Part 39

Part 39

Halfway to Atlanta we stop to fuel up and use the restroom. While King went to the men's room, I headed inside the convenient store to get us some fruits, and bottled water. Inside there was a very nice young lady behind the counter, telling me that I would be better off getting chips and water; since they haven't ordered fresh fruit in weeks. Taking heed to the warning, I grabbed a few junk foods and water instead. When at the counter I noticed a man come in, but left out immediately. I looked in his direction but saw King instead  fueling up the car.

I dropped everything off in the car and needed to us the restroom myself. King was focused on checking out the car before we got back on the road, so I didn't want to bother him. I went to the restroom on my own, while in the stall, I see work boots that men normally wear. I didn't think twice, I finished handling my business, and exited the stall just to come face to face with a extra large smelly grotesque man. The same man that entered then exited the convenient store earlier. Screaming for King wouldn't help because the restrooms are in the rear of the gas station and all that week do is piss this guy off more. 

"You don't remember me do you?"

"No I don't, but I think it's in your best interest if you leave."

"You filthy whore, don't tell me what's in my best interest. Why don't you come over here and give me what I came in here for. If you do me real good, I'll give you an extra  $200.00."

Something in me must've snapped inside of me. I walked to the other end of the restroom area telling him to get against the wall and drop his pants. No questions, no doubts, he does as he's told. Smiling at him, I walk with force, with bounce, with tenacity, while taking long but seductive strides across the restroom floor. I jump, both feet off the ground kicking him directly in his chest. His pants fall to his ankles, grabbing his chest with both hands, I take my chances with him; smashing his face against the edge of the sink. After the third hit, he was completely out of it but I couldn't seem to stop. Blood everywhere, I black out, and have no clue what I'm doing. All I know is that his smell triggered a faint memory. I was in a room that smelled of mildew and a man that smelled simular to him was on top of me.

When I came too, I was so tired and weak that I didn't even notice what I've been doing. I head out to the car, got in the passenger seat, and reclined the chair to lay down. When the driver’s door open all I heard was a gasp, then,

"What in the hell happened?"

"He's in the restroom?"

"Who?"

I was so drained that I don't remember anything else. The next thing I remember is talking to Police Officers as the EMTs carry his lifeless body around to the front of the gas station.

"Ma'am what happened?"

"One minute I was in the stall, the next that guy grabbed me, calling me a filthy whore, and telling me that I better do him real good like before."

"Do you know what he meant by like before?"

I explained to them how I was a part of a human trafficking ring, drugged, and raped. That I don't remember much but the first day I was taken and the very last day before I was rescued, so I don't remember him. The Officers spoke amongst one another and someone that just recently got on scene that wasn't in uniform, but was well dressed. King whispered that he believes the person that just joined this investigation was the District Attorney. After about an hour, we were told that we were free to go. King picked me up, cradling me in his arms, carrying me to the car.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there to save you."

"You can't be or go everywhere with me King. I found out if given the opportunity I can take care of myself. I'm just really tired."

Gently placing me in the backseat of the car,  I stretch out as much as I could, closed my eyes, and back to sleep in went. I could hear King start to sing those beautiful songs he wrote for me, guys voice started to crack as if he were crying. I reached my hands between the front two seats, touching his stomach,

"I appreciate you, all that you do, and want to do. You just can't be wherever all the time, I'm okay. What kept me going, was to be able to see your face without having to be rescued again. I need you to know that there's people out there that I don't know, but they know me. I'm sure this won't be the last time. Just sing for me, with a smile, no tears."

King's voice got louder, stronger, and more passionate. Like he was singing to restore my soul, this man has given me something that can't be replicated. He sings to the rhythm of my heart as I nod off to the sweet melody.