Dark Places

Chapter Eight

I turn around and stare at the dishes in the sink. Decision made, I turn on the faucet. The sound of running water fills the kitchen. Not as quiet as before but it still leaves me feeling uneasy.

I ignore the feeling and begin washing the dishes. Once they’re all washed and dried I step back from the sink and think of something else to do. I need to keep busy.

I find myself thinking of Ethan.

I miss him.

Stupid thoughts.

I push it out of my mind and push the front door open. Maybe it won’t be too quiet out here where I can hear the birds and the wind.

I sit down on the bench. A flock of birds fly across the clear blue sky. I listen and watch them for a minute.

How nice would it be to soar through the sky like that without a care in the world? No debt to pay, no one to run from, you just spread your wings and fly through the air with your flock.

I watch as the birds disappear behind the trees as the wind picks up. I watch the wind gently makes the trees sway. It’s sort of calming.

I let my head fall against the back of the bench while closing my eyes. I let my mind wander while listening to the whispering wind. I love nature. It’s got all you need to survive; you just need to know what you’re looking for.

What I like most about it is how soothing and calm it is. I could just spend hours out here just thinking.

But then my thoughts turn to Raymond.

It’s quite possible he’s following my trail. Not that there’s much of a trail to follow. I walked the whole way here, never spent a dime anywhere. I never walked inside buildings or talked to anyone; that makes less people aware of me. I never told anyone where I was going. Even if I did have someone to tell I wouldn’t have told them I was going to end up here;  I didn't even know where I was going.

But Raymond is clever. He has connections, people who could tell him what the president ate for breakfast; as silly as that sounds.

Why did I leave if there’s a good chance he’ll find me, you ask? Well, because I couldn't stay another minute in the same house as him. I don't think I would’ve survived another year there. My chances at survival were greater out here than back there.

Why didn't I just call the police? I did once. It had been right after Raymond beat me for shattering a plate while I was cleaning it. After he was done with me, he went to ‘his’ bedroom, leaving me to clean.

And with tears in my eyes I got to my feet and punched in those three numbers. I explained what had happened. I tried to tell them. But the person who answered told me they couldn't help and hung up.

I couldn't believe what had happened until Raymond came prancing in with the most disturbing smirk on his face, I swore his eyes were as black as night as he bounds toward me.

“Stupid girl.” He had spit out. “You don't think I’m really that dumb, do you? The police are on my side, they’re my people that I put there.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Right then I knew I wouldn't be getting any help. Right then I knew I was completely alone in this.

I had to get myself out of this. I had to leave even though I knew my chances were slim to none.

But I had to try. So I did. And now I’m here.

See, the thing is, I thought I would be able to face my fears. I thought that walking away would get rid of all that I was fearful of.

I never would have thought the nightmares were going to continue. I never thought I would be constantly thinking of getting caught. Constantly looking over my shoulder; never truly feeling safe.

The safest I’ve ever felt is when I’m with Ethan. I’m almost able to forget everything for a moment. I’m almost able to taste the freedom. That maybe I won. That I won and Raymond lost.

But then Raymond’s beady eyes and the evil smirk come into view, and the freedom and security I’d barely felt leaves. But Raymond never does. No, he’s always there. Whether I’m awake or asleep, it doesn’t matter, he always finds me.

He’s always there.