19th Street

Chapter #4

I woke to a familiar sound I haven't heard in years, the chirping of birds.

Since when are there birds down at this room?

'You're going home, lovely. Jay had finally made the money.' my eyes shot open when the memory hit me.

Charlie said I'm going home, am I home?

I examined the surroundings with my eyes, I was lying on a soft fabric, and covered by another, a bed.

I looked up, looking for my arms when I realized they weren't tied above me anymore, but rather by my sides, free. I looked down to find my legs free as well. I sat up instantly, looking around the warm-looking room. I could recognize a desk, and a closet, as well as carpets set across the floor.

I have been here before, I am sure of it.

I stood up, taking a second to find balance of my unused feet, which have rested at the same position for days and nights. A mirror was hung on one of the walls, I walked up to it, absolutely shocked from the realization of my appearance. I was thin and boney, and scars and bruises had covered my once tan skin.

My hair was damp, and surprisingly untangled, and I was wearing a blue dress I had never seen before.

I assumed someone washed and changed me, and was disturbed of how okay I was with the image of Jay touching me. Usually I am not okay with the subject of physical contact.

One gaze at the clock was enough for me to finally have a sense of time; 5AM. That was when I noticed another figure lying on the bed. Sleeping peacefully. I approached it quietly, careful to not wake him up.

Messy black hair, and an olive tan skin was enough for me to recognize my dear friend. Jay.

Tears began forming in my eyes at the sight of him. The one guy who fought for me even after hearing the truth. After all the lies I've told. He was still there for me, and I will owe him my life.

Even though, I knew he already owns me. Literal speaking.

After all, he bought me off, and according to underworld laws, he owns me as if I was his dog. His broken stray dog.

"I'm sorry for everything, love. You don't deserve me as another problem in your life." I whispered in his ear, raising back up and sitting at his desk, taking out a piece of paper and pen and writing him a note.

Hey love,

I'm so sorry, you went through so much trouble just for me. I didn't deserve your love, or Nike's, or Ruby's. I got what I deserved from the gang, after lying to you all for years.

And now you own me, literally.

And I don't want to cause any other worry or trouble.

And that is why I've decided to take off. So, take care, and don't look for me.

Love you, Audrey.

I got up and out of the room, unlocking the front door and closing it behind me, running to the old rusty gas station I missed so much.

I came inside the shop, to find Juan looking back at me, his jaw dropped to the floor as he examined me.

"Good evening, Juan." I greeted, confused by the look he gave me.

"Audrey? What are you doing here? Where have you been all this time? The police have been searching for you for so long." he mumbled out, when it striked me.

"Juan.. how long has it been?" I asked, carefully choosing my words. I couldn't risk revealing any information that could get me in trouble.

"You don't know? What happened to you, dear?" he grew more worried, I realized it's been a long time from his reaction. "Please Juan, just answer my question." I asked, hugging myself tightly.

"It had been a year and ten months since you were officially titled as a missing person." I froze, trying to take in what he had said. It's been.. Two years? Two whole years at that stinking room, two years of no movement from that rusty bed, of pain, and thirst, and suffering. It's been two years.

"I'm okay, Juan. please don't call the police, not until I settle again. I'm not ready to face the world yet."

I pleaded with my eyes, tears sliding down my face. He sighed heavily, considering my request.

"Fine, but promise me you will call them soon." I nodded, exiting the shop and walking to my corner.

Two years had passed since I've slept here. And here I was, all over again.