Rocco's Atonement

I can’t answer him. I cower further under the blankets.

“Mr. Chambers, she was mugged.” Rocco interrupts and stands between me and them.

“Get out of my way, now,” my father orders him, but Rocco doesn’t move. Everyone always listens when Father barks like that. But not Rocco.

“Sir, I understand you are concerned for your daughter, but I have some questions.” Rocco holds his ground.

I watch as my father shudders when I’m referred to as his daughter. It’s been that way for a long time, and I’ve never understood why. I have memories of loving embraces and hugs when I was small. I don’t know what changed. Why they don’t love me anymore.

“If you have questions for Guinevere or me, you can contact our attorney. Milton, get her. We are leaving,” he orders my brother, and my body trembles. I can’t let him touch me.

“No. I can do it myself.” I try to project my voice loud enough to be heard above them all. Milton turns to me with a sinister look in his eyes. He licks his lips, and I try to hold in the tremble. Any fear I show will only excite him more. I slide off the other side of the bed, pulling the IV they insisted on putting in me. An alarm goes off, and a nurse rushes in.

“Sweetie, you need to get back in the bed. That’s an alarm, so you can’t leave the bed without help. You hit your head hard.”

“I’m okay. They want to leave.” I can’t refer to him as my father in front of others. It’s been a rule since I was five and started school. I call him by his name, not Father. Unless someone questions me. “Give me a moment, sir.” I bow my head, not looking them in the eye. I must get out of here.

“Ever.” Rocco’s deep voice reaches me as his feet enter my line of sight. He gently lifts my chin. His touch still brings thrills to my skin like electric shocks.

“What did you call her?” Milton growls. “Her name is Guinevere.”

“I’ll call her what I want. I’ll help her get ready. You can leave,” Rocco orders them, and I’m shocked. I tip my head up so fast that my vision blurs slightly. Rocco grips my arms to hold me up as my body waves, ready to collapse.

“This is highly inappropriate, and I will be calling your boss. Milton or a nurse will get her ready.” My father’s voice booms around the small space.

“Please, Rocco,” I beg him as tears fill my eyes. “I can do it by myself.” He nods slowly.

“Nurse, could you please help Ms. Chambers?”

“Yes, sir.” She walks up and takes my forearm, holding me carefully.

“Mr. Chambers, will you and your son please come with me and my partner?” Rocco steps toward the opened curtain, but he turns to look at me one last time before walking out. I know this will be the end. I’ll have to fight harder to be let out, and I know my father will not allow me to see Rocco ever again.

“Goodbye, Rocco. Thank you.” I can’t give away too much because Milton is watching and I’m afraid of what he’ll do later if he knows how much I already care for Rocco. Something about this man makes me finally feel safe. Something I’ve only felt in my dreams.

The curtain falls in place, taking him from my view.