Chapter 2 A Month Later

Healed and preparing for her life change, Sophia stood with her eyepatch. She was listening to her attorney at the coffee shop next to the bus stop. Phil Jackson has been a godsend for her. He had gone far beyond what was normal for an attorney and Sophia was beyond grateful. He helped her get her money transferred to the bank in Winterset, the town Otis was in. He also showed her photos of the small town. Sophia had a bus ticket in hand and a small suitcase in the other filled with her meager belongings. Sophia had just gotten finished with the therapist that gave her several depression and anxiety medications. The receptionist informed her that the medication could be refilled at the pharmacy in the grocery store in Winterset. If it hadn't been for the pills Sophia was convinced that her mind would be lost. She was diagnosed with anxiety, and PTSD due to the attack and experienced frequent panic attacks. She wore a light jacket that had a hood to cover her severely scarred face wherever she went. It was difficult trying to hide from other people's curious stares. Her story had been on the news and plastered all over the internet. Some said she was lying for money and others just called her a disfigured monster. Either way, it hurt and made her want to simply disappear. Sophia stood outside with Mr. Jackson as they both waited for the bus that would take her off to a new life six hours away.

"Otis knows your entire ordeal, Sophia, and will be at his hotel. It is the only one in town. He also informed me that there is a small one-bedroom home a block away that is for sale and would be ideal for you," he said softly.

"Maybe you can visit once I get settled," Sophia suggested and he nodded.

"If I'm not busy with my work I would like that," Phil grinned kindly. He was so very nice to her.

"Thank you, for everything. I couldn't have done this without your help," Sophia told him solemnly. Phil patted her back and shook his head.

"You are a survivor, Sophia. You are strong in spirit. Keep that strength and live a good, long life. Ah, the bus is here," he said chipperly. Sophia glanced at the bus and swallowed nervously.

"You will be alright. Don't listen to others if they insult you or call you hurtful things. You are beautiful on the inside and out," he said in encouragement. She startled him by giving him a tight hug. He relaxed and hugged her back in a comforting manner before leading her to the bus entrance.

"I put my number in your cell if you ever need anything. Sophia nodded and slowly made her way up the steps. Avoiding the other people taking seats she headed to hers near the back. Sophis watched Phil as he waved. Waving her fingers back to him she grinned slightly. A cold feeling of trepidation filled her suddenly and Sophia flicked the rubberband that the therapist suggested she wear around the wrist to keep her grounded. Sophia snapped it against her wrist a few times until the feeling of dread passed. Soon the bus was traveling down the freeway. The tall concrete buildings of the large city faded in the distance.

"I can do this," she mused to herself. Settling back in the seat Sophia saw passengers eyeing her coldly and turned herself so she could face the window. Sophia refused to become drowned in her self-pity. Pulling the cell phone out of her jacket pocket she looked through it to find it only had Phil and Otis's numbers for contacts. Pressing the internet Sophia discovered her story in the news section. Her once-perfect face was plastered on it next to what she was now. Sophia hoped they didn't have news like this in Winterset. She read the story and grinned slightly at seeing Vincent getting sentenced to twenty years. Tucking the cell phone back into her pocket she rested her chin in her hand watching the scenery pass by outside. She knew that Vincent's family would get him out earlier one way or the other but was certain that he would be in at least ten of those years. Sophia nodded off to sleep and was woken by a hand shaking her shoulder.

"Miss, we have arrived at the destination," a stern voice said. Blinking her eye, Sophia glanced up to see the bus driver frowning at her. Looking around the bus she could see she was the only passenger.

"Sorry, I drifted off," Sophia mumbled softly as she gathered her items and headed past the stern-looking man. Sophia's single eye widened at the lovely town. The photos Phil had shown her didn't give it justice. Architecture that was European-inspired filled the small town. Hope filled her for the first time since the incident. Sophia glanced at everything surrounding her and grinned. She continued down the main street, searching for Otis's hotel. She was looking left and bumped into someone. Preparing to apologize she was startled by a woman frowning at her.

"Watch where you are going, freak. I don't want your nasty ass rubbing off on me," the younger woman snapped. The man with her started laughing and told her I was that gold digger from the news. Sophia looked down and continued. She wasn't expecting to be pushed from behind and fell, scraping her knees. Sophia started panicking and began hyperventilating.

"Travis, you go piss off," a shout came from above her.

"Sophia, are you alright?" A kind voice asked. Sophia looked up to see an old African American man grinning down at her.

"Otis?" She inquired curiously and he nodded.

"That be me, miss. Get up, dear, and don't let Travis Hamilton get to you," he said firmly, offering his hand in greeting. Sophia felt a warm heart in the old gentleman the same she had gotten from Phil Jackson.

"My hotel is a couple of doors down. I don't know what Phil told you but I can offer you a job cleaning if that will work?" He asked with inquisitive eyes. Sophia nodded and told him that would be great. Otis offered Sophia his hand to help her to her feet.

"Phil told me you were a bright woman and I can see his assessment of you was correct," he said softly and Sophia eyed him oddly and mumbled her thanks.

"We can walk together and I can show you to your new abode. Looks like you don't have much. The home is one of mine and Phil made a deal so the house is yours but the deed will remain in my name so that your name remains off record," Otis smiled. Sophia shook her head and insisted that she pay for it. Otis shook his head.

"No can do, miss. I'm doing God's work here," he stated firmly. Sophia nodded and slowly walked next to Otis back down the sidewalk. As the pair turned the corner Sophia's eye landed on an adorable home with a small porch sporting a rocking chair and numerous planters full of blossoms.

"Is that it?" She said pointing to the lovely tiny home. Otis followed her finger and grinned.

"Sorry it's the one that is two houses down from that one," he said sullenly. Sophia nodded and counted down the homes. As they walked Sophia grew grim. The home Otis headed up to needed to be painted and the tiny porch was bare of anything decorative.

"As I said, the place is yours to do with what you like. Phil has legal documents that make you the legal owner," he said firmly as he unlocked the door and opened it for Sophia. She stepped inside and was relieved that it was clean and furnished with a few items.

"It was cleaned yesterday and there's a made bed, full fridge and pots, pans, and everything you will need. I have a storage room in the back of the hotel with items you're welcome to go through if you want to add a woman's touch," Otis said with a laugh. Sophia walked into the small living room and ran her fingers over the small dinette as she looked at the galley kitchen.

"The bedroom and bathroom are to your left down the hall," Otis informed her. Sophia carried her suitcase down the hall and to the small bedroom. Setting her luggage on the bed she sighed. Otis stood in the doorway.

"I know it's not what you are accustomed to, Sophia but it's yours and safe," he said solemnly. Sophia nodded and smiled.

"It is lovely Otis, thank you. When can I start working?" Otis chuckled and replied, "how about tomorrow, be at the hotel at nine and I will show you what you need to do."