The Desperation Inside

Chapter 3: First Flame of Desire

The next day was dark and grey. Glory thought it matched her mood perfectly. Nightmares had plagued her all night, causing her to relive that night two years ago when her life came crashing down. The years of degradation and constant abuse that followed that night had left indelible marks on her soul. The only solace she found was in the plans she had made to run away as soon as she graduated.

She shook off the dark memories. She had moved away as soon as she graduated, before they could come home for the summer. They would not find her this time. Last summer, after they returned from college on summer break, they picked up right where they had left off. They had followed her, catching her alone and continuing the abuse. Chad had taken pleasure in telling her what Alex was planning for her the next time he had her.

Glory shivered as fear slithered down her spine. Pulling into the gym, she grabbed her bag and looked around. Even though the guys didn't know where she went, she didn't trust that they wouldn't find her. Seeing nothing out if norm, she proceeded inside. Shaun and Jake were standing behind the counter. After changing into her running shorts and racerback tank, she tossed her bag into her locker and walked back out into the office area.

Jake and Shaun were chatting about friends from school when she approached the counter. "Hey guys," she interrupted. " I am going to run for a bit if that's ok. I will be back up to take over the counter at 6 if that is ok."

"Sure, I will handle the counter until you are ready to take over," Jake replied.

With a quick nod, she jumped on the treadmill and began her warm up. Time to run until she was too numb for the memories to hurt her.

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Jake watched as Glory popped her earbuds in and found her rhythm running. "She pushes herself pretty hard on there, huh?"

Shaun glanced over at the tiny figure on the treadmill. Shaking his head, he refocused on Jake. "When she first started here , she would run 4 miles or so a day...but over the last few weeks.... it is almost like she is trying to outrun someone or something. " He eyed Jake suspiciously. "Be careful with this man. I know you like to 'fix' people, but we don't really know how deep these scars may go."

Jake nodded. "I know. My head is telling me not to get involved... but my gut doesn't agree."

"Your gut?" Shaun questioned, giving him a hard look. "You do realize she is far too young for you,  right?"

" I swear, my thoughts have not touched that gutter. I just can't stand to see that much pain hiding in someone so young. Have you seen her hang out with anyone since she moved here? or even talk about hanging out with friends?" Jake asked Shaun.

"No...the only people she ever mentions are her parents. But she hasn't visited them since she moved here in May." Shaun's phone beeped. "Crap, that is Sara. I gotta go. The girls are spending the night with friends tonight, so we are having a date night. Since the weather may get rough, we are staying at home and doing dinner in, just the two of us. Hey speaking of that- if the weather gets too bad, you guys close this place up early."

Jake nodded. "Will do man. Y'all have fun tonight. I will make sure Glory gets home safe."

Shaun thanked him, waved at Glory, and he was gone.

Jake settled into the office chair behind the counter and watched Glory. Her eyes stared straight ahead, with a distant look that told him she was lost in whatever memory was driving her need for release. He shook his head, vowing to himself that he would find a way to exorcise whatever demons were haunting her. Something about those haunted grey eyes drew him in and made him want to heal those hurts.