When I heard feet patter against the pavement it caused me to quickly pull my hood over my head and crouch down into a ball. At this time of night I never knew what was lurking in the darkness of the city park. It’s a first I ever felt fear because I always had protection. 

“Excuse me miss are you okay?” A tiny voice whispered in my direction. It was a woman so my tensed body relaxed a little. She tapped me on the shoulder lightly and asked the same question. I mumbled a faint yes. 

“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Now that question caused me to whip my head up and scoff in disbelief. 

“Do it look like I need your hand outs?” Her arms flew up in defense. 

“I didn’t mean to offend you but you being out here I know it’s not safe.”

“I’m sorry it’s just… never mind you wouldn’t understand.” I sniffled tucking a loose strand of my wild mane behind my ear. I haven’t bathe in god knows how long, I’m not sure when was the last time I had a decent meal to eat, and a bed to sleep in. It was not my intentions to go off on this stranger who offered to help. I saw her check the time on her watch. 

“It’ll be on my conscious if I just leave you here alone so why don’t you come to my apartment for the night and we will figure something out.” I was hesitant until a crash of thunder roared in the dark gray sky illuminated by the moonlight causing us both to jump. 

I sure as hell didn’t have any shelter to take cover from the vicious morning storm that was about to erupt. Gathering my only bag I stood up now face-to-face with the woman. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as her chestnut orbs gazed into my blue ones. The park was pitch black the only lights shined through the windows from the buildings downtown.  

“You can follow me I don’t live too far from here.” We walked for what felt like eternity my toes were cold through the paper-thin knock off versions of converse on my feet. When we finally arrived at her condo I silently thank god for heat that kissed my skin when she opened the door. The soothing smell of freshly burnt incense invaded my nostrils including the sweet aroma of vanilla. “Make yourself at home.” I heard her yell disappearing down a dimly lit hallway. 

After kicking off my shoes I hung up my jacket and found a comfortable spot on the burgundy L-shaped sofa the soft cushions sucked me in. It was a major upgrade from sleeping on the hard cold ground. I closed my eyes for a second nodding off until the woman came in the living room. 

“I brought you a towel, face rag, a t-shirt, and some clean underwear to sleep in. Don’t worry the panties are brand new.” She chuckled lowly holding them up for me to see the Victoria’s Secret price tag. 

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome it is the least I can do what is your name by the way I never got it?” 

“Ashton but people call me Ash for short.” 

“Nice to meet you Ash I’m Phylicia but nobody calls me by my real name besides my mom.” She is so beautiful I thought to myself. Her coco brown melanin glistening in the light perfectly round cheekbones sat high on her face.  

“Why are you offering me a place to stay I can be a serial killer.” I half joked with a smirk causing us both to laugh. 

“Whatever you say Ash the serial killer.” She put up air quotes. “Let me know if you need anything my room is the last one down the hall on the right. The bathroom is over there and feel free to help yourself to the food in the fridge.” I nodded she said good night disappearing down the hall once again. Not wasting anymore time I trailed to the bathroom.

I strip down and step slowly into the shower, turning the water on high and letting it beat over my head in steamy rivulets. Closing my eyes to the water as the heat soaks into my skin my mind fades into dullness and everything is a foggy illusion. The sensation of the steamy water calmed me; it took my mind of things. I lean against the cool tiles as my weak legs threaten to buckle I stood there without moving at all. 

I watch the filth from months worth of not being able to properly bathe spin down the drain. A tear cascaded down my cheek mixing with the clean water. I poured Dove soap into one hand with the towel and began to scrub my body noticing the scars that decorated my skin. All of them told a story behind of how fucked up my life been because of him. Why me? I ask myself that question everyday since my world did a complete 360. 

My fingers toyed with my long blonde hair, dancing into the mess it was, ridding it of the knots time had given. After I was finished in the shower glad to be clean I laid on the couch in deep thought.