The next day we both woke up early. Derek called his work and asked if he could have the rest of the week off. I had to redo the laundry as I'd forgotten about it. When Derek got off the phone with his work, he called the building manger. He asked if there was a way to keep certain people from getting into the building.
Some buildings had door men or needed you to be buzzed in but ours had neither. The man said he could maybe post some fliers around the building or keep an eye out but for now the best we could get was additional locks added. It wasn't great but it was something. Derek had the manager schedule someone to come over tomorrow.
We spent the rest of the morning doing our own things. I mostly cleaned and worked on the puzzle Polly brought me. Derek watched TV but never stayed on any one channel for too long. At lunch we were both quiet. We each seemed to have a lot on our minds.
We left for the lawyers earlier than we needed to. Any qualms I had about a restraining order were gone now. A few days ago I'd worried it might be too much but now that he'd come to our home, I knew it had to be done. Even when we were kids, he'd never come to my house.
We had to take two buses and walk four blocks. When we got to the Metrin building, the lawyer's office was in, we found we still had an hour and a half left until our appointment. We wandered about the area until we only had a few minutes left. We checked in at the lobby and then went up to some offices on the eleventh floor.
The lawyers secretary took our names and then led us down a long hall to a small office. The walls were lined with books and there was a large desk with a chair on one side and two on the others. As we sat down in the leather chairs, the secretary offered us some lemon water or a bag of crisps but we both declined, feeling on edge. She said the lawyer wouldn't be long and left us.
Several minutes passed as we sat in silence. I admit I felt out of my element, all of this just felt so bizarre. I never thought I'd be in a lawyer's office especially for a restraining order. Then again I never thought I'd see Roan Attley again, at least I had hoped. The lawyer, Chad Corwick came in after a few minutes and greeted us. He seemed nice enough and asked how we were doing. We both gave generic responses. Derek said he was fine while I said I was okay. I think Chad could tell we were both tired and stressed out.
He set his briefcase down on the desk then got us each a chilled bottle of water from a mini fridge, in the room. Derek opened his and took a swig while I mostly fidget with mine. It felt nice to have something cold in my hands. I idly watched Chad put some things away before he pulled out a fresh notebook and set of pens. He took a seat then and got to business.
"Now then, Denny tells me neither of you have any experience with a lawyer so I'll try to explain things as we go along. Feel free to stop me at any time and ask questions. How this works is, I've set aside an hour for consultation. This hour is completely free. You can take the advice I give you at no cost but if you decide you'd like for me to be your lawyer, then we can sign a formal contract and I can get to work on your specific needs. For right now, we're just going to discuss your situation and possible legal options, you might have. Does that sound alright to you two?"
We both just nodded and he went on, "Alright then. Now, Denny has told me some of your situation but with any client, I find I like to hear from them directly, if you don't mind."
Again we both quietly nodded and then I took a deep breath. I longed for the day when I wouldn't have to repeat this, when Roan Attley would no longer be an issue. I closed my eyes and then began, "Roan Attely is a man who has recently returned into our lives. When I was a kid he used to bully me-"
"She downplays it," said Derek, interrupting me. "He abused her and tried to kill her."
I opened my eyes and looked at Derek, upset he'd interrupted. I didn't downplay things. I just…I just didn't like going into all the details with people I'd just met. Of course this was a lawyer, so maybe I needed to.
"When was this?" asked Chad, taking down several notes.
"When they were in middle school," said Derek.
"Was he ever formally charged with anything, or given a restraining order in the past?"
Derek looked at me, unsure.
"No, I don't think so." I said, "I'm not really sure what happened to him after the incident. They removed him from school and up until a month ago, I've had no contact with him. He did tell me that he got help, some sort of treatment, but I don't know what kind."
Chad made some more notes and I almost felt like I was back in therapy. Nearly a minute of silence passed before he spoke, "Alright, so this man was a problem when you were younger and has recently returned to your life and started bothering you again."
"Yes," I said before Derek could. He just looked at me and I went on. "About a month or so ago, I ran into him at a reunion party, an old classmate of mine was holding. We didn't really have contact but he and his family showed up at my work a few weeks later. I don't know if he knew that I worked there or not,"
"He probably did," said Derek.
"But," I went on, "He later came in on his own and apologized for the things he did as a kid. He claimed he'd changed and seemed sincere. I accepted his apology."
"And then," said Derek continuing, "He kept coming back again and again, harassing her, claiming he wants to make 'amends.'"
"What sort of amends?" asked Chad.
I sighed, "He claimed he wants to make me happy."
"And how did he plan to make you happy?"
Derek scoffed but didn't say anything. I sighed again, "He suggested we spend time together and get to know who we are now. He wanted to become friends and set a good example for his kids." Derek scoffed once more, this time shaking his head as well. I looked down at my hands and fidgeted with the water bottle as I continued "While I accepted his apology, I turned down the offer of friendship. I don't wish to have anything further to do with him."
"Understandable," said Chad, "Did you at any point make your feelings known, let him know that you no longer wanted any contact from him?"
"Multiple times, right from the beginning," said Derek.
"Well," I said unsure if that was completely true. When I thought about it I hadn't exactly told him to go away right from the start. "Uh we, I talked to him in a market before the party. I hadn't known it was him I'd just asked about wines. At the party I just left when I realized it was him. When he came in with his family I was startled but tried to remain professional. I did my job and he left. After he apologized I think I was confused. I told him his apology was enough and he left after some customers came in. The next time I saw him though I did ask him to please leave and not come back. Later that night he approached me outside my work with flowers and I freaked out."
"She ran the whole way home." said Derek before grabbing my hand.
"I see." said Chad taking notes. "How many times all together has he approached you, unwanted?"
"Uh, well let me see if we start from when he surprised me outside work." I set the bottle of water between my legs and counted on my fingers "Outside work, the Park and my house so three times." I bit my lip wondering if that was enough times to count as harassment or if we were wasting Chad's time.
"He's escalating! Each time has gotten worse." said Derek, sensing my hesitation. "Given what he did to her back when they were kids, any contact as far as I'm concerned is too much. He's come to her work multiple times and has been waiting for her outside. That day in the park, he shouldn't have known she was there. Just yesterday, he showed up at our apartment and our address isn't listed, we just moved in. I'm pretty sure he's been following her."
"I see," said the Chad making more notes.
"Also, on the day he approached her in the park, he hurt her wrist," said Derek. It was starting to clear up but I lifted my hand and Chad looked at it for a few seconds and nodded, "Have you taken photos of that? It could be considered assault and battery. Has he made any threats as well?"
"The police took some pictures when we filed a report."
"When did you contact the police?"
"Right," said Derek realizing we hadn't mentioned that yet, "After he showed up at our place, I had her hide and call he police. He took off before they showed up. They took a report for the park and our place. They also took some stuff he tried to give her and we heard that he turned himself in a few blocks away."
"What did he try to give her?"
"Flowers again, candy and a note," I said, "I didn't ask for any of it."
"Flower again." asked Chad making notes.
"Yes when he approached her outside after work he tried to give her flowers then too."
"Did you take those?"
"No he showed up out of nowhere and thrust them in my face. I was so upset I pushed him and ran."
"Alright," said Chad. "And this note?"
"It had his contact information and some BS about her misunderstanding things. He just anted to make amends, same shit he's been saying."
"Has he ever mad any threats?"
Yes," said Derek.
"Well, uh it's complicated," I quickly said.
"How so?" asked Chad.
"Well, that day at the park, he might have accidentally squeezed my wrist too hard, he was in a lot of pain." Derek was glaring at me. I knew he didn't think it was an accident I went on. "As for threats, well..." I trailed off continuing to look at Derek. I wasn't sure if I should say.
Derek clenched his fists and continued for me "When she told me he was harassing her again. I went to have a few words with him and it got physical." Chad looked closer at Derek now his cut and bruised face as well as his wrapped hands. I knew this wasn't good, especially when you saw how bad Roan looked. Derek went on, "He has implied to her that he might press charges against me that he only hasn't, because of her."
"I see." said Chad. He jotted notes down for nearly a minute. The silence was almost nerve rattling.
After another minute or so, Derek spoke "I don't think he can. I did strike first but he pushed me and we both fought. It wasn't just me doing it."
"Just to clarify," Chad said looking up from his notebook. "He pushed you after you hit him?"
"No, he pushed me then I punched him." Derek responded. "It kind of went on from there."
"I see," said Chad. "Well, let me just point out that if he shoved you and that was the first physical action between you two, then he assaulted you and your response, could potentially be construed as self-defense. And if that's the case then you really shouldn't misrepresent yourself by saying you struck first."Things got really quiet as Chad thought for a moment. When he spoke again I found myself holding my breath. "Until you get a restraining order in place. I would advise having as little contact as possible with Mr. Attley as you can. Also, whenever possible avoid altercations of any kind. That being said, you should take pictures of your own injuries as well and consider getting a lawyer just to be safe."
"Okay." said Derek.
"Could we also hire you for that, if he presses charges?" I asked. "Like could you represent us both?"
"Yes," he said, "I work a number of cases as long as they don't conflict with one another it's fine."
"Don't worry about me." said Derek, agitated. "I'm more concerned with her right now. What are our options here?"
"Well, given what you've told me, I think you should start with a temporary restraining order and then look into something long-term, if you think it necessary."
"Yes." said Derek, "I don't want him coming anywhere near her again. What would we need to get the temporary restraining order in place?"
"Well, you would need to establish sufficient evidence. A pattern of unwanted contact, proof that he has been harnessing you and that you consider yourself in danger."
"How do we prove that?" I asked I wasn't sure about the danger part. I mean, he was upsetting me and scaring me, but so far he hadn't really hurt me. Not like when we were kids.
"Pictures of your wrist would help. Detailed accounts of instances, witness statements, if anyone has see him bothering you-"
"My sister." said Derek, "She was there that day in the park with her kids."
"I don't think she saw anything. Even then, Derek, I'm not sure about the danger."
"Closet, Kiri," said Derek as if that settled it.
"I know but that was back then. What if...what if we can't, what if we don't have enough proof, right now?" I asked, "What happens then?"
"You won't know unless you see a judge but I wouldn't give up. Even if, somehow you did get denied just keep track of everything. It all adds up."
I sighed and Derek took my hand, "Alright, so when could we get this started? I'd like to get this set up as soon as possible."
"Well, if you decide to hire me, what I would do is start with a contract. Then I'd have you go home and both write statements about what has been going on between you and Mr. Attley. I'd get them notarized and have my own pictures taken of your injuries. I would also contact the police for a copy of their report and their pictures. I would have my team start the paperwork and we would petition the court for a hearing date. That can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. Once I got a date I would present your case for a restraining order before a judge. I would start with a temporary restraining order, no contact of any kind and now allowed within so much distance. Then I would set another hearing date for something long term restraining order for about a year or possibly two, and from there we would continue to renew or extend it as needed."
"Okay, okay." said Derek. He seemed happy to have a plan. "Do you need our help with the police report or anything?"
"A case number would be helpful but any report unless sealed is public record."
"Alright," Derek nodded, "I got that." He clapped his hands together. Okay, well, let do this. You're hired. Let's get started."
"Alright," said Chad. He pulled out a large book from his desk and opened it. "I can have my secretary put you in the books and get a contract drawn up as early as tomorrow. For my pricing, I start billing at 275 dollars an hour which is standard. Court appearances will go up to around 400. There are also extra cost-"
He trailed on and my eyes grew wider and wider as I listened, taking in his pricing. Derek didn't seem fazed one bit. I began trying to do the math in my head and it got dizzying. We'd just moved into a new apartment and had signed a year's lease. We were saving up to get married. This...this was going to cost.
"That's a lot," I said without thinking and then quickly added, "More than I expected," I didn't want to be rude but truthfully I hadn't really thought about the costs. I'd just been so torn up wondering if this was necessary. I knew it was. I knew he wasn't leaving me alone but still it felt even more overwhelming.
I hadn't asked Roan to return into my life. I hadn't asked him for an apology and for him to keep bothering me. Now...now he was going to interfere in our lives for months maybe even years. We were and it was going to cost us a chunk of our savings if...if we had anything left after this.
Chad could see my reluctance, "You are free to look around. Our prices are standard for this type of work. I offer each of my clients a full disclosure and breakdown of their expenses."
"It's fine." said Derek, squeezing my hand. He looked at me. "If it keeps you safe and that bastard is out of our lives for good, I don't care how much it costs,"
"I know. I just...I want to make sure we can afford it."
"We can," said Derek. "I'll pull more hours at work, take bigger projects on."
I wanted to talk it over more but I could see Derek had made up his mind.
"Okay," I said, "How many hours does something like this usually take?" I wanted to get an estimate.
"Usually it's a lot of paperwork and waiting," said Chad, "I'll try to get you a rough breakdown tomorrow when you come in to sign the contract."
"Okay, thank you." I said.
"Alright so going forward, I'd like you both to get pictures of your injuries and write up detailed statements of every incident. Please include dates, times and people who might have been around to witness what was going on. If you can bring everything in tomorrow when you sign the contract, I can have my people working on it right away. I will be out of the office tomorrow but if you have any other questions my secretary can direct you to another team member. Or leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible."
"Okay," we both said.
Then Derek asked, "If we do get the restraining order, how long would it take to go into effect."
"Well if granted, they'll need to process and file it. Once everything is in order, they'll assign a server to inform Mr. Attley he's under a restraining order. Typically depending on the day and time it could be as soon as the same day or a few days, if Mr. Attley is not easy to locate. But once served it goes into effect immediately."
"Okay," said Derek. "And if he breaks it at all?"
"You just call the police and can have him arrested." said Chad.
"Good," said Derek happily.
I was glad he would be leaving us alone but I worried about his family. I knew Alison wasn't going to like this. At the same time, maybe she'd realize he was causing problems and she'd be able to talk some sense into him. If he wouldn't listen to me, maybe he'd listen to his wife and realize once and for all that he should just go away.
Chad gave us each a business card and we got up. Derek shook his hand and we went out into the hall. We made our way back to the front and spoke to the secretary. She set up a time to come in around eleven tomorrow, with our statements and pictures. She also gave us a standard copy of the contract we might be signing but let us know the final one might have adjustments. I kind of zoned out as we got into the elevator and rode it down.
When we were outside, walking to the bus stop, Derek took my hand and said, "Let's get some ice cream." All things considered, he seemed to be in a good mood now. I didn't know if he was faking it to reassure me or if he really was.
Even though ice cream did sound nice right about now, I shook my head, "We shouldn't. We're going to need the money,"
He just kept smiling at me, "That's why were getting it now. We might not be able to afford it later."
We both laughed but it sadly might be true. A man came up behind me and bumped into me rather hard as he was passing. For a second I felt his cold fingers intertwine with mine, sending a chill up my spine. I instinctively pulled my hand away and something fell to the ground, a piece of paper or something. I looked down at it, then glanced back to the man. For a second I thought he looked like…Roan. Our eyes locked and I froze watching his mouth slight curve into a grin.
I froze right then and there, thinking it couldn't be, there was no way he'd just approached me here and now. Had he been following us? Did he know what we were up to? I felt my pulse quicken as he passed me and kept walking. It had all happened so fast, in a matter of seconds but felt much longer. Derek didn't notice as Roan walked on ahead of us. He was still laughing about the ice cream and walking,
"Seriously we-" Still holding my hand, he jerked to a stop when I didn't move. He looked back at me wondering why I'd stopped. When he saw the panic on my face he said, "What! What is it?"
I was still in disbelief! Then I didn't want to upset Derek. Maybe...maybe I was just losing my mind and it wasn't Roan, but no, I'd locked eyes with him. He was the only one I'd ever known that had eyes like that…like ice. I shivered still staring at the back of his long coat as he casually walked away. I kept expecting him to turn around.
I furrowed my brow and Derek followed my gaze still unsure of what was going on, "You see something…" and then he paused for a moment thinking, he quickly added, "...someone?"
I looked at him then and it was like he just knew. "WHERE!" He called getting upset. I could see his face flash from concern to anger as he looked about. My eyes began to water as he demanded once more, "WHERE!"
"The man who just bumped into me." I said then looked back at Roan.
Derek spotted him now as Roan stopped walking and waited to cross the street. Without hesitation, Derek took off after him. As he drew closer he called out. "HEY! HEY YOU!" Roan turned ever so slightly and my heart skipped a beat. I didn't know what was going to happen, the lawyer said not to make contact.
Derek practically roared "ROAN!"
I worried they were gonna fight but Roan quickly turned and darted off. Derek cursed, taking off after him and left me behind. I didn't know what to do. If I should stay, get help or go after him. In the end I decided to go after him, worrying Derek might get himself into another fight.
I moved quickly and had to wait to cross the street. By the time I did, I couldn't see Derek anymore. There were a lot of people coming up from the subways and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of people. I looked around me everywhere and began calling out, "DEREK! DEREK!"
Several long minutes passed. The people started to disperse but I still couldn't see him, anywhere. I bit my lip and took out my phone. I considered calling him but then saw him across the street a ways down. He was bent over and looked winded. I started to go to him but when he saw me, he put his hand up for me to wait and came to me instead.
"What happened?" I asked when he got to to me.
"He was too fast." said Derek upset. "I lost him."
"What was he even..." I began.
"It doesn't matter." snapped Derek grabbing my arm. He pulled me up to the curb and said "We're taking a cab home."
"Derek,"
"He's getting more brazen." said Derek. "From now on you don't go anywhere at all without me and we take a cab."
"We can't afford to do that all the time."
"We can't afford not to. He's messing with us." said Derek.
He went to hail a cab and I wondered why, why had Roan done such a thing. Why approach me like that? I replayed what happened only to remember the piece of paper that had fallen to the ground. "WAIT!" I cried.
I pulled from Derek and dashed off. Surely by now it might be gone but I still rushed back to where we'd been. Derek came after me but couldn't quiet keep up, I got some distance on him and made it to where Roan had bumped into me. I frantically looked all about but I couldn't see it.
"What are you doing?" Derek panted as he finally caught up to me.
I continued to look around as I said. "I! When he bumped me, his hand brushed mine and I jerked it away, something fell out I think he'd handed me something."
"What,"
"I don't know some paper, I saw it fall to the ground then looked back and realized it was him,"
Derek looked around as well then darted to the ground. He pulled something from the gutter. "Is this it." he said picking up a square of paper. He quickly unraveled it. Before I could take a look he said. "YES! I recognize the handwriting."
"What does it say?"
"Nothing!"
"No let me see!"
"I tried to snatch it but he got up and showed it to me. It wasn't much, just a few lines 'I thought you didn't want any trouble.' Think Kiri! Think before you do something you'll regret!"
I bit my lip reading it twice then hissed, "That bastard."
"His mistake." said Derek carefully folding it. "We'll use this against him."
I didn't say anything I just nodded. I could tell we were both shaken up as we caught a cab. We were silent the entire way home. I don't think either of us expected to see Roan so soon but he really could be anywhere, at any moment. In the elevator I replayed what had happened. Derek and I had been talking and laughing about how much this was going to cost us. When Roan just bumped into me...Had he heard us? Why follow us? Why approach me with this note? Was he trying to stop us from filing the restraining order. Up until now he'd just been apologizing. He wanted to talk and have us get to know each other but this not, him showing up like that felt-
Derek took hold of my hand and pulled me from my thoughts. We walked down the hall and found there were more flowers outside our apartment, a dozen blue roses. Had Roan come by after we'd gone to see the lawyer or had he beat us home. I looked to Derek and could tell he was pissed off. "Don't touch it. We'll take a picture of it. More shit we can use."
I nodded and he took several pictures with his phone."Fuck!"
"What!" I said worried.
"Ah, I just realized I should have filmed him outside the lawyers. Maybe we can request some CT footage. Place like that has to have security cameras."
"Yeah, I guess." I said.
He bent down then took more pictures before checking for a card. I leaned over him reading it. There was no message just a number, I assumed it was Roan's phone number. Derek carefully pocketed the card then grabbed the flowers. When we got inside he stuffed them into a garbage bag and threw them in a corner by the door. Then he gabbed some plastic sandwhich bags and put the card from the flowers and the note from outside the lawyers inside separate bags. "Maybe they'll need prints or something for proof. I don't know but it's best we keep everything."
Again I just nodded feeling strange. Derek got two notepads then some pens and brought it all over to the table. He set them down then gestured for me to join him. I sat with him at the kitchen table and he wrote down what we needed for our statements. We looked over the lawyer contract and then began. He wanted us to have everything ready to go for tomorrow. I wrote down what I could remember and he pointed out I also needed to add today.
I already had several pages but wrote that out as well. After I was feeling tired and just wanted to lie down but he reminded me we hadn't eaten yet. He wanted to order food but I was able to talk him out of it. I made us some instant noodles and he made some eggs to go along with it.
After we ate, we took some more pictures of my wrist and then I took pictures of Derek's face and hands. He took off his shirt and I found a few bruises on his chest, side and back. When it was done Derek gathered everything together and we went to bed. Even though I was exhausted I found it hard to sleep that night, thinking about everything.
After a while I got up to watched some TV. It was around three in the morning. A few minutes after I got up, Derek got up as well. He came out onto the couch and we snuggled. We didn't go back to bed until around seven. When our alarm went off at ten, we got dressed and called a cab. We went to the lawyer's office and signed a contract. We had our statements notarized and sent over our pictures. Then it was just waiting until they contacted us with a hearing date.
We picked up something for breakfast and did some shopping at a candy store. I also remembered Candice's second birthday was on Saturday. We picked up some toys and got home just in time for the maintenance man to install more locks. While he installed them, we ate and put everything away. When he left, Derek looked online for cameras and other security items. I didn't think we would need them once we got the restraining order but Derek wanted to make sure we caught Roan when, and not if, he broke the restraining order. I thought Roan would have to be insane to try to talk to me after her was served but I didn't argue with Derek.
On Saturday we went to Polly's. We let her know what was going on and gave Candice and even Mara a gift. We had cake and came home late in the afternoon. I started prepping to go to work the next day and Derek suggested I called Bonnie and extend my week off until Thursday. I didn't think it was good to miss so much work. True, I'd only be missing Sunday and Monday, but still I couldn't expect Bonnie to keep making up my shifts.
We got into a small argument but in the end we both knew we didn't know how long this was going to take and that we were going to need the money. Derek still went over things with me. He made me swear to keep my phone and a bottle of mace on me at all times. He would walk me to work tomorrow and pick me up. When he had to work, he'd walk me to work and Polly would walk me home. He knew I wasn't too happy about needing an escort but until the restraining order went through I'd deal with it to stay safe.
If Roan came into my work I wasn't supposed to argue with him, just call the police like I would for any unwanted customer and then call Derek. Mostly every plan ended in call Derek or the police. I swore I would stay safe but I admitted I was nervous. I kept thinking about Roan showing up at the apartment and then just bumping into me outside the lawyers. I don't know why but the latter bothered me more...maybe because it meant he really was following me.
I knew he was waiting for me outside work and had found out where we lived...somehow but those were places I was supposed to be: work, home, the park in between. The lawyers on a Thursday afternoon. Did he know about the appointment or did he just, wait outside our apartment and follow us there? And why bump into me when he could have gone completely unnoticed? If he wanted to leave me a note he could have easily left it outside my apartment like he had the flowers. Maybe he wanted to make sure I got it but I don't know.
It kept me thinking. Did he need to see me? No, he could have done that from afar. So why? I remembered the coldness of his fingertips against mine. Had he wanted to touch me? I recalled how I said I'd do anything to get my bag back and all he'd wanted was a kiss. He was probably just using me to experiment or was it something more. I trembled at the thought and realized I was letting my thoughts spiral out. I didn't know what he was thinking and I didn't want to know.
That night we both went to bed early and I left early for work so we could take it slow. It was still dark out and the entire time Derek just kept looking around for any sign of Roan. When I got to work, I opened up like I normally did and told Derek he could go. He just nodded but hung back. After an hour I realized he was still there outside. I told him to go home to get some sleep. He moved and I thought he went home.
However, when I was opening the cafe and the morning crowd was coming in, I saw him across the street. I shook my head and helped the customers. They talked about their day and the weather as I filled their orders. When I was done and the cafe was empty I texted Derek he might as well come in and have breakfast.
He came in and I made him a small coffee and let him have his pick of the donuts. He hung around for another two hours in the sitting area, dozing off and on. After that he thought he might as well stay until I got off. I wanted to argue with him but at that point I was tired and it was kind of nice having him here.
When I got off at two we did Monday's grocery shopping. I doubted Polly was going to want to do it with the kids in tow. We went home and I made an award winning frozen lasagna with fresh french bread. We watched a movie we both wanted to see and then some TV afterwards. Derek rested his head on my lap and passed out on the couch, not used to my hours. I ran my fingers through his hair and watched him sleep off and on. For a few hours things were peaceful and seemed almost normal.
When I was finally ready to go to sleep I woke him and we brushed our teeth. We went to bed and the next morning I got up early like I normally did. Derek needed a bit of motivation to get up but when I threatened to go without him he got up and took me to work.
Again he hung out for a while, dozing off at one of the tables. I prepped things like I normally did and opened on time. Usually I had the new hire. Jessica with me so I could work on manager duties but she'd taken over a few of my shifts last week so it was just me this morning. The normal Monday morning rush came in and it kept me busy over the next few hours. Monday's were suppose to be somewhat quiet but I had a lot to do.
When Derek had to go to work he slipped me a quick kiss over the counter and I slipped him some coffee and a bagel with his favorite blueberry spread in a bag. I kept busy until almost nine that morning and then it was just me. It was weird being on my own. I think I hadn't been alone since Thursday. I usually found the quiet of the cafe calming but now it felt kind of eerie. I cleaned up and thought I'd finally get to my manger duties but first I checked my phone to see if Derek had texted.
I found he'd texted me that he'd gotten to work on time and was just checking in with me. I texted him back telling him things were finally slow. He must have been busy because he only texted me a heart. I texted him a heart back and then sat down at the computer. I caught up on some emails from last week and began ordering supplies. I saw our piping bags had finally come in. I decided to stick with the company after all. I made up the new schedule and was getting into paychecks when I heard something strange. It sounded like a chair sliding across the floor in the seating area. I'd heard the sound enough times to know what it was but I hadn't heard anyone come in.
I bit my lip and got up from the computer to check it out. When I got up front, I saw Roan standing in the sitting area leaning on a chair he'd pulled out. My eyes widened as I wondered how he'd come in without me hearing. I stepped back and he said, "I'm done trying to work with you. I've been nothing but patient and kind, Kiri."
I wasn't going to listen to his bullshit, whatever it was, not this time. I knew what to do Derek and I had been over this. I'd treat Roan like any unwelcome customer. Without looking at him I clearly and confidently said "You are not welcome at Greta's anymore. We have refused you service leave now or I'm calling the police!"
Unfazed, he said "I am filing charges against Derek."
Again, I knew not to respond to this shit. I'd given him a proper warning, now it was time for action. I turned to go to the phone and he added. "I'll also be suing for medical bills and damages, physical and mental. I hope you got a good lawyer the other day because you're going to need it."
I still didn't understand what his deal was and slipped up. I turned back to him and said. "What is wrong with you? Why are you doing this to us?"
"What is wrong with me? What is wrong with you? I'm not doing anything to you. All I have done is try to make amends and you had me picked up by the police."
"YOU CAME TO MY APARTMENT!" I shouted like it was fucking obvious. I realized I'd messed up. and walked to the phone. Before I could pick it up, he went on.
"I have a witness to my assault." said Roan. I paused, looking at him, "They took video, Kiri. It's going to play real well in court!"
I swallowed. "Bullshit! He didn't assault you. You pushed him first! It was self defence"
Roan laughed, "Is that what he told you? He came up to me and told me to back off. I told him, politely I might add, that this was between you and me. That I needed to make this up to you. Then he threatened me! I didn't want any trouble so I said, sure...okay whatever." Sure whatever, it sounded familiar. Roan went on, "I went to leave, figuring I'd just come back later. Your fiancé however, attacked me from behind without any warning!"
"No!" I said, "He wouldn't do that!" I knew Derek; he would never attack someone from behind. Not even someone he hated. He was a good man, a real good man!
"He kept hitting me, Kiri, even when I was down. I was lucky I was able to fend him off."
"No!" I said shaking my head, not believing him for one second. "You're lying!" It couldn't be true.
"I know you don't trust me, Kiri, but video doesn't lie." Roan said taking out his phone. He started playing a video. I heard yelling. I couldn't see from behind the counter but it sounded like a fight. I pulled away from the phone. I knew I shouldn't. I knew better... but it was Derek, my Derek. I couldn't let Roan fucking Attley ruin the man I loved.
I moved out from behind the counter and went to Roan. He held the phone so I could see what was playing on it. The quality and the angle wasn't the best but I saw what looked like two men fighting. I couldn't see their faces clearly but I recognized Derek's jacket. I swallowed not able to take my eyes off it. At one point Derek was on top of what must have been Roan just going at him. It...it didn't look good.
Why...why had Derek lied to me? I didn't understand. It didn't make sense. Roan pulled the phone away and I glared up at him with tears in my eyes. "What do you want?"
"Nothing," said Roan like he was the good guy in all this, "But to make amends to you."
"FUCK YOUR AMENDS!" I spat angrily, "YOU'RE RUINING OUR LIVES!"
"I'm not the one who started a fight," said Roan.
I didn't know what to do now. What were we going to do? There was no way a judge would throw this out and Derek could actually go to prison.
"Please, sit," said Roan, motioning to a chair a few feet away. "If we talk and you give me a real chance. I'll delete the video for you and even sign something saying I won't press charges."
I looked at him skeptically. He wasn't making sense. Why would he just do that for a real chance, to what, prove he was a good guy? If he was a good guy he would have left us alone. He made me sick. I continued to glare at him as he simply sat down in the chair he'd pulled out. Begrudgingly I pulled out the other chair and sat at the table with my arms crossed, "Okay!" I said bitterly.
"Alright," he said taking a deep breath, "Now, I want you to get to know me. So tomorrow night have dinner with me and my family."
I scoffed at him in disbelief. "You want me to have dinner with you and your family." He was fucking psycho, holding this over my head and making me do what he wanted. This wasn't amends...this was blackmail.
"What I want, Kiri, is for you to get to know me. The real me. The me I am now." he said.
I think I already knew who he was. He pretended to be all good, all wholesome and changed, but he was still the sick and twisted boy who used to bully me all those years ago. I just sat there, listening as he went on. "I think if you got to know me, know my wife and kids, we could be real friends."
All of this mess, destroying our lives, and he wanted to be friends. Friends, like I could ever. I couldn't believe him. I couldn't take anymore of this shit. It was making me sick, truly sick. I think I finally understood killing them with kindness.
"FINE!" I said getting up. "FINE YOU WIN ROAN! WE ARE FRIENDS NOW IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT?! FOR ME TO COMPLETELY FUCKING FORGIVE YOU?"I was so fed up, so upset I got right up in his face, "TO BE YOUR BEST FUCKING FRIEND AND PRETEND LIKE NOTHING EVER FUCKING HAPPENED BETWEEN US! IS THAT WHAT YOU FUC-"
Roan moved fast, without warning, he shot up from his chair, sending it falling back to the floor. In one fluid movement, he grasped hold of my wrist and waist, pulling me into him. It all happened so fast. One minute I was losing it on him, releasing all my built up anger and the next...the next...the next... his lips... were tightly pressed against mine, in a mother fucking kiss!
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