Green Eyed Daydream #Wattys2016

Chapter 74

Carrie's POV

I can feel the metal of my keys with my fingers, but I am pretending to still be looking for them. This is my sad attempt to buy some time...even if it's just a few seconds, in hopes that someone will be walking by on this deserted street, and help me. Perhaps a neighbour will step out to walk a dog, and will intervene. I don't have many options. But something, or someone has to stop this. I feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I am not religious, but it's amazing how quickly we find God in situations like this, so I close my eyes, and say a silent prayer...begging for help, begging for forgiveness for my sins, just....begging.

"You really fucked things up for me, you know that?" Daniel barks into my ear. "Tyler was like a brother to me...but now he fucking hates me. And it's all because of you!"

Daniel presses his palm on my mouth so hard that my head cranes back, and I finally get see his face. He looks different...wild eyed, and demented. His head is shaved, and he has a straggly beard. There isn't a shred of familiarity in him that I recognize... he's seething with hate, and vengeance, and I am afraid. Truly afraid for my life.

"Daniel, please, don't do this!" I say...but all that comes out are muffled sounds.

"Shut your fucking mouth, and open this door!" he yells. "If you don't do as I say, I swear to god you will---"

He doesn't get to finish his threat.

A powerful blow to his head knocks him to the ground, and I am at once released from his grip. Daniel rises to his feet, but not for long. I stagger, and watch horrified as Lucas delivers a roundhouse kick to Daniel's torso. He lands on his back with a thud, and a howl of pain, but Lucas is quick to pounce on him, and put him in a headlock. He then proceeds to punch Daniel's face repeatedly, as I am frantically grabbing my phone and dialing 911.

When the operator answers, it's hard for me to make complete sentences, as my panicked voice is coming in short incoherent gasps. But I manage to give the necessary details to have them immediately dispatch a unit. She urges me to stay on the line, but I hang up...

"Lucas! Watch out!" I yell, as I notice that Daniel is still holding the knife, and is about to swipe it behind him.

Lucas expertly knocks the blade out of Daniel's grip, and continues his dominant assault.

Only after Daniel is left unconscious on the wet pavement, does Lucas approach me. His knuckles and the front of his shirt are bloodied, and rain is dripping down his face.

"Carrie, are you okay?" he asks, reaching for me. "Did he hurt you?"

I look up at him...and run into his arms.

"Don't let go," I beg him, and he presses me close to his chest.

"I won't. I swear it," he whispers.

When the police and ambulance unit arrive, I feel relieved. After the officer takes both of our statements, Lucas promises to stay by my side through it all. We are told that we have to go the station to make an official report.

By the time we're done, it's nearly midnight. I've had a session with a psychologist who specializes in dealing with victims of such violence. I've filed a restraining order against Daniel, and have been assured that he will remain in custody until he's arraigned.

Through it all, Lucas never left me alone. He answered for me when needed, he comforted me when I felt anxious, and made me feel generally safe. He even tried to make joke.

"I'm so sorry for...all of it," I tell him when are finally in the safety of my apartment. "I never imagined you'd be dragged into this. But I am forever grateful that you came back. I don't know what would have happened to me if you didn't...save me."