"Behind Closed Doors"

Final Showdown

Chapter 7:

The days after Kayla confided in Lena felt like she was walking a tightrope. She had stopped responding to Devin's texts, but she knew it wouldn't take long before he came looking for her. Every time her phone buzzed, she felt her heart race, but she kept reminding herself of the plan Lena had helped her set up.

Lena had told Kayla to gather everything she needed—important papers, extra clothes, money—and stash it at her place. That way, when the time came, Kayla could leave quickly without worrying about Devin finding out. Kayla hadn't told her brothers yet. She wasn't ready to face their reactions, and she wanted to handle it in her own time.

But Devin didn't believe in waiting.

One evening, as Kayla was packing the last of her things into a small bag, her doorbell rang. She froze, staring at the door. Her phone lit up on the bed. Devin.

Devin: Open the door. I know you in there.

Her heart sank. She hadn't expected him to show up this soon. She hadn't even finished preparing her escape.

She grabbed her phone, her hands shaking as she typed back.

Kayla: Now's not a good time. I'll call you later.

She prayed he would back off, but deep down, she knew that wasn't Devin's style. A second later, the doorbell rang again, harder this time, followed by loud knocking.

Devin: Open the door now, Kayla. I ain't playin'.

Kayla's breath caught in her throat. She quickly dialed Lena's number, whispering into the phone as the knocking grew louder. "Lena, he's here. I don't know what to do."

Lena's voice came through immediately, calm but serious. "Stay calm. Don't open the door. I'm on my way."

Kayla nodded, even though Lena couldn't see her. Her body was trembling as she backed away from the door, trying to keep her breathing steady. Devin's knocking grew more intense, like he was about to break the door down.

"Kayla! I know you in there!" Devin's voice roared from the other side. "Open this damn door!"

Tears welled up in Kayla's eyes. She wanted to scream, to run, but she was frozen in place. The door shook with each heavy bang, and Kayla knew it was only a matter of time before Devin lost patience.

Then, the worst happened.

A loud crash rang through the apartment as Devin kicked the door open, storming inside like a force of nature. Kayla screamed, stumbling back as Devin's dark figure filled the doorway.

"What the hell you think you doin'?" Devin snarled, his eyes wild with anger as he closed the distance between them. "You been ignorin' me, playin' games like I'm some fool."

Kayla backed up, her back hitting the wall as she tried to find her voice. "Devin, I told you... I just needed space."

"Space?" Devin laughed bitterly. "Space don't mean you ghost me. You mine, Kayla. You ain't goin' nowhere."

He stepped closer, his fists clenched at his sides. Kayla's whole body shook as she tried to figure out what to say, how to calm him down. "Devin, please... let's talk about this. I just—"

Before she could finish, Devin grabbed her by the arm, yanking her forward with such force that she almost fell. "Talk? Nah, we past talkin'."

Kayla's heart raced. She had never seen him this mad. The fear that had been slowly building inside her exploded all at once, and she realized that if she didn't get out now, things would only get worse.

Just as Devin raised his voice again, a loud banging came from the hallway.

"Yo! Open up!" It was Lena.

Devin turned his head, his grip on Kayla loosening slightly. "Who the hell is that?"

Kayla didn't answer. She used the moment of distraction to pull away from him, running toward the door. Devin spun around, grabbing her wrist again, but this time Kayla fought back, yanking herself free and rushing to the door.

Lena banged on the door again. "Kay! Open up!"

Kayla managed to pull the door open, and Lena stormed in, her eyes blazing with anger. She looked at Devin, then back at Kayla, taking in the whole scene in an instant.

"You need to leave, right now," Lena said, stepping between Kayla and Devin.

Devin sneered, his eyes darting between the two women. "This ain't got nothin' to do with you."

"It's got everything to do with me," Lena shot back. "You ain't gon' lay a hand on her again. So, get out."

Devin took a step forward, but Lena didn't back down. Kayla stood frozen, her breath coming in short bursts, unable to believe what was happening. For a second, it looked like Devin might lunge at Lena, but instead, he let out a frustrated growl and stormed toward the door.

"This ain't over, Kayla," he muttered before slamming the door behind him.

The moment the door closed, Kayla collapsed to the floor, her whole body shaking. Lena was at her side in an instant, wrapping her arms around her.

"You did good, Kay," Lena whispered, holding her tight. "You did real good."

Kayla sobbed into Lena's shoulder, the relief and fear overwhelming her. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could finally breathe again. But she knew this was just the beginning. She had to stay strong. She had to get through this.