Dumplings and Disaster by Erica Whelton

Author:Erica Whelton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Erica Whelton
Published: 2024-10-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

I yawned as I woke in the uncomfortable chair I had spent the night in. Hospitals should have more comfortable chairs in their rooms.

I tried to be careful as I sat up, stretching. I didn’t want to wake Shayla, but I needed to adjust my stiff body. Poor thing was finally asleep after all the tears, exams, and questions.

Her stepfather had really done a number on her. She had a broken rib, two black eyes, and multiple other bruises and cuts.

We were waiting now to hear from the doctors if she could be discharged. I assumed they wouldn’t have a problem with it. There was no real reason to keep her longer. The biggest question would be where she would live.

I had offered my place. We would see if the police and her mother were okay with that. Though, based on her mother’s behavior last night, I didn’t think it was going to be a problem.

When we first got here last night, they called the police to report the abuse. Officer Perez came to take her statement and pictures of the injuries.

I’m glad they sent Officer Lupe Perez. She was a firm, but calm, gentle person. She gave the right amount of care and understanding for this delicate situation, but with the authority to garner respect and get results.

While she gathered the evidence, they sent other officers to pick up her stepfather. My understanding is that he was currently sitting in jail. However, her mother came up to the hospital not to comfort but to yell at Shayla.

She waited until the officers had stepped out, but unfortunately, I was still in the room. I tried with all my might to blend into the wall while they argued, but I heard all of it.

“This is all your fault! If you wouldn’t argue and be disrespectful to him, this wouldn’t happen!”

“Momma, it isn’t my fault. I didn’t start it. I’m just a child.” Shayla cried.

“You are just … just too willful and disrespectful. Always talking back!”

“And that’s a reason for him to beat me? Look at me. Look at me, momma!”

Her mother sighed heavily, stomped her foot, before slowly looking at her. I guess she couldn’t come up with a rebuttal, but the proof of her failed parenting was all over Shayla’s face.

“I am going to bail him out later today and when I do, you shouldn’t be home!”

With that, her mother left. Shayla fought back tears as she looked at me.

“You can stay with me for as long as you need.” I smiled.

“I can’t ask that of you.”

“You aren’t asking. I’m offering this to you. You can come stay with me.” I stepped over, taking her hand.

“Thank you, Chef.”

“We aren’t in the kitchen. Call me Jess.”

“Thank you, Jess.” She smiled for the first time in almost twelve hours.

While Shayla was resting, I left the room to stretch my legs and take care of some business.

I started by sending a message to Vee, asking her for help to get the office ready for Shayla.

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