The last time I leased an apartment was with Ryan as two giddy kids in love, ready for the next adventure and newfound freedom in our life and as a couple.
The landlord is letting me pay cash with no legal lease. I think she knows I’m running from someone by the hopeful look on my face and the stark pink scar that now sits in the crook of my neck.
I roll myself out of bed, making a mental note to buy a coffee pot today. It’s the only way I function for the day, though I’m not proud of my reliance.
I wash my face, brush my teeth, then examine myself in the mirror. Thankfully the bruises and cuts are gone, save for a mark that’s there to stay on my neck. The fresh pink skin just barely healed, and is too bright for concealer to cover.
The fluorescent bathroom light does not do me justice. I still bear purplish rings under my eyes from the fitful nights of sleep. Rubbing my darkened eyes, I reorganize my thoughts.
I washed my face, moisturized…mascara, right.
Usually, I don’t like to wear much makeup, especially since I spent most of my days outside, in the sun, sweating or in the ocean. Even at work, I’m either being covered in bodily fluids or sweating, wiping my face with my scrub sleeve. So the effort of makeup doesn’t feel worth it.
But for today, I throw on that mascara in hopes it will get my life together the way it does my lashes. The mess of blonde curls on my head are barely manageable, but I somehow get them into a halfway decent bun.
A force of habit has me grabbing my stethoscope, ready to put it around my neck when a memory halts me. My breath is stuck in my lungs as a reminder of what it felt like when my own stethoscope was suffocating me surfaces.
I shove it in my pocket and smooth out my scrubs, trying to steady my trembling hands. Despite my attempts to control my ragged breathing, my heart still thumps frantically in my chest. Each beat a litany of small mistakes that got me to this point. All the signs I missed had I not been a girl so in love.
I use a trembling finger to graze the tender scar across my neck.
All because I loved a boy.
TYLER
My morning is spent sparring with Cole after a too long weightlifting session to blow off some steam. Running a hand through my sweaty hair has me shaking off a jab he got at myjaw. He’s strong, just as strong as me, which makes sparring a challenge and keeps our skills sharp.
Cole's shoulder length black hair drips with sweat while his hazel eyes fixate on me. “Giving up so soon?” he taunts.
Taking a big swing, my fist lunges for his five o'clock shadow. He ducks, trying to hit me on my bare stomach. My abs contract, preparing to take the brunt of the blow but I’m able to veer back and get him in a choke hold. He fights but I hold firm.
Take that, cocky bastard.
“Okay, okay!” he yells, laughing in my sweaty arm.
“Giving up so soon?” I bite back as I release him.
Chuckling, he looks at his watch. “We should probably head to the office. We went over our time today. We can just shower there.”
Nodding my agreement, I pack up my things. “We need to make a quick stop for coffee at Betty’s.”
“How come?”
“I lost a bet with Sam. I’d rather not have my balls pinned to the wall if I don’t hold up to it.” I sling my bag over my shoulder.
“You really think Sam will freak over a coffee?”
“Have you met Sam?” I laugh. “Besides, I could use an extra coffee. Sounds good. Something is telling me I’ll need it today.”
SUNNY
The lack of coffee in my system is already making itself known by a dull ache blooming in my head. I glance at my watch, noting I still have some time for a quick stop before stepping into a day of orientation.
I continue my walk towards Mass Gen, scoping out the nextcoffee shop to appear in my trek. Finally, I come across a quaint little place with a fast moving line despite it’s booming with people. The homey feel makes me sure the coffee will be worth it.
Within five minutes, I’m facing a cute barista staring at me with big brown eyes. “Welcome to Betty’s Beans, what can I get for you?” She smiles brilliantly, an echo of the girl I was just two weeks prior.
“A large black coffee, please.” Not just because I don’t have the patience to wait for anything more, but because I have to save my pennies. My savings have taken a dip, and I need something for my next location because that’s my life now — a girl on the run.
