American Monster

3 - Addy

Several classes later, and after getting lost on campus no less than twice, I was finally back in my dorm room, exhausted. I couldn't complain when I was placed in the least desirable building on campus that barely housed a handful of students because new structures had been built. But looking on the bright side, it wasn't overly crowded like the other dorms. I preferred to be alone, enjoyed it even.

I dropped my bag on the ground beside my bed and flopped back onto the mattress with a grunt, staring up at the popcorn ceiling adorned with little stars that glowed a muted green. They were left over from the last student to occupy this room, which was a long time ago, as evidenced by the dirty outlines of where some had broken free and fallen.

My eyes fluttered closed as I let exhaustion take over me and I was once again transported to the fateful night my life changed forever, but the memory morphed into something new, something terrifying.

***

I gripped the handle above the car door, my knuckles white as the car skidded before Bryce was able to correct it.

"Slow down. The road is flooded." I squinted, struggling to see through the rain that pelted the windshield. The wipers swished back in forth but offered no help.

The muscles in Bryce's jaw ticked with annoyance, but it wasn't directed at me. "We have to get back before she notices."

I cringed, nodding in agreeance as we raced our way down the street, my eyes locked on the windshield. Bryce placed his heavy palm on my leg, causing me to jump and his lips curved up as he let out a chuckle. "It's fine, Addy," he reassured me and I forced a smile back at him, nodding. "How much did we clear tonight?"

I groaned, rolling my eyes at the word we. "Last time I checked we weren't both flashing our boobs for a bunch of strange men."

I leaned over, pulling a wad of bills I'd shoved in my pocket, and held it up for him. His eyes lit up when he took in the cash. "Holy shit, Addy. How much is it?"

"Four hundred, give or take a few ones."

"All that just for showin' your tits?"

"Yeah," I rolled my eyes. "All it cost me was my dignity." Flashes of the middle-aged man with a wedding band rubbing his stubby cock against my ass as I ground against him to some eighty's song assaulted me.

"Come on, Addy. We're so close now. A few more nights and we can get out of this place for good. That's what you want right? I mean, that's all you ever talk about. It'll all be worth it. I promise."

"Yeah, if I make it home before anyone finds out I was out all night. Where were you anyway? I had to sit on the curb for forty-five minutes after closing."

"I had some things I needed to take care of. And it wasn't like the bouncer didn't stay with you. I know that prick has a thing for you."

"If you picked me up on time, you wouldn't have to worry about him having the time to hit on me."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

I placed my hand on his and as I glanced back up his face was illuminated by the flickering headlights of passing cars. A steady buzzing rang out and I dug my phone from my bag, relieved when it wasn't my foster mother calling me. "Is that you?" I asked.

His eyes met mine before the column of his throat bobbed on a swallow before he shook his head.

I let out a laugh, confused by his reaction. "That's got to be your phone." I grabbed it from the cupholder and took in the dark screen. "That's weird..." I began to search around us, unbuckling and laying over the seat to check the back.