Painting

Chapter 49

I think I've never been so uncomfortable. Even more, then, when I was under Teddy, with no way of escaping. When we left the cabin, one hour ago, I decided to sit in the backseat and Tyler decided to drive. Victor has his headphones on. No one is talking. I'm scared to breathe too loudly. Outside, the trees are going by, so fast. I just hope we won't hit anything. Another hour to go and I'll be home, that's what matters most.

We're engaging on the street of my building. We stop in front of it. I open the door and get out, Victor does the same. He opens the trunk and I take my luggage. He looks at the ground and I hug him slightly. I wave my hand at Tyler and he does the same.

Victor gets back into the car and I stand there watching as it slowly goes away. They turn the corner. I open the door and put my right foot on the first step. Is Tyler going to go get help or not? I sincerely hope so. I like him. Victor won't let him screw his life over.

Why is my luggage so heavy? I don't want to climb the stairs and go see my parents, who are going to be obviously worried, because I look exhausted. I look in the reflecting glass. My hair is all over the place, I'm wearing an oversized sweater and leggings with holes in them. I'm a mess. I could be a star in a horror movie. I sigh and proceed to climb the stairs, my loft is on the highest floor. Alright, pick yourself up along with your luggage.

Left foot, right foot, you should be okay. I take my time.

I finally reach the last floor. I search inside my purse for my keys. I take my phone. I received a text from Victor and six from Teddy. I delete them without even looking and I go straight to Victor's.

Victor: Sorry, for the weird ride home, I hope you're not too angry or upset.

I respond.

June: It's okay, I understand, don't worry.

He responds almost instantly.

Victor: I'm glad.

I put my phone in my purse. I search for my keys again. I find them and unlock the door. All the lights are out, the sun is beginning to set. The soft orange light is comforting. I drop the keys on the table and turn on the lights. I'm glad to be back in my things. I'm hungry, I open the refrigerator, there's nothing in it. Is it surprising? Not at all. I guess, I'll just order something. I haven't eaten sushi in a while. I call up the sushi place. They will be there in 45 minutes. What to do? What to do?

Something doesn't feel right.

I feel observed.

I hear some noises but nothing to worry about. One is more suspicious though, it's like a door slowly closing. It must be imagination. I go put my luggage in my room, I'll empty it tomorrow.

I take off my clothes and jump in the shower. I want to wash up, but I don't want to erase the tiny marks, Victor left with his mouth and his fingers. My skin is soft. I let the water drop on my face and let my fingers wander on some interesting places.

I turn off the water and wrap a towel around my chest.

I go back into my room and let the towel drop on the floor.

The bed is done, so I crash on it. I don't feel like wearing clothes.

However, I have to, to go get my sushi at the door. I'll just put on my short pajama pants and my black kimono over it.

The delivery car is there. I open the door and go down the stairs. I pay the delivery guy and climb back up. I put the tray on the counter and start eating the pieces. I put some jazz on the speakers all over my apartment. I move around and dance with my hands in the air. I begin to dance more aggressively and to sing very badly too. I finish the whole tray and my pajama pants feel uncomfortable. Off they go, back in the drawer.

The noises, again. I slowly walk out of my room and turn on more lights. I tighten the bow of my kimono and quietly take my phone on the counter. The living room is clear, the kitchen is clear.

-Hi Babydoll.

I drop my phone on the floor, turn around and put my own hand on my mouth. My lips begin to tremble. Teddy leans on the front door and locks it.

-Your apartment isn't really secure. It was really easy to come in. The opposite of mine.

-How did you...?

-Come in? The owner can be easily tricked. He is so kind and considering. I just told him, I was your boyfriend and I wanted to surprise you with a gift. He gave me a double of the key.

-You lie and you manipulate people, like you breathe.

-I didn't lie.

-Yes, you did, you sick fuck.

-I told him, I wanted to surprise you, aren't you surprised?

-You're not my boyfriend anymore.

-That, soon, will change.

-You broke up with me!

-I know, babydoll and I'm sorry, it was a mistake.

-I don't want to. I don't want you.

He presses his lips together and looks away.

-I need you. I love you.

I sigh, to this day, I thought I would never say that but he looks pitiful.

-You don't love me. Stop it.

He sighs too.

-I find you pretty bold for someone so defenseless.

-What do you mean?

-You look good.

I look down and I realize, I'm only wearing panties and my black kimono. Damn it. Me and my habits. The panic starts to kick in a little bit. My ex is in my apartment and I'm basically naked. Great, that's just great. What do I do?

-Why are you here?

-You didn't answer any text. Where were you?

-It's none of your business.

-You were with them, obviously.

I roll my eyes.

-I guess, I can't tell you, to get out.

-I would stay polite, if I were you.

-Can you leave my apartment, please? Before, I scream for help.

-If you do that, you'll be laying on the ground so fast and you'll have a real reason to scream.

He says that with his left eyebrow lift up and a smirk stretching is lips. I take my phone back. I have two options, I can call the police or call the boys. If I call the police, Teddy is going to handle it like a pro, manipulating people is one of the things he does best. Do I even have time to call someone? He can just run toward me and take it out of my hands. I don't want to lose my phone. Think, think.

He is walking toward me. What do I do?

-No! Get away from me!

He looks at me, shocked, but follows a wicked smile.