Chapter 10: Broken Charades

**Laura’s POV**

I hear the door slam, my last and only line of hope extinguished. I wanted to tell Liam what happened. For some foolish reason, I believed he was the one soul I could go to for help. Instead of the warmth I once felt from his embrace, I was faced with the sharpened ice shards of his impaling words—striking what was left of my already shattered heart to complete nothingness.

I’m struggling to breathe—the pain—it’s too heavy. I can’t release a sob, for I do not have enough air in my lungs to exhale. The water released from my tear ducts obscures my vision, yet I am still making my way to my locker. With my scarf still in my hand, I did not bother to cover my neck. Why would I when the one person whose opinion I valued the most sees me as a tainted ungracious pest? I could feel scowling eyes, judging the very essence of my being. I swear I can hear their thoughts calling me every foul word in the dictionary, trash, tramp, slut, whore... the list is endless.

A sudden dizziness overtook me, and I grabbed the door of my open locker for support. I feel cold and weak—still struggling to breathe as this ache is slicing open old existing wounds, archiving itself amongst my past heartaches, further crippling my will to fight for normality and happiness.

I can’t do this; I must just go. Do I run? I can give it a shot; it is the only thing left to do. If I go now, I may have a head start. I rested my head on my hand as I began to tremble at the thought of Jerry fulfilling his promise. More tears streamed down my nose toward gravity’s pull. All of a sudden, I felt warm hands grabbing me, pulling me to a soft bosom.

“You fucks stop staring and get back to work!” It was Bethany’s voice; I never heard her so hostile, but I felt safe as she cradled me protectively. “Come, hun, let’s get you cleaned up and dressed; I’ve got your uniform,” she whispered and started guiding me to the ladies’ room.

As soon as we entered the cubicle, Bethany pulled down the lid of the toilet and made me sit. She locked the door and then turned her attention to me as she knelt before me at eye level. I continued to stare downward towards nothing. I felt her hands brushing my hair behind my ear. “Holy shit, Lau! What the hell happened?” she exclaimed in horror. I realised she saw how bad my neck was. I could only shake my head, replying softly, “I found someone new; it’s nothing.”

She remained quiet for a few moments, probably still gawking at my dirtied neck. “Come, let’s get you dressed,” she said sternly.

I looked at her and said, “I think I’m going to resign, Beth. Don’t waste your time on me while your reputation is still good. I’m only going to stain it.”

“Oh hush, you are not going anywhere! Now take off that top and lift those arms of yours,” she commanded as she readied my work shirt in her hands.

I did as she asked, and as soon as she witnessed the state of my body she gasped in pure horror. Now that more hours have passed the bruises have darkened especially closer to my breasts. “Oh my fuck, Lau! What fucking happened?!” she asked with a trembling voice.

I shook my head as I covered my face, and I began to weep helplessly in my hands. I felt Bethany wrapping me in her arms; she started rocking me as she stroked the back of my head.

“Shh shh, it’s okay, baby, I’m here for you,” she tenderly hushed, like a mother would, kissing my forehead and releasing a few tears of her own. “Please tell me what happened. Who’s the bastard that did this to you?”

“I can’t,” I mouthed, silently praying no one was here eavesdropping, ready to report to Jerry. She looked at me, concerned; I lifted my hand, pointing to the wall, then my eyes and ears. She immediately pulled out her phone, typed, and then showed me the screen.

You are being watched?

I nodded; Bethany cursed under her breath and typed frantically on her phone, then handed it to me.

Type here, who did this to you?!

I pointed to her, miming that she must keep her phone. I then took a breath and said with a broken voice, “It was consensual, all in the heat of the moment. I’m only upset because Liam is pissed I have a new boyfriend.”

Bethany is a sharp woman and played along, “That arsehole! Who is he to tell you who to date?! So who’s the lucky guy?”

“Jerry Wulfric, Jacob’s roommate,” I said, visibly trembling as I remembered waking up in his bed. I speedily buttoned up my shirt.

“Wow. How did you two realize there was chemistry?” she asked as she made notes on her phone.

“He invited me to his show last night and asked me out during his performance. I first declined, but on our way back, I fell asleep in the car,” I choked as I heard myself. The memory started to hinder my speech. Bethany’s eyes widened, releasing more tears. I finally mustered the strength to finish my last sentence. “Jerry was such a gentleman; he carried me to his room. When I woke up, I-I was taken aback by his tenderness and accepted him. Now Liam thinks I am a tramp,” I cried in a whisper.

Bethany looked absolutely traumatized; she held tightly onto me and silently cried with me. “Fuck him and screw the idea of you quitting. I’m not serving at the coffee bar today, so I’ll take the orders from your tables, you can just serve the food. If Keres appears later, I will tell him to go fuck himself.”

I managed to muster a small laugh; I knew Bethany was my friend but never dreamed she might be my salvation in a situation like this. “Don’t worry, babe, mama bear’s got your back; no one fucks with my bestie.”

“Thank you,” I lipped as my voice disappeared. I felt drained, but my friend managed to give a breath of life to my dying embers of hope. She helped me get ready and skilfully tied my scarf around my neck so that it looked like it was part of my black-and-white uniform. She also fixed my makeup and styled my semi-dried hair to masterfully cover my dreary face and shoulders.

“You have such thick, long hair, hun; use it to your advantage. You are gorgeous,” Beth hummed as she sprayed hairspray to keep it in place. I was amazed; I swear it’s as though that woman had a whole portable salon in her bag.

“Thanks, Beth,” I said shyly, then froze. “Wow, you truly worked a miracle today,” I gasped as I looked at myself in disbelief.

“Oh shush, it’s because I have a stunner of a model. Come, let’s get to work before sourpuss nags us,” she said with a wink and placed a supportive arm around my shoulders.

“Beth, about today, what you heard, please for now keep it between us. I beg you.”

She looked at me unsure; she was definitely having a battle within herself but sighed, “Fine, I’ll wait a week.” I gave her a grateful hug and we exited the bathroom together.

“Stay back here and take some breaths. I’ll get the orders for so long. Wait—maybe get a cloth and wipe all the tables; pretend to be busy until the orders are ready. We don’t want the boss to think you’re slacking.”

“Thanks, Beth, I will do that,” I said. She looked deep into my eyes, as though hesitating to leave me while at the same time trying to reassure me everything would be fine. She squeezed my hand and then dashed off to the waiting customers. I looked at the clock; it was half past twelve. I sighed; this meant I might leave after ten or whenever the bistro closes tonight. I better let Jerry know.

I took out my phone and dialled his number; it did not even ring once, and immediately I heard his voice. “Hello, my gem, I meant to call you earlier, but you seemed quite occupied with your bestie. How’s my sweetheart feeling? Is she missing her big bad wolf? Should I come teach your mean boss a lesson?”

I froze, and my chest became numb—Jerry was clearly showing off, reminding me that he had eyes and ears everywhere. I nearly started hyperventilating, but I took a deep breath and tried calming myself down. Relax, Laura, you have Beth who knows the truth; now just entertain this dick until you find a means to escape this mess. Once composed, I decided to further rub his ego, seeing he was in such a good mood.

“My eyes have finally been opened. I realised I need to be grateful to have you, who cares so much for me. I do miss my wolfie, and don’t worry, I feel better now.”

“Aww, my darling gem, do you truly mean that?” he hummed, pleased.

“Apart from my friend Beth, I realised I have you now too. I am sorry I took your kindness for granted and for hurting your feelings at the theatre, my wolf,” I spoke in the sweetest voice I could conjure.

“Oh fuck, you better speak to me like that when I come to collect you tonight,” he breathed hungrily. I swear I could already imagine the saliva collecting on his lips.

“I will, but only if you behave tonight,” I tried to playfully warn as I shivered.

“Your wish is my command, my temptress,” he husked.

“I also wanted to let you know I will be finishing—”

“Late? I know, sweetheart, but I am thrilled you are being such a good girl. I will come to fetch you once you are finished.”

“Thank you, my wolfie, I look forward to seeing you,” I said, fighting the urge to gag. I fucking hate him, but I need to learn to mask my feelings and look at the bigger picture. Keep the beast calm and figure out how to escape him whilst I still have some of my freedom.

“Bye, sweetheart, see you later,” he purred tenderly, then put the phone down.

I quickly checked the screen to make sure the call was dropped. To my relief, it was, and as I looked up, I paled. I saw Liam’s glowering face, scrutinizing me with utmost hatred. It looked like he was about to tackle me, but instead, he stormed past me, out of the bistro. I heard him getting in his car as he harshly slammed the door and spun its wheels whilst reversing out of the parking lot. Shit, I’m done for now. I guess I should forget about the kitchen, seeing that he thinks I am slacking off to talk to my new demented boyfriend.