Growing up, I learned early on how to read the room so I could try to avoid crossing any lines of attack. All of that was well and good, but it sort of went out the window when you were taken by surprise. I didn’t know how much of my initial response was shock, shutting me down, rather than remembering to stay calm and focused.
Either way, once my body hit the concrete and the breath was knocked out of me, everything became terrifyingly clear. A man’s large form came over me, his hands wrapping around my neck as he spoke in an angry whisper.
“Those thugs kidnapped me off the street and beat the shit out of me, all because of some uppity bitch? Couldn’t go to worklooking like this. Lost my job and apartment because of those fucks. Can’t get anywhere near her, but I can make sure she suffers, too.” Spittle went flying as his hands tightened around my neck.
As I struggled to breath, I registered his features. His eyes were swollen and bruised, his nose covered in tape, with dried blood staining his nostrils, but I still recognized him. He was Charlie’s date from that first night we met. Anger washed through me as his threats against her registered.
I stopped clawing at his hands around my throat and instead reached down to my side. I found my keys and clumsily tried to get a good grasp on them, managing to get a few in place. Using all the strength I could muster, I made a fist and swung at his already damaged face, aiming for his eyes. He howled when I made contact, which encouraged me to dig in with the tips of the keys protruding from between my fingers.
Grabbing at his face, he flung himself off me, landing in a pile of twitching limbs as he continued flinging threats and curses. I had taken him by surprise, and knew I had to take advantage of that. Gasping for breath, I scrambled backward until I was able to use my car as a support to pull myself upright.
I found myself standing between his sprawled legs, and didn’t hesitate before kicking him as hard as I could in the balls. I ran to the driver’s side of the vehicle, satisfied at seeing him curled up in the fetal position on the floor. I didn’t have any time to enjoy his groans of pain as I crawled into my car as fast as I could.
As soon as I turned the engine on, I was gone, sparing a minute to check the rearview mirror to make sure he was still on the ground before peeling out of the lot. I tried to still my shaking body as I maneuvered my way home, grateful that it was a short commute as I paid extra attention to everything around me.
After what felt like forever, I pulled into my complex and parked in the easiest spot I could find. I got up to my apartment in record time, and once I had all the locks and chains on, I slid down to the floor, my back against the door.
My body was shaking, and my breathing was out of control. Gingerly, I touched the back of my head and saw blood on my fingers. I pulled myself up and made my way over to the fridge. I took out a bag of frozen vegetables and wrapped it in a dish towel before slowly walking over to the couch. I sank down and placed the ice on my head, wincing at the sensation.
I was still fully dressed, and slowly kicked off my shoes before struggling out of my jacket. I had dropped my purse by the door, and sighed at how far away it seemed. I was starting to feel sluggish, the adrenaline from earlier fading to a bone-deep lethargy.
Eventually, I motivated myself enough to get up and grab my phone before collapsing back onto the couch. I knew I should call the police. I didn’t think it would do much, but if anything happened again, having the incident on record would be good.
I halted as I lifted the phone, panic washing through me as I remembered his threats against Charlie. With clumsy fingers, I anxiously dialed her.
“Hey, girl! Missing me already?”
“Charlie.” We both stopped at the foreign sound of my voice. It was hoarse and sounded off, even to my ears.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” she asked, her tone serious.
“Charlie. You have to be careful. Call your brother. Your date from that night is trying to get to you.” I heard her gasp.
“Did he hurt you? You don’t sound okay. I’m coming over. You have to tell me everything, from the beginning.”
“No, he’s looking for you. That’s a bad idea.” The words grated my throat as I tried to get them out, shocked by how much it hurt to speak.
“He knows where to find me. I’ll come with backup. The club needs to know about this anyway. Now shut up and lock the door. I’ll be there in twenty.” She hung up before I could respond, and I hung my head.
I knew she was right. He clearly already knew where she was, and it would only make sense to talk to the club about it. Still, everything about it felt wrong. I stood up, concerned at how lightheaded I was feeling. I made my way to the bathroom and flipped on the lights, shutting my eyes in pain at how abrasive they felt.
Squinting, I made my way over to the sink and turned on the tap. I splashed cool water on my face and was gifted with a brief moment of relief. Letting it drip down my face, sliding over my neck and onto my chest, I finally managed to open my eyes fully.
I couldn’t help the gasp that slipped out when I saw my reflection. My eyes were bloodshot, with mottled abrasions from the parking lot pavement lining the side of my face. My throat was red, bruises already taking form in the shape of handprints. I took a towel and wet it with cold water, then wrapped it around my neck, sighing at the relief it provided.
As water dripped down my neck and chest, it quickly seeped into my blouse, so I decided to take my clothes off. Once in my bra and underwear, I grabbed the fuzzy old robe I kept in the bathroom. I was too tired to go into my bedroom to dig out pajamas, so I secured it around my waist before dragging myself back to the couch.
I sat there, leaning my head back against frozen peas, the cold towel wrapped around my neck, with my eyes closed. My mind was floating around, hopping from one thought to another.
I was having a hard time focusing and was unaware of how much time passed before a flurry of knocks jolted me upright. I gasped in pain at the sudden movement, and the room spun. After the buzzing in my ears receded, I recognized Charlie’s voice.
“Fiona! Fee, open the door! If you don’t open it in two minutes, I’m going to have someone break it down.”
I couldn’t afford to yell any kind of response at that moment, so I made my way over as fast as my body would let me. I stood on my tiptoes to confirm it was her and was surprised to see another woman with her.
Before I could look further, Charlie knocked at the door again, making me jump before I fumbled with the locks. As soon as the chain was off the door, she stormed forward. When she finally looked at me, her eyes got huge. She ran over and pulled me into a hug, causing me to gasp in pain.
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. What happened?” Charlie yelled. I couldn’t help another wince as the sound bounced around my head.
