Aftermath

Chapter 2

I sit in the Uber and throw my earbuds in. I had to escape. I really didn't know where I was going. All I had told the driver was, "Drive. Just get me out of here. Keep driving until I tell you we can stop." 

That was four hours ago. We started driving in the middle of Orange County, but now we were over the California border. I didn't know how far I was going to go. I am only 15, so it isn't like I can just run away. I suddenly realized that I had about $700 in cash that my mom had given to me for my trip, and told the driver to take me to the nearest airport. 

I got out of the Uber and walked into the airport, immediately being engulfed in the hustle bustle that is Phoenix International Airport. Somehow, it comforted me. No one here knew me. No one cared about me. I was alone, but I had never felt more surrounded. I was safe her. Safe from my family. Safe from Joshua. I walked up to the ticket counter and asked for a ticket for the soonest flight out. 

"I have to see some ID, first ma'am."

I pulled my California state ID out and threw it onto the counter. 

"Aren't you a little far from home for a 15-year-old? Why do you want to get away so badly?"

I could have told her. I could have told her and Joshua would never find out but I couldn't. "Look. I have $700 and I will pay for the soonest flight out. Please,  I promise I am not running away. I just have to get away for a little bit."

"Okay." She browsed her computer and then found a flight. "I have a flight for 2:00 AM heading towards New York. If you hurry you can make it." 

I looked at the clock above her head. 1:15 AM. I could make it. 

"Okay. How much?"

I slammed the money down onto the counter and grabbed my ticket and ID from the lady. I threw my backpack onto my back and grabbed my tiny suitcase and booked it. I was going to make that flight. I got through security in less than 5 minutes, and got onto the plane right as I got to the gate. 

I checked my ticket and saw that I was seated in first class. I got into my seat and buckled my seat belt. I checked my phone one last time and saw a bunch of messages from Ashley. 

Ellie?

Did you go for a walk?

Ellie? I am getting really worried. It's been two hours. 

Ellie. I am calling Mom if you don't text me back. 

Okay fine. I'm calling her. 

ELIZABETH?!?! IT IS MIDNIGHT AND I AM REALLY WORRIED. CALL ME. 

Please call. I don't know what I did but I am sorry. 

She didn't deserve to be worried about me so I quickly shot her a text. 

Don't worry about me. I am fine. 

I turned off my phone and sat back in my seat. 

                                                                ----------------------------------------------

I wake up to the lady next to me tapping my shoulder. 

"Honey? Just thought you would want to know that we are landing now. In case there is anyone you need to call to pick you up."

I thank her and pull out my phone. There was no one to call. Instead, I open the Uber app and call an Uber to pick me up at the front of the airport. Then I call the Mariott in Times Square to make a reservation.

"Oh. Umm Hi. So I need a reservation... I know it's late notice but I need a room for tonight... How long?... Umm I don't know yet... So you have a room... Okay thanks."

I get off of the airplane and head to the Uber. I get in and tell them to bring me to a bank. I needed money because I only had $200 left and I was desperate. I knew that if I used my card, my family would be able to track me. But, desperate times call for desperate measures. I withdrew $1,000 and then head over to the Marriot. 

I don't really know why I am in New York, I mean I could've just gone home but that was too close to Joshua. Plus, my parents were on a trip in Bora Bora so I would have been alone there anyway. 

I go into the bathroom and shower and try to think about anything other than what happened to me. I let the water surround my body and just stand there. I still feel dirty. I still feel like he is on top of me. I still feel like his inside of me. I can still feel his lips against mine. His hands around my throat. His breath on my body. His hands on my breasts. I don't think I'll ever feel clean. I eventually turn the water off and get out of the shower. I throw on some pajamas and walk over to the door. 

I lock it. Then I unlock it. Then lock it just to make sure it is locked. Then, I lock the ball and chain lock and climb into bed. The sheets surround me, engulfing me in a warm hug. I instantly fall asleep.