She's Fast and She's Furious

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Facing the Past

The next few days felt like a dream. Dom and I slipped into an easy routine, meeting for lunch, going for walks, and sharing late-night talks that stretched into the early hours of the morning. With each passing day, I felt the walls I had built around myself beginning to crumble, and I realized just how much I needed someone like him in my life.

But beneath the surface of my newfound happiness, unease lurked. Ron was still out there, searching for me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was only a matter of time before he caught up to me, and that fear gnawed at me like a persistent itch.

On a particularly bright afternoon, I decided to take a break from work and head to the small café downtown that I loved. I needed a moment to breathe, a chance to clear my head and gather my thoughts. As I sipped my coffee, I noticed the sunlight streaming in through the window, illuminating the bustling café. It felt good to be in a place filled with laughter and chatter, a world away from the darkness of my past.

Just as I was about to dive back into my thoughts, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Neville.

Neville: May, I just heard something concerning. Ron’s been asking around about you. I don’t want to alarm you, but I think he’s getting closer.

My heart sank. Panic surged through me as I read the words. I quickly texted back.

Me: I’ll be careful. I’m not going back. I promise.

I couldn’t let him find me. I wouldn’t let him drag me back into that life. My heart raced as I finished my coffee and left the café, my mind racing with possibilities.

As I walked, I spotted a small park nearby. I needed to collect my thoughts, to figure out a plan. Maybe it was time to confide in Dom about Ron and the danger I was in. I had to tell him everything, but I feared his reaction. Would he feel obligated to help? Would he think I was dragging him into my mess?

Taking a deep breath, I made my way to a bench under a large oak tree, the leaves rustling gently in the wind. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. I could hear the distant laughter of children playing, the chirping of birds, but all I felt was a heavy weight pressing on my chest.

After a few moments of contemplation, I decided it was time to reach out to Dom. I couldn’t keep this from him any longer. He deserved to know what he was getting into, and if he was willing to stand by my side, then maybe together we could face whatever came next.

I sent a quick text to Dom, hoping he would be available to meet me.

Me: Can we meet? I need to talk to you about something important.

Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with his response.

Dom: Of course. Where are you?

I told him where to find me, and within minutes, I saw him walking toward me, his tall frame cutting through the crowd. His expression was one of concern, and my heart warmed at the sight of him. He was my anchor, and I needed him now more than ever.

“Hey,” he said, sitting down beside me. “What’s going on? You looked a bit pale in your text.”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to reveal. “I’ve been trying to keep something from you, and I don’t think I can do that anymore,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

He turned to me, his expression serious. “You can tell me anything, May.”

I looked away, gathering my thoughts as I felt the weight of my past pressing down on me. “It’s about Ron—my brother,” I began, and I watched as confusion washed over his face. “He’s been searching for me since I escaped. He’s been asking around, and I... I don’t know how close he is.”

Dom’s jaw tightened. “What do you mean he’s searching for you? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I didn’t want to drag you into my mess,” I admitted, my voice cracking. “I thought I could handle it myself. But now I realize that I can’t.”

He reached out, placing a hand on my knee. “You’re not alone in this, May. You never were. I told you that.”

I looked into his eyes, and for the first time, I felt the warmth of his promise sinking into my bones. “I’m scared, Dom. I don’t want to go back to that life. I thought I was free.”

“We’ll figure it out together,” he said firmly. “You have a right to be scared, but I’m not going to let him take you away from me.”

Tears welled in my eyes as his words sank in. The fear that had been my constant companion began to dissipate, replaced by a flicker of hope. “But what if he comes after you too?” I whispered.

Dom shook his head. “I won’t let that happen. I’ll protect you, no matter what it takes.”

The sincerity in his voice sent a wave of relief rushing over me. We sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of my confession hanging in the air. But this silence felt different. It wasn’t just about fear; it was about solidarity, about the bond we were building together.

“What do we do now?” I asked, my heart racing with uncertainty.

“We come up with a plan,” he replied, determination flashing in his eyes. “And if Ron comes looking, we’re going to be ready for him.”

I nodded, feeling a new sense of strength blossoming within me. For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t facing my demons alone. With Dom by my side, I felt like maybe we could confront whatever darkness lay ahead.

As we talked about our next steps, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow around us. I had no idea what the future held, but one thing was clear: I wasn’t running anymore. Together, we would face whatever came next.