Redemption (The Restoration Series Book 1) (14 page)

 Sitting at the bottom of an old oak tree, across the shallow water, sat Nova, dressed in a flowing ivory shirt and light blue denim jeans, tucked inside ivory boots. Her hair was wild and untamed, flowing around her bobbing shoulders as she sobbed into her hands.

 A branch cracked underneath Racer’s hoof and I shushed him. Her face flew up and her eyes widened as she noticed me across the fence. Fear filled her features as she shuffled to stand and rush away.

 “Wait! Nova…” I scurried as fast as I could move
off the horse and leaped onto the fence, barely registering the protest from my injured leg. “Don’t go. I won’t come any closer. I swear.”

 She halted her steps, keeping her back to me. Her shoulders shook as if she was breathing in and out deeply.

 “I swear it, Nova. I’ll stay on my side of the fence. You don’t have to worry.”

 She glanced over her shoulder at me, tears filling her wide eyes as she nodded but didn’t move.

 “I didn’t mean to disturb you. We’re just making the rounds
for the fence line.”

 “It’s okay.” Her voice cracked as she wrapped her arms around herself, hugging her torso as if for protection, but turned to face me.

 “So, how did you sleep?” I asked just to make conversation, avoiding bringing attention to her sobbing moments before.

 “About as expected, I assume. Woke up a few times, but my parents helped me fall back asleep.”

 “Yeah. That’s understandable.”

 “What about you?” She wiped her eyes, drying them off as she released her hold on her middle, letting her hands drop to her sides.

 “Slept like a baby, although I’m going to have to get used to waking up at the crack of dawn again. One thing I did not miss while I was away.”

 She smiled faintly, eyes darting back and forth around the area before getting serious again. “I’m sorry I ran.”

 “You don’t have to apologize. I get it, probably more than anyone else.”

 “I guess that’s true.”

 “Have you given any thought to calling that number on the card I gave you? There’s a Corinth center not too far from here. I know the ladies and they are really nice and helpful. It might be good, you know?”

 She nodded, turning her head to gaze out into the open pasture.

 “I know I probably should, but I’m not sure I’m ready to relive anything yet.”

 “Sure. Just keep in mind, this is what they do. They know how to help you and they won’t push you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

 She contemplated my words for a few moments before nodding. “All right. I’ll think about it.” She hesitated a few beats, before clearing her throat and moving back a few steps. “I better get back, I’m sure my parents are wondering where I wandered off to.”

 “Right.” I nodded, tipping my hat. “I’ll see you around, Nova. My number is on the back of the card. Call me if you ever need anything.”

 She gave a half-shrug, then turned and walked up the slope and across the field toward her house. My eyes stayed trained on her as she climbed up the hill and stopped at the crest. She turned and looked at me again, catching my gaze. I waved goodbye and her mouth lifted into a small grin as she waved in return before turning and walking over the crest of the hill and out of my sight.

 Racer trotted back across my property and I steered him toward the barn as the crew was filing out toward the picnic tables on the side of the building. My grandmother was there handing out sandwiches and chips, along with large pitchers of ice tea and water.

 I carefully dismounted my horse, keeping my injured leg from jostling too much, then hobbled toward the barn, keeping hold of the reigns in my hand. Grabbing a brush from the shelf inside, I pulled off the saddle and the blankets, setting them aside. The next twenty minutes were spent brushing out Racer’s coat and mane before I settled him in his stall, pitching fresh hay around for his enjoyment. My leg was screaming from the morning’s activity, and I suppressed a groan. My crutches rested against the inside of the barn wall and I pulled them
under my arms to give my leg a rest from all the activity.

 Hobbling out to the tables, I found a seat beside Charlie. Most of the guys knew me and hollered greetings of varying sorts. A few of the men were new, but that was normal in the ranching business. The turnover for ranch hands was pretty high. You were lucky if you found a few good solid men to stay on long term. My grandmother patted my shoulder, breaking my concentration from the men, and set a sandwich in front of me.

 “Thanks, Mamaw.” I ripped open the plastic wrapping and bit into the sweet bread and meat. For the next half hour, the guys updated me on their lives and families. Charlie nudged me with his shoulder.

 
“Down at the end are Vic, Bobby, and Pete.”

 “Hey, guys. Nice to meet you. I’m Davis.” I dipped my chin in greeting. Vic and Bobby waved in greeting while Pete’s eyes, dark and brooding, met mine and I shivered a little from the eerie feeling that rushed over me.

 “Don’t mind Pete. He doesn’t say much, but he works hard.” Charlie interrupted our stare and I nodded, moving back to my food. Something seemed off about that guy, but I trusted Charlie. If he said he was all right, then I’d believe him.  

Chapter 11

NOVA

 
The sound of metal sliding across metal filled the room. My eyes were glued to the knife in his hand as he sharpened it against a large spoke. Slowly he moved it across the stiff metal, glancing up at me and relishing in my fear.

 
“You’re going to regret fighting me, girl.” He chuckled darkly as he set the spoke down. I tried to move my arms, but they were chained to the wall behind me. He stepped closer, rubbing the pads of his fingers across the sharp edge of the blade, tilting his head to study me.

 
“You’re nothing, girl. You’re nothing to anyone else. You’re mine. If you meant something to someone, don’t you think they would have saved you by now? Wouldn’t they have found you, moved every obstacle to get you back?” The evil flowing from his lips burned my skin as his hot breath misted across my face.

 
“They don’t care about you. This is what you were made for, and yet you still fight me.” He lifted the blade to my bicep and set the tip against the skin. “You’ll learn.” The tip pierced the skin and blood poured out as I screamed.

 “Nova! Wake up!” My mother forcefully shook my shoulders. My eyes flew open and I screamed and pulled away, burying under my blankets.

 “Shh,” she whispered, scooting softly away, waiting for me to calm myself before attempting to sooth me. It took a few moments for me to get my bearings before lowering the blanket and setting my tear-streaked face toward hers. She responded immediately, wrapping her arms around me, pulling me into her chest. I couldn’t hold back anymore. My sobs released and I buried my face in my mother’s chest and let the pain of everything flow out of me.

 “Oh, baby girl.” She cried with me. “I’m so sorry.”

 Her fingers slid through my hair, attempting to calm me as much as possible. A while later, we both quieted and I sat up, wiping my face.

 “I’m so sorry, Mom.”

 “Nonsense. You have no reason to be sorry. I will be here for you through every step of the way. We’ll get through this, I promise.” She placed the palm of her hand lightly against my cheek, using her thumb to wipe away the tear that hovered on my eyelashes.

 “Your father and I love you more than life. Whatever you need, you just tell us.”

 I nodded, thinking back to my conversation with Davis today. I knew I needed to talk to someone, try to find some help and healing. I just wasn’t sure if that was even possible.

 “Do you still have that card that Davis gave to you?”

 She nodded. “Of course.”

 “I think I should call them.”

 “Whatever you need, baby. I’ll go get it.” She stood and shuffled out of the room quickly, leaving me to stew in my thoughts. Moments later she reappeared with the card and my cell phone.

 “Do you want me to stay here with you while you call?”

 “No, thanks. I think I need to do this on my own.”

 She kissed my forehead in understanding, then walked out the door and shut it softly behind her. I held the card in one hand and my phone in the other, firmly pressing the numbers, one by one, until it was time to hit the call button. Taking a deep breath, I pressed it and then listened to it as it rang.

 “Corinth Relief. This is Mable, how may I direct your call?”

 “Um, yes. My name is Nova Drake. Davis Matthews told me to call you?”

 “Of course. How can I help you, Nova? Davis called a while ago, saying I might hear from you.”

 I picked at the loose threads of my blanket nervously. “I would like to set up an appointment to come in.”

 “Sure, darlin’. I already have your case file ready. You’ve been assigned a caseworker and she can see you
tomorrow, if you’re good with that?” Her soothing voice came through the phone and I felt a little relieved that she was so friendly and welcoming.

 “That works. What time?”

 “Can you be here at ten?”

 “Yes, ma’am.”

 “All right then. You’re caseworker’s name is Lillian Summers. Just ask for her when you arrive. Do you know how to get to our office?”

 “I see the address on the card. I can get there.”

 “Great. We’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

 “Thanks.” I disconnected the call and tossed my phone on the bed, pulling a pillow into my lap and resting my head
against it. I heard scratching at my door and stood to let Millie inside. She jumped onto the bed and waited for me to join her before stretching her body beside mine and resting her nose on my leg. Somehow, she always knew when I needed her comfort and strength. I laid there for the next few hours with Millie, storing up on the calm and peace she offered.

 That night, I was woken by my nightmares at least three times. Mom was asleep next to me on the bed, and Dad had brought in a pad for the floor. He had a wool blanket tossed haphazardly
across him and his head was on a small pillow, arm thrown across his eyes. I rolled to my side, taking in the sight, worried
for his comfort and health. He stirred a little, moving from his back to his side before his eyes cracked open to check on me. He caught me staring and opened his eyes wide, face guarded.

 “Hey,” I whispered, trying not wake my mother.

 “You okay, baby girl?” His eyes searched mine, looking for some measure of the little girl he had raised. The little girl that would seek him out when she was scared, or hurt. When the house trembled with storms outside, or when she tumbled off the horse and bruised her shoulder. Knowing that no matter what, he would protect her and give her comfort.

 I nodded, pulling my arm out from the blankets and reaching it out to him. He looked at it before reaching his calloused palm up and gripping my fingers with his.

 “I love you, Dad.”

 “I
know, sweetheart. It’s okay. I love you, too. You and your mother are the most important things in this world to me.”

 I didn’t have much else to say, but I knew I needed his comfort right then. Keeping hold of his hand, I let my eyes drift closed and fell back into sleep.

 When the morning light seeped into my room, I was safely tucked
inside my bed and alone. My mother was gone, and my father’s pad was neatly set against the far wall, blankets folded.

 I slowly stood, wincing at the sharp sting of my thighs, and slowly headed toward my bathroom. I took my time in the shower, letting the warmth of the water wash over my skin, ignoring the discomfort of the water cascading over my injuries. Eventually, the warmth seeped down
to my bones and filled me with calm once again. When I was done, I dressed my wounds with new bandages and pulled on a pair of jeans, coupled with a long sleeve pink blouse. I quickly ran a comb through my hair and let it dry. I felt safer with it down and around my face, protecting me, giving me a barrier between me and the world.

I carefully took the stairs one at a time and eventually made my way into the kitchen. Mom stood at the stove, filling a ceramic bowl with freshly made oatmeal. She heard me walk in and turned to smile at me.

 “Morning.” She moved to the table and set down the bowl and then a silver spoon, motioning for me to take a seat.

 “Morning.” I greeted her and moved to plant myself in the padded chair. I picked up the spoon and dipped it into the oatmeal, stirring it a few times before scooping up a small amount and taking a bite. It was warm and comforting. My mother placed a small plate with some freshly sliced fruit next to my bowl and ran her fingers through my curls.

 “Thanks, Mom. This is great.” I took another bite and popped a small piece of banana in my mouth as well.

 “You’re welcome, sweet girl.” She smiled and went back to the stove, clearing it of the pot she had used and dumping it into the sudsy water that filled the basin at the sink.

 After breakfast was finished and we cleaned up, it was time to head to the Corinth office. When we pulled onto the old dusty road that seemed to lead
toward the middle of nowhere, a bit of apprehension filled me. Eventually, we saw a sprawling plantation house. It had huge steps leading up to a wide white porch that surrounded the massive estate. It was old but beautiful. Cars lined the parking area in front of the house and women were milling about, moving in and out of the house and all over the grounds. We pulled into an empty spot and cut the engine. My mother pulled the keys out and looked at me.

 “Ready?”

 I nodded and opened my door, sliding out of the truck. Mom met me in front, and together we stepped up to the front door. Opening it, we walked into a large foyer with an old oak desk set to the side and a few Victorian chairs placed on the opposite wall.

 The bells chimed as the doors opened and in walked a small, thin woman with wrinkled skin and short gray hair. She was dressed in flowing tan pants and a yellow silk blouse with a scarf tied around her neck.

 “Welcome to Corinth.” She smiled and moved to the desk to grab a pen.