Whisper

I’m realizing that walking around the park at night is a bad idea. I left my coat at Antonio’s so I feel exposed, but I didn’t want to go home. Seeing Luke again after all these years was a shock to my system. I never thought I’d see him again, I reach for my clutch to call Delilah to come and get me when I see that my stupid phone is dead. This is what happens when I always forget to charge it. I barely had enough money for the cab, so I know I can’t afford a cab ride to my apartment. I’m screwed, and these boots are killing my feet. I sit on a bench and shiver. It’s the second week of December and the weather is getting quite chilly at night.

I lay down on the bench like I did when I was twelve and ran away from my first foster home. I hear commotion in the park but I don’t pay attention to it. I’m cold, shivering, and hungry. I have flashbacks to when I was found here by Luke.

I can’t believe I ran. I’m so stupid, but all the noise was taking me back home where my parents are, and I can’t stand it any longer. So, when everyone was asleep, I took my bookbag from school and stuffed it with clothes. I climbed out my window and didn’t look back. Now that I’m stuck in the park, I should’ve grabbed food. My feet and legs hurt, so I decided to take a little break on a park bench. I lay down just to rest my eyes for a few minutes and then I’ll keep going.

I’m woken up by a very bright light in my face. I can see red and blue flashing lights and a shadow walking towards me. I sit up quickly but get dizzy so I can’t run fast enough before he gets to me.

“Hey, little lady. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m a police officer, one of the good guys,” he says gently.

I shake my head. “Police are not good people. My dad taught me that. They are out to hurt everyone, and the one time I wanted them to help they just left me there,” I say as the tears begin to fall. I need to stop them because only babies cry.

“Well I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience with other officers, but I can assure you I’m one of the good ones. My name is Luke Davis, what’s yours,” he asks wiping my tears.

“Whisper,” I mumble. Waiting to get made fun of for my name like everyone else does.

“What a unique name, Whisper. I like it, it’s different,” he says smiling.

I sit there and stare at him, not sure what to say.

“Well, Whisper, do you have anywhere to go tonight,” he asks me. All I can do is shake my head. “Well, how about you come with me to the station and we can call your parents. I’m sure they are worried about you,” he offers.

I immediately start shaking my head. I don’t want him to call my parents, plus I don’t live with them so they can’t help me anyway. “No thank you, I’m okay out here,” I say on a shiver. It’s getting chilly and I only have a light jacket on.

He looks at me for a minute. “Okay we won’t call your parents, but I need you to come with me to the station to get you warm while I figure out where you are going to stay tonight,” he says to me.

I think for a minute before nodding. Being out here at night is scary when you’re alone. He smiles and stands back up. We walk back to his car, and I remember thinking that this was the safest I’ve ever felt with anyone.

I’m brought out of my thoughts by someone shaking me awake. I look up and see a guy I’ve never seen before. You can tell he’s homeless with his dirty clothes and hair. Not to mention his smell.

“Hey pretty girl, you looking for a good time tonight,” he asks, his breath hitting me square in the face. I have to force myself to remain calm and not vomit at the stench.

“No thank you. I’m just waiting for my uh…boyfriend. Yes, my boyfriend is just running a bit behind,” I say as I sit up and scoot down the bench away from him and slowly stand.

He’s a lot faster as he grabs my arm, the one not covered by the long sleeve of my dress. He’s holding it so tight, I know it’s going to bruise tomorrow. “You honestly think that I’m going to believe some bullshit about a boyfriend when you were clearly sound asleep on that bench. Moaning for some man named Luke. Well Luke isn’t here, but I am, and I’m going to take what I want,” he spits as I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

His other hand rips my sleeve as he throws me to the ground. The sidewalk cuts into my thighs and arms. He comes on top of me feeling me up. That’s when I hear my savior in the background.

“Whisper! Where are you baby, please tell me you’re here,” he yells.

I manage to get enough air in my lungs. “Luke, help! Help me, I’ve over by the benches,” I yell back.

I’m not sure he heard me as the homeless man’s hands start to wander up my dress to my panties. All of a sudden, he’s gone. I sit up to see Luke beating his face in.

“Luke, please stop. I need you, please Luke,” I beg.

Something I said must’ve sunk in because he releases the guy and runs back over to me. He picks me up off the ground and takes me to his truck. He sits me in the passenger seat and looks at me.

“Are you okay, babe? I’d never have forgiven myself if he hurt you in any way,” he says, tears in his eyes.

“I’m okay Luke. You got there in time,” I say as I reach up and hold his face in my non-injured hand.

He leans into my hand as the first tear falls. I wipe it away and lean in to kiss his cheek. I’m not sure what happened next, but his lips are on mine and we are kissing like one or both of us will disappear if we stop.