"It's... Raquel," I manage to say. My voice falters. Tears are streaming out of my eyes. "I."
"Raquel"? How are you doing? You seem to be crying.
"Well, yes, but no... I.. "
Tell me what's wrong, Raquel, for the love of God.
I'm unable to speak; all I can do is cry. I've started crying for some strange reason after hearing his voice. The man collects my phone.
Hello, I'm the owner of the phone. Under a bridge, the girl was attacked.
A pause occurs. "We're in front of the construction building in the park on Fourth Avenue." All right, all right. He ends the call.
Just a sea of tears, really.
My shoulder is touched by the man.
He will arrive in a short while. Breathe, calm down.
Minutes pass quickly. My neighborhood is not far away, as I've already mentioned, so I wasn't expecting to see Ares scurrying in our direction. He has messy hair and is dressed in gray pajama pants and a matching T-shirt. The worry on his face disarms me as his lovely eyes meet mine. I get to my feet and approach him.
In this moment of safety and assurance, Ares quickly embraces me while smelling of soap. He holds my face while leaning back.
"Are you alright?" His finger lightly brushes against my busted lip as I nod. What in the world just happened?
I'm not interested in talking. All I want to do is return home.
I'm not compelled to say more by Ares. He turns to face the man across from us.
"You can leave; I'll take care of it." I appreciate it very much.
"Thank you very much. Take good care of one another.
Ares releases me, turns around, and leans forward to extend his back to me when we are left alone.
I give him an odd look. "What are you doing?"
Over his shoulder, he smiles at me. "Carrying you to your home."
I carefully climb up onto his back, and he carries me effortlessly. I lean against one of his shoulders with my head resting. Even though my eyes are streaming with tears as I reflect on what just happened, I feel safe despite the fact that my face is still throbbing with pain.
I feel secure in the arms of the moron who hurt my feelings.
There is nothing uncomfortable about the silence between us. The orange streetlights are still present as if nothing has happened, the sky is clear, and the streets are now quieter.
Ares drops me off when we get to my house. He enters with me because my mother is at work. While he searches the kitchen for ice, I ascend to my room. Rocky enthusiastically welcomes me, and I'm able to rub his head lightly before directing him to take a seat in the room's corner. I take my
sit on my bed with a backpack.
Ares shows up and takes a seat next to me while carrying an ice-filled plastic bag.
"This will be helpful." I scream in agony as he presses the bag against my face.
I quietly say, "I'm sorry."
Ares scowls. "Why?"
I am mindful of that for calling you.
He interrupts me, "No." "Don't give it a second thought." If you're ever in trouble, don't hesitate to call me, okay?
"Understood."
"Now get comfortable; you need to rest; tomorrow is a different day." Holding the ice pack against my cheek as I lie down in obedience to him. I just observe him as he blankets me. I can't remember how adorable he is.
You were missed.
I consider it but choose not to express it. I'm terrified to be alone as Ares appears to be preparing to leave. I sit up. "Ares."
I'm unsure of how to ask him to stay as those blue eyes wait on me. When I asked him to leave and never return a week ago, how am I supposed to convince him? But I'm not interested in being by myself. I'm unable to spend tonight alone. My mind seems to be read by him.
Would you like me to remain?
I'll be fine, you don't have to, I promise.
He throws himself on the other side of the bed before I can finish. He pulls me close to him and gives me a tender hug from behind before I can say anything.
He murmurs, "You're safe, Raquel." "Sleep. I'm not going to leave you.
I close my eyes and set the ice pack down on the nightstand. "Is that a promise?"
"Yes. I'm not going anywhere. Not this time, though.
I experience sleepiness, which causes me to oscillate between consciousness and unconsciousness. Greek God, I missed you.
My head is kissed on the back, followed by a low whisper.
"Witch, I miss you too I really do."
I get up when Rocky licks my hand to get some food. My window lets in some sunlight, which warms the space. It takes me a few seconds to recall everything that happened last night, and my face hurts and eyes burn.
Ares...
I leap to my feet, sit up, and turn to face my bed's opposite side. When I realize it's empty, my heart breaks. What did I anticipate, though? that he would be cuddling with me when I woke up? I have such naiveté.
I make my way slowly to the restroom to brush my teeth. I squeal when I look in the mirror.
The "holy mother of bruises"
I have a terrible face. My right side is completely swollen, and a bruise extends from my right eye to the center of my cheek. My mouth has a tiny cut in the corner. I didn't realize how hard the man hit me. My wrists and arms have bruises, which I assume are from when those other guys grabbed me, as I look at my face.
As I think back on what happened, a chill runs through me. I take a shower, brush my teeth, and then towel my hair before exiting the bathroom while still wearing only my underwear.
"Pokémon underwear"?
When I see Ares lying on my bed, I scream. On the nightstand are two coffees and a bag of takeout food. I use the towel to cover myself.
"I believed you had left."
He grinned. "I just had breakfast." What's your mood like?
"Get dressed, then eat something." Unless you intend to proceed in this manner? naked and unclothed. I wouldn't be upset.
"Thank you; I'm fine. That's very thoughtful of you."
And I don't think you're good at being kind.
I shot him a murderous glare. I'll be right back, Very funny.
I get dressed and begin eating breakfast while attempting to ignore the lovely creature in front of me.
Ares sips his morning beverage. "I must say that." If I don't say it, I'm not going to be able to live in peace.
"What?"
"Pokémon"? Really? I had no idea there were Pokémon underwear.
"I've observed it." His gaze catches mine. "I've also touched it."
On my breakfast, I nearly choke. "Ares."
"What?" He gives me a playful look. You must be remembering that, aren't you?
"Of course not," she said.
Why are you blushing, then?
"It's hot!"
He doesn't say anything but smiles slyly. Despite the fact that I can feel his gaze on me, I finish my meal and sip my coffee without looking at him. Every aspect of my appearance that he can see and find objectionable, like my wet, tousled hair, is making me anxious and hyperaware.
Sighing, Ares What transpired the previous evening?
I feel as though I can tell him everything as I look up. After he broke my heart, why do I still trust him? Never will I comprehend.
My hair is being combed by my hand. "I made the decision to take a shortcut."
Ares looks down his nose at me.
What? I believed nothing would happen because I was exhausted.
At that hour of the night, you shouldn't be on the shorter, darker roads.
"I now understand. Three men were there when I went under the bridge.
Pretty girl, do you want anything?
My hands are clenched in my lap. "One of them took my phone away from me."
You're going to suffer greatly, pretty girl. I'm troubled by the man's words.
Ares touches mine with his hand. "You are now safe."
I inhale deeply. I was left with the third one after the other two left. I screamed despite his warnings not to do so as he dragged me into the shadows and struck me. When I yelled, the person who called you, heard me, and the other person fled.
Did he harm you in any way?
Did he touch you?
I'm surprised by the sudden rage in Ares's eyes.
My head shakes. "No, I'm thankful to God!"
"It's alright." His palms are soft, and he squeezes my hand. You'll be fine, I assure you. For the first time, he gives me a smile that isn't arrogant or naughty. He has never before shown me such a sincere smile. I have the stupid urge to kiss Ares Hidalgo because he seems so appreciative that I'm okay.