Cora

Chapter Two

The next day was a blur, mainly because I didn't understand what exactly happened. I just remember the road. I drove for hours without stopping.

Straightforward.

I eventually lost track of where I was. It felt so unreal. And my finger felt so naked without that sinful ring. I shivered at the thought of Luke, and rubbed my finger where the ring was supposed to be.

I left Leah's place early in the morning, around four. She didn't know, and I wasn't in the mood for talking.

What I ended up doing was leaving everything at her place, just in case Luke came to look for me. Everything but my wallet. I also took some of Leah's cash just in case. She wouldn't mind and I'd pay her back. I never wanted to go back to Nevada again.

Henceforth, I never would. I didn't have to. Leah and Luke were my only family really, and Luke was obviously out of the question. Luke would be on her tail soon enough asking about me. I didn't need that.

Continuing down the road a few hours later, I realized I had made a huge mistake. Why had I left all my stuff with Leah? Leaving my phone was reasonable, but not really anything else. I'd have to turn around. I couldn't risk her life to him.

Sighing, I got off the freeway and turned the car back around to go to Leah's.

I just barely stayed within the speed limit. I didn't want Leah getting hurt over me, especially when she didn't even know anything.

I crossed 49, and turned a few blocks ahead of her house. Then, as careful as a mouse, I pulled around the corner. I sure didn't want to see Luke here.

To my advantage, he wasn't. It was noon, so Leah should be making lunch. I parked the Toyota and shut off the ignition.

Taking my keys with me, I hopped down and scampered to her door. I started thinking of what I would tell her. It was an emergency, or I'd had to take a stop somewhere. I don't even know.

Just as I was about to knock, I stopped dead in my tracks.

"Whadya MEAN you don't know? Her things sitting right here on the table!" It was Luke. He pounded the table with his fist. He must have hidden his car, knowing I was coming.

Oh no. I'd came too late. I knew he'd be here! I knew it...

"I swear Luke, she-she just stopped here for the night. Then in the morning-" Poor Leah started, but Luke cut her off.

"Oh YES you know where she is! I gave you three times to tell me! Your time is up!"

Crying, I ran to the Toyota. I didn't want to hear how it ended. Shoving the key in the ignition, the car started up. Tears blurred my vision as I started backing up.

There were two things I did hear, though. I heard Leah scream and the bullet that fiercely pierced her skull.