Page 25 of Conquered

“I’ll see what I can do. I have to call Miranda and find out. The café is normally closed on Monday. But I hate leaving Nikko…” her face crumpled over the sudden remembrance. Diggs' sudden reappearance was disturbing.

"What is it, Noelle?"

Noelle shook her head. Diggs was a part of her past she’d rather forget. Telling Hunter about that part of her life was akin to airing dirty laundry. She was ashamed of her past.

Hunter recognized the stubborn expression. He drew near and held her close.

"What is it Noelle," he urged firmly, “You can tell me.”

Noelle sighed unwillingly. In her mind, the past was riddled with shame. It was a constant reminder why she avoided any serious relationships. She wondered if coming clean would pave the way for any future between them. It shocked her she even considered having any relationship with him. A night in the sack and she was suddenly optimistic. Did she dare take the risk and tell him how low she went back then?

He looked at her expectantly and Noelle took the risk to unravel her past.

Hunter was silent as she reminisced about Diggs and how they met, running away from home to shack up with him, her initial shock and realization that Diggs was everything her Mom thought he was. Noelle spared no detail, including how he physically abused her and landed her in the hospital, her discovery that she was carrying his baby, Diggs insistence that they make up for the baby’s sake, and his consequent imprisonment for beating another girl.

She bowed her head in shame. Her past was a testament to how stupid she was. Hunter must find her revolting. The thought brought a lump to her throat. She couldn't bear to see the look of disgust on his face.

“Look at me Noelle,” he commanded, “It’s not your fault. You were young and immature. It could happen to anyone.”

Sympathy and understanding flitted across his face but mostly anger for what she suffered from the bastard.

“Diggs is back. He appeared at the café a few days ago. I was shocked to find him there. He said he’s out on parole and wanted to know about our child. But I know he came to find out if I had money to give to him. I couldn’t say no because I was afraid he would cause trouble.”

Hunter’s face turned dark with rage.

“And he knows about my problem with Immigration. I lied to him but it won’t take much for him to find out the truth.”

Talking was painful. Noelle sobbed just thinking about her problems.

Hunter looked at her with confusion.

“What exactly is the problem with Immigration?” Hunter asked earnestly.

Noelle sobbed even harder.

“Mom never meant to stay permanently in America after she brought me here from Italy. That was all she ever talked about. She just never made it back there. She never filed any papers about my citizenship. I don’t have a birth certificate. The café is under her name. But now that she’s gone, my permit to operate a business cannot be granted because I’m not an American citizen. It’s all so complicated. I’ll lose everything that I’ve worked for all my life,” she cried.

“Hush, it’s alright. I’ll help you. I have powerful friends. I won’t let you lose anything you’ve worked hard for. I promise, Noelle.”

She found the reassurance so comforting. She believed him. It was like a heavy burden was lifted from her chest. She didn’t know how Hunter could possibly help but if he did, she would be indebted to him forever.

“Alright,” she replied tremulously.

Suddenly, a phone rang somewhere inside the house.

“That’s my private line,” Hunter announced with a frown.

Who would be calling at such an early hour? It had to be important. Very few people knew the number. He left her and went to take the call.

Alone, Noelle cleaned up. Keeping no secrets definitely worked. She was back to being excited to spend the day with him. Diggs and his threat were never really far from her mind. But telling Hunter her story made her breath easier. She had the entire day to look forward to.

But first, she had to make that call to Miranda. Nikko always wanted to visit the zoo. Miranda could bring him. That would surely make him forget he hadn't seen his mom since yesterday.

***

When Hunter reappeared he looked perturbed and agitated. But he managed a relaxed smile when he saw her. Noelle saw the look and wondered.

“Take a shower with me?” He asked.