Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 69

***TRIGGER WARNING- Violence mentions***

Hanging up, Damien smiled to himself. He would get her eventually.

He reminisced about when he saw her at the store the second time.

~ Eight months ago~

He still kept his distance, but he got to watch her longer this time. She was breathtakingly beautiful. So lovely. She was looking at some clothes. She would pick out a dress, hold it to her body, then put it back or put it in her cart.

She then walked over to the fabrics section. She wanted to find a certain pattern, but couldn't locate it.

Damien stayed close enough to her, but far enough away where it seemed he was just shopping and not creeping on her. He watched her intently staring, trying to locate the fabric she wanted.

She walked over to another fabric area without success in finding what she wanted.

He smiled to himself. She's definitely the one I want. She is beautiful, she is graceful, she is elegant. Everything I want in my woman.

~Present Day~

Cat was watching YouTube when her phone began to ring. Pausing Just Monika, she answered. "Hey Gwen. How are you guys?"

"Umm, not that great. Damien just called me- he's out."

"Wait, what?! How did he-?! When did he even-" She tripped over her words, her thoughts were faster than her words could manage.

"I don't know when he got out, but he wants me to meet him tomorrow at two at a park near our house."

"You're not going, right?!"

"I have to. He threatened if I didn't he would hurt AJ."

"Gwen, this is clearly a trap! You can't go! He wants to mess with you like he did to me!"

"But if I don't, he'll hurt AJ! I have to protect him!"

Cat took a deep breath, calming down. "AJ's coming with you, right?"

"Of course. He will be out of sight but he'll be there." Gwen took a deep breath. "Cat, I'm sorry, but I have to do this. I can't sit by and let Damien hurt the love of my life."

"I understand, admittedly more than I'd like to. Please, be careful. We all know what he's capable of if he doesn't get his way..." Cat shuddered, thinking of when he made an attempt on her life.

"We will. I mean, we'll be in a public place, so what could he do?"

"He threatened me while under prison surveillance. Expect the unexpected from him."

Gwen sighed. "You're right. But I have to go. I wish I didn't have to, but I need to keep AJ safe. I know what he put me through, I don't need AJ going through any of that... or worse."

"I know. I'm sure I'd feel the same way if he had threatened Mira Lynne or someone else I care about dearly. It's a terrible situation and if I could change it, believe me I would."

Gwen paused momentarily. She knew the situation was dire. But she had to go through with it. "Well, I just wanted to keep you informed on what was going on. Umm, I'll call you once we're done at the park and update you."

"Okay. If you need any help before that, do not hesitate to call me."

"I won't. Thanks. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye Cat."

"Bye, Gwen. Stay safe."

After hanging up, Cat sighed. She was terrified for Gwen and AJ, but knew there wasn't anything she could do— or should do. If she showed up, Damien would know Gwen told her.