Chapter 3

3

EMMA

The lights on the ceiling dance around as I listen to the traffic outside, the city beginning to wake up. I don't think I’m going to miss all the noise here, though it's a little bittersweet to think that was my last night in this tiny studio apartment. I did so much growing here, both physically and mentally.

When I first moved in, I had to deal with being an eighteen-year-old child prodigy. The young girl in graduate level classes on top of living on my own for the first time. The depression I experienced was swift and unrelenting. If these four walls could talk, they would say I cried more than I smiled for the first two years. That pain echoes through me again at the close of my graduate program and the dark reality that I’m once again painfully alone.

Once I started the advanced doctorate program, I met Cole. Our budding friendship quickly grew into something more. Cole's popularity and charm helped me come out of my shell and I felt like I had a place in the world again. What I didn’t see was Cole's ability to manipulate my moods, the way he would make a small issue a larger one, or push me in a direction he wanted or felt was a better choice for my life. The thoughts of all the things I sacrificed in the name of love has the sadness moving in like a slow fog. Before I get lost in its white mist, I pull my phone out and call the only person who has always been there for me. My mom answers on the second ring.

“Sweetheart! I love hearing from you. Are you ready for your big move?”

“Hey, Mama…well, I’m having mixed feelings, but overall I'm excited.” Dragging my body from my bed as I pinch the phone to my ear, I walk into the kitchen.

“I can understand, Sweetie. I wish we could come help, but Dad’s working on a big case and he can't get away right now, but we’ll come visit once you're settled. I’m gonna need pictures of your new house, too! It must feel a little scary not knowing exactly what you signed up for.”

That old familiar ache weighs down my stomach, the one you feel when you need a hug. I hold in the sob that wants to tear from my throat.

“I will.” My voice is quiet as I slide the mug under the Nespresso and turn to grab the creamer and caramel. I can feel the breakdown coming and so can she.

I take a deep breath of the robust smell of coffee filling my small space. A soft quiet fills the phone. It's the comfortable silence you can only share with someone you love, knowing you're not alone and you're safe. Our conversation continues on about packing and moving. I am hoping to leave earlier than I anticipated given its a seven hour drive. My mug is almost empty by the time we end our call and I turn towards the bathroom.

The color under my eyes looks better than before and my hair isn’t as frizzy as usual. I’ve always had gorgeous natural curls, but if they are not conditioned and tamed daily, I look like I just escaped Azkaban. Placing my coffee down on the little shelf, my mind starts ticking through the to do’s.

“That is it.” I wipe my hands off on my pants as I take in the very full 4Runner. I had a little more to pack than I thought. As I shift towards the front of the car, I find Cole standing there.

I slip over my feet.“Cole! What the hell?”

The smile he shoots me is unrepentant. “I just thought I would see if you needed help.”

How did he even know I was moving today? His eyes flick behind me to my very full 4Runner.

I shake my head. “Nope,” I say, popping the ‘p.’ “I’m good!”

His eyes pinch in annoyance and a sneer pulls at his lips. Cole has never been violent with me, but the glint in his eye is telling me to run.

He steps closer. I quickly go to grab the front door handle to slip inside the safety of my car. His eyes follow my movement as he continues to come closer. I’m not fast enough. Just as my right hand pulls the door handle, his larger hand wraps around my wrist. He uses his momentum to push us both into the side of the car. The grip he has on my wrist is punishing. I try to pull it loose as he pushes my hand and body into the cold metal.

His breath burns my cheek as he taunts, “How ‘bout a goodbye kiss, Emma?”

People continue to walk by as if this encounter is totally normal. Maybe from a different perspective, it could look like two lovers saying goodbye over a passionate kiss. My voice is a quiet plea, “Don’t do this, Cole.”

“Emma, you don't get it. We are not over. We will never be over.” He presses harder into me. I can feel his erection growing between us. The sicko is enjoying this. He's getting off on this power and control. I let out a banshee scream as I try to push him off one last time, hoping like hell someone will stop and help.

Someone does. “I think the lady asked you to let her go.” I can't make out the man, but I see him step off the sidewalk.

Cole lets a hiss out next to my ear. “You can run, little sheep, but I’ll find you.”

With that he shoves me into the car, hitting my head, while he pushes himself backward. I don't waste another second. I get in my car, turn the key and back out of the spot. I only look back once to see the man who came up to us, his eyes piercing and blue. He gives me a nod.

My wrist throbs, my head hurts, but I’m leaving, I am free and hopefully starting over. As I stop to get gas, I send a text to Hunter White in Solaris.

Hey, thought I would let you know, I’m leaving earlier than I anticipated.

Hunter:

Sounds good. Can’t wait to meet you.