Steve&Cassie(Closed)

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

This is a story for myself and waits2play.
Please read along and enjoy!

IC:

Caz squealed as the man wrenched her arm and the blade slipped from her previously tight grasp.
The metallic clatter echoed round the dark subway.
Both Caz and her intended victim eyed each other.
She was in deep shit!

”Let me go!!”

She screamed struggling.
Her words were accompanied by a forceful kick to his shins and a bite to the hand that held her fast.
She struggled desperately knowing she had to get away quickly!

It was supposed to be so easy. He so obviously had money to spare.
She could see the fat wallet bulging temptingly in the pocket of his overcoat.
He was just asking to be robbed.
He wouldn’t miss the money.
It wasn’t as if she was going to do a scam on his plastic or anything.
Caz just needed hard cash for food and to get a bed for the night.

He had reminded her of her rich family, of her contempt for all that so called respectability, all the façade, all the hypocrisy that she had turned her back on when she ran away.
Her life was hard, she was homeless and lived on the wrong side of the law when necessary, but morally it was more honest than the life she had led before.

This “job” was doomed, however.
Instead of being able to stumble against him and lift the money she sought, she had been caught, red-handed.
The only consolation was the look on his face when she had drawn the blade.
She carried it for protection and had never used it.
She certainly never intended to carry out an “armed robbery”.

Concealing her youth and gender, Caz had been obliged to play it through.
Gruffly, she’d threatened him.

”Just let me go, Mister and no one will get hurt … “

Any one in their right mind would have backed away.
Only he didn’t.
He had struggled violently.
Fortunately he had not realised that his heavily hooded assailant was a girl, but that meant that he had retaliated viciously.
Caz did her best, but was no match for her opponent.
Finally, with great effort, he managed to disarm the feisty girl who turned on him in desperate attack.

”You bastard!”

The man screamed as he made a grasp for the escaping Caz.
His shins stung and his hand was bleeding, usually a peaceable man, he’d had enough with this thug tonight!

His decision made, he swung his arm forcefully and purposely caught his attacker in the jaw.
He was surprised how effective his retaliation was.
He watched in horrified fascination as the individual flew, bouncing off the subway wall, before landing in a half conscious heap on the ground.

Only when he stepped nearer, did he notice the fine-features and the occasional stray wisp of blonde hair framing the deathly pale face.
Either this guy was very young or …

Only now did he realise that this was no run-of-the-mill thief!

 

[waits2play]

Steve:

I was tired, tired of airports, tired of strange hotel beds, tired of restaurants, mostly tired of last minute travel plans. Why didn’t I send someone else for these last minute contract negotiations? I rationalized, it is my business after all, and why should I expect others to travel this close to the holidays. I knew that was an excuse I used, while it was my company it was also the only interest of my life. The flights had all been delayed for hours. My luggage had been lost. By the time I got to the waiting area, the limo service was no where to be found. So I grabbed the train into the city, it would only be a couple of blocks to walk from the station to my downtown loft.

I got off the train and started walking across the empty platform to the stairs, when I noticed a person walking towards me. Something in that walk seemed out of place.
This person seems intent on walking in a path directly towards me. As I started to move aside, I could see the inconsiderate stranger looked like a young boy. Probably another kid that thinks he owns the world.

The punk stumbles into me, I probably would not have felt my wallet start to move if the hand grabbing it was not so cold. I pushed the punk back. After a short struggle, I found myself facing a knife. I didn’t see where it came from, but it was not much of a knife. Who does this punk think they are dealing with? I’m in no mood for this foolishness. That was when I noticed my hand was bleeding.

At this point some of my former training kicked in and I grabbed the hand with the knife. Wrenching the hand and releasing the knife. I heard my assailant scream “Let me go.” Oof!”, my pick pocket attempted to kick me, but I managed to raise my leg and deflect the kick on my shin. More words mumbled in my direction, was this punk threatening me?

I yelled back, “You Bastard!”. All of the day’s frustrations brought back the type of anger I hadn’t felt for years. Acting on reflexes, I swung at my attacker, landing a severe blow that lifted the punk off the ground and slammed him into the wall.
I used to pack a decent punch in my youth, but I was not conditioned that well these days. There was a no weight to the body hidden under those street clothes. The body now lay limp on the pavement.

Stepping closer, I was looking signs of life. Was this person clever enough to play possum? Stepping nearer, I could see what appeared to be feminine features and wisps of blonde hair framing the deathly pale face. This guy must be very young.
What have I done? Did I just knock a young boy senseless? Or is it a boy? What have I done?

I looked to see if any others were on the platform. We were alone. I knew I should just get up and walk away. In the anger of my youth I would have kicked my former attacker and walked away. I could see movement that indicated they were alive and breathing. The labored breathing would seem to indicate some severe pain. The body remained limp. Against my better judgment I knelt down and lifted what was my attacker and was now my victim, to lean them against the wall. The body seemed so frail and small. As I lifted the hooded head for a closer look at their face, I felt moisture. I don’t know if I expected to see blood, tears, or both as I lifted their head for a better look.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Ohhh.. god... "

Cassie murmured, unaware that she had been propped up against the subway wall.

Her head throbbed and was bleeding.
She felt hands pulling of her hood, drawing her hair back, parting it for a closer inspection, but it hurt, hurt like hell.

"Fucking hell.. "

The unladylike expletive was supposed to burst from her lips, but came out as a pitiful whine shortly followed by a sob.
Her eyes closed once more as she continued spinning.

She heard a voice, questionning her, asking her things.. she couldn't concentrate on the words ...
With effort, she pulled her eyes open again and saw the man.
She recognised him. It was him, the man who she had tried to rob. Had he come back to finish the beating he'd given her?

She shrunk back against the wall and drew her legs up protectively around her. Fear in her eyes now, she tried to brace herself for the pain that would inevitably follow as she curled up and closed her eyes, holding her body tense, knowing that it was going to hurt and hurt bad.

Despite her intentions to be tough, she began to cry.

 

[waits2play]

I took a deep breath as I stared into the face and realized it was a girls’ face. I had bloodied her brow. I kept asking if she could hear me, if she was OK. The blood was running down her face now. She barely mumbled something. I was relieved as she started to open her eyes. But when she saw me, fear gripped her face and body. She immediately curled into a defensive ball. “What has this girl been through? Who could have treated her so poorly?” As I asked myself these questions silently, I realized I had just punched her senseless. But, she had tried to rob me. I looked closer at her face, trying to place her age. She seemed so young. I couldn’t help asking myself how old would my daughter be if she had lived?”

This was my attacker, I wondered what had driven her to that point in her life. I saw her slip back into unconsciousness again. I lifted her into my arms. Her clothes, while they seemed to have been of excellent quality at one time, were now quite dirty and grungy. In spite of the layers of clothing I could tell there was indeed a young woman underneath. I could not remember how many years it had been since I had held a woman in my arms. “Snap to you fool” , I thought to myself.

I carried her up to the street and across to an emergency clinic. The nurse was reluctant to accept her as a patient, but cash seemed to address all of her concerns.
The doctor began to clean her wound and assured me it was a superficial cut above her hairline, there would be no visible scar. Both the nurse and doctor asked for details concerning the injury. I was still uncertain about admitting my level of involvement, so I told them some boys had attacked her and in her resistance they shoved her. When she fell, they ran away.

They accepted my story but remained suspicious. When the doctor had removed her hood, I could see my attacker looked tired, poorly fed, and just plain exhausted. In spite of her current situation, I could this was a beautiful young woman that had been through some hard times. “How does this happen?” , I asked to no one in particular. Both the doctor and nurse glanced in my direction, but ignored my question. They were administering some smelling salts, as they were anxious to revive the young lady and determine if there were more serious problems.

Once again, I held my breath as she opened her eyes………

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

My nostrils were filled with that smell and I spluttered, trying to drag myself into consciousness, knocking away the hand that held that vial underneath my nose. Once the substance was removed, I opened my eyes, only to squint painfully as the florescent lighting hurt them. Raising my hand I shielded my face from the harsh brilliance.

Looking down, I could see that I was on an examination couch. Glancing about me I saw a doctor and nurse.

”Wh..what.. how… did I get here.. ?”

I questioned, trying to recall my last memory.

”Oh God! The subway… “

I didn’t realise I’d spoken outloud.

”Shhh.. can you tell us what happened. Who attacked you?”

The doctor questioned casually as he took a light and shone it into either eye.

”I … was on the floor and… “

Shit. I knew exactly what had happened. He’d come after me … but… no…
I wasn’t injured any worse than before I’d blacked out last.
I looked at them in confusion.

”I’m not sure.. I … don’t remember… “

I said hesitantly.

”You’re just lucky this gentleman found you, “

The nurse continued as they checked my limbs.

”Gentleman…?”

I looked over then as he stepped forward.
My eyes flew to his face. Was he going to have me arrested?
Was that why I was here?
Why had he bothered getting me checked out if he was only going to …

”I didn’t see the boys who attacked her, as I said, she was hurt when I found her.
She hasn’t been fully conscious since the accident…”

My eyes are locked on his. Boys? What was he talking about?
He was the bastard who ….
I pulled my eyes away and sighed.
It had been bloody stupid to pull that knife. I only kept it for protection, had never used it before, then when he fought back … and this time.. I just had to get some money … it had seemed like a good idea at the time…

It seemed an age whilst they checked reflexes and discussed whether there was any damage. And all the time he was sat there, watching.
At any moment I expected him to bring in the police, or grab me and march me off to the police station. I watched him fearfully as the doctor asked me questions, no doubt checking my faculties.

“Just try your best to answer dear, don’t worry if it doesn’t come to you immediately or at all. Short term memory loss is not uncommon in these cases.”

I nodded sulkily and glanced over meeting his eye briefly.

What is your name?”

I looked at them. Did they think I was stupid?

”I know my name… go on… “

They exchanged glances, but continued.

”Age?”

I looked at them and told them grudgingly,

”Nineteen … “

An exchanged look then with the same monotone, they continued.

”Address?”

I laughed mirthlessly.

”You are kidding? Is this a bloody “richprick’s” questionnaire?”

Losing my temper, I stormed;

”I live on the streets for God’s sake. I go by the name of Caz.
That subway is about as homely as it gets.
I don’t know the date, I don’t care who’s president and I’m not going to tell you cosy stories about my childhood.
I had one, it sucked! End of story!
Now.. .can I go please?”

My rage had left as quickly as it had started.
I didn’t want to answer all their condescending questions.
I knew what they thought of me.
I didn’t ask to be brought here.
I was not going to break down before these self-opinionated do-gooders.
All I needed was some well-meaning bastard to reach for the missing persons file, or the local petty crime wanted list and I would be fucked!

I looked round as they whispered, conferred in the corner.
It felt like the walls were closing in on me.
I began to panic, to feel claustrophobic.
I looked over at him. Still he sat watching me.
He owed me nothing. Probably hated me and with cause.
But it was my only chance.

Looking over at him, unaware of my panicked expression, I begged him brokenly.

”Can you get me out of here… please… ?
I have to get out of this place… I can’t let anyone find me … please.. help me.. “

It was a hopeless appeal and so sad that the guy you pull a knife on is your only “friend”!

I put my head in my hands despairingly trying to keep calm, trying not to break down completely ...

 

[waits2play]

I sat listening as they questioned the girl, squelching my sigh of relief when she picked up on my story and did not relate the true incident. She said her name was Caz. That must be her street name or a nickname. My heart ached when she said she was 19; my daughter would have been 18 this year. Her mother and I were only 18 when we got married. Our daughter was born just 6 months later. But we had defied the odds, we both finished school, my wife continued her studies while I was in the military. Later I finished college as well. Through all of that we had managed to raise our daughter.

I snapped back to the events around me when Caz started yelling. She seemed very uncomfortable and anxious to leave. What or who is she hiding from. Once again, I knew I should walk away from this troubled girl. “If everything thing is OK, I think we should leave now.” Did I say that out loud? What am I doing?

As I paid the charges, they gave Caz her medications and instructions. She looked so young and vulnerable as I helped her into her jacket. After we got outside, we began to walk around the corner. I expected her to run off as soon as we rounded the corner. Or, would she make another feeble attempt to get my money. I stopped when we rounded the corner, turning to see what her next move would be. I was able to catch her in my arms as she started to collapse. Was I an idiot? Had she just made another attempt to snatch my wallet? I hoped not, I wanted to help Caz. I wouldn’t stop her this time if she did to grab my wallet and run. The money and credit cards could be replaced. The tattered photos could not.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“If everything thing is OK, I think we should leave now.”

I lifted my head and looked up at him. I didn’t understand why he had helped me, or why he was getting me out of this place now. I smiled briefly, then made an effort to sit straight, so they would let me go.

”So… are you still experiencing dizzy spells? … double vision ? … headache..?”

Of course I felt dizzy, could barely see a thing and had a head that was pounding.
I’d just bounced off a concrete wall for God’s sake!
But I lied, looking at them convincingly.

”My head hurts a little, where it’s cut, but nothing else, I feel fine.”


I deserved an academy award, I was so convincing; or maybe it was that they wanted to be convinced, wanted me out of there, didn’t need the hassle I’d cause.
They agreed to let me go, I slipped off the bed and found him moving nearer holding out the tatty coat that had been removed when I was being examined.
I looked at him, half suspiciously and then slipped my arms into the sleeves and drew that worn material closely round me. They handed me pills, or something in a bag and told me what to take and when and how, but it all washed over me. I had to try to stop spinning. All I had to do was find somewhere to lay down for a while.
All time he stood by me, watching, until finally he moved to pay the bill and then turned to lead me out of the hospital and into the streets once more.

So… that was that. One failed robbery that I’d survived, luckily, almost unscathed.
I expected him to turn round and lecture me, or maybe just walk off and leave me, or maybe it was that he … expected something … for his “kindness”?

But no, he touched my arm lightly and guided me away from the building, walking silently by my side.
I looked at him confused. What did this guy want?
Why had he paid to have me checked out, paid for the bag of pills I now carried with me?
I supposed I should thank him, but he was the one who had caused the injury in the first place, though I had slashed him with a knife … and … tried to rob him … all things considered, he’d been pretty good about it, I surmised.

As I walked along in thought, I tried to concentrate on exactly where the pavement was.
My feet felt woolly, it was like with each step, I was hitting the pavement, way above where it was supposed to be.
I tried to concentrate on walking straight and felt myself stagger slightly.
Pulling myself together with effort, I lifted a foot and with concentration set it down onto the paving stones below … only contact never came …

Down … and down.. and down … my leg seemed to drop down an endless chasm as if the ground had opened up beneath me. Without realising it, I sunk downwards, my arms flailing out to try to catch myself, to stop me from spinning from spiralling.

I didn’t realise he had caught me.
My head fell against his strong chest.
I knew I hadn’t hit the pavement and I knew he was there somewhere, but I couldn’t focus.

”Need to … lay down… spinning … “

I tried to mutter an explanation.

”Hurts … God… “

Almost unaware of making the second exclamation, I gave myself up to the sensations that filled my mind, the feeling of a heavy pulse in my head as it throbbed and throbbed and throbbed.

I felt his hand touch my hair and moaned softly.
I could hear his voice as if from far off, but I had no idea that his arms were about me, supporting me …

 

[waits2play]

My fears were unwarranted. As I caught her in my arms she was almost lifeless. I lifted her easily, into my arms. I started to walk towards my town home, which was at the end of the block. It was very late now, or should I say early in the morning, and there were no prying eyes or inquisitive neighbors to explain myself to.

I opened the front door, wondered once again what the hell I thought I was doing? As before I continued without real thought about my actions. I seemed drawn to this young lady and destined to care for her. The master suite is on the second floor. I haven’t used it in recent years. I have a bath room off of my den/office downstairs and generally sleep in the adjoining bedroom when I am in town. With no apparent regard for even common sense, I carried Caz upstairs to the master bedroom. I laid Caz on the bed, rolled her out of the tattered jacket and slipped off her shoes. As I folded the covers over her, the light shining through the window illuminated her face. Her face now clean, was flawless. Medium length blond hair framed a face, innocent and angelic. A sharp contrast to the defiant fighter I had encountered in the subway. I closed the drapes and slipped out of the room.

Downstairs, I took a quick shower, then cleaned and dressed the wound on my left hand. The housekeeper had left dinner in the warming oven. I put the dinner on the kitchen table and poured a glass of red wine. A noise, from upstairs, awoke me and I glanced at the clock, it was 9:00AM, the wine glass was empty and the food untouched.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

I was running, running so hard. Trying to get away from him.
The more I ran, the more effort it took, the more he seemed to laugh, to mock.
Every time I looked behind me, there he was, watching, smiling …

Then I ran into something hard.
Again I felt the thud of concrete on my head as if I’d hit that wall again.
I groaned in pain.
Even before I opened my eyes, I knew what I’d see.
His face, his eyes watching me; never speaking, always watching.
Then I met his gaze, challengingly, daring him to comment.

His expression changed. He was hostile.
It was the same look he’d had before he sent me hurtling against the wall.
I saw the flash of metal. He had a knife, my knife.
How did it get there?
He brought it downwards, towards me.
As if in slow motion I watched the blade getting nearer and nearer …

That’s when I screamed… waking myself up.
The sound carried through the silence of the room, the house.
I blinked as I struggled upright, moving before I was fully awake.
What was real? What was imagined?
My eyes were wide as I struggled to make sense of my surroundings.
I was in a bed, a large room.
The sun was pouring through the window and it was morning.
But still them memory held.
The memory of being pursued.
The memory of having that knife about to stab into me.
I drew the sheet up and around me.
I was shaking.

I jumped in fright, giving a small cry as the door opened.
Raising a tear streaked face to my “pursuer” I looked at him fearfully as he entered the room.

 

[waits2play]

I bolted upright and the chair crashed to the floor behind me. What was that sound? Finally it registered as cry from upstairs. It must be Caz. I ran up the stairs.

“It’s all right, you’re OK.” I kept repeating myself as I ran.

As I opened the door I caught sight of Caz huddled on the bed. She looked scared to death. I couldn’t help but notice, for the first time, how beautiful her eyes were. They did seem to portals to her soul.

“Please don’t be afraid, no one is going to hurt you. I won’t hurt you.”

I stepped cautiously into the room.

“Do you remember last night at all? Do you remember trying to steal my wallet, in the subway? Do you remember that I took you to the clinic? Do you remember collapsing in the street outside the doctor’s office?”

I stopped questioning her; I realized I must have sounded like another inquisitor.

“I am sorry Caz. Please relax some. I won’t hurt you and I’m not going to let anyone else hurt you. Please let me try to explain what happened last night and where you are now. May I sit in the here, in this chair?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“Please don’t be afraid, no one is going to hurt you. I won’t hurt you.”

I shrunk back as he stepped towards me, my eyes flying to his hands, half expecting to see a knife… but his hands were by his sides and empty.
I tried to clear my head.
On the street I could have been in control, run away or … but I didn’t know where I was or why …

“Do you remember last night at all?
Do you remember trying to steal my wallet, in the subway?
Do you remember that I took you to the clinic?
Do you remember collapsing in the street outside the doctor’s office?”

On and on the questions were fired at me.
What did I remember?
I remembered trying to steal from him and his retaliation.
I remembered being at the clinic, but how I got there or what happened afterwards were a blur.

I watched him as he stood looking down at me.

“I am sorry Caz. Please relax some. “

I started as he spoke to me.

”How do you know my name?”

I didn’t have any ID. How could he know?

”I won’t hurt you and I’m not going to let anyone else hurt you.
Please let me try to explain what happened last night and where you are now.
May I sit in the here, in this chair?”

I nodded and winced at the pain as I moved my head.

”I know I tried to rob you … I remember being at the clinic, but not much else, especially afterwards… “

I looked about the room. It was large, well furnished and I was laid in the middle of a large double bed. I was still clothed, but …

”Did you.. did we… have… ?”

I broke off uncertainly. Surely I’d know if he’d had sex with me?
But with my head injury … I wasn’t sure.
I looked assessingly at him.
A guy just didn’t pay hospital bills out of the goodness of his heart, especially for someone who’d just tried to knife him.

He was strong enough to do me real damage if he wanted.
He seemed calm enough now, but I’d glimpsed his temper.
I knew I had little choice but to give him what he demanded.

”What do you want me to do …?”

I whispered, resigned to the fact it was now apparently “pay back” time ... all the time, my eyes pleaded with him not to hurt me.

 

[waits2play]

“Did you.. did we… have… ?”

”What do you want me to do …?”

I knew my first chance to reassure Caz was to address her last two questions.

“We didn’t do anything last night, except get the sleep we both needed. You slept here in the master bedroom, and I slept in my room downstairs.”

Watching her reaction, I knew she was curious about my reference to the master bedroom and my bedroom. She may think I am not the owner of this home, and that’s OK for now.

“All I want you to do right now is rest and get to feeling better. Last night at the clinic you gave them your name and age, but no other information. That package on the table is the medication they gave you at the clinic.”

I leaned towards the nightstand to pick up the package and took out the packets of pills, laying them on the edge of the bed.

“You can pick them up and look at them. The first packet is pain killers, the second is an antibiotic, and the third is a combination of vitamins and iron.” The doctor was concerned about your overall appearance and condition. They did take some blood samples and we can call back or go in today for the results.”

At that moment I wished I determined the number of pain killers before giving her the packet. Was I wrong to fear she might abuse them or overdose? Obviously I wasn’t thinking everything through. I had intentionally kept my bandaged left hand out of her sight, but as I stood I saw her gaze drift from my eyes and she caught her first glimpse of my injury.

“Caz, you tried to rob me and I was in a poor frame of mind at the time. In hind sight, I should have let you take the wallet. The credit cards are replaceable, the money I had was not significant. If you had asked for help, I’d like to think I would have given you some money. My reaction came from the fear of losing some irreplaceable photos. I over reacted and I regret that.”

I stood slowly, cautious not to step any closer to the bed.

“Please don’t be afraid, you can clean up in the master bath. In fact if I can make a suggestion, you could take a shower first to clean off. Then draw a bath so you soak in the hot water and relax some of the pain from your body. You look so weary. You don’t have to look so skeptical, if you’ll feel better; you can lock the bathroom door. When you are ready, you will find clean clothes laid on the bed, for you. I will go downstairs and prepare some breakfast for us. Will you do that?”


As I waited for her response, I realized how different this day had already become. For years now, my Saturday morning routine included getting up at 7:00AM, exercising, preparing to go into my office, stopping for coffee and a scone, and arriving at the office by 9:00AM. I enjoyed the quiet solitude of the office on Saturdays. I’m sure my employees did not enjoy the series of notes, e-mails and voice mails that I generated for them each Saturday. They would be in for a pleasant surprise on Monday. None of that seemed important right now.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“We didn’t do anything last night, except get the sleep we both needed.
You slept here in the master bedroom, and I slept in my room downstairs.”

I watched and tried to make sense. He hadn’t touched me?
He must have at least touched me up.
I could see he was quite a bit older than me.
Why would a guy like him not make the most of the opportunity?
Perhaps I wasn't good enough for him?
If that was the case why the hell was he bothering?

I looked round the room and realised that it was spacious, well furnished, but it wasn’t his bedroom?
Whose room was it then? Who else lived here?
Perhaps he hadn’t touched me because it was someone else who I’d have to … keep happy?

“All I want you to do right now is rest and get to feeling better. “

Yes. It all fitted. When I was recovered, maybe then I’d be of use, of service?

”Last night at the clinic you gave them your name and age, but no other information.
That package on the table is the medication they gave you at the clinic.”

I tried to remember what he’d told me.
I couldn’t remember giving my age and name.
Medication? Since when did I need medication?

“You can pick them up and look at them.
The first packet is painkillers, the second is an antibiotic, and the third is a combination of vitamins and iron.
The doctor was concerned about your overall appearance and condition.
They did take some blood samples and we can call back or go in today for the results.”

I picked up the packets and examined them.
He was talking crap. There was nothing wrong with me.
Blood samples? I wasn’t going near that place again in a hurry!
I read the packets and wondered how “marketable” these would be on the street.
Typical that I didn’t get given anything “valuable”!

”I’m fine. I’m not going back there again … “

I managed to state trying to sound more confident and forceful than I felt.
I knew that in my present position, he could make me return if he chose to.

”I’ll feel better once I get back where I belong … it’s not your business anyhow … if it hadn’t been for you I wouldn’t have needed the clinic! “

I stated unreasonably, almost wanting to provoke him.
His intense gaze, his concern made me uncomfortable.
I’d learned long ago there were no free rides.
I just couldn’t work out his angle.
He was after something, but until I knew what I had to keep up my guard.
Common sense told me to get out of there as soon as possible.

“Caz, you tried to rob me and I was in a poor frame of mind at the time.”

I forced a mirthless laugh.
“Poor frame of mind”! He could have split my head open I remembered.
I could see the bandage where I’d slashed him with the knife, but if I’d really wanted to harm him, I’d have done much more than just wave it around at him!
He must have realised I wasn't really a threat to him!

”In hind sight, I should have let you take the wallet.
The credit cards are replaceable, the money I had was not significant.
If you had asked for help, I’d like to think I would have given you some money. “

I wasn’t convinced. Not significant? It hadn’t looked that way.
I smiled derisively. Yeah sure, he’d have given me some money if I’d only asked!
He really was talking crap now!

”My reaction came from the fear of losing some irreplaceable photos.
I over reacted and I regret that.”

I continued to watch him.
Why on earth was he apologising?
God, maybe he really believed all of that?
Saw himself as some Good Samaritan?
I’d had my share of sermons in my time too.
Did he want to save me from myself?

I watched him as he stood slowly. His eyes never left mine.
I dropped my eyes uncomfortably.
I wished he’d just come clean about what was going on…
I didn’t buy any of this.

“Please don’t be afraid, you can clean up in the master bath.
In fact if I can make a suggestion, you could take a shower first to clean off.
Then draw a bath so you soak in the hot water and relax some of the pain from your body. You look so weary.”

I couldn’t hold back a smirk. Now it made sense.
I knew what he had in mind now …
I could just imagine … once I was naked and relaxed then either he or the guy who owned this place ….

But he interrupted my thoughts.

”You don’t have to look so skeptical, if you’ll feel better; you can lock the bathroom door.
When you are ready, you will find clean clothes laid on the bed, for you.
I will go downstairs and prepare some breakfast for us. Will you do that?”

I still didn’t know what to think.
Damn!
He seemed almost a gentleman.
Why the hell was he doing this?

”I’m sure if I lock the door, you could just as easily have a key,”

I commented softly.

”Either way, it doesn’t matter, “

I shrugged. Whatever way you looked at it, I owed him.
I didn’t think it likely that he would attack me. I wasn’t in any physical danger.
”Sure … I’ll take a shower and a bath… “

I had let the covers slip downwards as I watched his reaction to my words.

”I don’t need new clothes … these are fine for the street … they’re what I’m used to …
but I could use some breakfast before I go back …”

I commented reluctantly, aware suddenly of how hungry I was.
A hot drink, some food would be so welcome. I’d been getting pretty desperate last night I remembered and if he was still playing Mr Nice Guy … why not?
I toyed with the pills in my hand, thinking that I’d play along, play patient for a while and then see what price I could get for them, though they seemed pretty worthless…

”I’d better take my pills I guess, huh?”

I pretended I was as concerned about them as he appeared to be

I wasn’t sure where all this was leading, but I decided I might as well get out of it what I could for the time being …

 

[waits2play]

Wow, I expected her to distrust me, but this is one tough cookie. I wonder where and how she became so bitter, almost seems to resent any offer of help.
“Listen, no one is going to make you go back to the clinic. In fact, no is going to MAKE you do anything, especially not me. The doctor seemed to feel you were anemic, which could indicate more serious problems. You are probably correct in assuming nothing is seriously wrong. You are also correct, you would not have needed to go to the clinic last night if I had not struck you. But it may have provided a wake up call for some other problem.”
I stood up now and began to back away as Caz was sitting up. Who knew how she would react or what she would do next.
“You are free to go back to your family, or friends, or home anytime you want.”
I regretted saying that as soon as the words came out of my mouth, her expression seemed to sadden. I was a jerk, she probably didn’t have family or home to go to, or at least none she wanted to go to. If she had any real friends, why weren’t they there for her last night?
“I’m sorry, I should have asked much sooner if you need to reach anyone and let them know you were alright.”
I did it again, I need to change the subject before I make more insensitive comments.
“The lock on the bathroom door is a deadbolt lock and can not be opened from the outside, this home is an older building, built before some of today’s building codes and safety features.”
I turned towards the door now, then stopped and turned back towards Caz.
“I’m going to leave some clothes on the bed, it will be your choice to take any or all of them.”
Headstrong or stubborn, she didn’t appear to like hearing more about clothes. Perhaps after she had cleaned up a change of clothes would be more appealing.
“I will be downstairs in the kitchen, when you’re done. Just come down and turn left at the bottom of the stairway, follow the hallway to the end.”
If she chose to, she could come down the stairs and walk straight to the front door. I didn’t want her to do that, but what I wanted was not her concern at this point.
Oh, it might be a good idea to wait to see if you want to take those pills after you’ve had something to eat.”
Well, there wasn’t much more I could do now. I walked out of the room and started downstairs. Half way down I thought I heard foot steps and the bathroom door closing. I went down to the kitchen and started some coffee, before going back upstairs to lay out the clothes.

Fortunately Caz looked about the same size as my departed wife. I looked for some practical clothes; corduroy pants, sweater, Pendleton wool jacket, thermal lined walking shoes, and of course some under garments. As I was laying out the clothes, the steam and feminine scents escaping from the bathroom brought back memories of happier days when my wife would have lounging in that tub. I would slip into the room, inhaling the bath oils and scented candles, as I handed her a glass of wine. On her playful days she would begin to splash water on me and I would take off my clothes and join her in the tub. Her body was warm and smooth from the bath oils.. With her legs over mine, I would slide close to her. Kissing her and massaging her breasts while she would reach down and slip her fingers around my stiffening member. When she had me where she wanted me she slid easily onto my shaft.

I jumped as I heard motion in the bathroom. Taking one last check of the clothes I had laid out for Caz, I left the bedroom and the memories behind as I went downstairs to the kitchen.

The coffee was ready and tasted great. I realized I was also hungry. I disposed of the dinner I had left on the table the night before and began to prepare breakfast.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“Listen, no one is going to make you go back to the clinic.
In fact, no is going to MAKE you do anything, especially not me.
The doctor seemed to feel you were anemic, which could indicate more serious problems. You are probably correct in assuming nothing is seriously wrong.”

I shrugged, watching him warily.
He was provoked and losing patience. I saw the signs.
I guessed I had better watch for the temper.

”You are also correct, you would not have needed to go to the clinic last night if I had not struck you. But it may have provided a wake up call for some other problem.”

I looked away from him then. What did he know about my problems?

“You are free to go back to your family, or friends, or home anytime you want.”

I looked up at him as he spoke. Family? That was a joke!
I’d never go back to them.

“I’m sorry, I should have asked much sooner if you need to reach anyone and let them know you were alright.”

I looked away, determined not to let him see how upset I was by his words.
He had made a natural assumption; an assumption that someone would give a damn as to where I was, how I was.
He was talking about the lock and how it was a genuine one.
I really didn’t care anyhow.
Perhaps that was why I’d picked him as a target, taken on someone who was not just an easy victim.
I was becoming careless of my safety I realised, asking for trouble.
Well maybe I wasn’t in trouble here … yet, but I was tired and fed up of it all.
Surviving, keeping safe it was just hassle.
Giving up to fate seemed attractive this morning.

“I’m going to leave some clothes on the bed, it will be your choice to take any or all of them.”

I nodded wordlessly as he stood at the door.
I was unable to bite back a sigh.
I was exhausted.

“I will be downstairs in the kitchen, when you’re done.
Just come down and turn left at the bottom of the stairway, follow the hallway to the end.”

I nodded and replied softly;

”OK …”

Agreeing, whilst not committing myself.

”Oh, it might be a good idea to wait to see if you want to take those pills after you’ve had something to eat.”

That was his final parting shot, before he walked out of the room and downstairs.
My eyes followed him and lingered in the doorway.
He was sensible, reasonable, I could almost say caring.
I gave up trying to make sense of it.

I found myself walking towards the bathroom and peeling off the clothes, wrapping them into a small tidy pile. Perhaps they had seen better days, but, still …
I left the bathroom unlocked, almost urging the inevitable to happen and stepped into the shower.

I couldn’t hold back a sigh of contentment as the hot water fell in a steamy curtain over my body. I chose some sweetly scented gel and worked it in a rich lather over my skin. Moving my hands gently over the few remaining scars on my back and abdomen I cleansed and eased until I felt refreshed. Taking the shampoo then I carefully avoided the injury and worked my blonde hair into a lather before rinsing the suds clear. Again I washed and rinsed, enjoying the scent, the feeling of freshness on my scalp. Then finally I conditioned the thick curtain of hair until it hung in a sleek wet curtain framing my face.

I threw a gaze at the bath, but was content that I had luxuriated in the shower for long enough … besides which I had to admit I was hungry! I turned off the shower and wrapped a towel about me before padding back into the bedroom.
I had told myself I would not accept the clothes, but as I looked towards the bed a selection of items had been laid out. I gazed at them curiously. They looked slightly larger than my now slight frame, but they were the size I would have been when I first left home. I walked to the bed and touched a casual hand across some of the clothes as I dried my hair.
I supposed I could try some on … or maybe just wear them for breakfast ….

I picked up a matching bra and pantie set and slipped them on. The peach lace pretty and warm on my pale skin and fitted perfectly. Unable to hold back a spark of vanity I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked nice, clean, presentable for the first time in ages …

I pulled on a pair of navy cords and found a sky blue shirt, which I knotted at the waist, as it was a bit big for me.
I pulled on a pair of warm socks and the solid walking shoes.
I looked at the sweater and jacket, but knew I did not need them in the house.
For some reason I knew that the items now offered would be mine if I should choose to take them when I left.

I knew I didn’t have to grab all I might want then and there, so I moved to the dressing table and took up a brush to arrange my damp tresses into some semblance of order. My face was pale, but the wound was now clean. I picked up the medications and moved out of the room to find my way downstairs.

It was the smell of coffee as much as the directions that led me to where he was busily preparing breakfast. I hovered uncertainly in the doorway, running a hand self-consciously through my hair, unaware of how I now looked almost platinum blonde rather than the honey blonde I had been now my hair was clean and shiny.

”The coffee smells great … “

I commented shyly as he turned, his eyes widening as he saw me.
I blushed and looked at the floor, still hugging the doorway.

”There’s a plate over there … are you hungry?”

His voice was casual, undemanding.
I raised my eyes to his, surprising myself as I answered honestly.

”Famished!”

He merely smiled and told me there was plenty to go round.
I stepped forward towards the table that was set for two, eager to see what he had prepared.

Looking up again, I caught him looking at my clothes, a strange expression on his face. Whatever his reasons, even I had to admit he had been very kind to me.
I felt uncomfortable about it, but I had to tell him I was grateful.
Part of me felt that as soon as I assumed a kindness, it would all be snatched from me as if it was just one big sick joke, but still.. I felt compelled to say something.

”The shower was great … once I was clean … I … didn’t want to feel dirty again… I left my old clothes in the bathroom … is that OK..?”

Even to my own ears I sounded like a little girl seeking approval.
It wasn’t what I did. I didn’t care what he thought of me … but… still …
My hand played on the warm fabric of the shirt, the other held the medications as I tried not to fidget uncomfortably.

”They’re very nice… you.. you’ve been very kind…. Thank you… “

I held my breath, eyes locked on his.
Had I been conned? Is this where I’d find out what the price for this kindness was?
I was prepared for disappointment, expected it.
I looked at him daring him to prove to me that he was the same as every other guy out there.
Behind that challenge, lay the fear, the glimpse of vulnerability.
If he proved me wrong, proved to me that someone could just be kind, because they wanted to be.
If that turned out to be the case, how on earth was I going to handle that?

 

[waits2play]

I heard the shower shut off, but I did not hear the tub filling. She must have decided against the bath.

”The coffee smells great … “

I almost jumped out of my skin, I hadn’t even heard her coming down the stairs. I turned to look at her, I was speechless. Her hair was still damp but looked like silk draping down towards her shoulders. My wife was a beautiful woman, and I had been true to her, but I could not help notice how Caz looked in those clothes. Even in her current condition, she added some very feminine curves to the outfit.

I’m sure I stuttered when I spoke.

”There’s a plate over there, are you hungry?”

As she walked to the table, she still looked frail but underneath that I could sense that she had been in comfortable surroundings before. What had brought her to her current situation?

Caz said, ”The shower was great … once I was clean … I … didn’t want to feel dirty again… I left my old clothes in the bathroom … is that OK..?”

”Yes, uhm yes, of course that’s fine. We can take care of them later,”

I was beginning to feel disoriented. At one moment she had the appearance of a young woman, and the defiance of a hardened person. The next moment she seemed to be a vulnerable child. She had actually asked for approval of her action.

When she said, ”They’re very nice… you.. You’ve been very kind…. Thank you… “

I must need to eat as well, was I hearing this correctly, she not only accepted my hospitality, she thanked me for it.

“ You are most welcome Caz, I wish we could have (BUMPED INTO) each other under different circumstances.”

I pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit down.

”Caz, please let’s start over. My name is Steve. I live in this house alone (I realized I said house and not home). I’ve lived here alone now for a few years. I have a housekeeper that comes in a few days per week. She’s on holiday now, visiting her family for the next couple of weeks. I am 36 years old. I didn’t mean to come across as another disciplinarian in your life. I’ve asked a lot of questions, but please believe me they were expressions of my concern, not a judgment of your actions.”

I had been putting the food on the table as I spoke. I set a cup of coffee and an empty plate before her.

“Please help yourself to anything. Don’t be afraid to ask for something you don’t see on the table. I haven’t set out a meal for a guest in some time. Allow me one question, while you prepare your plate. Should I continue to call you Caz, or is there another name you would like me to use?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“ You are most welcome Caz, I wish we could have (BUMPED INTO) each other under different circumstances.”

I couldn’t help but smile. It was a lame joke, but made him seem more human than the lectures and the questions. I stepped into the room and sat down on the chair he pulled out for me. He was a gentleman and certainly solicitous. My eyes watched him as he busied himself placing plates of food on the table, bacon, mushrooms, scrambled eggs, bread, butter, toast, syrup, cereals, milk, pancakes he had obviously just heated. It was an interesting concoction.
But of course, he didn’t know what I liked.

”Caz, please let’s start over. My name is Steve. I live in this house alone.”

I looked up and listened. He lived in this place alone?
I had begun to realise that it was quite sizeable, certainly big for just one man.

”I’ve lived here alone now for a few years. I have a housekeeper that comes in a few days per week. She’s on holiday now, visiting her family for the next couple of weeks.”

I looked round. The place was immaculate. That would explain it.

”I am 36 years old. I didn’t mean to come across as another disciplinarian in your life. I’ve asked a lot of questions, but please believe me they were expressions of my concern, not a judgment of your actions.”

I nodded accepting the apology, but could not help quirking a smile.
A disciplinarian in my life? That would be the day!
To be a disciplinarian, you had to care, I calculated and then looked up at him taken aback by my own train of thoughts. I couldn’t apply that theory to him!
To be a disciplinarian you had to care OR be a control freak!
But … that label didn’t describe him at all! I could more easily imagine him being a caring rather than a controlling man.
But I wasn’t going to accept he cared any for me.
It was just his nature to show concern.
Perhaps he took in waifs and strays all the time. He certainly had the room for it.
I could almost imagine some dowdy old housekeeper coming back and finding yet another visitor and admonishing him for being so soft.
He’d be easy to take advantage of … and if he was so foolish as to take up lost causes … what was it to me … ? I told myself.

In stark contrast to my thoughts, I smiled a thank you as he set a cup of coffee in front of me and wound my hands about its heat, enjoying the aromatic scent as I inhaled deeply.
The empty plate was laid before me.

“Please help yourself to anything.”

He invited. He was asking for trouble inviting strangers into his house.
Didn’t he stop and think of the damage I could do him or his property?
Hell I could steal everything that wasn’t nailed down!

” Don’t be afraid to ask for something you don’t see on the table.
I haven’t set out a meal for a guest in some time.”

A guest? That was how he was treating me.
Of course I couldn’t steal from him, not after all this, but … the man was clearly naïve!

I reached out and took two slices of bread and loaded them with bacon.

”Allow me one question, while you prepare your plate.”

I looked up at him, wondering what he would ask.

”Should I continue to call you Caz, or is there another name you would like me to use?”

I didn’t know what I’d expected, but that took me by surprise.
I shook my head, not knowing what to make of him at all.
I found myself answering.

”Caz is fine … that’s what they call me on the Street … it’s always easier to have some anonymity there and … you don’t want to give anyone the impression you’re a pushover…”

I sipped my coffee, leaving just the bacon sandwich on the plate.
I was hungry, but I wasn’t going to bolt down everything in sight.
I had been raised better than that, even if I didn’t like to admit it too often.

He didn’t push the matter and seemed to accept the name.
He began loading his plate, his attention away from me.
I didn’t know why I continued.
After all, he didn’t need to know, but I found myself adding.

”I mean … if I’d used my real name, I’d have been beat up on straight away.
Whoever heard of a street kid called “Cassandra”?”

My tone was derisive as I let that name pass my lips for the first time in ages.
His eyes turned to mine, slight surprise registering in them.
I spoke casually, off handedly then,

”You can call me Cassie if you want … my… friends used to call me Cassie… “

I finish, pinking slightly.

”But Caz is fine…”

Damn, I was going soft now!
It wasn’t as if he was a “friend”, I reminded myself.
Just some poor sap that felt sorry for me after nearly smashing my skull in!
I went back to focusing on my coffee and food.

We sat in silence, just eating for a while.
I loaded my plate again, piling on toast this time.
I was grateful for hot food.
I could steal or scavange enough food to get by, but to eat something actually cooked was a luxury.
I eyed the pancakes, knowing that I could manage a couple of those with syrup afterwards, as long as I wasn’t the only one left eating.
I guessed what he must think of me and … somehow it mattered … but I couldn’t work out why.

Keen to deflect the conversation from me, I grabbed at a topic of conversation.

”So … Steve… what were those photos of then … ?”

Was my casual question as I continued to eat and drink, enjoying the meal so generously laid before me.

 

[waits2play]

Cassie sounds much gentler than Caz, I thought. Her expression seemed to lighten as she said the words.

“The photos are from another time in life, from before…”

The ring of the telephone seemed louder than normal. I jumped to answer it.

“Yes, this is he.”

Yes, I did file a report last night.”

Well, yes I can remain here in the house for the next hour or so.”

Fine, we discuss this further when you arrive.”

I hung up the telephone and turned back to the table and Cassie. It was as though a cloud has passed over her face. Her pale complexion almost looked gray now.

“Cassie, what is it?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“The photos are from another time in life, from before…”

I nodded. His words struck a familiar chord, another time in life ... from before... I knew all about that. He was being evasive, but that was fine too ... it meant he could hardly complain when I refused to tell him anything further about me.

I jumped as the telephone rang. Sipping my coffee, I watched as he moved to answer it.

“Yes, this is he.

Yes, I did file a report last night.”

The cup stilled in my hands. Report?
What report could he have filed last night?!?

"Well, yes I can remain here in the house for the next hour or so.”

He must think I was so stupid, to discuss it in front of me.
Did he think his good Samaritan act went as far as getting the authorities involved. I could just imagine that he had convinced himself that it was an extension of his "good deed" to have me "taken care of"!

"Fine, we discuss this further when you arrive.”

I watched him hang up and turn back to the table.
I was used to being let down in life, not being able to trust anyone, but still, I never ceased to be disappointed.
Too bloody stupid! I admonished myself.

“Cassie, what is it?”

I stood from the table.

"Nothing ... "

I muttered, taking my pills up in my hand.

"I'd best go clean up the bathroom..."

With that I hurried out of the kitchen and moved quickly up the stairs, grabbing the jacket en route before moving to the bathroom and locking the door behind me. He had said the lock was secure, this was the time to find out!

I sat in the silence of the bathroom.
I looked round, calculating, trying to decide.
Whatever happened, I was not going to let myself get caught ... anything would be better than that ... anything ....

I eyed the window. My first plan of action was to try to get out that way. How high up I was or how tricky it would prove had not yet entered my mind. I would have to work on that one.

And if that didn't work.... well... I eyed the pills ... plenty there ...
I was not going to let any do-gooders push me about.
No one was going to push me about anymore.
I was so tired, so sick of it all.
Perhaps giving up was easier than trying to escape.
What would I be escaping to and why?

I began to read the labels and pull out the generous quantities of each pill ...

Why should I even care anymore.

"Cassie!?!?"

I jumped as he Steve shouted my name.

"Go away!"

I answered, my voice a choked sob rather than an angry shout.
I wished he'd just leave me alone.
He should have left me in that subway in the first place.

 

[waits2play]

Steve

I hesitated before following Cassie upstairs, struggling with self doubt about my ability and patience to deal with this troubled girl. Interesting, just moments before I was admiring the beauty of the young woman sitting at my kitchen table and now in my thoughts she was a girl. I realized that when her guard is down her vulnerability does make her seem like an unprotected girl, while her street persona is worldly. Walking up the stairs I replayed the telephone call in my mind, and realized how the call must have sounded to Cassie.

As I walked up to the bedroom door, I could see the bathroom door was closed. I bumped my hand on the door jam and winced when the pain shot through the knife cut, as I called her name.

“Cassie”

Her response was “Go away.”

“Cassie, I think you may have misunderstood what you just heard me say on the telephone. Do you remember what I told you about how my day had gone yesterday and why I was in no mood to be messed with when we encountered each other in the subway station?”

No response.

“In addition to delayed and cancelled flight, the airline also lost my luggage. That’s why I was not carrying anything in the subway last night.”

I thought I could hear movement in the bathroom, but I could not tell what she was doing. Surely she wouldn’t try to go out a second story window. I realized I was trying to impose a rational thought process on a situation that was not rational for Cassie. I looked for the pills on the nightstand. They were not there.

“Cassie, that telephone call was from the airline. They have found my luggage and will arrive within the hour to deliver it.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

“Cassie?”

Nothing

“Cassie; did you hear the doorbell? That must be the delivery person at the door. Will you open the bathroom door? Will you at least wait and not do anything rash, while I go to answer the door?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

“Cassie,”

Again I heard him call my name, whilst I stood undecided.

”I think you may have misunderstood what you just heard me say on the telephone.”

I smirked. Yeah? I didn’t think so!

”Do you remember what I told you about how my day had gone yesterday and why I was in no mood to be messed with when we encountered each other in the subway station?”

I stood silently. He was gonna have to make his excuses to fresh air.
I moved towards the window and looked at the latch.

“In addition to delayed and cancelled flight, the airline also lost my luggage.
That’s why I was not carrying anything in the subway last night.”

Luggage… that was a new one! I pulled the latch free and opened the window.
I leaned out and realised how high up I was. Damn!

“Cassie, that telephone call was from the airline.
They have found my luggage and will arrive within the hour to deliver it.”

I looked about the bathroom, trying to think rationally, to consider my options.
Then the doorbell rang.

“Cassie?”

His voice was sounding more panicked now.
I looked towards the locked door.
I was going to have to act, to decide what to do quickly!

“Cassie; did you hear the doorbell? That must be the delivery person at the door. Will you open the bathroom door?

I remained silent.
As if I was going to let anyone get near enough to start “helping”!
I’d had enough of that.

”Will you at least wait and not do anything rash, while I go to answer the door?”

Rash? Me?
Well … perhaps sometimes I was rash.
I usually considered my options, planned, but .. things did not always go to plan and sometimes… well now for example, I had gotten myself into real bother!

”Cassie?”

I heard him knock on the bathroom door as I stood my back pressed against the half open window.

”Just go get your … luggage … Steve!”

I called to him from behind the door.

”I won’t do anything … rash without a reason … “

I heard the bell ring once more and his footsteps go down the stairs.

I stood and looked round the room.
I could either wait there until I heard him bring someone upstairs and then either get out the window or…
Or I could unlock the door and go to hide somewhere in the house, so I could double back and do a runner to the door when he brought his “visitor” upstairs.
That seemed by far the best option!
Quickly I pulled on my jacket, pushed the pills deep into the pocket and unlocked the door.
I was going to have to be quick.
I had no idea where I could hide.

Even before I had crossed the upstairs hallway, I heard his footsteps coming upstairs.
He had been much quicker than I had thought!
I whirled round ready to run for it or fight my way out if necessary, wondering what the second do-gooder would look like.

I stood in the dim hallway, watching as he reached the top of the stairs.
Without a word he hit a switch and illuminated the place.
Blinking in the brightness I must have looked like a startled rabbit caught in the headlights.
I had realised that he was alone, but that meant nothing.
I wasn’t stupid!
I glanced suspiciously over his shoulder.
They eyed the doors behind me, wondering if they would be of any use to hide in … if it came to that…

”Don’t make me go with them … “

The words were out of my mouth before I could bite them back.
A plea, rather than the aggressive stance I had seen myself making!
Dammit!
Why was it so difficult to be hard and streetwise with this guy?
Why could I not stick to my intention not to be taken in by his apparent generosity?
I hardly struck an imposing picture, stood gazing fearfully behind him, not knowing what to expect.
I definitely needed to get back on the streets before I went totally soft and stupid!

 

[waits2play]

Steve

As I took my luggage from the courier and closed the front door, I could hear activity from upstairs. I wondered what Cassie had decided, and what her next step would be. I left the bags downstairs close to my office/bedroom and rushed back upstairs.
Most of the doors were closed upstairs and the hallway was dark. I turned on the lights and saw Cassie moving down the hallway. She had picked up the jacket and appeared to be looking for a way out.
When Cassie saw me her only words were;” Don’t make me go with them … “

”Cassie, I’ve already told that I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to do. I have no control over you. All I have done is taken you to the clinic for medical attention and opened my home to you. Besides there is no one else here, the courier brought my luggage and left.”
As I stepped off the stairway, I once again bumped my left hand on the banister and winced in pain.
“I would have explained the telephone call if you had given me a chance to before you ran out of the kitchen. I don’t know what kind of trouble you’re in or what has happened to make you so nervous.”
The pain in my hand was getting worse; I knew I needed medical attention. I moved into the bedroom to sit on the chaise.
“Cassie, it never occurred to me to discuss my lost luggage; prior to this morning's call. But as long as we’re on the topic of items not discussed; I should clear up two other minor deceptions I initiated last night.”
Hearing the word deceptions, Cassie moved closer to the top of the stairs.
I continued. “When we arrived at the clinic I did not want to create a reason for them to call the authorities, so I told them you had been knocked down by some young thugs who ran away when I appeared. Somehow you managed to catch my remark and supported it when they asked you what happened. I didn’t want to discuss the attempted robbery and the knife, so I kept my left hand out of sight. Looking back now, I realize I could have told them the young thugs had attacked me with a knife and cut my hand.”
I raised my left hand so Cassie could see the bandages. It was obvious the discoloration was more than just blood. I guessed that my flushed feeling was actually from my body’s attempt to fight the growing infection.
“Cassie, I have to go back to the clinic this morning. I should probably go as soon as possible. I have to be honest, my hope is that you will go with me and take the opportunity to get the results from your blood tests. If you’re not ready to do that, you could accompany me to the clinic and wait outside; afterwards we could go the market and pick up groceries.”
Her expression changed when I showed her my hand, but I couldn’t be sure what she was thinking.
"You have two other options; you’re welcome to stay here in my home while I go the clinic and the market. I hope you see that as a sign of my good intentions. And of course, you’re free to walk away anytime you want. I hope you don’t decide to do that before we have any opportunity to establish a mutual trust.”
I knew Cassie to make her own decision about how things would move forward, and this seemed as good a time as any.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

”Cassie, I’ve already told that I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to do. I have no control over you.
All I have done is taken you to the clinic for medical attention and opened my home to you.
Besides there is no one else here, the courier brought my luggage and left.”

I stood and listened to his tone.
He sounded fed up, out of patience.
I watched as he moved up the stairway and seemed to wince in pain.

“I would have explained the telephone call if you had given me a chance to before you ran out of the kitchen.
I don’t know what kind of trouble you’re in or what has happened to make you so nervous.”

I wrapped my arms defensively about my body.
“What was I supposed to think? He hadn’t explained. He could have.”
Even as the defensive thoughts passed through my head, I knew that he was right and that I’d over reacted.

He moved into the bedroom and I hung in the doorway watching as he nursed his hand, still talking about the luggage, then began to talk about the other “deceptions” he had started last night.
I moved forward and watched. This was going to be good!
At last he wasn’t going to pretend to be so virtuous!

“When we arrived at the clinic I did not want to create a reason for them to call the authorities, so I told them you had been knocked down by some young thugs who ran away when I appeared. Somehow you managed to catch my remark and supported it when they asked you what happened.
I didn’t want to discuss the attempted robbery and the knife, so I kept my left hand out of sight. Looking back now, I realize I could have told them the young thugs had attacked me with a knife and cut my hand.”

I watched as he held out his left hand and looked with surprise at the bandages.
It didn’t look good. It was obviously infected.
I realised with a start that the cut had been caused by me waving the knife around the night before. I took a step forward. Now I really looked, he didn’t seem well.
That knife had been pretty old and could carry any number of diseases!

“Cassie, I have to go back to the clinic this morning.
I should probably go as soon as possible.
I have to be honest, my hope is that you will go with me and take the opportunity to get the results from your blood tests.
If you’re not ready to do that, you could accompany me to the clinic and wait outside; afterwards we could go the market and pick up groceries.”

I hated the idea of going back to the clinic, but knew he couldn’t leave the injury much longer. It had been left long enough already! I didn’t feel like going back there, but what other options did I have? As if reading my thoughts, Steve continued.

"You have two other options; you’re welcome to stay here in my home while I go the clinic and the market. I hope you see that as a sign of my good intentions.
And of course, you’re free to walk away anytime you want.
I hope you don’t decide to do that before we have any opportunity to establish a mutual trust.”

He was offering to let me stay here?! He was a fool!
Didn’t he realise I could clean him out? I let my eyes wander round the room.
There was some nice stuff here. I could be sent up for months from this haul!
I realised too that if I didn’t have the heart to rob him, I could just walk away now.
Walk away and not be bothered with him again!
He could find his way to the clinic.
It couldn’t be far away.
I owed him nothing! … I told myself …

In direct contradiction to my thoughts, I realised that I’d stepped forward into the room.
I took the hand gently and looked at it carefully, moving the bandages fractionally as he flinched. I looked at him with concern. He really needed medical attention!
It was a nuisance, but somehow I felt obliged to see he got it.

”Come on, let’s get to the clinic. You need that sorted as soon as possible.
I’ve seen lots of wounds like that on the streets.
You think it hurts now, don’t hang around to see what it’s like when the infection really takes hold.
Believe me it’s not a pretty sight!”

I pulled him towards the staircase and slowly walked down with him.

”You need your jacket,”

I instructed him and moved to the kitchen whilst he went to his room.
Swiftly I cleared the table and neatly stacked the items on the worktop.
I had no idea where things belonged and wasn’t going to snoop, but didn’t want to leave the place a mess either.
I took the two plates and only just managed to put them into the sink when I realised he had returned and was stood in the doorway, a curious expression on his face.

”Do you want to stay here, or come to the clinic?”

He enquired softly.

I shrugged.

”I’d best make sure you get there OK.”

I said trying to mask my concern.

”And the blood tests…?”

I looked at him dubiously, but figured, why the hell not.

”If you want me to get them, then, I suppose ... as I’m there anyway ...”

I conceded reluctantly.

Pulling my jacket round me, I walked with him to the door and walked alongside him, trying not to throw surreptitious glances at him to check his condition. I had the best of intentions, but as I realised that I recognised the road and that we were in fact approaching the clinic, I stood still, hesitating.

”Cassie…?”

I eyed the building warily.

”You can make it from here. I’ll wait for you; make sure you’re OK.
I’m used to hanging out on the streets remember?”

I half joked at his dubious expression.
He stood and eyed me silently. His hand was obviously even more painful.

”Steve, just go and get sorted, for goodness sake!”

I exclaimed in exasperation.
Again nothing, then he held his good hand out to me.

”C’mon Cassie … just get the results …”

I looked at him, half angry because of his insistence, half touched because, even now he was thinking about me.
I wanted to pull away, tell him to stop being so bloody stupid, melodramatic … but …

His eyes met mine, and I found myself slipping a hand into his.
Somehow the feel of his strong hand around my smaller one was reassuring.
I could have pulled out of his grasp, he didn’t try to restrain me or drag me in there, yet just the touch of him was enough to draw me through the doors and along back to the department we had visited the night before.

 

[waits2play]

Steve
I knew I was running a huge risk if Cassie took the option of staying behind while I went to the clinic. But, I was prepared to take that chance, something told me there more to learn to learn about her. Something had caused her to hide the person she used to be behind this tough street persona.

There’s no fool like an old fool, or is it a fool in love? I didn’t know which, but I was pleasantly surprised when Cassie stepped closer and took my hand. Her own hands seemed frail and her touch was gentle. For the first time, I saw her show concern for another, her life on the street must have been lonely and traumatic. But, here she was suggesting that I should get to the clinic.

We’d done a role reversal as she led me down the stairs and told me to get a jacket. I did so and returned to kitchen where she was clearing the table. I must have sounded different to her as I asked if she was going to the clinic. I was reluctant to hear her response. To my surprise, she agreed to go. I was astonished to hear myself asking about her blood tests, how far did I think I could push this new found openness from her?

As we neared the clinic, she slowed her pace, hesitating. After some short comments, I held my good hand out for her. The pain in my other hand seemed insignificant as she slid her hand in mine and we walked to the steps of the clinic.

Cassie, I was thinking I would tell them that the same young thugs reappeared after we left the clinic last night, and that is when I received this injury. Are you OK with that?”

After completing the initial paperwork, we were sent to two examining rooms. The cleaning of my wound was as painful as anything I had experienced, but through out the process my thoughts were about Cassie and her test results. The medical technician said the delay in treating the cut would lead to scarring after the wound healed. It was also likely that there would be some nerve damage and reduced mobility for the little finger. I couldn’t be less interested, as I heard Cassie’s voice back in the main lobby. I wanted to get to the front desk in time to pick up my own paperwork before Cassie had an opportunity to see it. She didn’t need to carry any guilt for this incident on top of what ever burdens she already had.

I steeped into the hallway in time to see the front desk receptionist hand Cassie some documents and prescriptions. Cassie turned away as I approached the desk to settle the charges. After completing that transaction, I touched Cassie’s shoulder.

”When you are ready to leave; can we go somewhere to talk?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Cassie

Cassie, I was thinking I would tell them that the same young thugs reappeared after we left the clinic last night, and that is when I received this injury.
Are you OK with that?”

I nodded. That scenario sounded as feasible as any.
For now I was willing to follow Steve’s lead.

I stood by his side as he went to the desk and filled out forms.
This was going to be more expense for him, but he had insisted.
Quite how I’d let him talk me into this I wasn’t sure, but I found I was more concerned about Steve as he disappeared into an examination room, rather than the questions and results I would face when they guided me to an examination room.

I sat on the examination couch, looking round nervously, whilst the nurse told me that the doctor would soon be there.
I had intended just to walk up and collect an envelope, but obviously they had other things in mind.

”Morning Miss … ?”

The doctor spoke with forced cheerfulness. I
could see his curiosity, but could not remember who it was that had treated me the night before.
Was this the same man?
At least I look decent now and my respectable appearance gave me slightly more confidence.

”Belling, Cassandra Belling … “

I replied smoothly, giving a false surname.
He looked slightly taken aback.

”Well, Miss Belling, we have the results of your blood tests and as we thought, they indicate that you have quite sever anaemia.”

I nodded politely, not really knowing what the consequences were, but not wanting to prolong the discussion.

”I’d just like to take a few more details, weight, physique, so that we can prescribe the correct medication…”

I eyed him suspiciously.
That didn’t seem to ring quite true.
I was sure any treatment was standard, but I agreed nonetheless.

”Very well, if it’s totally necessary…”

I was very patient.
For quarter of an hour I allowed myself to be weighed, measured and answered questions about childhood illnesses, but refused to be drawn into giving any extended personal history.

The doctor then asked me about my diet.
I told him my eating was … infrequent … my appetite … varied … but again was vague. He gave me lots of advice about what to eat and to rest, all which was impossible and nonsense. I listened with a polite, but glazed expression.
Hell I was lucky when I could eat on the streets.
I couldn’t afford to get picky.

Sensing he had got through to me about as much as he was likely too, I was sent to the main desk to pick up yet another prescription with final insistences that I take his advice re: diet, rest and coming back for another check up in a month’s time, or before hand if I felt that my “condition” was deteriorating!

””Yes, thank you doctor,”

I muttered, obediently as I picked up the tablets and allowed leaflets to be pressed into my hand.
I turned with relief when I felt Steve tap me gently on the shoulder.

”When you are ready to leave; can we go somewhere to talk?”

I looked at him, seeing his hand well bandaged.

”Sure .. if you’re up to it. Shouldn’t you be resting?
What did the doctor say?”

I asked anxiously, forgetting not to let my worry show.
I looked round.
The place sure was claustrophobic.

”Are we finished here yet?”

I asked.

"I don't like hospitals."