Paige POV:
I'm waiting on the construction guys again for the fourth day in a row. I don't mind because they have continued to tip me very well. They are talking amongst themselves and occasionally they will ask my input and I'll chat. Today though I'm trying to hid the bruises so I don't want to chat for too long. If they notice the change they don't say anything. The bell on the door dings alerting me to another early customer. So I scurry off to get their order.
I got asked to work another double again today and I knew if I said no I would get a beating. Then again if I say yes I'll still get a beating. I sigh as I wipe the glass to the pie case. "Whatcha thinking about?" Rose asks scaring me. I jump and whip my head around not thinking about my hair that is supposed to be hiding the bruises. She gasps out loud and I hear a low growl from the bar. What tha- before I can finish my thought Rose grabs my face gently to look at it. "Paige..." She sighs.
I notice the construction guys continuing to stare at me and I scurry to the back to talk in private. "Paige what the hell? Why do you let him do this? I told you you can stay with me." Rose said with a bit of anger in her voice. "Rose you know he will just come find me and then when he does he will most likely never let me out of that closet again!" I yell back. Her face contorted into shock and anger. Realizing what I said I clamp a hand over my mouth.
"What do you mean? Has he been locking you in a closet all those days you've been out?" I don't say the answer but when I look at her and drop my eyes she knows. "I'm going to kill him!" She shouts. "No, no, please, Rose, don't. I don't want him to hurt you! He will I know he will. Then he'll hurt me! Please Rose please!" I begin sobbing and begging her. "What's going on?" Sally asks rounding the corner from the employee bathroom.
"Nothing, thanks, I'm fine." I reply quickly and while my eyes. I fix my hair again and dash out to finish my job. Keeping my head down I work through the Lunch and dinner rush pulling the double. Rose is right I need to leave. I finish closing up and stash more money in the lockbox of Sally's office. I've got almost fifteen grand saved. I just need fifteen more and then I can buy a truck, and a camper and get the hell out of here. I'll file for a speedy divorce and be done.
I grab my stuff and exit the diner locking up and hiding the keys in the usual spot. I'm so exhausted from all the doubles and the extra chores Trevor keeps giving me. I only got three hours of sleep last night and I know tonight will be the same or less. I sigh heading to the bench at the end of the drive but I stumble and fall scratching my palms on the concrete.
"Shit Paige are you okay?" I look up to see the blond construction guy coming towards me. "Oh yeah I'm fine just tripped." I say trying to scramble up. He reaches me and helps me stand. I shiver against the cold because I didn't bring a jacket and it's the middle of October. He shrugs off his jacket and puts it around me. "Do you have a ride home?" He asks. "Yeah my husband should be here any minute." I say forcing a smile.
"The one who gave you this?" He asks touching the bruise on my left jaw. "That's not your business." I say harsher than I intended and shrugging off his jacket. I hand it back to him and sit with a huff. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. Just came to say good luck. I'll be back next month and if you decide you need help you let me know. My name is Ryker. See ya round Paige." He says politely and goes back to his utility truck. For some reason it felt like he was taking half my heart with him. I didn't even know him and the thought of him not taking me hurt more than I could explain. But why? It's not like I was attracted to him that way. He may be a nice tipper and nice to look at but that was all. So why is him leaving effecting me?
After another hour of sitting there Trevor calls my phone. The ringtone echoing in the empty street and scaring me. "Trevor? Where are you?" I ask but instead of him answering me I'm met with an unmistakable moan. "Yes, Trevor. Uhhhh... Right there baby... Yeah..." Tears gather in my eyes and I clutch my chest. He is with Lory Ann. I quickly hang up and start running to the house. After what feels like forever I finally make it to the house. I stand in front of the two story red brick house and stare. This is no longer my home. This house holds nothing but horrible memories for me. I hate him and I hate this place.