Safe and Sound(27)
The interior was decorated in mauve and forest green. There was a small waiting area, a desk for the receptionist, and three rooms to see patients in. It smelled like lemons in the clinic.
Sebastian remained beside her as she registered at the front desk, though it wasn’t necessary. She continually felt his eyes on her.
The receptionist, an older lady with white curly hair and glasses, informed Lola, “Since you’re a minor, we need your mother or father to sign a form giving us permission to treat you.”
Lola’s stomach plummeted.
“Call your mom, Lola,” Sebastian urged when she didn’t say anything. “Here. Use my phone.”
Lola stared at the black phone. Her hand shook as she took it. When her mother answered, Lola hung her head in relief.
“She’ll be here soon,” Lola told the secretary, handing the phone back to Sebastian.
The room she was assigned to was painted celery green. Butterflies hung from the ceiling.
Lola noticed the bruises on her arms when her blood pressure was taken. The nurse eyed them, but didn’t say anything. When she left, Lola got up and went to the mirror, studying her face and neck. Two small bruises where Bob’s thumbs had pressed into her throat were visible.
Sebastian came up behind her. Their eyes met in the reflective glass. “Does it hurt?”
For a minute Lola thought he meant the bruises, but then realized he meant her chin.
“No. It feels weird more than anything. Numb.”
He took the toilet paper from her, turned her around, and carefully dabbed at the wound, eyes down. “I miss you.” Sebastian looked up at the same time Lola’s stomach dropped.
Before she could answer, the door opened and his mother walked in.
Dr. Jones was tall, slim, and dressed in a black jacket and skirt, gold heels on her feet. She was a feminine version of Sebastian down to the gray eyes and light brown hair; her features striking more than pretty.
Her lips formed into a warm smile and she enfolded Lola in her arms. “Lola. I’m so glad to see you, although the circumstances aren’t the best.” She smelled like lavender. Lola returned the hug. It felt good to be hugged, to feel loved.
Dr. Jones pulled away, took in Lola’s face, and her features softened. “Oh, honey, does it hurt a lot?”
Lola shook her head, wiping her wet eyes on her arm.
“What happened?” She sat down at the desk and opened a laptop.
Lola opened her mouth, but Sebastian spoke first.
“Roxanne tripped her.”
Dr. Jones looked up from the screen. “Roxanne? Your girlfriend?”
Face red, he gave a tight nod.
She sat back. “I see.”
“I don’t think she meant to,” Lola said, her words hollow. Two pairs of gray eyes zoomed in on her, showing their suspicion. She shifted her feet. “At least, I don’t think she meant for my chin to split open and need stitches.”
Sebastian snorted.
His mother gave him a look and motioned for Lola to sit on the examining table. “Let’s take a look.”
Lola complied, the paper crinkling under her as she lay down.
Dr. Jones shined a light on her and brought her face close to Lola’s. “Oh, yes, you do.” She paused and looked up at her son. “Sebastian, why don’t you step out for a minute.”
He straightened. “But—“
His mom raised a hand. “You’ve been a good friend. If Lola wants you with her while I do the stitches, that’s fine, but for now, you need to leave.” Her voice was stern and held no room for argument.
Sebastian stared at his mother and then Lola before nodding. He left, shutting the door behind him.
Lola moved to sit up.
“You stay right where you are.”
She froze and lay back down. Dr. Jones’s face blocked out the light as she scrutinized Lola. “I’ve known you since you were four, Lola. I read stories to you and fed you. I wiped your nose. I even wiped your behind on occasion.”
Dr. Jones’s image wavered before her. Pain tightened her throat.
“You’ve been like my daughter for years. We’ve been close. You and Sebastian were best friends, although for some reason you’re both being dumb this year. What I’m trying to say is, I would think you could come to me if something was wrong.” Dr. Jones cleared her throat when it cracked.
Lola broke down, tears streaming down the sides of her face. Dr. Jones pulled her up and cocooned her in her arms. Lola clutched her to her, pretending for just a moment it was her mom holding her.
“Now you tell me what’s going on and you tell me the truth,” she said against her hair. “Who did this to you? Who gave you those bruises?” Her voice shook and she squeezed Lola close. “Are you being abused?”