Catch Me If You Can

Chapter 21: You're Such A Dream To Me

TW: mentions of rape

I started packing my things. I knew it was just one night, but the thought of sleeping in his bed, wearing his clothes or even being alone with him in the same room was making me insane and I had to prepare myself to dissociate from that whole shit-show as much as I could. I was walking around my room frantically, grabbing random stuff and chugging on bottle of water, just to suppress the feeling of throwing up again. I think you are already pretty familiar with my anxiety, since I can't shut up about it, but I feel like getting involved with Nate made me slowly develop panic disorder as well. 

As it got darker, I slowly started panicking more. Was there a possibility that he will try something no matter if we're alone or not? Will anyone hear me if I start screaming? 

I'm here. 

Time's up. I grabbed the bag, Xanax and a hoodie and went outside. He was standing outside, with his arms crossed, smiling from ear to ear, waiting like a snake for his prey to devour. Just looking at his face made me dizzy, but I couldn't show him any hint of fear.

"You look beautiful. But I'm not really sure for how long that pretty little face will stay unsmudged tonight."

I haven't said a word and got in his car. We were sitting there in silence for awhile and I couldn't stop the urge to get out and run back to my room. But with all the shit he's been capable of so far, it would only make things worse. 

"Listen, I really don't wanna play this game anymore. I really want you to like me and I'm willing to do anything to show you that we can make it work."

"Can we please go already?" I said as I was starring at the road, not making a move. 

He looked away and pulled a little box out of his pocket. 

"I got something for you. As a gift of reconciliation."

It was a necklace with a little "N" initial. Huh... when his attempt to mark me with his dick failed, he tried to find another way to claim me as his, I see. I was speechless. I didn't want anything from him as much as I didn't want anything to do with him. 

"It's really pretty, but... I really can't accept it. You don't have to buy me gift to earn me." I smiled, trying to seem thankful, while frown slowly started forming on his face.

"I bought it to make you happy. I thought you will like it", he said with low, calm voice. 

"Thank you. I like it.." I looked at him one more time before I tried to put it back in the box and then act like I forgot it in the car, but he quickly grabbed it and offered me that he will put it on me. 

"There you go. It suits you well."

"We should go, we're probably already pretty late."

When he finally arrived, Marsha and Cal were in the kitchen, arguing about something. I couldn't help but tried to listen to their conversation. 

"Your son has serious problems and we shouldn't wait around till he's gonna hurt another girl. Cal, this isn't some typical "high school relationship drama". Do you remember what he did to Maddy? He could've been in serious trouble if she wouldn't be willing to protect him that much."

"You don't have to bring this up, maybe they had other problems we weren't aware of. But from I saw, it seems like he really likes Veronica and she doesn't seem like the type to fight."

"Yeah.. that's the problem."

"Uhm.. hey, Mrs. and Mr. Jacobs."

"Hi Veronica... when did you came.. home? We were kinda scared since you two has been gone for so long." Cal responded pretty quickly.