2. Unsettling Revelations

Rima’s POV

With my things packed in two suitcases in the trunk of Mr. Snow’s car, we headed to his home. We didn’t exchange a lot of words because he was busy on his phone concentrating on whatever was displayed on it.

After a few minutes, my phone rang inside my bag. I took it out and looked at the name displayed on the screen, ‘Tony’. It was the person I owed my new life to, the only person I could trust to keep me safe. I glanced up at Mr. Snow, asking cautiously “Can I answer?”

He waved his hand and said casually "Of course” before he looked away, granting me permission.

I knew I could talk freely with Mr. Snow and Travis listening in the car because the whole content of my conversation was going to be spoken completely in Arabic; my native language, which they wouldn’t understand a word of.

Tony’s deep voice sounded from my phone, his tone soothing and fatherly; momentarily making me think of the real cruel father I have, the one who was the main reason I ended up here to begin with struggling and suffering on my own to erase what he made me go through “I missed you, girl. It’s been a while since you called. Is everything okay?”

I smiled, feeling a sense of security wash over me as I replied in my native tongue “Hi, Tony. No, everything is fine, it’s great actually. I got a job at last. How are you? I miss you too”

His laughter filled my ears, momentarily easing my tension “Not as much as I do, believe me. The house is empty without you, but it’s okay. I know you’ll be safer and happier there. Congratulations, I’m so proud of you. If your boss causes you trouble, you know I have eyes and ears in Toronto. I can teach him a lesson”

I chuckled, grateful for his unwavering support and not doubting his words for a second because I knew what he was capable of “I know you can, but I don’t want any special treatment. He seems fine”

“Well, I’m glad you found something to focus on. I was worried about you all alone there”

“Don’t worry about me, Tony. I’ll be okay…speaking of,” I dropped my voice down as I asked dreadfully “Is there any news on him?”

My heart started beating erratically when he said in a firm tone “That’s actually the main reason I called you. George is applying for bail through his attorney”

My chest tightened, and my voice became hoarse “What?”

“Look, I don’t want you to be scared, sweetie” His tone was calm.

“B… But he was arrested in the middle of a drug deal! He was caught red-handed! How is there any room for bail? What judge would grant him bail?” I began to panic.

“Powerful people like him can always find a judge they can buy. But listen…”

I cut him off “Tony, if that man gets out, he will come after me. He won’t stop until he finds me. You think my death will stop him? It won’t. He will go into the afterworld just to get me back. You have to do something. You have to stop him from bribing any judge!”

“Rima, stop panicking. There is no way he will find you. Maria is dead, and there’s nothing he can do to ever bring her back. So calm down”

I became aware of Mr. Snow and Travis staring strangely at me. I cursed myself for letting my voice betray my conversation even though they had no idea what was being said. I relaxed unwillingly and lowered my voice “Okay, just keep me in touch, Tony. Please. Just because I panicked, don’t hide anything from me, especially about him. I want to know everything”

“Sure, sweetie. Take care of yourself and don’t be scared. You have me, even if I am far away… I will do my best to stop him from bribing any judge”

“Thank you, Tony. Goodbye” I hung up the phone, my heart still erratic. George was supposed to be locked up for a long time. I never anticipated he would get out this soon.

“Are you okay?” Mr. Snow asked, worry in his tone.

My chest tightened even more as my breaths grew rapid and shallow. The world spun around me, and I felt dizzy and lightheaded. Mr. Snow’s worried face came into focus as he said “You’re having a panic attack. Try to take deep breaths”

He took my hand in his, gently squeezing, providing an anchor of comfort. The warmth of his skin soothed me.

“Travis, pull over” Mr. Snow ordered. The car slowed to a stop as Mr. Snow turned to fully face me “Rima, look at me and breathe. In…and out. You’re safe. Just listen to my voice and breathe”

I tried to breathe but couldn’t seem to get enough air. My heart raced as my vision blurred, consumed by fear of the past catching up to me.

Mr. Snow grasped both of my hands, locking his gaze on mine. His brown eyes were deep and intense, yet filled with compassion.

“Focus on me, Rima. Breathe slowly. You’re having a panic attack, but it will pass. I’m here with you” His voice was calm and steady, helping ground me.

I stared into his eyes and felt something inside me unlock. The warmth of his hands holding mine spread throughout my body, filling me with an awareness of the present moment. My breath caught again, but for an entirely different reason.

Gradually, my breathing eased, the dizziness fading, but I couldn’t look away from his gaze. I was anchored not by his words alone but by a connection I could feel forming between us – unseen but undeniable.

He smiled. "There you go. Feeling better?”

I nodded, speechless. No words were needed to convey what had passed silently between us. I had revealed a vulnerability, and he had been there without question or judgement. An impossible bond of trust was forming considering we barely knew anything about each other, and in this new city where I knew no one, I had found a person; a man, who was able to stop my fear of another man from taking control of me while also making me feel something not entirely bad when he touched me. I never thought another man’s touch can ever feel comforting after George ruined me.

Mr. Snow gave my hands a final squeeze before releasing them. But his touch remained, imprinted on my skin, etched into my memory.

“Thank you” I said in a small voice as I wiped my tears away consciously.

“Do you get them often?” he asked gently.

I stuttered, my lie caught in my throat as I began to hyperventilate again. I didn’t want to lie to him but couldn’t tell the truth. He couldn’t know about my past. I didn’t want anyone to know and judge me on it. Or look at me differently.

He sensed my panic returning and calmed me “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me. The important thing is that you’re feeling okay now. Do you want to step out for some fresh air?”

Feeling embarrassed at his tender care, I shook my head “I’m fine now. Let’s just go”

He nodded “Alright, if you’re sure you’re okay”

I looked out the window, focusing on keeping my breathing steady like he’d shown me. My heart swelled at his kindness.

I sighed. I couldn’t lose control every time I heard that bastard’s name.

Like Tony said, Maria was dead and she would stay dead. But something still burned inside me. The Maria who burned down in her husband’s house weeks ago was still inside me, still scared, still terrified that even though she had burned and Rima had risen from her ashes—hiding her inside, shielding her, protecting her—she feared that somehow, George would be able to yank her out of there and bring her back to life again, back to his hell again.