need to help with anything?”
“Like what?” I asked, still sitting there with my legs drawn to my chest like a scared animal. I hated feeling vulnerable like this.
“I don’t know. I can wash your hair for you?” She sat down beside the tub and reached for the lavender shampoo. “I just love lavender. I’ve been meaning to ask you what shampoo you use.” She began massaging her fingers through my hair.
On any other day I would’ve probably thought this would be a little weird, but today I was actually grateful. Mindy was just offering comfort and support. Nothing was expected of me other than getting clean. I could hear Jared cleaning or something in my kitchen, because all I could hear is the cabinets slamming.
“Have you heard from Shay?” I asked as she began to rinse through my hair.
“I talked to her before I got here. She wants to come over, but I told her I would call her first.”
“I see. You wanted to make sure it was safe,” I added.
“Yeah.” She moved to conditioning now.
“Thank you for being there for her. I have been a shit here lately.”
“Well, just think about what you have had to deal with. Shay understands. You just have to give her time to let it all sink in before you start jumping from one place to the other attached at the hip.” We laughed. “And it wasn’t just because I thought you might say or do something to hurt her. We were all scared of what we would’ve found here today. If something awful were to happen to you, I’d want to spare her the image.”
Before I could say anything, there was another knock at the door. It was Jared letting us know that food was ready and he had already called Shay. Mindy instructed me to close my eyes and to hold my breath as she took the removable shower head to rinse off my hair and my back.
“Thank you again, Mindy. For everything, really.”
“No problem. Do you need help getting out?”
“I think I can manage with what dignity I have left.” I smiled over my shoulder at her.
Once she was out, I managed my way out of the tub. I dried myself off and wrapped my robe around me, tying it tight. Taking one last and final look in the mirror, I gathered the courage to actually show my face, which looked as if my color was finally returning. I unwrapped my hair and ran both hands down its length, and when I opened my eyes, my hair was black again. Though, the tips were still blonde.
Just like my angel wings.
This was exactly who I was. Feeling confident, I followed the lingering smell of fresh fruit, french toast and coffee. Was it even breakfast time? I hadn’t even realized what time of day it was, or even the actual date.
Chapter 16
As I joined Mindy and Jared at the table, they awkwardly stared at me as I sipped my coffee. I cleared my throat just to let them know I could see them staring and they immediately went back to eating.
“So you didn’t like the blonde, I see. But then you left it on the tips. Nice,” Jared said. I eyed him over my cup of coffee. He was careful.
Mindy laughed. “It looks great, Sloane. I think it’s more you and it matches your tattoo,” she said while stuffing a piece of watermelon in her mouth.
I spit up some of my coffee trying to hold back a laugh and it went all over Jared. “Oh, my…” I jumped up to grab napkins, but then laughter erupted around the whole table. I’d never seen Mindy eat, and with her body I would’ve never guessed how much she loved food. The feeling was just so overwhelming and it was just what the doctor prescribed. I laughed until I cried and till mealtime was over. Finally, Jared jumped up to clear the table.
“You know, Sloane, just because you come from something dark doesn’t mean you have to be,” Mindy said from across the table. I just looked at her. “We all have our stories. Yes, I’m employed by the Darkness, but I like to think I’m doing a public service. I’m sure you’re aware how we maintain our life, though, right? We do it by feeding off of other people’s life force; by endeavoring in some sort of sexual act with someone.” I nodded my head. “Well, if I target good people, I won’t have to