“Cameron?” I call out as I enter the apartment. Dropping my bag to the floor, I walk throughout the apartment trying to find any sign of him.
I need him to be home. He will take me out somewhere, keep me safe. Deal with Charles if he had to. I’ll be okay in his company.
Only he isn’t home. I’m all alone with only two hours until Charles is supposed to show up.
I pull out my phone, calling him.
“Hey sis,” he answers after a few rings.
“Where are you?”
“I’m in San Diego for a show this weekend, remember?”
“Oh. Right. I forgot.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I sigh. “Have fun.”
“Prue?” He pushes.
Cameron can read me like an open book. I remember when I called him to pick me up from the hospital, I barely had to tell him anything. He knew from the sound of my voice that something was wrong. His first question was what hospital.
It’s probably a twin thing, but regardless, it is what it is. Even if he doesn’t seek out revenge for me, he’d protect me in a heartbeat. If I told him what was going on he would rush back, probably not in time, but he would try.
“I’m fine. Just thought we could have dinner or something. Go have fun. Play great.”
“Okay,” he says. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Go rock your ass off.”
“If you need anything just call. I’ll be back Sunday.”
“See you then.” Only I worry I won’t be here when he gets home.
I pace the house as tears threaten to spill from my eyes. I don’t want to be this girl. I can’t be the weak girl who goes back to the man who beat her. Though I fear if I don’t things will end up worse. That thought claws at my chest, slicing open my heart.
People really expect me to just take him back. My own parents even.
Sighing, I unlock my phone, scrolling through my contacts. So many names, but no one I trust to not hand my location to Charles just to get on his good side.
Pausing, I stare at the only person I know who isn’t scared of my ex. Who just a few days stood up to him even. My one last chance, but I doubt he wants to hear from me after my freak out at his apartment this morning.
It’s the only chance I have, though.
So I click on ‘not so tiny dickhead’ and type a single word text message. If he replies to it, I know not all hope is lost. If he doesn’t, I’ll accept my fate.
Me
Hey.
I crouch on the floor of the living room, gripping my phone tightly in my hand. From where I am, I can see the time on the microwave.
Time seems to slow down as I stare at the green glowing numbers. Slowly it changes six times. With each new number my chest tightens. Am I really going to let my fate be in the hands of an asshole who could find countless girls to entertain him?
Still, last night he called me. He wanted me.
Another three minutes pass before my phone buzzes in my hand.
