Chapter 4: Little Black Notebook

Rachel’s dark eyes bore into Emily, studying her like a specimen under a microscope. She leaned back in her chair, her silver rings clinking together as she fidgeted with them. Emily sat across from her, the air heavy with tension. Rachel noticed a faint scar beneath Emily’s left eyebrow, still pink and fresh against her pale skin. It should definitely be covered, she thought.

Emily seemed to sense her scrutiny and instinctively reached for the scar. Rachel’s voice was low and steady when she asked, “Did Michael do that?” Emily nodded softly, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Rachel continued to observe her, taking note of her flared nostrils and rapidly pumping jugular vein. She wondered if Emily had the strength to pull through this ordeal, but conceded that perhaps strong essences were indeed kept in small bottles.

Rachel leaned in closer to Emily, her piercing gaze never leaving the younger woman’s face. “What is the purpose of the black notebook?” she asked, nodding toward the worn leather book clutched in Emily’s hands.

“Th-This is where I write down my thoughts and observations about the world around me,” Emily stammered, surprising Rachel with the depth of her answer. “It allows me to escape, even if just for a moment.”

“Tell me who you want to become, Emily,” Rachel demanded, her curiosity piqued. She knew people revealed much about themselves by sharing their innermost desires. As Emily hesitated, Rachel braced herself for the stereotypical, boring answer she usually received from battered women with little self-esteem left. But she was in for a surprise.

“I want to be someone who helps others find their strength,” Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with determination. “I want to use my own experiences to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Rachel nodded, impressed by the unexpected answer. “Where did you hear about me and the services I provide?”

“An old friend who recently passed away left your details in her will,” Emily explained, her foot tapping nervously on the floor. “I didn’t do anything for a while, but after the last fight with Michael turned violent, I knew I had to find you.”

“Even now,” she continued, “I can’t believe that you’re real and that escape is possible.” Rachel’s thoughts raced as she considered what lay ahead for Emily, and what role she would play in her escape.