Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 16

*** TRIGGER WARNING- Drugging***

Walking to the classroom, Gwen smiled. She was glad to have another class to look forward to. She got in and sat in her usual front seat. She got out the book for the class and the other two books he lent her. She did like them. After the "nightmare" incident, she made sure not to read the other one right before bed, and not all in one sitting.

A few others came in, then Damien. Gwen thought about what Becca said, and wondered if she was overlooking some things.

Nah, he's just being friendly. Besides, he's given me information about publication. Hopefully I can contact this company once I finish my own book.

Damien started the class and Gwen's attention shifted to him.

"Great class!" Gwen complimented Damien. She held out the two books. "I enjoyed your writing style! I definitely was taken aback by the killers."

Damien chuckled. He took the books from her and got two more books out of his bag and handed them to her. "Here are the next two! I also wanted to go over editing with you too. Do you have some time? We can go grab cocoa."

"Let me text my husband. That should be okay." Gwen pulled her phone out and messaged AJ that she would be going to get cocoa again with Damien and to pick his brain.

"Honey, just be careful. It seems he's taking quite an interest in you." AJ warned her.

"I'll be fine Baby. I promise. I love you."

"Love you too. See you soon."

"I'll meet you over there!" Gwen started to head to her car.

"We could just ride together- take my car. It would save on gas."

Gwen's chest tightened a bit at the suggestion. "I'd better not. Just to make sure I don't have to come back this way."

"Are you sure? It isn't that big of a deal."

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Okay. Suit yourself then." He got in his car and waited on her to pull out.

That was weird. Why would he offer that? A teacher and a student in a car alone? Big no-no. Even if it would be just to save money.

Gwen pulled out and headed to the coffee shop with Damien following right behind her.

After Damien paid for both of their drinks again, they sat down. Pulling her notebook and pen out, she was prepared for what Damien would say to help her.

Gwen excused herself to go to the restroom about forty-five minutes into their conversation. Unbeknownst to Gwen, Sara was waiting outside.

"Okay, she's gone. Come in and do it now."

Damien blocked the view of what Sara did from other patrons. Sara quickly kissed him and left.

Gwen returned and took a drink of her cocoa. Pulling a face, she swirled it a little more and drank more.

An hour had passed before Gwen looked at the time. "Oh, wow! I'd better get home. Thanks again for all of this." Gwen  gathered up her things.

Feeling a hand on her arm, she looked at him. "Why don't you stay a little longer? I'm enjoying your company. I feel I could talk to you for hours." He stared at her, not releasing her arm.

Gwen pulled her arm away. "Umm, no thanks. I have to go." Gwen rushed out of the shop and got into her car. Locking the doors as soon as she was in, she took a shaky breath. What on Earth was that? We were having a pleasant conversation then it turns weird? Gwen started the car and headed home.