him grabbing me.”
Olivia’s face went red as she listened to her friend and colleague. “Wait. You mean to tell me that some twat, who you were set up with and let him know that you weren’t interested, turned up at your family violence fundraiser and forced himself on you?”
“When you put it like that it sounds pretty bad.”
“That’s because it is.” Olivia groaned. “And that is when the billionaire Kane stepped in and punched him out.” Sarah nodded.
“And then we threw Kane out,” Sarah whispered. “I should have said something earlier but I was in a little bit of shock and I didn’t want it to ruin the fundraiser. We have worked so hard, and I didn’t want to make this an issue. We needed the money to keep the doors open for more women.”
“Well, we will fix it later, the main thing is that you are okay.” Olivia leaned forward and hugged her friend. “I’m so glad you didn’t go on a second date with the arsehole.”
Sarah laughed. “Me too.” She then sobered. “But I do have to make an official complaint, because if he did it to me, he could do it to others.”
Olivia nodded. “That’s a must. I’ll set up a meeting with the police for you.”
Sarah was grim as she said “and I’ll contact Kane and the reporter and let them know what really happened.” She looked at her friend. “it might look bad for the agency though. A family violence nurse who was attacked herself at a family violence fundraiser.”
“We will survive. People first and foremost. That’s what we do. And you are most precious people.” Olivia stood. “Now, let’s get the doors open for another day.”
“Wait,” Sarah said to her friend and mentor. “I just want you to know that I do appreciate it. It was a stupid mistake to go on that date.”
Olivia took Sarah’s hands in hers. “Listen to me. It’s hard to find love out there. You have to put yourself out there though, because once you find it, then you know it’s worth it.” Olivia hesitated and took a breath. “I found it once and I know what it’s like. Keep on looking Sarah. Don’t give up.”
“Tom was a good man and husband to you,” Sarah said as tears welled up in both their eyes. “I know you must miss him, but it’s been three years since he passed Olivia. Do you think you will ever try again?”
Olivia smiled and wiped a stray tear falling. “The girls keep me plenty busy, and speaking of the twins, are you still able to pick up the cake for their birthday this Saturday?”
“I can and I’ll be there early to help you decorate the backyard.” Sarah shook her head. “I can’t believe you are a mum to twin ten-year-olds. You don’t look a day over twenty-five.”
Olivia laughed, “well don’t look too closely, you will see every grey hair they have been giving me. Ella and Grace are female terrors. They can twist anyone to their will lately. I just hope they behave this weekend.”
Sarah stood and held out a hand to her friend. “Between the two of us we will cope. Now let’s get this day started.”
Sarah opened the shelter doors and smiled warmly as a few women slowly walked in. Her one hope was that one day the doors will open and there would be no one wanting help from them. That the violence has finally stopped, but she also knew until that day she would do anything to raise the money so Olivia and she could expand and help more people.