Trust Issues

Chapter 16: Transfer

TW: This chapter will go into more detail about abuse and homophobic slurs.

I was panting really hard as I ran. I keep looking behind me as if I'm going to see him, but I don't. I only hear his voice, but warped in an evil way.

"CJ you can't run forever, I will find you. Who do you think you are huh? Some sort of hero? You can't protect Catherine."

The demonic voice paused so I stopped running. I turn to see if it was following me and there was my father. Stood looking over me with that demonic smile again.

"No one can protect you either. Not even your little girlfriend Jasmine."

I woke up gasping and sweating again. I look beside me to see Cat long gone to school.

This is the third time I have had the same dream this week since seeing Tom and my uncle. It was getting uncontrollable. My fear made me jumpy. Just yesterday I had my earphones in as I was grocery shopping and got extremely startled by a lady tapping me on the shoulder to ask me a question.

This is ridiculous, I know they aren't here. They do not know we are here.

I had work later tonight so I took the opportunity this morning to wrap Christmas gifts. Catherine liked the idea of going to Lily's house, so I have to get everything wrapped and ready for that evening. It was quickly approaching, just over a week away.

I took sips of coffee as I sat on the floor wrapping gifts. However, all my attention was inside my head. I could not stop thinking about the amazing time I had with Jasmine that morning she took me out. That day made me realize something about her, she always knows how to make me feel better in the most simple ways. It's as if she knows exactly what I need to ease my worries. How kind and caring she is to others, how, despite her intense demeanour, she would give the shirt off her back for the people she loves. Not to mention the way her hips move beautifully when she dances...damn.

I was taken out of my trance when I almost chopped my finger off with scissor while cutting the wrapping paper.

I continued to ponder about Jasmine. It's interesting how she never presses for information. The day she brought me to her gym after I got a frightening unknown call, she did not ask what the reason behind my odd behaviour was. This time was no different, she helped me out of the situation with my uncle, and then cheered me up later, still no questions asked. I wonder if she's as curious about me and my life as I am about hers.

I finished wrapping everyones gift and decided to eat now that my stomach was really feeling the hunger. I think for the rest of the day until my shift, I am going to take time for myself. I love drawing and writing poetry, and it's been quite some time since I have been able to sit down and do any of it. It also seemed like a great outlet for all the feelings I'm experiencing.

***

Work was slow today. Of course being a weekday, I didn't expect any less...or more, I guess.

At around the halfway point of my shift, almost midnight, I took my break and decided to sit outside to clear my head a bit from this cloud of fear that had been following me lately. After that night I saw my uncle, my head has not been the same.

Let's be real...since I left florida, my head has not been the same.

I hear the back door open.

I look behind me from the step right under the door that I am sitting on, my jacket draped over me.

"What, do you smoke now? Since when do you want to be out in the cold miss Florida?" Jasmine sarcastically said.

I giggled at her annoying comment.