Escape | Updated Weekly

33

I spent the rest of the evening with Josh. He abandoned the people he had come with and sat with me in the back all night.

He wanted to take me home. I won't lie, I was tempted. I knew nothing good would come from it so I gracefully declined and went home alone.

The house was empty when I got back though. I assumed the others had gone out to the clubs after the show. Pretty much as soon as I was in my room I had a text from Josh.

Josh: tonight was good. When's our date?

I stared at my phone for ages. It might have been too soon for me to fooling around with someone else, but then again, it's not like Mac was hung up over me or even cared.

I still had that nagging feeling in the back of my mind though. I knew what it was, I just had to ignore it.

Me: Not yet

I looked over at my manuscript, still in its corner where I had carelessly threw it. I picked it up, bending the pages so they wouldn't be curled up.

Josh: when?

Me: I'm not sure

I sat on my bed with the pages of mine and Mac's love in my hands. I couldn't help but find it funny how something so terrible from my past could be so promising for my future.

I thought about the pros and cons of Alice's future. On one hand I would have a published book, it would get my name out there. It would be a very good start. To be 19 and able to call yourself a published author was the dream. On the other hand, Mac would still have that hold on me. It's his story, he's the reason Alice saw it in the first place. His own mother, and he's the one telling me to accept the offer.

He could carry on in this world knowing there's a published book all about him.

Josh: you are going to drive me wild

Me: Better get used to it.

I flicked through the pages until eventually I just read the whole thing. It was definitely the work I had been the most proud of since I picked up a pen and began writing stories. I wondered if I could make changes to it and divert the story away from Mac so much, or maybe add in the part where he ripped me to pieces.

Josh: you'll agree to date me. I just know it

Me: is that so

Josh: 100%

Me: what makes you so sure?

Josh: I'm just that loveable

Maybe Chloe was right. My best pieces of work could always come from me writing about what I knew. I wouldn't be the only one to do it. Plenty of creative people do it. The decision was weighing heavily on my shoulders, and it wasn't one that I could decide on tonight. 

I got into bed and closed my eyes, but I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. My phone buzzed again. 

Josh: Not even one date?

I smiled to myself, the man was persistent. It was kind of cute the way he was needy to take me out. 

Me: I'll think about it

Josh: Why are you resisting it so much?

Me: I don't need to rush things

Josh: Who hurt you?

Wow. Was it that obvious?

Me: It's not important 

Josh: I could treat you the way you deserved. 

I caught myself feeling those butterflies again, but they felt different from the ones Mac used to give me. My phone buzzed again, only this time the butterflies dissapeared. I sat up in my bed just staring at my phone, making sure I had read it right. Who would send me something like that? Why would someone send me that? It must have been some sick joke, but it just made no sense. 

Unknown: Run.