Katy

Driving down a narrow street, I peered at the numbers on the houses looking for the numbers 636. The numbers on the houses went from 626 to 630 then jumped to 640 causing me to slow down even further in confusion.

" This is what I get for not using my GPS." I scolded myself as I backed into a driveway to turn myself around. I had the toxic straight of thinking I didn't need a GPS even though I don't know where I am going. I like to look at the GPS directions prior to my departure and memorize the directions as if it was some sort of game.

After going through this process a second time and not being able to find the house, I decided to park my car on the curb and get out to walk. I grabbed my purse, Rain's bookbag, and put everything else in my trunk before making sure my car was locked.

Earlier today, after discreetly talking to my students about the impact of bullying and the effects it has on one's emotional being as my lesson for the day, I had a huge urge to check on Rain. I had such an urge that I did what I normally wouldn't and that's take her address from her file so I could visit her. Teachers are not supposed to visit a student without permission and without a principal or vice principal's knowledge or accompaniment. However, this school has shown greatly that they don't care about the student's well being anyway.

After walking for a few minutes, I came across this small trailer style home that was wedged between two apartment buildings. I couldn't help but gawk at the unkept landscaping and rotten boards. A familiar green truck was parked in the driveway with the hood up. I looked around to see if anyone was behind the hood to find no one so I went to knock on the door.

As I knocked on the door, I heard someone shout. I didn't understand what the person behind the door was saying so I stood back to wait for the door to open. When the door did open, I took a step back to prevent myself being chest to chest with the person. The man that stood before me was enormous compared to my small frame. The second thing I noticed was his piercing blue eyes that stood out against his tanned face.

"What do you want?" He asked rudely.

" Um, I think I may have the wrong house. I'm looking for my student Rain King?" I couldn't help but think I was mistaken. His features did not really match Rain's. Rain looked to be hispanic or black. I mentally cursed myself for thinking of skin color, and facial features. I for one should know that family could be of different races, gender, and blended. I am a true example of a mixed raced woman.

" What do you want with her?"The man spoke with irritation laced in his voice.

" I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself. I am her teacher, Katy Wills. It's very nice to finally meet you.."

He rolled his eyes then slightly pushed past me, with a gallon of water in his hands. He walked to the front of his truck and began working on it like I wasn't just standing there.

"Right..." I trailed off as I walked down the porch. " I wanted to give Rain her book bag, and check on her since she left so abruptly. "

He glanced down at the bookbag in my hands, then poured water into the radiator. He didn't say anything as the water disappeared. His quietness made me think of Rain. Rain was always quiet, however his lack of speech was chilling and unsettling.

" Can I see Rain by chance?" I asked, growing impatient.

He gave me a bored look. " Rain!" He shouted towards the house. A minute later, Rain came out. Her eyes grew big once she noticed me but quickly went back to normal as she went to the man.

" Yes sir?"

" Go in the house, fetch me some more water then come back out here and talk to your teacher." He told her as he handed her the now empty bottle.

" Yes sir."

I handed her book bag as she walked past me. I watched her go into the dark looking house. I took notice of the nervous look on her face as she went in.

" You'll have to make your visit quick. I have to get to work." The man spoke, snapping me out of my thoughts. " I picked her up early from school, because her brother is sick. I can't afford to miss work."

The fact that he was explaining anything to me was a bit shocking because of his rude behavior. " I didn't get your name Mr..."

" Thomas." He said simply.

" Well, Mr. Thomas, you don't have to explain to me." I said curtly.

" Isn't that why you bothered to come all the way here? To find out why I picked her up from school? A phone call would have been more appropriate." He said snidely back as he walked away from the hood of the car and closer to me. The closer he got the more I realized he reeked of cigarettes and booze.

I took a step back." I'm only checking in on your daughter sir."

" My niece"

Rain then came out again and handed the full gallon to her uncle. He then backed away towards his truck giving us space to talk.

" You had me worried about how you left, Rain." I said to her, I started to talk to her about what Chris told me but decided against it. Something felt off and couldn't exactly get a grasp on it.

" I'm sorry, I really wasn't thinking when I got called to the office. I had to help my uncle with my brother."

I heard her uncle close the hood of his truck then his truck door opened. I looked over at him to see that he was waiting for us to be done. " He's sick? How old is he"

" He's four. He's been throwing up on and off all day."

Without thinking I turned to Thomas. " I can watch Rain and her brother tonight. They probably shouldn't be alone since he is sick."

I wasn't expecting Thomas to agree but after he spoke briefly with Rain, he gave the go ahead as he called Rain's brother out. He told me he got off at midnight and asked for my number to call for when he would be on the way to pick them from my house. I told him I could drop them back off, but instead of answering me he got in his truck and left.

____

Rain

Sitting in the backseat with Raiden snuggled up against my arm, I watched the trees and the unchanging neighborhood pass as Katy drove. I'm not sure how or why I ended up in my teacher's care for the night. I couldn't complain, this is probably my only chance of a break from my reality since I've stopped talking to Chris.

When I saw Raiden in the office with teary eyes, I left without a word. I never wanted Raiden alone with Uncle Tom if I could help it so I was grateful that he was persistent in asking for me. If I was being honest, I wasn't feeling my best either, but I couldn't complain. Raiden needed me.

Soon we were pulling up to Katy's home. It looked worlds different from my own. It was a two story, painted white that made it feel light and airy. It made me eager to see the inside. Katy helped me with Raiden by picking him up while I carried a small bag that I brought and her purse.

" Welcome to my humble abode." Katy said as she walked in her home with me behind her.

The inside gave a homey feel that matched the outside. I exhaled, smelling a sweet vanilla smell that reminded me of the holidays. I mimicked Katy as she managed to take off her shoes with Raiden still asleep in her arms. The feeling of the hardwoods against my covered feet gave a chill down my spine. As we walked further down the hall and into the kitchen and living room combination, I couldn't help but admire the decor of small trinkets and pictures of Katy and her family.

" You don't live alone." I said more as a statement than a question. I hardly noticed I said it outloud until I heard Katy answer me.

" No. I live here with my husband, Aaron. He's working overnight so you won't be meeting him today. " She laid Raiden down on the couch and began taking off his jacket and shoes. I couldn't help taking over as I sat her things down in a chair.

Katy didn't seem to mind as she left me there to go in the kitchen. " Are you hungry? I think I am going to make some soup for dinner. I'm sure your brother would need something on his stomach." Katy started taking out various vegetables out of the fridge. My stomach instantly growled at the thought of food then I felt a slight cramp. " I can make you a snack."

" I can wait till dinner. " The cramp started to slowly become a nuisance prompting me to ask for a restroom. Following Katy's simple directions, I found the restroom down the hall near the front door and stairs. The half bath was just what I needed to handle my business. When I pulled my pants down, I saw some spotting of blood.

" Shit" I cursed, this was the last thing I needed but was also grateful. From what I have been learning from health, that having a menstrual cycle meant, no baby. And as much as Uncle Tom has...

" Rain, honey are you okay in there?" Katy called out.

" Yes." I said quickly.

I heard her walk away from door so I finished my business then washed my hands. I nervously walked back towards the kitchen.

" Umm, Katy" She was busy cutting up celery and carrots. The variety of vegetables on the white counter gave it some color that I couldn't help but be drawn to as I stared at them.

" I started my period." I said softly.

She stopped what she was doing to glance up at me and I instantly wanted to apologize. Although she volunteered to watch us, she shouldn't have to deal with me not having what I needed plus a sick kid.

" I'm sorry"

" There's no reason to apologize. It's natural." She smiled at me before finishing up cutting the last of the celery. She quickly washed her hands at the sink then gestured for me to follow her. I glanced at Raiden to make sure he was okay.

As we made our way upstairs, there were more pictures for me to look at. Once upstairs, there were four doors. All of them were closed except for one. From where I stood it looked like a mountain of books surrounding a bay window.

Snapping me out of my thoughts, Katy called out for me. I followed the sound of water running. The low lit room showcased a nice king sized bed that made the room quite cozy with dark wood furniture that matched the hardwoods downstairs. The new feeling of carpet made me look down at feet. Continuing further into room, I walked towards the bathroom which shined brightly into the room. Once inside I was immediately hit with a scent of lavender and honey.

" I figured you would want a shower. That usually helped with my cramps" She gestured towards the heating shower that steamed the room. She was rummaging through a basket full of pads and tampons of various sizes. I wasn't sure what exactly she was looking for but I stood there watching her.

" You can use anything that's in here or in the shower. Whatever you feel comfortable with. I have all kinds of different menstrual supplies for you to choose from. I suggest you use what you're used to" She giggled, probably at a past memory she had of trying a menstrual cup or menstrual panties, which were all included in the basket. I had no clue what they were so I wouldn't be trying anything.

She walked around me and back into her room. When she came back she had clean towels and clothes for me. " Take as long as you need, okay?"

She closed the door behind her, leaving me there. I instantly grew teary eyed now that I was alone. Her kindness was overwhelming and something I needed, especially with the day I had. I slowly took off my clothes, preparing for my shower. I winced as I raised my arms to take off my sweatshirt. In the foggy mirror, I could see my black and blue side.

Disgusted with myself, I quickly got in the shower and let the warm water engulf me like a warm blanket. I looked down at the blood that went down the drain with water. The blood wasn't from menstruating, it was from the fresh cut from Uncle Tom belt. I could only imagine what my back looked like as I got closer to the pouring water. The womb stinged as allowed the water to flow. The further I stepped closer under the shower head, the more my aching body stinged. Fully under the shower head, the water dripped through my hair and unto my back. I closed my eyes and let tears flow as I let out a shaky breath.

Katy has no idea what she stopped from happening. That simple knock at the front door stopped his assault on me. He was beating me for caring for Raiden. He beat me because he could. I don't know what provoked her in asking to watch us tonight but I'm so glad she did.