“You know I always loved you in red.”

Was all she said as we headed out to the pool.

—————Bette————-

I was so uncomfortable I jus wanted to shout but all thoughts of my pain were lost as they came out of the house. We had unspokenly agreed to let them rest. Apart from Al who did need Tina to tell her of course.

They walked out dressed in Bikinis ready to swim and as I glanced at them I didn’t think anything of it at first. Then before I could stop myself I felt my head snap back in their direction as I took in the scars on Rachel’s body.

I felt that everyone was staring and saw her shift uncomfortably as we all sat in silence. The scars were more sever than I had allowed myself to imagine I had not seen anything that depicted violence in quite such an eloquent manner.

Tina realised that the situation was uncomfortable so just went to the now very nervous looking blond and embraced her tall form. Both women looked grateful as the mood was broken and everyone resumed conversation.

We all realised that this was a huge step for her. It was as if she had shown us all that she loved and trusted us. In that one display she reflected the feeling that we had all developed over the past week. I knew that nothing needed to be said we all just accepted it and moved on. I had however forgotten the fact that there were also children in the yard.

For the second time in a few day it was Katie who managed to put into words so simply what none of us would have been able to. She walked over with Angie and hugged Andy as she looked at Rachel in a considered manner. Then as if it were nothing she shrugged and said.

“You look more pretty with them to show what you have been through. I think it is good you showed us. We are your family so we love you even more.”

Angie nodded her head in agreement and soon we had all joined in. Andy leant down and swept her young friend into a bear hug. Then everyone just carried on. It was perfect and I felt that desperate love sweep over me again as I watched Katie laughing, once again just a kid, at whatever she and were talking about.