"My mother left me alone with my father when I was just three. She packed her bags and just left the house without a word. My father was very abusive. He never forgave me for anything I did wrong. He would beat me if I just went out to play with the kids in the neighborhood. I lived in fear of him for nine years till he decided he had had enough of me." Harold began after the room had been silent for about thirty minutes.
Denise's head suddenly snapped to his direction. "What?! she whispered.
"When I turned twelve, I would get into a lot of fights with the older boys because they always found a way to bully me. Those boys, about three of them, would gang up against me and beat me up. I would come home and meet my dad, who would also beat me for not being able to stand up for myself. One day, he came home drunk like always, I tried to get him to his room, but he rather pounced on me and beat me up with anything he could lay his eyes on. I. almost died that day, Denise. I had blood all over my body and fell into unconsciousness for days. I woke up and found myself in the hospital. The man I told you about, he was the one who rescued me and took me to the hospital. He took me in and took care of me until I turned 18."
Denise pushed closed to him and held him again. "I am so sorry you went through all those horrible things. I never knew you were battling with such a thing. What if, your father was abusing your mother, that's why she left?"
"That does not change the fact that she left me with a father who was a drunk and abusive. Why didn't she take me along with her? Why did she leave me alone with him? With the man who almost killed me?"
"Maybe she had her reasons. I am not saying what she did was good, no, on the contrary. What she did was wrong. But maybe you should listen to her and hear her reasons."
Harold quickly got up, a look of disbelief on his face. "What are you saying, Denise? I can't do that. I will never speak to that woman again. She is no different from my father. I don't want to see her or talk to her. I don't want to have anything to do with her."
"But, Harry... "
"No, Denise. Don't ask me to forgive her. I won't do it. I am sorry," he turned his back to her.
Denise walked over to him and faced him. He tried to look away from her but she held his face and turned him to face her. "Harry, I know seeing your mother has brought back all these painful memories. But, I want you to know that, I am always here for you. And if there was a way for me to take away this pain you are feeling, I will gladly do it."
Harold was touched by Denise's words and hugged her tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for being here."
Later in the day, Denise went back into her room. She sat on her bed, deep in thought. Her mother saw her go into her room and came inside to talk to her.
"Baby girl, hey, are you okay? You look distant. Is something wrong?" her mother sat by her on the bed.
Denise sighed deeply. "It's Harry. We met his mother today when we were coming out of the supermarket. But, the thing is, he and his mother have a bad history. It's a bit complicated, mother."
"Well, that's sad. What really happened between them?"
Denise then told her mother everything from start to finish. Mrs. Wilson looked at her daughter in surprise. "Wow, I can't believe Harold went through all of that. He is always happy and cheerful. I can't believe he had such a horrible childhood. Tell me, dear, is he okay? How is he feeling?"
"He looks terrible, mom. I have never seen him like that before. He was crying mother. I really wish I could help him." Denise looked sad.
"You are already helping him by being there for him. Continue doing that, and it will help him a great deal." her mother advised her.
"You think so, mother?"
"Of course, baby girl. He will continue to be grateful to you. Just show him you will be there for him, and he, in turn, will reciprocate your help."
Denise smiled a little. "Thank you mother, for always listening to me."
"You are my daughter, I will always listen to you," she replied and kissed her daughter's head. Then left her daughter alone in the room.
Denise now knew what she had to do to help Harold get back to his old self.
Some days later, Harold was on his way on an errand for Denise. She sent Harold to the offices of Mr. Shaw and Mr. Johnson, to hand them a file for their next shipment. Denise had wanted to send it to them through email, but both men wanted her to give them a hard copy of the file. Hence, Harold's journey to the place.
When he got there, he was able to see both men and handed the file to them. On his way out of the company, he came face to face with Karen, who was just walking in.
"Hey, Harold right?" Karen smiled at him.
"Yes. You are Karen, Denise's friend?" Harold smiled back at her, even though it was not genuine.
"I know you know I am not friends with that girl anymore. Anyway, what are you doing here?" she said and flashed her white teeth at him.
Harold felt very uncomfortable around her, yet he kept his cool. "I came here to deliver a file for Denise. That's all. I better get going now." He tried walking away from her but she held his hand and stopped him.
"Wait, come on. I will really like to get to know you. Can we go out to have a drink or something?" she offered him.
"Uh, thanks but I have to go back to the office. Denise is waiting for me," Harold nicely refused.
"Oh come on. Can't you talk to me without mentioning her?" Karen rolled her eyes.
"As I said, I really have to go. We can talk some other time."
"Okay, okay. Can I get your number? I can call you tonight so that we can have a talk. Please don't say no." she tried to convince him.
Harold smiled at her again and shook his head. "Maybe some other time. Goodbye." He walked away from her.
Karen was annoyed at first, but then an evil smirk appeared on her face. She turned and walked into the building, swaying her hips left and right.