Escape With Me- 18+

Chapter 10

I thought that the past was in the past, but I would be reminded of John on nights to come. My nightmares left me screaming out like a little a small child night after night.

John got tired of it quickly. On the third night, my mother told me that I couldn't sleep at the house when John was over. (which was practically every day.) She told me it was her idea but I knew damn well that it was Johns.

I didn't dare ask Alexa to stay at her place. She's done so much for me already, I didn't want to burden her further.

I didn't want to tell anybody about my embarrassing situation, but I had to talk about it with someone. I can't just sleep in the streets. I live in the sketchy part of El Paso. Anything can happen to anyone.

And so I reluctantly called Richard. He didn't judge me when I got the shit beaten out of me. I highly doubt he'll judge me now.

Richard was quick to pick me up. I expected him to drive me to his place, but he instead drove me to a cemetery. He must have picked up on my confusion because he plainly said, "You'll see,"

After we got out, he lead me deep into the cemetery. Eventually, the two of us stood in front of three large-ass trees. I saw that there was a blanket peeking out of the middle. It was slightly stained, but that was the last thing on my mind.

"Is this where…?" I trailed off.

"Yes," Richard answered. "I uh, I like to sleep under the stars," Richard added defensively. "I find it relaxing."

"What if someone comes after us?" I asked nervously.

"They won't trust me. I've been sleeping here on and off for five years, and nothing happened. And besides, I'd like to see them try." Richard said, pulling out a gun from the back of his waistband.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, "Where'd you-"

"Hey, that part doesn't matter. What matters is that you're safe. That we're safe."

I nodded my head, letting him know that I understood. And truth is, I feel safer knowing that Richard has protection. But I couldn't help but wonder something.

"Have you ever used it?" I asked in a near-whisper.

"No, fuck no. I've never needed to. There have been times when I wanted to, but no."

I let out a chuckle, hoping that Richard was just joking.

That night the two of us stripped down to just our underwear. I was first opposed to the idea but caved in when I realized how hot it was.

At first, we were laying nearly on top of each other, but we soon had to separate due to how hot it was. And that wasn't enough for Richard, either. He had to strip down to nothing to keep cool.

I, however, did not. I was hot too, but there was no way in hell that I would be naked while I was asleep. 

I was up late that night for three main reasons. Firstly, because it was hot as hell.

Secondly, because I still wasn't too comfortable with the idea of sleeping out in public

And lastly, I didn't want to wake up screaming. I don't want to paint myself as some damsel in distress because I'm not one. I know I have a fucked up life, but I don't need saving.

A few hours later, my eyes felt like they weighed a ton. I tried everything in my power to stay awake, but I knew that I was going to cave in soon.

I wanted to go for a run and get the adrenaline pumping, but I was well aware of what neighborhood I was in.

And so I just laid there, doing everything in my power to stay awake. And inevitably, sleep caught up to me.