For the past two weeks, my days have consisted of eating, sleeping, practicing, and being berated by Dave. Since that fateful day he discovered the tabloid, he’s been on high alert—watching me like a hawk. He’s even threatened to have me committed if he so much as suspects I’m trying to speak to Riot again.
I’ve been biding my time, waiting for the moment he lets his guard down, but as each day passes, it becomes less and less of a possibility. Dave’s paranoia has only grown, and I’m honestly at a loss for what to do.
I miss Riot terribly. I’m lonely and sad, and I just want to be free, but there’s nothing I can do. I can’t run away, and I can’t speak to anyone or ask them for help.
At least that was what I thought before today. Before something miraculous happened.
Around two in the morning, I head downstairs to grab a small snack, needing some sugar to stabilize my shaking hands. The house is eerily silent, with Forest and Dave having gone to bed hours ago—so I’m not expecting to find anything out of place.
But there, lying on the kitchen counter, is Forest’s phone.
I pause at the threshold, listening for suspicious sounds, something that might indicate Forest is near.Nothing.
Frowning, I move closer to the device, pausing when my fingertips are just out of reach.This has to be a trap. Forest isnever this careless with his possessions. He wouldn’t just leave it out… would he?
I stand frozen in the darkened kitchen, weighing my options, the repercussions I might face, and whether it would be worth it.
Without another thought, I pick up the cell phone.
I slide my finger over the screen, and to my utter surprise, it unlocks. My pulse races wildly as I type in the number I know by heart, knowing this is a terrible idea but unable to stop. I don’t even know what I’m going to say—only that I need to talk to him. Need to see him.
Hey, rock star. It’s Eloise.
I wait exactly five excruciating seconds before typing out my second message, the one I’ve been dying to send.
I need to see you.
I stare down at the screen, my heart thudding so violently I’m worried the sound will wake Dave or Forest.Please answer, please answer, please?—
The phone buzzes.
When and where?
My lips tip into a smile—the first one in two whole weeks—and I quickly type out a response.
Tonight. Now. Unless you’re busy, that is.
I’m never too busy for my muse. Where are we going?
I wait a second, weighing my options. It would only take me twenty minutes to bike to our spot—which isn’t an issue, but I’m not sure it’s the best idea to ride through busy streets in the middle of the night.
Somewhere close by, since I’ll have to bike.
That’s cute. I’m already on my way to pick you up.
I don’t know if that’s the best idea…
Well, I’m sure as shit not letting you take your fucking bicycle when it’s pitch-black outside. I’ll park around the corner so no one will see me or hear the engine.
I’m about to send another text of protest when the phone buzzes.
Be there in ten <3
I quickly delete the text thread and place the phone back onto the counter exactly how I found it. Then, as quickly and quietly as I can, I make my way upstairs to my bedroom. I lookat my reflection in the bathroom mirror, shocked to find my eyes bright and my cheeks flushed. It’s so different from the face I’m used to seeing staring back at me, so much more alive.
I smooth my hands over my pajama top, deciding to ditch my current outfit for a pair of cutoffs and my band tee. After running a comb through my hair, I snag a pair of high-tops from my closet, keeping them in my hands as I make my way back downstairs.
I can’t sneak out of my bedroom window like I’ve done before—Dave has bolted it shut—and the front door is locked tight, so my only other option is to sneak out through the window in the kitchen over the sink. The only problem is they’re the stupid ones that roll open, so there’s no way to close them from the outside.
