Free Concealed Affliction by Harlow Stone Page A

and treat yourself to a good meal and a cold one at The Tap.”
     
    I reference my favorite watering hole, hoping the kid takes the hint and gets out more. I would even offer to buy him a beer, if I were allowed to meet up with the people that call in here.
     
    “Thanks Gina, but I think I’m just going to stay in and get caught up on my school work.”
     
    This is where some of these kids go nuts. I’m all for dedicating time to your studies. I’ve spent the past three years with my nose buried in the books here. However, one thing I realized over time is that we all need a break. Otherwise you’re bound to pull your hair out.
     
    “Matty, you do whatever it is that you need to in order to sleep at night. But let me remind you, as much as I believe that school is a necessity in order to get a job, it’s also imperative you take some time for you. Remember that Matty. I know you’ve had a bit of a rough month. You had a few family issues, and then lacked the funds to continue your education. Just remember it’s totally okay to take five and do something for yourself. Okay Matty?”
     
    He’s silent on the other end of the phone for a few moments before he replies in his usual soft, timid voice.
     
    “Thanks Gina. Maybe if I get a little more caught up tonight I’ll take some time tomorrow for myself.”
     
    That’s Matty. He could never outright say ‘no’ to anyone. If I told him to go and rob a bank right now, he’d probably do it. The entire time he would know it’s the wrong thing to do, but he’s a people pleaser.
     
    “Anyway, I just wanted to share some good news with you for once. I’ll call you back soon, okay Gina?”
     
    “Okay Matty, you take care of yourself. Talk soon.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    I feel warmth on my face, followed by the movement of a hand. Not used to waking up with someone touching me, and knowing I went to bed alone, I jackknife up from the bed while shoving my hand under the pillow for my gun.
     
    “Elle, it’s me!”
     
    I whip my head around to find Ryder sitting on top of the covers on the opposite side of the bed. I let out a huge breath and shove my gun back under the pillow.
     
    “Tip for you Ryder: do not wake me up like that when you didn’t sleep here the night before, unless you want a bullet in your body.”
     
    I’m heaving. My heart is racing fast and I can feel the angry tears threatening my eyes. How dare he, and how the hell did he get in here?
     
    “Jesus, I’m sorry. I just got back and wanted to see you.”
     
    I turn away from him and climb out of bed, heading toward the bathroom. I shut the door and lock it behind me, then do the same to the other door that connects to the hallway. Not wanting to hear anything else he has to say at the moment, I turn on the shower and strip out of my sweat soaked clothes. Hands shaking the entire time.
     
    Once again, this is the norm. I expect it whether my nightmares are full of fear, or just memories of the past. What I didn’t expect was to feel someone touching me when I woke up.
     
    Feeling his hand on me reminded me of my past. When I woke up in Andrew’s smashed up car, an old man had his hand on my shoulder, gently nudging me. Trying to wake me up.
     
    “Easy there dear, you hit the hydro pole. You stay still, now. I called the po-lice, help is on the way.”
     
    I don’t know what I hit, or what I did to him when he woke me up. I just clutch the blood soaked towel to my chest, ignoring the pained expression on his face as he registers my beaten body.
     
                  I grab my shampoo and begin to lather my hair, thinking of the person who helped me. He was a kind older man. He wanted to help when I escaped Andrew’s basement and crashed his car, only I lost my shit when I felt his hand on my shoulder. In that moment I didn’t remember escaping the basement and crashing. I felt like I was still in there, in that cold damp place and he was waking me up to torture