I try to steady my breathing, tapping my foot as I count each shaky inhale.
I hate being here. In the dark.Alone.Unsure of what he’s going to do.
It reminds me too much of when I was a kid and I hate more than anything that I’m back here. How’d I let this happen?
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
My chest heaves as I take in a big breath, but it shortens way too soon. I can’t breathe. I feel too heavy. Like an elephant is sitting on my chest.
Trying once again to unravel my wrists, I wince at the sting in my skin. Fucker used zip ties instead of handcuffs. I can’t believe he’s doing this. I feel so fucking stupid I didn’t tell the cops sooner.
Tears drip down my face which only adds to the panic inside of me. How long have I been here? Is he coming back? Maybe I can persuade him to let me go. Give him whatever he wants and deal with the consequences later.
Suddenly, the door swings open, and I tense as the chair jerks and spins around. Derrick turns back on the light and I watch as he chugs his refilled cup of whiskey.
“Ah, that’s good.” He nods, wiping his mouth off before setting it back on the ledge.
“Why are you doing this? I’ve been giving you everything you wanted. Money. Clothes.” I rush out. I hate bowing down but I’m not exactly in the right position to do otherwise.
Derrick sighs a heavy breath, putting both his hands on his hips. “That’s what’s wrong about your generation, kid. You don’t fucking listen.” He shakes his head. “I told you I wanted you to come home, didn’t I?”
My eyes widen. “You told me you hated me. You burnt the fucking restaurant down. Why would I ever go back to you!?”
“Because you’remine, Tobias. I put you into this world, I can take you out.”
“If you want to take me out so badly, why don’t youfuckingdo it?”
“All we have in this world is each other.”
As soon as the words come out, a sick, twisted realization hits me. I see his face tense as his back straightens. He realizes it too.
A soft laugh slips from my lips. “No…I’m allyouhave.” I shake my head. “Is that what this is?” I narrow my eyes, feeling that familiar wave of disgust on my tongue. “You…missme?” I don’t know what’s worse. I know he hates me but this…this is a new one. It’s clear as day. I’m all he has. It almost makes me laugh. “What? No one to beat up to make you feel big and strong when you’re on the run from the cops? You need your favorite punching bag to pass the time?”
The next second happens so fast, I don’t see it coming until everything goes white. A pain shoots up my jaw as my mouth fills with a copper taste.
“Fuck!” I wince, spitting out more blood down my chin.
Derrick lowers over me, crowding me in as he holds onto the back of my chair. “I need you to listen to me, and I need you to listen closely.” His eyes jump between mine. I swallow deeply. I can smell the booze on his breath which makes me scared of what he may do next.
My heels dig into the ground, searching for some strength to move backwards but it’s no luck.
“You’re nothing but a crumb that was left behind. Theonlyreason why you’re still here right now and not six feet under is because ofher.” He sneers. “You can make up your little reasons if it helps you feel better, but at the end of the day, theonlyreason why I waste time with your ass is to make sure she didn’t die for nothing.”
My eyebrows pinch as the harsh words hit my chest. “It wasn’t my fault.”
“Italwaysis.” He stands up, grabbing his glass again. “I’ve had some time to think over the past few months and I realize part of it is my fault.” He takes a long swig, leaving the glass empty before smashing it on the floor, making me jump. “I was too soft on you. I let you run around with thatlittle shitand it warped your mind.” He pokes me in the forehead, reminding me how badly my head hurts. “I left you alone too much. I should’ve straightened you out.”
My gut twists just thinking about that. When he was there, he did nothing but hurt me. When he wasn’t, at least I could escape and go to Elijah’s. The only thing that would’ve made my childhood worse wasmoreDerrick.
“So here’s what we’re going to do.” He sniffs, standing up. “You have a choice. Yourlastchoice. One that you don’t deserve but I’ll give to you to be nice.” He digs into his pocket and takes out a pocket knife.
Flicking the switch, I watch as the shiny blade splices through the air.
“You either come with me. Right here, right now. We’re going to leave this fucking place and start new. Away from all this shit and most importantly, away from anyone who haswarpedyou. I’ll do what I was always supposed to do and raise you into the respectful man were meant to be.” He walks behind me, picking my hands up behind me. I hold my breath, praying for him to slice through the plastic. Maybe I can rush him and make a run for it.
“But if you say no, Tobias…if you make the wrong choice…” He grabs a hold of my shoulder with one hand and squeezes. “I’m at a loss with you, Toby and I’m afraid there’s nothing else I can do for you. If you choose to stay…I’ll have to let you go in the one way I know will be the best way for you.”
I swallow thickly.
