Annalise

The Longest Ride

I startled out of my sleep to the sound of my alarm. My eyes were heavy and burned with each second I held them open. It was Monday and school was the last thing on my mind. It was one of the last few Mondays of the year, and I could have skipped, but I wouldn't. Staying home with my mother was not high on my list. She was the last person I wanted to be around right now.

I lifted my head from my pillow, moaning in pain as my body recounted yesterday's events and Eric's hands. Every bit of my body ached and my back was stiff with every move of my muscles. I ran my hand along my neck and felt at each tender spot as I strained to swallow. I seethed at the pain and hoped a shower would help. 

When I entered my room Eric was there. Sitting on my bed, with my pillow to his nose. Any smart remark I would have used on any other creep failed to escape my lips. He was sitting on my bed and sniffing my pillow for God's sake.

"Good morning," he said, confident, but with that tone of his that said he was displeased.

I ignored the greeting, snatched my pillow from his hands and threw it on the bed. "Get out of my room." He had no right to be here without my permission. He had no right to touch my personal belongings, and no right to make himself comfortable on my furniture. This was my space, one of few things that I still had control over, and he was invading it. 

"You might wanna get a lock." He tugged at his pants and swept an invisible piece of fiber from the leg, before standing. 

"For sure," I replied, "Now please, leave."

Always faster than I could ever be, he was suddenly inches away. His scent invading mine as he grabbed my hair and sniffed again. My instincts were to push him away, push at his chest and force him out but his fingers were wrapped around my hair. I couldnt chance another angry encounter, especially one that involved me in a towel. Luckily, he seemed more satisfied than he'd been yesterday, and released my curls. His eyes fell on my neck, no doubt admiring his work as he pushed the hair from my shoulder and ran his thumb along the marks.

"And that window," His fingers trailed along my collarbone, "be sure to get that locked as well."

I slapped his hand away, having just about enough of our encounter and went to the door. I squeezed the knob and felt as if I could rip it off and throw it at his head, but I settled for a proper goodbye. 

"Out or I scream."

He put his hands up in surrender and smirked, "I'm just the messenger, and your poor mother shouldn't have to deal with your tantrums everytime you hear something you don't like."

"Yeah, and what message is that?" I couldn't believe his audacity, but I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing his comment got under my skin.

"Just that I'll be your ride today. There and back."

I wanted to scream. I didn't need a ride. I rode with Cristian or drove myself, and that didnt need to change because of a marriage arrangement I didnt agree to.

I released the knob, which would've crumbled under more powerful hands, and went to check my phone. It wasn't on the nightstand anymore.

"Looking for this?" 

He held up my phone in his hand and flipped it open. I rushed towards him to take it back but he slammed it shut and threw it on the bed. His smile indicated he was satisfied with whatever game he was playing before stepping out the door. I slammed it shut as soon as he was past it and checked my phone. There were no calls or messages from Cristian or Lily, but a new contact that I quickly deleted.

I sat down at my mirror and nearly cried at the sight of the discoloration. Fingerprints of purple and red clotted blood stained my skin and embarrassed me. I stood and grabbed the one collar shirt I owned and dressed. I buttoned it to the top and checked to make sure it did its job of hiding the bruises. I slipped my jeans and skippers on and headed out the door.