Falling Rayne

The bottom of the clouds was lit up with bright pink hues as the early August sun peeked its head over the horizon. Rayne had been driving over seven hours throughout the night and was thinking about stopping. Seeing nothing but lonely, gray blacktop through the darkness, she longed for the smell of a dusty dirt road.

Changing directions on the freeway, she traveled north, leaving the city limits. She had no idea where she was, or where she would end up. The only thing that she knew was that she was somewhere in Michigan.

Finding her way off the freeway, she kept driving until she found the maze of dirt roads. Surrounding her in every direction were fields of tall corn. Spinning her tires, she accelerated, leaving her tracks in the dirt. She could smell the dust invading her car as she closed her eyes. Gripping the steering wheel, she cried harder as she thought about her life in ruins.

Failing to open her eyes in time to see the stop sign, she drove through it at forty miles per hour. For a split second, she saw the dark truck as it slammed into the drivers side of her car. Rayne screamed but the impact instantly knocked her unconscious. The dark truck pushed her car across the road, hitting the ditch. Rayne’s car rolled over and over, landing on its hood in the cornfield, fifty feet from the road.

Cole leaned back from the steering wheel and shook his head before opening his eyes. Rubbing the back of his neck, he focused his eyes and looked over the mangled hood of his truck. Seeing the car laying in the field, he realized the accident. Grabbing the handle, he tried to open the door but it was jammed. A few good kicks and it swung open.

Climbing out of his truck, he grabbed the cell phone from his pocket and dialed 911. Waiting for an answer, he jogged towards the car, trying to remain calm as he reported the accident. Kneeling down, he reached through her broken window. All he could see were her arms dangling and the blonde hair hanging down with blood dripping off the strands. Rayne’s seat belt held her strongly in place.

Pushing her hair aside, he felt her neck with two fingers. There was a strong pulse and he knew she was alive. Reporting her condition to the woman on the phone, the dispatch woman instructed Cole not to move her. Turning the phone to speaker mode, Cole laid it on the ground. Reaching up, he pushed her bloody blonde hair to the side and looked at her face.

She was young and beautiful with a considerable-sized gash on her forehead. He could see the bruises from two days earlier. Lightly rubbing the side of her face, he tried to speak to her with no response. Cole could see the rise and fall of her chest and knew she was breathing with no obstructions. Ten minutes he talked to her with no response before he heard the sirens coming closer.

The police showed up first with the firetruck and ambulance closely behind. The officer pulled Cole away from her car to question him but he couldn’t take his eyes off the wreckage as the rescue team surrounded it. Drawing in a deep breath, Cole tried to relax as he recited the events of the accident to Eric, the police officer, someone he knew well.

Pulling Rayne from the wreckage, they placed her on the gurney and quickly wheeled her to the ambulance. She was still unconscious but they were trying to wake her with no success. Securing her in the back of the ambulance, they shut the doors. Cole stopped the paramedic before he climbed into the drivers seat and asked which hospital they were taking her to. His assumption was correct.

Watching the ambulance rushing away from the scene, Cole felt horrible. He was worried about the young woman and felt responsible, although he knew it was her that ran the stop sign. Cole stood with the officer, chatting with him while the tow truck pulled her car from the field. The officer searched her car but found no drugs or alcohol. Retrieving her purse, they learned her identity along with her out of state address and insurance information.

Cole obtained her information from the officer as he was given a ride into Gladwin. Staring at her driver's license for a moment, Cole saw her picture when she had a black eye. Her ID was issued from Iowa and he wondered what she was doing in Michigan. The officer dropped Cole off at the local Chevrolet dealership where he secured a replacement vehicle. Signing the paperwork, he paused, seeing her blood still on his hands.

Two hours late, Cole walked into work to find his employees overly concerned about him. The accident explained the cuts and bruises on his face but his expression remained the same. He was still concerned about the young woman. Trying to push on with his day, he could not concentrate on his work.

After lunch, he left to travel to the garage where the vehicles were towed to receive an estimate on both vehicles. They had both been rendered totaled. Taking the estimates back to work, he began working on the claims. By the end of the day, he had them completed but didn’t send them out. He wanted a chance to talk to the woman first.

Locking the door behind him, Cole was the last to leave the office. Stopping at a local floral shop, he purchased a dozen roses in assorted colors to take to the hospital with him. Walking to the nurses station, he asked for her. The nurse pointed at a window in the ICU. Cole smiled and thanked her before walking towards her room.

Before opening the door to walk through, he stared at her through the glass. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully but the horrible feeling came rushing back and he glanced down at the floor. Drawing in a deep breath, he turned the handle and opened the door, walking up to her bedside. Speaking in a low, soft voice, he realized she was still unconscious.

Setting the flowers on the bedside table, he reached up and brushed his finger along the edge of her jaw where there were fading bruises. Knowing they were not caused by the accident, he wondered what had happened to her, what could’ve caused the older bruises. Still, he spoke to her but she was unresponsive by any means. It made him feel even worse.

It was the first time he could get a good look at her and he knew he would never forget this image. Rayne appeared to be in her early twenties. She was fair-skinned with long, wavy, blonde hair. She was slender and appeared to be somewhat short. For long moments, he just stared down at her.

“I’m so sorry.” He said to her.

Hearing the door swing open, he saw a doctor enter the room. “Hi. I’m Dr. Adams. Are you her husband?” He held his hand out to shake.

Cole returned the handshake. “No, actually I’m the other victim in the accident. I’m Cole Secord, of Three Rivers Insurance Agency. I’m working on her auto claim. I really need to speak with her once she’s awake and alert. Can you please have someone call me when she is?” Cole reached in his pocket to retrieve a business card to hand to him.

“Yes. I will.” The doctor returned and took the card from Cole’s hand.

“Thank you,” Cole said.

Knowing the doctor could not give him any information on her condition, he looked down at Rayne one last time before leaving the room. Walking to his truck, the image of her face was stuck in his mind. He could think of nothing else for the remainder of the evening.

It was early the following morning when Rayne woke before dawn. Opening her blue eyes, she looked around the room and realized she was in the hospital. Again. Her head ached and she reached up to feel the bandage on her head. Her entire body ached and her breasts were swollen and sore. The memory of the accident instantly flushed back to her mind and she was angry.

Seeing the bouquet of roses on the table, she reached for them and felt the deep ache in her entire body. And sharp pain in her left shoulder. Drawing in a deep breath, she reached again. Looking at them, she wondered who they were from. Who, in this town, even knew she existed. Seeing the card tucked inside, she pulled it out. It was a simple business card advertising a local insurance agency.

Flipping it over, there was a handwritten note that said. “Hope you get better soon. When you’re able, please call me.” Then it was simply signed ‘Cole’.

Assuming it was related to the accident, she tucked the card in the pull out drawer on the bedside table and smelled the roses before laying them back on the table. Pulling the covers back, she swung her legs to the edge of the bed and slid down so her feet were touching the floor. Her body felt incredibly weak, nearly falling as she stood to her feet.

Slowly, she walked around the room, looking for clean gowns. Finding them, she took two into the bathroom with her. Stripping the soiled gown off of her, she turned to face the full-sized mirror. Seeing the new bruising from the accident, she also saw the old bruises from just two days earlier. Looking over her body, she saw the bruises from the seat belt where it held her as her body thrashed around in the rolling car.

Disregarding the bandage over the gash in her forehead, she showered, cleaning the blood from her hair and body. After drying and dressing in two gowns, she walked back to the bed and pushed the call button as she tried to relax.

Moments later, a nurse walked into the room. “Oh, you’re awake… And you took a shower?” The nurse said, seeing the wet hair and the wet bandage still attached to her forehead. “How are you feeling?” The nurse asked as she removed the wet bandage.

“Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” Rayne replied. “I’m starving and in pain.”

“What would you like to eat?” The nurse asked.

“Anything. I don’t care at this point.”

“Ok. Give me a few minutes, I’ll be right back.” The nurse said as she left the room.

A few minutes later, she returned with supplies to replace the bandage. “I ordered you some food and I contacted the doctor about pain relief. But I want to wait to give it to you until after you eat. It will probably knock you out.”

“Thank you,” Rayne said.

While waiting on her meal to arrive, she retrieved the card from the drawer and cringed when she reached for the phone. Not realizing it was only seven-thirty in the morning, she called the office number on the card but got no answer. Leaving a short message on his voice mail, she hung up the phone.

By the time her food came, it was already breakfast and they brought her pancakes, bacon, eggs, milk, coffee, and juice. The food was bland but she didn’t care, as hungry as she was. She hadn’t eaten since she left West Branch. Just after eating, the nurse gave her the injection of pain medicine and she was right. Rayne was asleep within ten minutes.

Cole was the first to arrive at work as he unlocked the door and went inside, locking the door behind him. Flipping the switch beside him, he turned on the lights then went to the coffee pot to make coffee. He was exhausted after a long night with little sleep. Thoughts of her plagued his mind the entire night. Waiting for the coffee, he prepared his work for the day.

Glancing towards the phone, he saw the red light blinking, indicating a message. Hoping to hear some news about Rayne, he pushed the playback button. The only message was Rayne’s. He drew in a deep breath, relieved that it was her. Considering that it was eight-thirty and he knew Karen would be in at nine, he waited until she arrived before leaving.

Excited about speaking with Rayne, he tried to maintain his speed while driving to the hospital. Walking through the hallway, he remembered where her room was. Entering the quiet room, he saw her sound asleep and walked to her bedside.

“Rayne?” He tried to rouse her.

The medication had a stronghold on her and it took a few minutes for him to wake her, saying her name and rubbing his hand along her arm. Out of her slumber, she could hear his voice and recognized it. Turning her head, she opened her eyes and looked at him.

“That voice… you were at the accident.” Her voice was low and weak.

“Yes. Yes. I was.” He smiled at her. “I’m Cole.”

Focusing her eyes in on the stranger, he was tall and slender wearing a suit and tie. His short, dark hair matched his dark eyes and he was clean-shaven. Rayne decided that he was extremely handsome as she managed to sit up in bed.

“I have completed the claim on the accident, but I wanted to speak with you first. Foremost, to see that you’re alright.”

“Well, I’ve been worse. But another day of rest and I’ll be fine. Didn't you say you’ve already completed my claim? How?”

“I’m the insurance agent, it’s my job to get these things done. After all you’ve been through, you didn’t need to be burdened with it.”

“Well thank you, Cole. But you have no idea what I’ve been through. This is just a bump in my road.”

Unsure of what she meant, Cole brushed it aside, for now. “I just want to start by saying how sorry I am. By the time I saw you, it was too late, there was nothing I could do.”

“What do you mean? Are you the asshole that hit me?” Her facial expression changed to anger.

“Well, yes.”

“What the hell makes you think I want to see you? You nearly killed me. Get the hell out of my room and don’t come back.”

“But what about your claim?”

“To hell with my claim. Take your flowers and your paperwork and get the hell out of here.” She yelled and turned away from him.

For a minute he just peered at her, shocked by her response. “Fine. But just remember, you’re the one who ran the stop sign, not me.” Cole said as he walked from her room.

Disrupted by her anger, Cole walked to his truck and just sat in the drivers side, staring out the windshield. Distracted by the screaming sirens of an ambulance as it neared the hospital, he started the truck and drove back to work. Trying to focus on his work, he couldn’t keep his mind off Rayne. After finishing other paperwork, he left the office early and went to the floral shop.

Piecing together a colorful arrangement, he had it delivered to her at the hospital along with an apology note on another business card. He hoped she could forgive him enough to at least call him. Returning home, he ate a light dinner and spent the evening on his back porch.

Rayne slept the entire day and night and woke the next morning to find the new bouquet of flowers beside the other. Just glancing at them, she already knew who they were from. And she was not ready to see him again. Although her anger had switched to herself, learning that she had run a stop sign and was at fault.

Laying in bed, she thought about her life and the accident that stranded her in a foreign town. She was sure her car was totaled and knew this would be the place she would have to plant roots. There was no going back. And now, there was no going forward. She cried, wondering what life would be like here, in this strange town where she knew no one.

After two nights in the hospital, she was tired of being there. Whether they would release her today or not, she was leaving. Finding her torn, bloody clothes, she dressed, pulling the IV out of her arm. Surprised no one was there to try and stop her, she left the hospital. Stepping outside into the warm sunshine of early morning, she looked around, not sure where to go next.

Deciding on a direction of travel, she thought about what she would do first and decided to find her car. But she had no idea where to look, although she knew who did. Reaching in her pocket, she pulled out the card and looked at it, debating on whether to contact him or not. Stopping a woman walking towards her on the sidewalk, she asked how to get to the address on the card.

After the woman gave her explicit directions, Rayne began walking in that direction. His office was merely five blocks from the hospital and she walked it in fifteen minutes. Opening the front door, she walked in and looked around. Cole was nowhere to be seen.

Karen was at the front desk and asked if she could help the unknown woman. Rayne simply stated she was looking for Cole and Karen pointed to an office in the back of the building. Rayne smiled and nodded at her as she walked towards the open door.

Standing in the doorway, she saw Cole sitting with his back to her, talking on the phone. She waited until his conversation was over before knocking on the door. Turning to look at her, Cole’s face held a look of surprise.

“Rayne?” He said and stood to his feet. “Please come in, have a seat. What can I do for you?”

“Well, frankly Cole, you’re the only one I know in this town and I need your help.”

Walking around the front of his desk, he leaned up against it, crossing his arms and facing her. “You need my help?”

Rayne looked down at the floor, knowing she owed him an apology. “I’m sorry, Cole.” She started and looked back up at him. “I realized it wasn’t your fault and I shouldn’t be mad at you. It was my own stupidity.”

“Does that mean you’ve forgiven me?” He asked in return.

“Yes. But only if you’re willing to help me.” She forced a smile.

Cole slowly shook his head and returned a smile. “Go on...”

“I have nothing. I need to find my car so I can get my things.”

“The police haven’t yet returned your personal things, your purse?”

“No. I haven’t seen anyone. You’re the only one who came to the hospital.”

“Ok. We’ll stop at the police station first to get your purse. Don’t worry, I know where your car is and I can take you to it. Come on.” He said and held his hand out to help her out of the chair.

Being weak and in pain, she did need help and appreciated it. Following Cole out of the building, he took her to his truck. She slid into the passengers side and watched as he slid into the drivers side. She couldn’t deny her attraction for this man but knew the worse thing she could do was get involved with anyone.

“I’ve lived here my whole life but I’ve never seen you before. I understand you’re from Iowa, but how long have you been in Michigan?” Cole began the conversation.

“Just since the accident.” She replied.

“What do you mean?”

“I was just passing through, looking for a place to land. I guess this will be the place, considering that I’m stranded here. I have no car, no place to go.”

“So you were just aimlessly traveling with no destination in mind?”

“That’s right.”

“Aren’t you scared, traveling alone so far from home? Especially in the situation that you’re in now?”

“Not as scared as I would be if I would’ve stayed in West Branch.” She said and wished she hadn’t.

Looking at her, he glanced her over but said nothing on the subject. “What are you going to do?”

“I’ll have to take this one step at a time. First, I’ll have to gather my things and find a place to call home. Then I’ll need another car so I can find a job.”

“Please let me know if I can help you.” Cole said as he pulled into a parking spot before the building and shut off the truck.

“You’re helping me right now.” Rayne smiled and got out of the truck.

Cole followed her into the police station where he located Eric, the officer that was at the accident. After a brief introduction and explanation, the officer retrieved her purse. Immediately, she looked in her wallet to find her money was still there. Closing her eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief. Thanking the officer, she turned to leave the police station. Climbing back into Cole’s truck, she waited for him to come out.

“I assume now, you want me to take you to your car?” Cole asked as he climbed into the truck.

“Please.” She answered.

Just out of town was the garage where her car was locked behind a seven-foot chain-link fence. Showing her ID to the attendant, he allowed them to walk to her car where she retrieved all her luggage and other personal effects. Cole loaded the suitcases into the back of her truck and got in.

“Where do you need to go now?” He asked.

“I need to find a storage unit for my things until I can secure housing. Have any ideas?”

“Of course,” Cole answered as he started the truck and drove away.

Located on the outskirts of town, he pulled into the secured storage lot. Renting a small cubicle, she loaded her things into it and asked for one more ride back to the center of town where she could purchase a local paper for the classified ads, in her search for housing.

“Are you hungry?” Cole asked her as they pulled onto the road.

“Thank you but no. I’m sorry, I don’t really have time for that. I have a lot of work to do and I need to get started. But I really do appreciate all the help you’ve given me. Thank you.”

“It’s the least I could do.” Cole said. “Where do you want me to drop you off at?”

“I need a place where I can purchase a cell phone and a newspaper so you tell me. You’re the one who lives here.” She smiled at him.

“Ok.” He smiled back and shook his head.

Pulling up to the curb beside a small shopping center, he stopped the truck and shifted the transmission into park. “Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. When you get your car, come back and see me, I’ll get you set up with insurance.”

“I will. Thank you again, Cole.” She said before she opened her door and got out.

Looking around, she first found the electronics store where she purchased a cell phone. After confirming that it was working, she walked down the sidewalk to find a newspaper box outside a dollar store. Putting in her change, she pulled the door open and grabbed the newspaper. Then located a small restaurant across the street.

Sitting at a booth, she was greeted by a waitress. Without looking at the menu, she ordered a cheeseburger and side of french fries. The waitress brought her drink as she found the classified section. First, she looked for apartments for rent. Based on amenities and price, she asked the waitress for directions to the complex.

It was on the edge of town, across from the hospital. After paying for her meal, she left the restaurant and walked in the direction of the apartment complex. It was a ten-minute walk from the restaurant and the property seemed nice and well kept.

The manager was just about to leave the office as she walked in. But Rayne pleaded to the woman to allow her to apply quickly. Ten minutes it took her to fill out the application, Rayne handed it back to the woman and stood before her as the woman looked the paper over.

“Rayne, is it? You have no past rental history?”

“No, I’m sorry. This will be my first apartment on my own. Please consider me, I can pay the first month’s rent and security deposit right now if you’ll give me a chance.”

“But you have no job either?”

“That is my next step.” She looked at the woman as the woman scrutinized her. “Look, I’m trying to get a new start in life. I’ve already been in a bad car wreck, stranding me in this town. I have no choice but to settle down and I intend to do good for myself. I just need a chance to prove myself. Please.”

Crossing her arms, the woman lifted her head. “Ok. I’ll give you a chance. This place is based on your income, so you’ll have to inform me as soon as you establish employment.”

“Thank you.” Rayne grinned and reached to shake the woman’s hand.

“It’s just you, so you just need a one-bedroom apartment?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll put you in apartment 4D. It was recently renovated, since the last tenants. The least amount I can rent it for is one hundred fifty-nine dollars a month. That does include heat and electricity. Security deposit is two hundred.”

“Three hundred and fifty-nine dollars, I can cover that,” Rayne said and reached into her purse.

Paying for the apartment, she received the key then located the apartment. Unlocking the door, she walked inside. It was small and smelled of new carpeting. The kitchen was to the right and the living room was to the left. Down a short hallway were the bedroom and bathroom. Laundry facilities were located on the first floor in a common area.

Taking a seat in the middle of the living room floor, Rayne looked through the classified section again, this time looking for an automobile. There were only three cars advertised. One was out of her price range and one was too cheap. The third was a decent Chevy for three thousand dollars. Calling the number in the ad, she inquired about the vehicle and asked for directions.

The vehicle was located twelve miles from town but they agreed to meet her in town. Waiting outside the apartment complex, they arrived in twenty minutes. After a brief introduction, the slightly older man allowed her to test drive the car. Agreeing to purchase the vehicle, Rayne gave the man a ride home, after she gave him the money.

Trying to remember her way back to town, she did well as she drove towards Three Rivers Insurance agency. Parking beside Cole’s truck, she walked inside and straight to his office where he was alone, entering information into the computer. Catching his eye as she stood in the doorway, Cole looked away from his computer and up at her.

“Rayne, back so soon?” Cole said and stood up.

“Yeah.” She smiled and walked to his desk. “I just bought a car. I have the title with me.”

“Have a seat. It won’t take long.” He said and sat back down as she sat across from him.

Handing him the title and her driver's license, he took it and began typing into the computer. Asking her general routine questions, she gave quick answers. She informed him of her new address and phone number then promised to go directly to the Secretary of State’s office as soon as she was finished with Cole.

Handing her a receipt and proof of insurance, he explained directions to where she needed to go. Rayne said a quick good-bye before leaving his office. Standing in his doorway, he watched her until she walked through the door, leaving the building.

After registering her car and obtaining a new Michigan driver's license, she found her way to the goodwill store. Spending two hours and four hundred dollars, she purchased items for her home including chairs and a couch, a coffee table, a dining table with three chairs, a queen-sized bed, linens and towels, dishes, pans and silverware, and other items.

Packing most of the items in her new car, she arranged for the heavier items to be delivered. But her delivery time wasn’t for a few hours so she dropped off the contents of her car and rushed to the grocery store to fill her cupboards and refrigerator.

Rayne was up the entire night, arranging furniture and putting things away. After not eating the entire day or night, she found herself starving by the time the sun came up. Leaving the apartment, she wearily drove to the closest restaurant she could find and pulled up amongst the other cars. It was an early morning breakfast rush as she walked inside and looked around.

Sitting at a booth against the wall, she was approached by the waitress. Stating she wanted eggs, bacon, and toast, the waitress nodded as she tipped her cup upright and filled it with coffee. Looking around the room, Rayne realized a few patrons were still drunk from a few hours ago when the bars closed.

Flipping over the paper placemat, she found a pen in her purse and began to draw randomly. A few times she caught herself closing her eyes and almost falling asleep and she knew she needed to eat and get back home to go to bed.

Stumbling through her front door tired and weak, she found a few blankets. Draping two over the windows to darken the room, she laid in bed and covered herself with the other. Trying to push bad thoughts out of her mind, they were insistent on gaining her attention. For an hour she cried before she finally fell asleep.

Seven hours she slept before dragging herself out of bed. Trying to wake herself, she took a hot shower and dressed in jean shorts and a tank top. Sitting on the couch for twenty minutes, staring at the walls, she felt bored and needed to get out of the apartment for a while. It would do her some good to drive around the small town and acquaint herself with it.

Finding the city park, she took a walk down a clear path, trying to clear her head. Finding a bench sitting beside the small river, she took a seat. There were seven ducks swimming in the river and she watched their leisure lifestyle. Glancing around, she saw couples with their small children having fun. It reminded her of her family and she knew she had to call them.

Returning to her new apartment, she pulled out some hamburger to cook for dinner. After shaping a small amount into a patty, she threw it in a hot frying pan and covered it with a clear glass lid. Washing the grease off her hands, she dried them as she walked to the table where her cell phone sat. Looking at it, she decided to call after eating dinner.

It was eight in the evening when she dialed her parent's phone number. Answering the second ring, she heard her mother's voice. “Hello?”

“Mom?” Rayne’s tears had already begun to fall.

“Rayne? Oh my God, where are you? Are you alright?”

“Yes, mom. I’m alright. I’m somewhere in Michigan.”

“What are you doing way out there? Never mind, don’t answer that. Is that where you’re staying or are you still traveling?”

“No, this is where I’m staying. I was in a car accident that totaled my car. But I’m alright.”

“Rayne, what happened?”

“I was just driving down a backcountry road and out of nowhere, a truck slammed into my car. I was unconscious for a day but I probably just needed the rest. I have no broken bones, just a lot of pain. Inside and out.”

“What can I do? Do you need more money?”

“No, mom. Thank you but I still have enough to last for another month’s rent. I’ve rented an apartment and furnished it, and I’ve replaced my car. I am planning on looking for a job.”

“I’m really proud of you honey, I love you. Please let us know if you need anything.”

“I will mom… What about Donny?”

“I’m sorry Rayne but they only charged him with the domestic violence against you. He’ll be in jail for about thirty days.”

“What? What about the baby? He killed my baby mom.” Rayne sounded out her anger and hurt.

“I know Rayne. I really wish there was something I could do. But there isn’t.”

“I really miss you mom. And dad, and Sonny and Gayle.”

“Don’t you dare even think about coming back here. You’re safe there, as long as he doesn’t find you.”

“Don’t worry, I’m staying as far away from him as I can. Five hundred miles is far enough. But he’ll still find me. I’m sure of it.”

“Well, Rayne, you just take it easy. You have a lot of healing to do. After he gets out of jail, it will take him some time to find you. So for now, you just relax and enjoy your life without him. You’ll be fine. You’re a strong young woman and I have faith that you will be fine. It just hurts me to know you’re all alone out there in a strange world with all that pain inside you. But we’ll never be too far away.”

“I love you, mom.” Rayne sobbed.

“I love you too Rayne. We all do. Before we hang up, I want you to give me your address and phone number.”

“Ok. Let me know when you have a pen and paper.”

Rayne waited for a moment, then recited her address and phone number to her. After a tearful goodbye, Rayne pushed the button to hang up the phone. Then she slammed it down on the table. Standing to her feet, she reached into the refrigerator and retrieved the bottle of whiskey. Opening the cap, she tipped the bottle back and swallowed a large drink.

Walking to the living room, she sat on the couch and reached beneath it, pulling out a small box. Setting it on the coffee table, she opened it and removed the pictures. Looking at them one by one, she scattered them across the coffee table, holding the last in her hand. There were five ultrasound pictures but the last was a picture of her holding a stillborn baby.

Her tears fell harder as she held the picture against her chest and took another long drink from the bottle. Never in her life has she ever been so crushed and she felt the guilt of losing her baby. Throwing the last picture on the table, she took another long swig from the bottle. Drunk by the time she finished the pint, she passed out on the couch.

Feeling the hangover when she opened her eyes, her head was pounding and she felt sick to her stomach. Hoping food would help her feel better, she cooked eggs and bacon but could barely eat. Following a hot shower, she dressed and sat on the couch with yesterday's paper. Looking through the classifieds again, this time she was looking for employment.

But Rayne was young with no work experience and she found it hard to land a job. After twenty-some applications and six interviews, she was finally hired at a local assisted living facility. The nursing assistant position included full training, complete with state certification but there were only two permanent positions available after training. Out of the ten students, only the top two would land the job, considering they adhere to the other specifications of the job.

With two days before orientation, Rayne found the local uniform store to purchase uniforms according to their specifications. Along with sturdy, comfortable shoes and other supplies she would need. Her next stop was the gas station to fill her car. But her stomach was growling and she needed to eat. Not feeling like cooking, she found the nearest restaurant and pulled into the parking lot.

Seeing the crowded room, she knew it was the usual dinnertime rush. Seated at a small table in the center of the room, Rayne looked around before opening her menu. As she brushed her eyes over the pages, she heard a familiar voice.

“Is this seat taken?”

Rayne looked up to see Cole’s smiling face. “No.”

“May I sit down, join you?”

Rayne shrugged her shoulders, reminding her of the pain from the seat belt. “I suppose it would be alright.”

Cole pulled the chair out and sat across from her. Reaching up, he loosened and untied his tie, leaving it hanging around his neck. “How have you been?” He asked.

“Doing better. You?”

“Better now. I’ve been thinking about you, hoping you’re alright.”

“I’ll be fine. Why so concerned about me?”

“I feel horrible.”

“Why? It was an accident and as you said before, there was nothing you could do.”

Cole glanced down at the table. “My parents both died in a car accident six years ago.”

Now she understood his concern. “I’m so sorry.”

Cole nodded at her. “You’re so young and beautiful and you’ve been injured by my hands.”

Rayne smiled and sipped her drink. “No, you have no idea what it means to be hurt by someone’s hands. And that, you have not done. At least not to me”

Cole frowned and leaned his head back slightly, looking at her. Thoughts were running through his mind as to what she meant exactly, but he wasn’t going to ask. He assumed he already knew. “Regardless, it was my truck that hit your car. Although you did run the stop sign, I still feel responsible.”

“Please let it go, Cole. I’m fine, you’re fine. The vehicles have already been replaced. It’s in the past.”

“You’re right,” Cole said and motioned for the waitress.

Rayne watched Cole as he ordered, looking him over. Then she stated what she wanted and the waitress left the table.

“Now that you know I’ll be fine, you will no longer have to be concerned about me.” Rayne smiled at him.

“My concern goes beyond the accident.” He returned.

“Why? I’m just a speck of dust that floated through the air and landed on your road. What makes me different from the rest of the dirt?”

“Because you’re not dust and you’re not dirt. You’re more like a rock. A rock on the side of my road that belongs in a beautiful rock garden. You seem lost and I want to help you find your way.”

Rayne drew in a deep breath and glanced down at her hands. “I am lost. But I don’t think you can help me.” She said, trying to control her emotions.

“I wish you would let me try.” He reached across the table and touched her hand.

She looked up at him. “Look, Cole, you have helped me and I really appreciate it. But what I need now, I can only do by myself.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way, Rayne.”

“Yes, it does.” She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. “You don’t understand.”

“Well then help me understand.”

With watery eyes, she looked up at him not sure what to say. Not sure what to think. She couldn’t understand why he was so insistent. She wasn’t ready to share any of her past with this strange man. It somewhat pushed her away and she shook her head.

“I’m not talking about this. Ask me about the weather or something else.” She attempted to change the subject.

“Ok, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. Why don’t you ask me something.”

She gazed at him for a minute before smiling. “Ok… Um… How long have you been in insurance?”

“Well, my father started the company when I was only ten. After I returned from college, I became his partner. Until they passed away, then the business became mine.”

Slowly, she nodded her head. “So… how old are you?”

“I’m thirty-two. And you?”

“Wait, I’m asking the questions here.” She smiled. “Besides, isn’t it against the rules to ask a woman her age?”

Nodding his head, he smirked. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re ten years older than me.” She admitted.

“I realized you were younger. Ten years? You’re twenty-two?”

“That’s right.”

“Is this the first time you’ve traveled away from home?”

“Yes.” She looked down, not wanting the conversation to return to the same subject.

“Are you planning on staying?”

Looking up at him, she drew in a long breath, suddenly nervous. “I don’t know. A lot could change in a month.”

“A lot could change in a second.” He corrected her.

“Yes...” she sighed, “you are so right. Your life could change in a second.”

“I think it did. The second I hit you. I think both of our lives have changed.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” She added.

“I am. You said you were stranded here, without a vehicle. But you’re not. You’ve replaced your vehicle and you’re still here. Then you rented an apartment. Now you’re home, away from home. Your life has definitely changed. No matter what happened in your past, this is your future and maybe it will be much different than your past.”

“And it was the second that you hit me. You’re right. My life has changed and it’s because of you. I’m not sure yet if it is a good thing but it’s better than where I was. I feel alive and free.”

Cole saw her facial expression had changed and she seemed more relaxed. Looking her over, he knew he had to ask. “Rayne, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry but can I ask you a personal question?”

“You can ask, yes. But that doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

“Fair enough.” He started, then paused. “How long did you stay with him?”

“What? What do you mean?” She was astounded by his question but wanted to deny him of her past.

“You’re young. Too young to move so far away from home unless you’re going to college, which you’re not. It seems more like you’re running rather than just relocating. I saw the old bruises that existed before the accident. You even had a black eye on your driver's license. You basically just admitted you’ve been hurt by someone’s hand. And it seems like you don’t want to talk about your past.”

Taking everything she had inside her to hide her emotions, she could barely speak. “You’re right. I don’t want to talk about my past. Please excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”

Standing to her feet with her purse in hand, she walked past him with an ill look on her face. She felt both upset and hurt. Turning on the bathroom light, she shut and locked the door before collapsing on the floor in tears. It seemed like long minutes she laid on the cold, tile floor just crying. Was it really that obvious to Cole? She felt the need to keep running but was tired of traveling farther from home.

Pulling herself together, she stood before the mirror. Her face was red and her eyes were swollen from crying. Knowing she couldn’t face him this way, she peeked through the door to find her escape route. His back was facing her and the exit, which was merely twenty feet from the bathroom. Sneaking through the bathroom door, she slipped towards the exit and left the building.

As she breathed in a sigh of relief, the tears returned but she knew she had to get out of the parking lot and away from him. Her car was parked three vehicles from his and she jumped in. Leaving the parking lot, she just drove away, not caring which direction she was going. Seeing the grocery store, she pulled into the parking lot and parked amongst the vehicles, trying to hide.

Shutting off the car, she covered her face with her hands and cried harder. Her emotions could not be contained as she beat her fists against the steering wheel, accidentally beeping the horn. Startling herself, she looked around the parking lot but no one seemed to be watching. Gripping the steering wheel, she drew in three consecutive deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

The growling of her stomach reminded her of her hunger and she decided to stop at a local fast-food restaurant before going home. Passing the restaurant where Cole’s truck remained, she knew he should’ve, by now, realized she had left him sitting alone. It made her feel guilty but she couldn’t bear to face him again.

Returning to her apartment, she sat on her bed and turned on the radio while she ate. For some reason, she couldn’t stop thinking about Cole sitting in that restaurant and grew more guilty as time passed. Laying in bed as the sun dipped beyond the horizon, she tossed and turned for hours before she could fall asleep.

Waking the following morning with Cole still on her mind, she decided not to leave the apartment for fear of running into him. The day seemed long and boring to her as she cleaned what she could and cooked light meals. Towards the evening, she sunk into a hot bath that relaxed her enough to fall asleep. But when she laid down, she was still not able to sleep. Instead, she turned to the bottle of whiskey.

Hearing the alarm sound at six in the morning, she woke with a hangover. Taking a quick shower, she tried to wake herself. Dressing in her new uniforms, she gathered the new supplies she needed for the job and left the apartment, arriving at work by seven.

Four hours long was the orientation, followed by a tour of the facility and a meet and greet of the residents and other staff. Including herself, there were ten students, all competing for the two positions available. It was nearly three when her first day was through. Rayne went straight home and stayed there the entire night.

The second day started the usual routine. The first six hours of the day were absorbed with classroom learning. The last two were clinical. With the shuffle of names that overwhelmed her, she could barely remember anyone’s first name, let alone their last. But quite quickly, she became attached to an elderly resident by the name of Thomas.

After a few days of learning, she felt overwhelmed with information. But at the end of each day, she would stop by Thomas’s room and visit with him. It made her feel relaxed and she welcomed his stories. Stories from his life and of his children and grandchildren. He stated he had two sons and four grandchildren. Of those four grandchildren, all but one has given him great-grandchildren. The grandson he was closest to lived the life of a bachelor and had no children.

Rayne explained to Thomas where she was from and that she was new in town. But she refused to reveal any of her dark past to him. Telling him about her parents and siblings, Rayne felt homesick and depressed. Wanting to go home, she told him goodbye and left the building. Returning home, she tried calling her mother, but there was no answer.

Pulling the bottle of whiskey from the refrigerator, she went to the couch and plopped down in the middle. Taking a long swig from the bottle, she set it on the table and reached beneath the couch to pull out the box. Again, she stared at the pictures, one by one, scattering them across the table. With tears streaming down her face, she took a couple of long swigs from the bottle.

Laying down on the couch, she held the last picture to her chest and cried. Again, she drank from the bottle. Angered by her memories, she sobbed out loud. “Damn you, Donny. I hate you and you better hope I never see you again. I swear to God, I’ll kill you.”

Drunk, she fell asleep on the couch with the picture still clutched against her chest.