New Beginning

A tearful bus trip ends in hope - written as an assignment for my writing course

NEW BEGINNINGS

         Kara leant against the glass, its coolness taking some of the heat from her tear-stained cheeks. Hours earlier, she had escaped from her flat with no destination in mind, except to get away from Mannix, his anger and her fear. The bus had arrived just as she reached the stop and she had jumped aboard, pressing a note into the driver’s hand, muttering “last stop please”. She was grateful to be alone on the bus, with no company other than her thoughts. Kara had scurried to the back seats, sinking into her coat, pulling the collar around her neck, hiding from the evening’s events.

         Today was his birthday and their third anniversary. She had been careful to make everything special, from her outfit to the meal she had painstakingly prepared. Only, something had been very wrong. Mannix had returned home later than usual, slamming the door behind him, calling her impatiently to his side. She had hurried to the door, and was caught by her arm and pushed back to the wall. Mannix had held her tight, pushing his lips roughly against hers, before demanding food. Kara had trembled a little, determined the night would proceed as planned. She had tried to lift his mood, laughing at his jokes and staying close, the way he liked. After a little while, the atmosphere seemed to lift and she had relaxed and twirled for him, displaying her new clothes. Without warning, his eyes had darkened as he stood and advanced across the floor. She felt the first sting against her cheek and in moments had fallen to the floor. The blows continued to rain down as she curled away, protecting herself from his outburst. She began to edge toward the couch, struggling to regain her feet. Once steady, she raced for the door. His heavy steps followed her as she raced down the stairs, tears blurring her vision with every step. Silent prayers coursed through her mind, urging him to stay away, to slow him down, for her to escape. Then the bus had appeared.

         Kara started to cry softly, the memories of the evening closing in around the enormity of the events. She was vaguely aware of somebody sitting next to her. Normally, she would be annoyed, angry even, to have her space invaded, but tonight was different. It felt comforting to have somebody there, even if it was a stranger. Stifling her tears, she turned to glimpse her companion, surprised to see him smiling at her.

         “It’s always bad at first.” His voice was deep and soft, drawing her in. “Right now, you’re afraid and alone, but it won’t stay that way.” She turned toward the stranger in a bus-driver’s uniform, surprised by his insight.

         “How did you know?” She began. The stranger shrugged, offering nothing more, yet Kara found herself warming to the man, and the circumstances and feelings of the night all floodedout while the stranger listened. At intervals, he would talk and Kara would drink in the soft authority in his voice; taking to heart his simple truths, ignored for years. After almost two hours, the bus drew into the terminus.

         “Come on Kelvin, ma’am - you both gotta leave now.” The bus had shuddered to a stop and the stranger offered his hand for Kara to leave the bus. They stood on the concrete pathway for a moment. No words were said, but she knew she felt clearer than she had for years. She would go back home and start afresh. The stranger was the first to move from the narrow path, passing her a small paper, before leaning to place a gentle peck on her cheek.

         “Call me, when you’re settled, Kara” She nodded slowly, as Kelvin began to walk to his locker room. Kara remained still, watching him leave, contemplating her next step.

         Her solitude was broken when the quiet night air was suddenly broken by the roar of a motorcycle, drawing close to where she stood. She heard Mannix, his rough, gutteral voice bringing her back to reality. She heard his steps, heavy and solid coming closer, “Kara, get on the bike, now. It’s taken me fuckin’ ages to find you! If Chris hadn’t seen you get on that bus, I might never have got here. What the hell are you doing here? Here’s yer helmet, now get on the friggin’ bike – do as you’re told!” He launched the helmet toward her, striking her heavily on her shoulder. Kara watched it fall and stared at him, hardly breathing. She’d have to go back, she’d never get free. Resigned, she bent forward to collect the helmet and saw Kelvin appear from the shadows. He strode purposefully toward Mannix, each step measured and definite. He stopped directly in front of the leather-clad man, his words clear with unmistakable authority, almost menacing in their lack of violence.

         “Mr Mannix, Sir,” his white teeth glimmered in the moonlight, his dark eyes against his pure black skin gave him a tribal ferocity, not missed by Mannix. “Mr Mannix, Sir,” I think you need to apologise to this young lady, collect your helmet and leave. Now.” Mannix opened his mouth, as if to respond, unused to challenge. Kelvin stared fixedly at Mannix and repeated his order, slowly and deliberately. The authority in Kelvin’s tones left little doubt as to his intentions and Mannix clearly understood the threat implied. He didn’t even look at Kara, as he grabbed the helmet, flung his leg across his machine and kicked it back into life, disappearing as quickly as he came.

         Kara realised visibly relaxed as Mannix left and Kelvin came closer, taking her hand and kissing it gently. She looked into his eyes and nodded slowly, “Thank you, I can start again now.” Kelvin smiled gently, as if he never doubted the outcome.

         “Yes, a fresh start – keep in touch, call me when you’re settled.” Kelvin walked away, leaving Kara free to begin again.

The End