We drove separately and met up again at IHop. I thought the location made it seem like a date which made me uncomfortable. I knew none of Landon’s friends ever went there, but the thought of seeing anyone that knew him scared me.
I walked up to the front of the restaurant and Harry waited at the door for me, a smile spread on his perfect face. He held the door open for me and I returned his smile as I walked through it. A hostess was stood in front of us and led us to a table in the back. We ordered two waters before she walked away and left us there alone together.
“Do you feel better?” I nodded at his question, suddenly feeling extremely happy to be here with him. My mind was only on him and Landon could be dying right now for all I cared. “Well, I’m glad. Do you have any plans today?”
“Not at all. Do you?”
“I have to work later but I’m off at 8 tonight. Do you think you’ll be busy then?” He tried to avoid speaking Landon’s name and I found it funny. It’s like he didn’t want me to think about him and he definitely didn’t want to talk about him.
“Well… I’m really not sure. Sometimes I get taken away out of the blue.”
“That sucks. I wish you would just-“ He stopped his sentence and I widened my eyes.
“Continue.” I spoke sharply. I hated when people started to say something and then decided not to. Why would you bring it up in the first place?
“Never mind. You said you didn’t want to talk about it. I’m here to keep your mind away from the bad. I want you to be happy with me.” His eyes were locked on mine and I saw sadness lurking behind them. The green looked almost dull.
“Alright.” I fake smiled, now mad that he made my mind go back to the annoying topic I had to keep discussing. Yes I could record Landon’s abuse and turn him in, but honestly one of his friends had the potential to come for me next. I’m not naïve enough to believe everything will run smoothly. Harry kept talking to me as we ate our stacks of pancakes, but I couldn’t focus on him. My phone started buzzing which startled me. “Excuse me.” I stood up and moved back out the front doors before answering. “Hello.”
“I saw you.” Landon’s voice sounded of rage. I froze in my spot, eyes following the cars moving in front of me. I looked around me, but didn’t recognize his car or him in the distance. “Who’s the guy Kammie? What the fuck are you thinking? You can’t just cheat on me you little bitch!” He screamed, and my hand instinctively pulled the phone away as I flinched at his words. “Get home. Now.” He hung up, but I couldn’t move. My breathing stayed normal as warm tears trickled down to my jaw. I felt a hand touch my shoulder and I spun around. Harry stood there shocked.
“What happened?” Harry sounded concern as I stood there crying.
“I have to go.” I started to run to where I parked my car. My head pounded as I started it and made my way through the parking lot. As I pulled out, I saw him staring after me. I could tell he desperately wanted to save me, but he didn’t know how to. He placed his phone up to his ear before I lost sight of him.
My mind raced and my body shook horribly as I neared my flat. I didn’t know what was going to happen within the next five minutes. I guess now was the time I should set up the recorder and place it in my room.
Landon wasn’t here yet as I walked up to the door. I knew I didn’t have much time to think of any plan to help me but it’s not like I really had one anyway. I closed the door behind me and heard talking coming from down the hallway. I slowly neared my bedroom door, being as quiet as possible. The talking was muffled by the door and I couldn’t make out any words. Suddenly, it grew silent and the door swung open. I saw Gabby in front of me, with tears filled in her eyes. She ran to fill the short space between us and gave me a tight hug.
