The Lies I Believed

Where Did I Go Wrong?

I sat up in bed, gasping for fresh air. I clawed at my throat in a panic. My lungs didn't seem to be working and that made me panic even more. Was I going to die? No one is here to help me. Everyone is definitely still asleep right now. If I dare to call anybody, I'll get chewed out.

My vision was blurred for a solid five seconds. I felt myself go limp and fall backwards. Was this finally the end? I didn't get to tell Asher I was truly sorry. My kids will never see me again. Asher may even lose them to Luca in the custody battle. That's not how I want everything to go.

"No!" I sat up in bed. I could feel the sweat riding down my back in waves. Everything around me was blanketed in shades being thrown across the room. I put my head between my legs and took a few deep breaths. My stomach rumbled. I sighed. 

"Get it together, Lexi," I mumbled. "Everything is fine. You're okay."

In fact, I was not okay. I'd just woken up from the worst nightmare I've ever had in my life. Being lonely has always been the least of my worries. I never once shied away from being away from my friends and family, but this was different. I could feel the loneliness and it didn't feel right. The fear that rushed over me was brutal. This was different from being in a coma.

Just as I swung my legs out of bed, my phone rang. I nearly fell off the bed in surprise. Who the heck calls this late at night? Well, this early in the morning? I glanced at the caller ID and a strong sense of dread overcame me. Why him? Why now?

"H-hello?" I answered.

"I didn't wake you, did I?" he asked.

"...No."

"Good. I just wanted to remind you that my files are still in your possession. I suggest you return them to me today. I have places to be and I wait for no one."

"Good. I wasn't planning on keeping them."

"I hope not. I'll send you the address. If you're even a minute late, say goodbye to your son."

"Nice try. My son isn't here anymore."

"And what makes you think I didn't know that?"

Of course, he was probably watching me after everything went down. I wouldn't put it past him to do something like that. Why would he still threaten Vincent's life? Asher does everything he can to keep him safe. Now that I'm involved with the people he warned me to stay away from, he has to keep his eyes on him 24/7.

"Okay. Fine. Just send me the address."

Aaron grunted and hung up without another word. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I really need to wash it again. It just doesn't feel right. Nothing feels right.

I stood up and the cool air hit me. I sighed once more and looked down at what I was wearing. Honestly, this night set was too cute. I'd gotten it as a gift from Asher for one of our many anniversaries. I can never remember which one. It came with a robe, but I remember throwing it somewhere before I got into bed.

I tried my best to find it without hitting my shins or toes on any furniture. When I did, I slid on a pair of slippers and made my way to the kitchen. The moon was shining brightly, so there was just enough light to not have to turn on the lights. I sat down at the island and the cold seat woke me up.

"Oh, no," I groaned. "Oh...no..."

I immediately dialed Hayden's number and prayed he would pick up. When he didn't, I dialed again and began pacing. This can't be happening to me right now. I spent all day yesterday having the time of my life. How did I not realize this right away? I really should have taken the bag into the house when I had the chance. Maybe then I would have been able to swing by and not have to worry about my child's safety all over again. This is a disaster.

"Didn't I tell you what he said last night?" he mumbled. "What did he do this time?"

"Hayden...did you happen to find a black bag in your back seat?" I asked.

"...Uh...I don't exactly remember. Maybe?"

"Hayden, I-I-I needed that bag. I need that bag. Like now."

"Well, I can't give it to you now. Why didn't you say something when I was there?"

"I didn't know. I forgot!"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't yell. Is there something wrong? Is Aaron messing with you again? Do I need to send Asher to come get you?"

"What?" I was tempted to say yes and get Hayden to come back, but I didn't know if he was actually willing to do that. And Asher and I still aren't on speaking terms. "Asher...hasn't called me at all."

"I knew he didn't. That bastard!" I heard something fall. "Sorry. Give me a second, Danni. Of all things to lie about..."

"Hayden...I just need that bag. Today! Tonight! I'm in trouble." I sunk to the floor and sobbed. "What have I done! Vincent's going to die and it's all my fault. Aaron's gonna--"

"Wait, what? You told me you had everything under control. Why is he going to come after you?"

"I...He told me to keep his files safe and I-I-I put them in your car and forgot about them. If only I'd taken the bag inside the house during the party."

"No, no, you did the right thing. Maybe you can get him to give you more time? I could see if it's in my car and ask someone to take It to you."

"No! Hayden, we can't let anyone else get involved."

"It's too late, Danni. No one messes with my sister and gets away with it. I'll get it to you one way or another. Just hang in there."

"Hayden--"

The monotone dial tone rang loud in my ear. I sat on the kitchen floor, frozen in fear. This is all my fault. I'm always forgetting something. Why didn't I just arrange to take the rental Asher had prepared for us? I definitely would have had the thought of removing it from the car.

The house was quiet once more, and that's when I heard it. Someone was outside. I immediately got up from the floor and checked to make sure all the doors were locked. If I knew the password to get inside the basement, I would have taken refuge there. Instead, I locked myself in the bathroom and put my phone on silent. If anyone called, my ringtone wouldn't give me away.

Who is after me?