"Yeah," she blinks. "I'm just going to close my eyes for a little bit." Her eyes drift shut, and I stay by her side until her breathing evens out. Pushing away the hair that is falling into her face I kiss her temple before getting up. She’s finally calming down, and at peace. At least until we have to the police.
Now that Dawson is no longer here, the night is still and serene. Joe has a small trash bag in his hand and he's bent over mine and Sophia's ruined dinner. "You didn't have to do that. I was on my way out here to take care of the mess."
“It’s okay, Son,” Joe says and nods at the door. “She needed you more than this needed to be picked up. Is everything okay now?”
“For now,” I shrug. “We have to go to the police station so she can file a report.” I scratch the back of my head, “Is there any chance you would be willing to be a witness in case we need one?”
“Absolutely,” Joe nods. I bend down to help him with the rest of the trash. “Jackasses like that deserve whatever they have coming to them.”
“Thank you,” I gather up the crushed petals that fell off the flowers I brought Sophia. “I just need your name and phone number in case they want it.”
“Will do,” he pauses and leans back. “It’s a good thing you got here when you did. I was about to come out myself. At first, I thought it was you, but then I heard shouting and knew it couldn’t be.”
“I didn’t realize you knew what I looked like since we come in at such odd hours.” I knew she had a neighbor; we’ve just never seen them. Or, at least I haven’t. The lights are always dark in the apartment next door.
“I’m a night owl,” he stands, knees popping during the whole process. “I pay attention to what’s happening on this side of the complex. It gives an old man like me something to do after retirement.” He grabs the trash bag and opens his door. “I’ll keep an eye out for that trouble maker from now on. Any sign of him and I’ll call the cops.”
“Thank you, Sir,” I shake his hand. “I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he replies. “Just knock on the door when you head to the station, and I’ll give you my information.”
* * *
Sophia’s uninjured hand is in mine. Her grip is strong enough that it’s almost painful for me. An image of her in labor with my child one day, our hands a mirror of this but under better circumstances. I shake the thought away. It’s too soon to think about that, but the fact I am has to mean something. I never envisioned Miranda in my future, and I can’t think of one without Sophia in it.
Police stations aren’t my favorite buildings. They are full of despair and dim lighting. This one is no different. We’re sitting inside one of the conference rooms, waiting on the officer Sophia talked to when she suspected Dawson might be following her again.
“Are you ready to do this?” I whisper. It seems wrong to speak too loudly in here. Or, I could be paranoid. I feel like we’re being watched from all sides.
“Yes,” she sighs. “It’ll be a relief to get this taken care of. I’ll never miss a court date again, that’s for sure.” This girl is so much stronger than she realizes. Most women would stay in toxic relationships. Too scared to leave, but she did it. She left him and she handled herself well tonight when he showed up behind her.
A part of me worried she was seeing someone else, and I was ready to lose my temper. I’m glad I waited to see what was going on. I would have felt horrible if I left and something worse would have happened. Officer Daniels finally walks into the room. “Good evening, Sophia. What can I help you with tonight?”
She sets the hand Dawson had in his grip on the table. The redness has faded, but it’s swollen and bruising is starting to show up around her fingers and wrist. “Is this enough to get a restraining order taken out on him?”
“When did this happen?” Daniels sits down next to Sophia and inspects her injury.
“Tonight,” she answers, head lowered. She better not be ashamed. None of this is her fault, and I don’t know what I can do to make her see that. “He showed up at my apartment. We got into an argument and he squeezed my hand so tight that he bruised it. He would have hit me if Adrian hadn’t showed up.” Finally, she looks at me with a sad smile. “Thank you, again.”
I lean my forehead against hers. “I would do anything for you. The punch to the ribs was totally worth it.”
“Wait,” Officer Daniels puts his hand up. “You were in an altercation with her ex-boyfriend?”
“Yes,” I nod. “It didn’t last long, though. Sophia’s neighbor stepped out before too much damage could be done. I have his name and phone number right here if you need to talk to him.”
“That’s helpful,” he says and turns his attention back to Sophia. “I’ll rush this and get a temporary order started for you.” He stands up to leave the room. “I’ll be back in just a moment to get your full statement. I want to get this paperwork started. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more when you came to me the first time.”
“I understand,” Sophia says. “You are just doing your job. But thank you for getting the temporary order started.”
“You’re welcome.” And just like that he’s out of the room. I’m uncertain how long it’s going to take but I’m happy they are listening this time. I send a quick text to Sophia’s parents letting them know what’s going on. All that’s left to do is wait.
* * *
The sun is breaking over the horizon as we pull into the parking area for my apartment. It took hours for Sophia to give her statement to the police. They had her repeat it over and over again, making sure she didn’t leave out any details. They also asked me if I wanted to press charges. Since I threw the first punch, I thought it was best not to do anything.
“We’re here,” I shake her awake. We would have been here two hours ago, but Tom and Lisa rushed to the station and wanted to get an insanely early breakfast. I think they wanted to see that she was okay with their own eyes. I can’t imagine being a parent and constantly worrying about the safety of my child.
“Okay,” she opens the car door, and loses her footing in her sleepy state. I hurry around and scoop her into my arms. I’m not complaining, though. I’ll carry her all the time if I have to. “Thank you for everything tonight. And for bringing me to your place. I know it’s stupid, but I didn’t feel safe going to my apartment,” she leans her head against my shoulder, “not today anyway.”