“Hm, I will make sure to apply it everywhere. I feel like one big bruise today,” I replied, finishing the last of my coffee.
“If you see Priscilla Eaton today, ask her if she knows of any tricks. That woman owns every beauty device known to man in that fortress of hers.”
“Really, what makes you say that?” I asked.
“Gossip, I suppose, but she has a full staff and medical supplies go in that house by the truckload. It's rumored that she sleeps in an oxygen chamber every night to extend her youth.” Clara snorted the words as if the thought was absurd.
“If I get a chance, I'll snoop around and report back.”
“Oh, no, no, but. Should you see anything startling or upsetting to you, I would be happy to provide counsel when you return.” Clara winked, and I could see this was the woman's vice. She loved to gossip. “How was Jason?”
“What?” I coughed.
“Did he sleep well?” Clara wrinkled her nose and cradled her arm. “Was his arm bothering him?”
“No, he went right to sleep. I think he was exhausted.” I lied, he got very little sleep, but his arm didn't seem to bother him.
“Hm, well, the new medication must be helping. I'm so thankful. We may have everything back to normal soon.” Clara sipped her hot coffee and winked at me.
“I'm not sure what normal is anymore, but it's amazing to be home.” I looked around in time to see the sun pour in from the light filters.
Transparent cut-glass objects were scattered tastefully around the room. An ancient crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the tall ceiling. Every cut-glass edge projected the most beautiful golden light out in all directions.
Clara leaned back in her chair and smiled. “I'm usually the only one home at this hour of the morning. When Jason was a little boy, I would bring him in here, and we would wait for the gold to pour into the room. Each glass object he and I placed for maximum effect.”
“It is beautiful,” I replied. Tears filled my eyes. Gold was the path I chose, and it filled the room in front of me. Crying over a feat of physics was ridiculous.
This wasn't some magical sign from a fairytale, God. This was timing and human intervention, but it was beautiful. I could hear Chip's voice clearly in my ears, ‘I think you two need a great deal more magic in your lives.’
I was dressed and ready for my day by eleven. The driver took me to a drug store. I grabbed a few bathroom items missing from the Fuller household. It was evident a female of childbearing age had not lived there in some time. I used my new bracelet to pay for my items. It felt so foreign to use someone else's money.
The next store we stopped at for a pair of black slacks and shoes for my public statement. I didn't have anything dark enough for a formal statement in my closet. I needed to look serious while I stood in front of the press and read my legal statement.
The last stop was for makeup. I wanted to cover my visible bruises. Noah's lack of self-control shouldn't tarnish all his people. The salesman behind the counter was thin and wispy with perfect flawless dark brown skin. His makeup looked precise and artful compared to his female counterparts.
“Excuse me, but could you suggest a product to cover bruising?” I pulled my scarf away to reveal my skin. The perfect smile on the young man's face dropped to a somber stare.
“Are you being abused? You can tell me here and now. Help will be provided to you, Sweetie. You don't have to live this way.”
“Me, not at all. Do you recall the girls who were taken a week or so ago, from the square?” I asked. The young man nodded, yes. “I'm the one who came back home.”
“And you are here, standing in my store.” The young man put his hand on his collarbone and looked to be disgusted with me.
“Oh, “I stammered.” I'm sorry to have bothered you. I'll leave.” I grabbed up my gloves from the counter and stuffed my hair back inside my suit.
“No, please wait. I would love to help you. I'm not accustomed to seeing such abuse on a woman.” The young man stuck out his long arm and closed the distance between us in one stride. “My name is Dante. Let's look for something to cover that up.”
We found several items to conceal my multi-colored neck. The total for the handful of bottles and sprays cost more than everything else I picked up so far that day. No wonder Beryl never has any money.
Done with my list early, we drove to my mother's office. The main building is in the front, but her office is located in the Agra-compound's far back lot. It's quite a walk, but I hoped to surprise her.
She was standing in the middle of her large office window when I approached. Her back to the glass. I could tell it was her by the copper color of her hair. A man I didn't know slid his hand around her waist and kissed her quickly. She playfully swatted his shoulder with her clipboard and turned towards the glass to fix her lipstick. I waived.
My mother stood up straight, dropped her lipstick in her pocket, and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. The old green metal catwalk to her office seemed to creak and whine even louder than usual as I approached the door.
Most of my mother's coworkers I'd known all my life. There were several hugs and pats and kisses before I could reach my mother. I smiled and thanked them for their 'welcome home' and 'so glad your safe' well-wishes.
She looked different to me now, my fragile mother. I took her by the arm and moved
