The Cost Of Love (Bxb, Rape, Abuse)

Return To Freedom

It took him a little getting used to driving with the splint on his left arm, but soon he got the hang of it. As he approached the on ramp to the Delaware Memorial Bridge his heart started beating faster. This was it, he knew once he crossed over that bridge and got onto I-95 south that he was on his way back to the south, and Ryan. He wondered if Ryan would take him back after he had left him that stormy night. He was sure that Ryan was mad at him for leaving and going back to Eric, which Ryan had every right to be mad at him. He wondered if he shouldn't just go straight to Florida and by pass Levy all together, but he figured that he would make that decision later. Right now he had at least another eight hours before he even reached the South Carolina border, as long as he didn't hit major traffic. Thankfully he had left early enough in the morning that he made through Baltimore with no traffic. Unfortunately when he got towards Washington DC the morning rush hour traffic had just started. It took him over an hour to finally make it around the beltway and head back south.

As he was driving his wrist and ribs started to give him a little bit of pain. He remembered that he didn't take his morning dose of his meds, but he knew that he couldn't take a whole pill since it usually put him to sleep. He pulled off of the highway and into a McDonalds to get something to eat so he could take his meds. After he ate his breakfast he snapped the pill in half hoping that it would be just enough to take the pain away but not enough to cause him to be sleepy. Thankfully he was right. The half of pill brought the pain to a tolerable level but didn't make him too sleepy. One of the things he missed the most was having a smoke after eating. Then he remembered that Eric had given him money to help him get down south. He pulled into a convince store and bought his favorite brand of cigarettes. When he took that first drag, pure nicotine bliss flowed over his body. It's funny the little things he missed. Like having a smoke after eating and having a hot cup of coffee to go with it.

He had made his way through a good part of Virginia before he had to turn off the heater in the car. It was still a little chilly for him to change into other clothing. As he put more miles behind him the thought of Eric was getting less and less. He was starting to get anxious about returning to the south.

When he finally reached the South Carolina border it was four in the afternoon. He saw signs for South of the Border and decided it would be a good place to stop and stretch his legs. Austin couldn't help but laugh to himself at the sight of the place. It was your typical tours trap that you would see from an old 80's road trip movie. The brightly painted colors and the flashing neon lights screamed that this place had not been updated for some time. After spending sometime looking around the shops, not spending a dime on any of the trinkets, he decided it was time to head back on the road. He still had three hours before he arrived to Levy.

As he came upon exit 8 for Levy he pulled over and stopped in front of the sign. This was the moment of truth. Should he take the exit and face Ryan or keep going towards Florida. His heart was racing and his mind was filled with confusion. Austin got out of the car and lit a smoke. He really needed to think about what he was about to do. While he was smoking on the side of the road a State Trooper pulled up behind his car with his lights flashing.

"Good afternoon officer." Austin offered to the policeman.

"Good afternoon. Is everything okay young man?" Officer Riley asked.

"Yes sir. I was just stopping to have a smoke. I didn't think it would be safe to drive with one good arm and try to smoke a cigarette."

"You are right about that. I'm glad to see that you are thinking about safety. Where are you headed?" Officer Riley asked noticing Austin's out of state tags and the bruising on his face.

"I'm headed to Levy. Actually to the Watering Whole."

"Ah yes. I know that bar quiet well. You know your way there?"

"Yes sir. I have it programmed into my GPS."

"Very well. I will let you go on your way."

"Thank you officer and have a nice day." Austin called back to him.

As the officer pulled away Austin put out his smoke and got back into his car. The time had come it was either now or never. He put his right turn signal on and took the off ramp towards Levy. When he pulled up to the bar he shut the car off and sat there for a minute. He figured he would see Shelly first and see how she reacted. If she reacted in a bad way then he would just head towards Florida.

He finally worked up enough courage and walked in the bar. The sights and smells brought a smile to his face and there was Shelly at the bar, but she hadn't seen him since she had her back turned to him.

"I'll be right with you." She called out over her shoulder.

"It's okay ma'am take your time. I just need directions to I-95 south." Austin answered as he sat at the bar.

When Shelly heard that voice she dropped the glass she was cleaning and turned around. "Oh my god, Austin!" she screamed and ran around the side of the bar and wrapped her arms around Austin.

"What are you doing here? You ran away again!?" Shelly question still not letting go of Austin.

"No ma'am. He let me go this time."

Shelly pulled back and gave Austin a puzzled look. "What do you mean he let you go?"

"It's a very long story but he really did let me go this time."

"Do you believe him?" Shelly asked as she started to notice the bruises on Austin's face and around his neck.

"This time I do. When I looked into his eyes as I was leaving I could tell he was serious."

"I hope he was serious. So does this mean you are back?"

"If you guys will take me back." Austin said quietly.

"Like you have to ask!" Shelly said as she pulled him back into a hug.

"You guys aren't mad at me for leaving like that?"

"Of course not. We were heartbroken but we know what you have been going through. The only thing we had wished for is that you would have talked to us and let us explain that it was not your fault for the fight."

"I'm sorry for that."

"There is nothing to be sorry about. I'm just so happy that you are back!"

Austin finally asked the question he had been dreading. "Is Ryan mad at me?"

"No, at first he was but he also understands everything you have been through. He is just heartbroken. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't mention you."

"Is he here now?"

"No, he is at home helping his father with the horses. Why don't you head over to the house? I know he will be more than happy to see you." Shelly smiled.

"Okay I will. Thanks again Shelly." Austin said as he headed for the door.

"No need to thank me. I'm just glad your back."

As he walked out the door he could hear Shelly yell that drinks where on the house. He could tell she was happy to have him back.

Well the first part was over with now the hardest part was yet to come. Shelly had told him that Ryan wasn't mad at him but he wouldn't be surprised if Ryan didn't act the same way his mom did. Ryan was the one he had ran out on and broke his heart. He wouldn't blame Ryan if he didn't take him back.

He parked his car in front of the house and made his way up the front steps. His heart was pounding in his chest as he rang the bell. He didn't know if Ryan would hear the doorbell but he didn't want to just walk right in.

Austin stood there for a moment and just as he was about to ring the bell again the door opened, and there was Ryan.

Ryan's eyes grew wide as he looked at the person he never thought he would see again in his life.

"Hi Ryan, I'm sorry for leaving you and hurting you like I did. I was wondering if you would take me back but I understand if you don't want too." Austin babbled as he looked at Ryan.

Ryan just stood there, not saying a word. Austin couldn't tell what Ryan was going to say or do...