Emily, Come Home

Three

 "I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?"

"No," I replied, never looking towards him. I heard him huff as he closed the door. The locks clicked, and his footsteps faded down the hallway. I listened for the sound of the car. As soon as I was sure he was gone, I ran to the closet and pulled the safe down, setting it on the table.

0-9-3-0

There was a click followed by a flashing green light. I turned the handle and opened it. As I rifled through the contents, I pulled out my phone and the gun. I closed the safe and put it back in its place before shutting the closet door. I looked around the room for a place to hide my contraband.

The strap of my bag stuck out from underneath the bed. I pulled it out from its hiding spot and quickly stuffed the phone and gun into it. I shifted the contents around so they weren't immediately visible before shoving the bag back underneath the bed.

I'm getting out of here. One way or another.

* * * * *

I heard the car door slam shut, and I listened as he clattered around in the kitchen. His footsteps grew louder as he made his way down the hall to the door. I quickly turned off the light and covered up. The locks clicked, and the door creaked open.

"Em?" He called faintly. I squeezed my eyes and made a sound similar to a snore. He sighed as he backed out of the room, closing the door behind him. I laid in the dark, and before long, I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke to the feeling of the bed sinking in. I blinked, trying to shake off the sleep.

"Em?" His voice was soft.

"Hmm?"

"I'm so sorry... Please," he pleaded. "I know you have every right to hate me. I don't blame you for wanting to leave."

"Hmm." I had nothing else to say. I knew how it would go.

"Em, I love you. I know that I have fucked up really bad. I have no right to ask you to stay. If you really want to go, I understand."

It's a trap.

"It's fine," I muttered as I rolled further away from him. He put his hand on my thigh, causing me to cringe.

"Can... Can I lay next to you?" I shrugged. He curled up behind me, putting his arm around my waist. He held me close. "Em, I'm so sorry. Do you think you could ever forgive me?"

It won't matter, because I'm leaving tonight.

"Maybe," I muttered. He squeezed me gently, and I winced. The bruises on my ribs were still tender.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled into my hair. I knew it wouldn't be long until he was out. Once he was asleep, I'd grab my bag and sneak out. If I could get to his keyring, I could grab the car key too.

"Em?" He muttered. I could tell that he was falling asleep.

"Yeah?"

"I love you. I really am sorry. For everything. It may not always seem like it, but I really do love you."

"Yeah. I love you too," I muttered. I kept my eyes open, willing myself to stay awake. I'd have to wait until he was in a deep sleep before I tried to escape, but once he was out, I'd be free.

I'd finally be free.