17.

I was too tired to check on Gen when I got home last night I wonder how her date went. I didn’t see her this morning either. Raine checked her phone one more time. She had just finished her last round for the day. 05:45. Kain would be here soon. Better get my things ready.

A little excited.

“You! Why have you been ignoring my calls and messages? Did I not tell you to come home?” a familiar voice yelled at her before she could step into her office. She was greeted with the dreaded sight of her mother, waiting impatiently for her. Ignoring her questions, Raine walked over to her desk to pick her bag.

“This stupid girl, are you ignoring me?” she shouted even louder. No doubt trying to draw attention, as usual. Raine rolled her eyes.

“Didn’t father tell you not to come to my workplace anymore?” she said, putting her things in order. Ready to leave.

“What did you say?”

Turning to face her, she replied “Mother, you’re disturbing others. I’ll find the time to come home so please, could you leave?”

Her ears rang as she recovered from the sudden slap she received as a reply to her question. Gripping the edge of her table for balance with one hand, she held the other to her now throbbing cheek as she looked up, shocked “You ugly slut! How dare you talk to me that way?! All you know how to do is spread your legs and you are talking down to me?”

Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes as she looked past her mother. Not only had people gathered to see the cause of the ruckus, Kain was also there. Watching intently with an unreadable expression on his face. Why? Why is he there? Why is he just watching and not leaving? Her thoughts drowned out the insults of her mother and the chattering of the audience behind.

“Anna! What exactly do you think you’re doing here? Weren’t you told not to come here anymore?” the head nurse scolded as she struggled to make her way in through the crowd. The head nurse was considered a sister to her father. During times like these, she was the only one who could get rid of her mother. Taking advantage of the new found confusion, Raine bolted out the door and without so much as a glance back, she ran to her car.

Was that her mother? Kain questioned himself, taking wide quick steps as he chased after Raine. It looked like this sort of thing happened often. Hmm... why am I getting so angry? Exasperated he ran his hand through his hair as he found himself in the hospital’s parking lot. There she was, sitting behind the steering wheel of her car wailing uncontrollably. A new feeling of anger welled deep within him. Is she planning to drive in that condition? He frowned at the thought. Abruptly, he walked to her car and yanked the door open. Without a word, he leaned over, grabbed her arm and pulled her out before slamming the door shut. She looked up at him with a surprised and questioning gaze but made no effort to put up any form of resistance. Still sobbing as he led her to his car. After strapping her into the passenger’s seat, he hurried over and started the car.

It was a silent drive to his apartment but with the occasional sounds of her whimpers. Still seething in anger as he got down from the car, he made his way over to her and helped her down. This time, she was a little reluctant. Without a word he scooped her up and made his way to the lift. Burying her head in his chest, she started crying all over again.

She looked around as she held a cooling pack to her check. He hadn’t said a word to her all this time. Not when he brought her up to his apartment nor when he sat next to her as he gently held the cooling pack to her hurt cheek. He left briefly to attend to whoever was ringing the door bell after handing her the pack. When did he order food? He returned with several plastic bags and unloaded the contents and set the dining table. Still without a word, he walked over to the couch where she was. Holding her free hand gently, he led her to the table now covered in food and pushed her into a seat.

She stared blankly at the plate of food he set before her.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” her voice raw and shaky from crying.

He leaned towards her as he tucked loose hair strands behind her ear. “Hmm... eat first. We’ll talk as much as you want later.”

“You should eat too.”

“I will.”

They both sat still for a while before she reached for her spoon. He pulled his seat closer to her after watching her struggle for a bit, she was too exhausted to lift it to her mouth. Taking the spoon from her, he lifted it to her mouth as he began to feed her.

“You should eat too.” She said quietly as she pulled on his shirt.

“Hmmm.” Complying with her request, he filled the spoon with food and lifted it to his mouth before feeding her again and then himself. They continued like that until all the food was gone.

“Are you okay? Want more?” he asked.

She shook her head softly in reply, his shirt still in her hand.

“Water?” he stood and began to clear away the plates. “Raine, my shirt.”

Her grip tightened as she looked up to him. “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Raine.” He began softly as he placed the used plated on the table. Gently taking her hand away from his shirt he sat himself down. “It’s okay.” Tenderly, he stroked her cheek with the inside of his index finger. “It’s okay.” He reassured her again.

She leaned forward to kiss him but he stopped her; brushing his thumb calmly over her lips. “Rest a bit. I’ll take you home soon.” With that he picked up the plates once again and headed into the kitchen as embarrassment washed over her. Is this a habit?

“Your car and other things, I’ll have someone bring it over to you soon.” Kain told her before she got off his car. The drive home had been painfully quiet. With his rejection, she couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

“Thank you.” She said quietly as she opened the door and let herself out. Hurriedly making her way up the stairs.

As promised someone did deliver her car and bag to her almost 30 minutes later. Will he avoid him now? He offered to drive me last time but not again. Maybe he’s disappointed. After a cold shower, she stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her eyes were still red and swollen. Exhausted she dragged herself to her room and threw herself on her bed. Finally making up her mind, she reached for her phone which had been ringing for quite a while. Is it Kain? It was not. A little disappointed, she connected the call.

“Daddy.” She couldn’t help it as she started crying again as she recalled the harrowing experience from earlier.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Your aunt called me. I had no idea what was happening. I promise I’ll handle her.” About 10 minutes of the call continued in that fashion. Her crying continuously while, her father made promises to do better.

“Please stop her from coming to my workplace. Please. It’s so difficult for me.”

“I will. Stop crying. I’ll call you again tomorrow. Okay? Take care of yourself.” With that the call was disconnected.

Spent from crying so much, she slipped into a deep sleep.

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