Signs of the Past

The Collision - Summer

The night that summer turned, started as a perfect day. Peter and I had spent the morning at the beach together. After the beach, we hung out with his friends Tommy and Alex for a few hours. We hung out at the pool and then I watched the three of them play video games. I liked to watch though; the boys were being really funny and competitive. I thought about leaving and giving Peter some space, but when I got up to leave Peter pulled me back down beside him. I didn't think about leaving again. 

After Tommy and Alex left, I went home to shower and change. I was hoping Peter would call and want to do something that night. Peter texted me a couple hours after I left. He wanted to grab fast food for dinner. Without hesitation I agreed and drove over to the McDonald's at the Oceanfront.

We picked up the food and decided to head back to his house to eat and watch a movie together. When we got back his parents' were home. I had hung out with them only a few times before, but I felt comfortable around them. His parents were warm and welcoming. 

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were sipping wine on the back porch. They called us to come sit with them when we finished eating.

We all laughed and chatted. Mr. Campbell and Peter talked baseball. Briefly, the four of us talked about college, Mr. Campbell asked if Peter was still on the waitlist. I didn't know what waitlist Mr. Campbell was talking about, I didn't even know Peter was serious about transferring colleges. Peter didn't seem to want to talk about it, he evaded the question by bringing up UVA baseball. The rest of the night I sat back and watched as Peter and his dad talked, occasionally me or Mrs. Campbell supplied a comment, mostly though it was just Peter and his dad. I was happy though, Peter's hand gripped mine the entire time.

I loved the relationship he had with his parents. They all genuinely liked being around each other. I liked that he wanted me to spend time with them, to get to know them.

As Peter's parents got up to go get ready for bed, he whispered into my hair. "You are my dream girl."

When it became time for me to go to make it home before curfew, I walked out to my car alone. Peter had passed out on the couch while we were watching a movie and his parents had already gone to bed. I didn't want to wake him just to walk me to the car. I decided to just text him when I got back to my house.

It was dark outside, only the street light illuminated the quiet road. 

I heard him before I saw him.

"You little slut." Charlie's voice hissed.

For a second, I was confused. It was only a momentarily lapse, when I realized it was Charlie my entire body was already on edge. I considered running, but I didn't know where Charlie was hiding. So, I remained frozen in place. 

Swallowing hard, I looked to see where he was hiding.

He was leaning against my car. I could hardly see him in the dim lighting.

Quickly, he stepped over towards me. He came so close that we were only mere inches apart. His fists were balled and the veins on his neck were popping.

"Well what do you have to say for yourself? Charlie's jaw remained clenched as he spoke to me.

I looked around to see if there was anyone outside, anyone who may be able to come and help me, but once again I was left alone with Charlie. He was always waiting to catch me alone and vulnerable. I should've known to have Peter walk me to the car.

"Charlie you should just leave. Let's not have this get out of hand again." My voice trembled as I spoke.

Charlie didn't seem to hear me. He was lost in his own world, he was talking underneath his breath. His words weren't coherent. I thought about running, he was so far out of it. But I didn't have time. In only a moment, his normally light blue eyes now dark and beady flicked up to glare at me. Nothing was going to stop him from going after me. That familiar feeling of being his prey returned to me and I flash back to the night of my senior prom and the car accident.