I… Bette started but her voice came out all gravelly as she realized her mouth was bruised from being shoved into the unforgiving red brick, Id like a room, she remarked a little more slowly and trying not to use her mouth as much

The old woman finally looked up at this and got a good look of the woman standing before her. This woman had a bruise covering most of the side of her face, hair was unkempt, clothes were battered and worn. Most of all, was noted, was the look of utter despair residing in the pair of chocolate orbs staring at her.

Putting down the magazine the old woman spoke, Well dear rooms we have a plenty. Im Meredith. Is this your first time in Independence?

Bette didnt really be wanting to have this conversation but this woman, Meredith, was the first person to actually be nice to her in quite some time, Yes.

Dont you want to go and get that looked at, Meredith asked indicating Bettes face

If she did that reports would have to be filed and those could be traced. No she couldnt do that. Bette smiled as best she could, No, Ill be fine. I would just like a room please.

Meredith smiled, Certainly. Can I have your name please?

Bette frowned at this, Elizabeth Kenter.

In truth it was her name, yet not, one last dying grasp at her former life to hold on to.

Thats a beautiful name, Meredith remarked scribbling something only she could read down into the ledger, You have room 12, she remarked handing Bette a key, Go on now.

Arent you going to charge me, Bette asked taking the offered key

Meredith smiled gently, If you can believe it, you are the first person that Ive gotten in three days. You are the lucky winner. As a prize you get to stay for free Ms. Elizabeth Kenter.

Bette felt a full smile blossom her face and then grimaced at the pain, Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me.

I think that I do dear. Go on and get a nice shower and some rest. Im making some beef stew for lunch. Would you be interested in that?

Bette was about to say that she couldnt impose even more when her stomach answered to the contrary with a loud rumble. Meredith chuckled. Ill take that as a yes dear. Ill come and get you when its done.

Thank you Meredith, Bette replied softly, Thank you.

Bette turned and headed toward her indicated room and upon entering flopped face down on to the bed. She lay this way for a few minutes but the need to wash away the grime and funk out weighed her need to sleep. Once again getting to her feet Bette headed toward the bathroom stripping her clothing as she went. Looking in the mirror over the sink she was startled by what she saw. No wonder Meredith thought she should go to the hospital. All down the ride side of her face was a purple-black bruise.

Touching it with one finger Bette realized that side of her face was kind of numb. No matter. Looking closer Bette saw a large bruise covering the expanse of her left shoulder. That was even better. Looking up at her own dark eyes Bette pondered who she had become. She had lost herself, Bette Porter, and a new person was emerging. Hopefully this new person, Elizabeth Kenter, would be able to find the happiness that Bette Porter had found but ultimately had been unable to keep a hold of.

To Be Continued….

Remember, any guesses as to who we are get sent to sexyporters@yahoo.com. Dont post answers here because then you get no credit for your discovery.