Chapter 5
Fake Profile
Hillary Beck
Iran as fast as I could, my tired legs buckling under me. I was going to be late, and he was going to kill me. The grocery bags bounced in my arms as I ran, trying to reach my destination before my time ran out.
“Be back before 9.” That’s what he’d said, and it was already 8.58.
I ran even faster, but my legs were starting to give way. And then I tripped. The grocery bags flew from my grasp and tumbled onto the floor, spilling everywhere. He was going to kill me. That was all I could think as I stumbled around, crawling on all fours, trying to get the groceries back in the bags. My body trembled as I thought of him. My fear of him drove me so thoroughly that I could barely think of anything else. It was all I could think of. Him.
My knees were scraped and bleeding but I barely cared. I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that it was already 9, and I knew I was in trouble.
“Let me get that,” a deep voice said, and I looked up to see the most bewitching pair of bright green eyes I had ever seen.
The handsome young man, dressed in an expensive-looking suit, kneeled down and picked up the scattered fruit.
“You’re bleeding,” he said abruptly.
“Oh?” I gasped out, totally lost in his sudden appearance.
He reached out and placed a handkerchief around my knee, tying it carefully.
“You might want to get that seen to,” he said softly. “Get it cleaned, and perhaps get some stitches. You might need a tetanus shot as well.”
I had to admit, I was barely listening at this point. I had realized how late I was, and I was once again scrambling to get to my feet.
“Let me take you to a hospital,” he said, helping me stand up.
“No!” I gasped. “I have to be at home. I’m late! Thank you!”
With that, I ran away as fast as I could, only thinking about what waited ahead of me.
With a cry, I woke up, sitting up in my bed, sweat rolling down my body.
The memories. They still stalked my dreams and erupted in my life whenever things seem to be going well. It was like a constant reminder that things weren’t meant to work out for me.
I shuddered as I remembered what had happened afterward. He had been angry enough, but then he had noticed the handkerchief tied around my knee. He had truly lost it then.
I got out of bed, dragging myself up. I was supposed to have my date with Kyle that night, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go ahead with it. I had made a promise to my girls though, so I got out of bed and dressed. The nap I had taken had left me in a sour mood, and I hoped that this date wouldn’t be a mess as well.
Just an hour later, I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in a short black dress and black heels. My hair was done, and I had finished my makeup. The girls were supposed to help me get ready, but they all had to cancel last minute.
“Are you ready?” Erica, who had just come back from work, asked.
“Almost,” I said. “Where did you find this man anyway?”
“Well…” Erica said sheepishly.
“What? You didn’t just pick a random guy off the street, did you?” I asked, horrified at the idea.
“No, of course not!” she said. “Look, Hillary, I need to tell you something. Have a seat, and please don’t be angry at me.”
I sat down apprehensively, wondering what she had done.
“I was worried about you, and you know how much I love you and cherish you as my friend. Everything that I have done, I did because I was worried about you. I just wanted you to be happy, and I did this because I have your best interest at heart,” Erica rambled on.
I knew if she was babbling like this, she must really be nervous.
