The perfect storm in a quiet room

Chapter 51

CASY

I finish applying the ointment on my vulva. Luckily, it seems that it's looking way better than it was just a few days ago. Still, I have a slight pain whenever I sit down, but I've been through worse, so this is nothing compared to... well I don't want to go there since you know what I'm talking about.

I walk out of the bathroom and into my bedroom, closing the door behind me. I lay on the bed and close my eyes. I've been so tired lately that I could easily take a five-hour nap right now... but I won't because I know as soon as I close my eyes I'll think about Hannah and how much I miss her.

I've been missing her like crazy since the day I decided to do that stupid thing to protect her, though I still think it was worth it. I already knew from that very moment that giving up the girl I love would mean being unhappy for a long-ass time, but now that I'm actually living that nightmare... I can say that it's worse than I imagined.

My phone rings from the bedside table. I take it and let out a weary sigh as I read the screen that informs me I have a new message from Leo: Can we meet and talk? I have news; it's about your parents.

I get up in excitement and almost drop my cellphone as I read this amazing news. My hands are shaking and my mind is trying to catch up as I read the text for the tenth time.

OH MY GOD! I can't believe it! I think this is the first time I'm actually excited to see Leo. Who knew, right?

I answer him right away: Okay, let's meet up in an hour at Bohemia Café. Sounds good? He answers me with a simple: Great, see you there. And I head to my closet to find something to wear. As I grab plain black jeans and a loose fuchsia blouse I can't help but grin broadly. I can't believe this is happening. I can't fucking believe it. I've been dreaming for this day to happen since tragedy struck me. And now, all of the sudden, all the pain he caused me, all the bruises, the wounds, the crying, the mistreatment... seem... kind of worthwhile.

***

I walk into the Café and spot Leo at a table in the background near a window. He already has a cup in his hands and a croissant on the table. He's using his phone so doesn't acknowledge my presence. I go over the counter and order a latte. I grab my coffee and go sit with him.

He looks away from his phone and up to me, showing me his fucking sly smile. Instantly, a slight shudder runs through my body and I try not to let fear grips me. His eyes meet mine and images of our last encounter spring to my mind. I shut my eyes and press my lips.

I am strong. I can do this. Please don't think about that, Casy. I repeat the same sentences in my head till the knot in my stomach starts to loosen and the panic to fade away.

"Hey," he greets me, contemplating my body and I bet he's dying to see me naked, but not today, not now. That's not gonna happen.

"Hi," I reply, taking the seat in front of him.

"You're hot as fuck today," he 'compliments' me, running his tongue over his lips as if I were a juicy hunk of meat that he wants to devour. And I bet I am just that for him.

I look away from his eyes and shift uncomfortably in my seat. I'm already regretting coming here. What if this was just a lie? What if he just wanted me to come here and then oblige me to go to his fucking house and fuck me and smack me hard? What if this is just a game for him and he lied to me from the beginning when he agreed to help me in exchange of wild-horrible-painful sex? Those questions send shivers down my spine and I try not to think so negatively. Maybe he's telling the truth... right?

"Can we talk about my parents, please?" I attempt to sound nicely yet fail, since annoyance is clear in my voice.

"Sure. I'll show you what my dad found out," he says, as he takes out a laptop from his black backpack and rests it on the table. He logs onto it and for a few long minutes he's quiet, focused on looking for the information he supposedly wants to show me.