Chapter 5
When I awoke next, the first thing I noticed was that I was warm and comfortable. My second thought was that I had no idea where in the hell I was. I remembered being beaten, and feeling terrified of Mr. Quackers, but it all felt as though it had been a dream. My hand slowly reached back and I winced as I felt the open wounds and welts. My head dropped back to the pillow and I mulled over what I could remember. I was still dressed, though my shoes and underwear were gone. A loud snore broke the silence.
Mr. Quackers was sitting in a chair near the bed. He was asleep, head lolled to the side, mouth open, a bit of drool sliding down his chin, and he was snoring. Loudly. I couldn’t help myself. I started laughing. I almost felt bad when he woke up and wiped the drool off his chin with the back of his hand. He smiled sleepily at me, “How do you feel?”
I groaned and blinked a few times, trying to clear the haze in my mind, “Like a truck hit me. Repeatedly. I don’t suppose anyone got the license plate?” He chuckled and moved so that he was sitting on the edge of the bed, “What do you remember?”
I eased over onto my side and looked into his eyes. He looked so caring. I pulled the blanket up over my shoulders and thought for a moment, “I remember the beating, and being scared, and y-you were crying? I thought you were beating me because you were angry. It wasn’t you was it? Where am I?”
He shook his head and sighed, “I would never beat you like that, especially not in anger. I stopped when the cane drew blood and that was supposed to have been the end. You’re at my home. Miss Royal didn’t want you left alone. I said I’d look after you.”
I looked suspicious, “That sounds highly unorthodox. Why would they let you bring me home?” He looked slightly hurt and I quickly added, “Not that I don’t trust you, but, well, well you’re a male teacher. My teacher! Why not the hospital or take me back to my dorm? And who in the fuck beat me?”
Mr. Quackers smiled. It was the first genuine smile I’d seen from him all day. “I’ve always said you were a bright girl!” He looked pleased with himself, “The school allowed me to bring you home because your parents asked if you could stay with a teacher till they could get here. I’m the closest to the school, and in my opinion, the one you’re the most comfortable with.” He paused for a moment, as a blush crept along his cheeks.
I was antsy and feeling bossy as he took his time speaking, “And? And?” He grinned and mocked me slightly, “And, and, your parents know me. Well, not me, but my father. I guess they figure that they can trust me because they know him. Last time I saw your father I was only a child. The school couldn’t send you back to your dorm. You have to be kept an eye on in case your fever spikes. As for who beat you…” His voice trailed off and he looked uncomfortable.
I felt slightly crest fallen. Part of me had hoped he’d shown an interest in me because he liked me as more than just a student, but I chided myself. I was only 18, much too young for him anyway. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, “It was Mrs. Wilkens wasn’t it?” He nodded faintly, confirming my suspicion.
My fist pounded against the bed, first in anger at her, then in anger at myself, “I shouldn’t have called her names. It’s my fault! I shouldn’t have been so terrible!” He reached over and held my hand, “It’s not your fault Shannon. You’d already been fairly punished. What Mrs. Wilkens did was unacceptable.”
My head was swimming again. I felt overloaded by emotions and started crying again. Mr. Quackers rubbed my shoulder as I cried, “Shh, its okay Shannon. You need to rest so that you can heal.” I sniffled and nodded. I was embarrassed but had to ask, “Umm, where’s your bathroom? Oh and why are you using my first name?”
He smiled again, “The bathroom is down the hall, but you’re going to need help walking. You’re going to be weak for at least a day or two. I’m using your name because we’re not in school right now. Think of me as a friend okay?”
I nodded dumbly. My brain was far too overwhelmed to comprehend much. He helped me ease out of bed and steady myself as he guided me to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom I glanced at the seat a few times, “Crud. I’ll never be able to sit on that.” Mr. Quackers nodded and thought for a minute, then lifted the seat, “If you hold your skirt up, and stand over the toilet, you should be able to just pee standing up.”
He started to let me go and I wobbled for a moment before his strong arms hooked under mine. I was blushing furiously, wanting to disappear, “Umm, I don’t think I can stand without falling. Oh god. Damn. I have to go. Close your eyes!” He giggled, yes giggled! I was mortified! It was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life and he was giggling at me. I growled and he finally chuckled, “Okay, closed.”
It took me a minute before I was able to pee, but finally my bladder beat my self consciousness. When I was finished I tried to reach for the toilet paper, but bending even slightly sent shooting pains through my body. I groaned loudly and sheepishly asked if he could hand me some.
After the bathroom ordeal was over with, he helped me back into bed. I insisted that I was fine, but he refused to go lay down, and took up post again in the chair. We stared at each other for a few minutes and I finally said, “Thank you.” He smiled as I closed my eyes. I didn’t fall asleep right away, but relaxed for the first time in hours. I knew I was safe.
