Sandra stood on the doorway when she was met by the grisly sight before her. She suppressed a gasp, as she stood in front of Cindy’s apartment door.
Tentatively, Sandra inched closer to Cindy and looked for a place to rest her lips to bestow a soft kiss on. Not finding any part of Cindy spared victimization; she opted to take hold of Cindy’s right hand.
-“What happened Cindy? Who did this to you?” Sandra softly whispered still in shock.
Looking out of her one good eye, Cindy responded, -“A new client. Someone I had never met before. He was one crazy son of a bitch. He broke one rib, and fractured my left wrist. Last, but not least, he broke my nose and lips.
He practiced his boxing technique on me, as if I were his punching bag. Don’t take a picture of me know OK? That’s why I didn’t go to the photo shoot. I lost a front tooth, when the crazy psycho kicked me on the mouth.
I think…I think that he would have shown more mercy towards a dog.
There are some crazy motherfuckers out there, who really hate women.” Cindy said through her swollen lips.
-“I’m so sorry about this Cindy. Why didn’t you call me before to see you in the hospital?”
-“I was in acute pain. I didn’t want you to see me this way. I’ll be Okay soon enough; it’s just the hazards of the job. Although, I do want you to help me get a new tooth; I can’t work like this you know.” Cindy almost managed a crooked smile, though it turned into a comical simile of one, and then it vanished when Cindy burst into tears.
Sandra gently embraced Cindy, ever careful of her multiple fractures and injuries.
-“I’m so sorry Cindy. Cry if you need to, but know this: He broke your nose, but not your spirit. No one can hurt you, if you don’t allow them to. Perhaps this is a sign that we are not meant to continue with this life. As soon as you feel ready, I want you to work for me.
I can’t give you a lot of money, but I can give you the tools for you to fish with. If you leave prostitution behind, I will help you with your tuition costs in a community college. You can also move in with me, and we will work from home.
This is no life Cindy, no matter how easily you think the money is. Just look in the mirror and you will see that it is not easy money at all.” Sandra persuaded Cindy to grab hold of the lifeline she offered.
-“Thank you Sandra. Thank you, for not giving up on me. Were you able to get a model for your free photo shoot?” Cindy asked once calmed down.
-“Nah, I had to do it myself. Well, one must improvise and wear different hats. The catalog will be out in two weeks, and there is lots of work to do. So, I hope that you get well soon, and we will go shopping for a faux gold tooth for you.” Sandra said between tears and silly laughter.
To be continued…
