Painting

Chapter 50

I run behind the counter, he stands on the other side.

-Leave me alone!

I'm trembling. I take a knife from the knife holder and point it at him.

-What are you going to do with that?

-Keep you away.

A sly smile appears on his face.

-You couldn't, I know you. You're soft and sweet. You couldn't hurt anyone, even me. You're so small. You look like a child with that in your hands.

I stay silent, I see the knife trembling because of my hands. He holds out his right hand, to take it.

He says with a mocking tone.

-You could cut yourself and that wouldn't be any fun, now, would it?

He tries to come to my side of the counter. I scream like Wendy in The Shining.

-Stay away!

-Come on... We can talk like adults, it doesn't have to come to this.

-I wouldn't have to do this in the first place, if you didn't break into my apartment.

He rolls his eyes.

-I was worried about you, you can't blame me.

-Like I've been telling you, this whole time, I don't need you to worry about me. I need you to stay away. Don't talk to me, don't talk to my friends and don't talk to Victor and Tyler. I'm happy and I don't want you to take that away from me.

-Babydoll, I don't appreciate when you talk to me like that.

I think about all the things he did to me, over the past few months. All those times I got stuck between him and his walls. Stuck under him on his bed. Those times, he wrapped his hands around my throat. These times, he touched me without my consent. How he manipulated me like a doll and that nickname.... I'm about to burst in anger. I'm feeling a mix of emotions. Anger, sadness, fear, the adrenaline is rushing through my veins. He is looking at me with his signature patronizing look. You're not going to get me, Teddy, not this time.

-You don't appreciate, when I talk to you like that? Well, I don't appreciate when you come unannounced in my home. When you threaten me, when you push me on the walls, on your bed. You even tied me up, you sick fuck, I didn't ask for all of this. And that fucking nickname... I'm not your Babydoll. Now, get out of my home!

He laughs slightly.

-I have a double of the key. I can come whenever I want to. You can't keep me out. I'll stay here for your own good. Of course, you can try and kill me, I highly doubt you'll be able to, I'm almost twice your size. However, if you do kill me, how are you going to dispose of me?

I drop the knife on the counter and tears start running down my cheeks. I don't want that. He got me again. He is going to get what he wants.

-Now, come into my arms.

I respond faintly.

-No...

-I said, come and hug me.

I come closer and he warps his arms around me.

-Good girl.

He puts his hands on my shoulders and looks at me.

-I'm sorry, alright? I should've never left you. I'm going to protect you, cherish you and take care of you. I promise. 

Teddy slides his fingers in my hair.

-How about we go lie down on the couch? Like before.

I nod my head and look at the ground. He takes my hand and guide to me to the couch. I realize that I still have my phone in hands. He lies down and I do the same. He makes circles with his fingers on my arms.

After a couple of minutes, I try to stand up.

-Where are you going?

-To the bathroom.

-Give me your phone.

-I can't have you calling anybody, now can I?

I give him my phone and walk to the bathroom. I lock the door as quietly as possible. I whisper:

-Tyler... Victor... Help me.

What are you going to do now? Tap on the ground two times, summon Hades? You're so dumb. They won't come to you like that. They aren't greek gods. You were never good enough for them, anyway. You should be grateful that Teddy takes your ass back. You, little ingrate.

The tears come back and the voice is back too.