Part 7

Sophia lays there, controlling her breathing, staring at Stephen. Shes not exactly sure why hes regarding her with indifference.

"How have I displeased you, Stephen? Havent I suffered enough for you?"

Hes listening to her with half interest. Its as if hes been distracted. Even during her final beating, he seemed withdrawn.

"I suppose you have. For now. Your body needs time to heal, and if you were to undergo another whipping, Im afraid you would bleed. And how would we explain that to the Doctor?"

She laughs at this, in spite of herself. "I guess you have a vaild point."

She sits up, drawing the covers up over herself. Shes getting sleepy again, but she doesnt want to spend another minute in the room.

Everything seems too bright, sterile. She feels as if her presence is making things unclean. The messed up bed sheets, covered in her sweat, the glaring walls soaked in her tears, her cries, her screams.

"I really do wan to leave from here. I feel Ive been through hell, and now, I just want to be alone."

She slides off the bed, and picks her clothes up. She gets dressed again, keeping her eyes on him the entire time.

"Please, can we just go?"

He hears in her tone of voice, something broken. So it was possible. This strong stubborn woman could be, and is, broken.

"Sure. Lets go home. Lets get you cleaned up, and in your pajamas. Its late, and youve been put through enough."

He reaches his hand out to hers. She accepts, and they walk out of the room, hand in hand.

They walk into the living room, where Alex is sitting on the couch, shoes off, and talking on his cell phone. He sees Stephen and Sophie, and pulls the phone away from his ear.

"Sophie and I thank you for a most pleasant evening. I hope we will see you later on, Alex. You are a great host."

Alex was eyeing Stephen with uneasiness. He doesnt like the idea of her leaving with him. Hell, he doesnt like the idea of Sophia leaving period. Hes gotten rather attatched to her over the course of the evening.

" Youre quite welcome Stephen. And Sophia, my home is open to you whenever youd like to get away from it all."

She whispers her thanks and gratitude.

"Alex, Sir, may I please have my purse and sandals? Im ready to go home and relax."

As Alex walks to a closet, he thinks that theres something odd, something different about her. She seems smaller, fragile, even. He frowns to himself. Hes not liking this new form of herself.

He walks back to her, her sandals and purs in hand.

"Here you go, Sophia. I was hoping youd spend the rest of the evening with me. But since you wish to go, I wont try to persuade you to stay. May I have the priveledge to call on you, though?"

She is taken aback by his request. She looks at Alex, taking her shoes, and purse. She looks to Stephen. He stays silent, looking at Alex through narrow eyes.

"Um. I suppose I would like that Alex. Sure. Yes, yes you are welcome to visit me. I am flattered that you would like my company."

She slips her shoes on, and instinctively grabs Stephens arm. Alex walks them to the door, and notices, for the first time, bruised ugly welts all over her legs.

"Sophia, please. Stay. I need to talk to you. If need be, I can run you home. Stephen, please go on. Ill bring her home, thanks."

Sophia is looking back and forth between Alex and Stephen. She stays silent, standing still.

Stephen walks out the door, seething. He feels theres a change in her already. Aside from being broken, he thinks that theres something else going on in her mind. And he doesnt like her thoughts being closed off to him.