On The Other Side

Chapter 20 - Seeking Safety

GEORGE
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Clay has lost it.

I really didn't want to give him the needle, but we couldn't calm him down and we couldn't afford to crash the car.

After putting a needle into his hand, he managed to fall asleep for roughly ten minutes, but eventually, Nick pulled the car over and assisted me in moving him to the backseat so he could lie down.

I took care of his bloody fists and now he's stretched out on all three seats, with his head on my lap. My heart's racing and I'm looking at him. He told me to lay low and then he was the one to cause a scene. I'm scared for him.

Nick hasn't uttered a word since Clay lost consciousness. The tension in the car is palpable, and I'm unsure whether I should break the silence or simply remain quiet.

"That was his dad," I whisper softly, and I notice Nick nodding.

"I know." he smacks his lips "Pablo made us an entire presentation on Damian."

Pablo really is a psycho.

"George, what Pablo put you through..." Nick starts, and I can tell he's struggling to find the right words.

"It's fine," I respond in a near-whisper, but Nick shakes his head, his eyes meeting mine through the rearview mirror.

"It's not fine, George," Nick says firmly before refocusing on the road. "If you ever need someone to talk to, remember that I'm here, alright? Clay is here too. I don't want you to feel trapped, and I understand that talking about it won't change what happened, but it might help a little."

I nod and manage a faint smile. "Thank you," I reply, my throat tightening with emotion.

The reality of what happened to me settles in. It's not something I can simply forget. Though I might not be thinking about it at this moment, I'm aware that once everything settles down, it will likely haunt me. I inhale deeply, and Clay reaches out, grasping my hand for support.

I gaze down at him, and he's looking up at me. "He's right, Georgie," he whispers, and his eyes well up with tears almost instantly.

A tear trickles down my cheek, and his hand reaches up to gently wipe it away. He sits up, running a hand across his face. "Nick, I'm so sorry about your car. I'll pay for it, I just don't know when," he says apologetically.

Nick scoffs and shoots a playful grin toward Clay. "Don't worry, the car's Pablo's," he reveals with a chuckle.

Clay chuckles and looks around the car. "No wonder it's so nice," he remarks with amusement.

Nick playfully nudges Clay with his hand, and they both share a hearty laugh, letting the tension and worry momentarily slip away.

"Seriously though, I'm sorry for earlier. I completely lost control," he admits, glancing at both Nick and me. He reaches out, our fingers intertwining, and I respond with a nod, assuring him that it's alright.

"It's alright, I just don't get why he didn't fight back." Nick raises his eyebrows.

"He didn't recognize me at first," Clay explains. "When I called him 'dad,' he froze." The image of Damian's battered face reentering my mind.

"Was that woman your mom?" Nick asks, and Clay shakes his head, then proceeds to explain everything.

While we continue discussing Nick's escape and how he stole Pablo's car, it's still not clear where we're going. At least not to me.

"Where are we going?" I ask, interrupting Clay and Nick's conversation about the car.

"That's a good question," Nick says and Clay looks out of the window.

"I was thinking maybe the airport? Florida, perhaps?" Clay proposes, aware that I'm on board with the idea but uncertain about Nick's plans.

"Sure, but first things first, we should get you both new phones," Nick nods thoughtfully as he runs a hand through his beard.

"Can we also stop somewhere else?" Clay asks glancing at me for confirmation. I nod in agreement, and Nick does the same.

"It depends on whether it's safe or not," Nick replies cautiously.

"It is, don't worry," Clay says and leans his head on my shoulder, giving my hand a comforting squeeze.

I finally feel safe.

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