When It's All Said And Done (You're The One For Me) 1

Chapter Eight

The few minutes I spend balled up on the floor of Rich's apartment feel like forever. I'm shocked that this really just happened and I'm scared to move because I don't know what will happen next. All I can hear are the sounds of my now calmed breathing and the dialogue of the characters talking on the movie. Slowly, I uncover my face to see that Rich is still standing in the same spot.

    "Kay...I'm sorry."

    Rich starts to walk towards me.

    I crawl across the floor into a corner and he stops.

    "Kay..."

    "Stay away from me."

    "I ain't mean to hit you."

    He takes another step towards me.

    "Stay away from me!"

    He doesn't come any closer.

    Kay, get up and get out of here!

    I take my time and get up and go for my purse. Rich makes another attempt to come near me.

    "If you come any closer I swear I'll call the police."

    He steps back.

    I grab my purse and head for the door.

    "Kay, where are you goin'?"

    "Leave me alone!"

    I swing the door open and make my way down the stairs. I hear Rich coming behind me. When I reach the bottom of the stairs, he's caught up with me and grabs my arm. I turn around push him off.

    "Don't you ever put your hands on me again!"

    I turn and take off running down the street. He's behind me.

    "Kay, come back!"

    I don't turn around. I just keep running praying he'll stop chasing me.

    It isn't long before his footsteps stop patting against the pavement. This means nothing. I continue to run until I'm out of the apartment complex and on the main road. There is a gas station in the distance, the closest and probably safest place I can go for the time being.

    Inside is empty, except for the cashier. I give a small wave and make my way to the bathroom.

    I lock the door and walk over to the mirror to examine my face. I'm sweaty from running, my hair is everywhere, and my right cheek is bruised and still hurts. I run cold water over a wad of paper towels and wipe my face. My head is spinning.

    Is this real life? Did this really just happen to me?

    Aside from this dilemma, I have no way to get back to school. I refuse to let Rich take me back. I don't know who to call. I scroll through my contact list and so far there is no one I can call to come pick me up. When I scroll into the T contacts the first name is Tai.

    He won't even talk to me.

    Despite our differences, he's the only person I can call right now.

    I hope he answers.

    I take a deep breath and highlight his name. The phone rings until his voicemail picks up.

    I sigh and try again.

    No luck.

    My last hope is a text message.

Tai please call me back! I'm in trouble & I really need help!

    Almost instantly, he calls back.