Enjoying Your Company //

chapter four

Vanessa's POV:

I walk into my apparent and locked the door. Leaning against it, unable to help but slam my eyes closed and wiggle. Just as I broke into my victory dance, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi honey."

"Hi mom!" I cheer. Hanging my purse and jacket.

"How are you doing? Are you struggling today?" I kept the phone to my ear with my shoulder, getting a drink from the fridge.

"No mom, I actually feel really good." I pull out the orange bottle of meds, taking a few, and tossing them back with some water. "You'll never guess what happened. I just met the most enchanting man, and we're going out on a date!"

"Vanessa! That's wonderful! What's his name?"

"Spencer," I bit my lip in excitement, just thinking about his kissable lips and gorgeous locks. Flopping over the couch, upside down. "We met today, at the bookstore."

"At 'bottomless bookshop'? That's your favorite!" I love talking with my mom, she knew just who I was, we didn't have any secrets. "Are you sure you're ready for this? A new man in your life?" I sat myself up, criss-cross, contemplating that.

"I don't know, but I think I'm willing to try with him. He's not like the other people I've been with, mom. He's intellectual, he's gentle, he seems like a genuine, good, guy."

"I'm sure he is sweetie, just remember to be careful, don't rush into anything. Are you keeping up with your meds?"

"Yes mom, twice a day, they're really working this time, I feel much better." I stood, walking to my bookshelf, scanning for a good read.

"Good, I'm so proud of you Vanessa. You've come a long way, don't let anyone try to take that away from you." I pulled a book off the shelf.

"I won't mom, I promise. I'm being careful." I said turning, sitting back on the couch with my blanket. My little black cat Olive jumped up beside me, curling up in my lap. 

"Have you had any trouble since you moved? With Lukas?"

"No, thankfully." I say, lightly. "No El Camino, no pictures, no cigarette buds."

"Good, honey. You know you can always move back home if you need too-"

"I don't, need to, mom. As long as Lukas doesn't know where I am, I'll be fine." 

"Okay, okay. I'm just reminding you of your options. I love you 'Nessie, I'll talk to you later."

"I love you too mom." I hung up, setting my phone down, and cracking open my book.

•••

I was making lunch later in the day when my phone went off. I clamored too it, seeing it was an unsaved number. I took a quick breath, steadying myself as I answer. My heart leapt in my chest hearing Spencer's voice. We talked for a few minutes, my heart rate rose with his every word.

"Okay, Mr.Spy, I'll see you in a week for our date."

"Great. I'll give you a call when I'm back."

"Can't wait. Bye Spencer."

"Bye." I could feel the blushing heat radiating off me. The dial tone clicked and I jump up and down in the kitchen. After all I've been through, after everything I've done to over come, to get back on my feet. I was finally starting to feel safe in my own skin again. Everything was falling into place, meeting Spencer right now couldn't just be a coincidence. He was right, maybe it was fate.

I suddenly stop jumping, feeling the sensation that someone was watching me. I kept my cool, turning to look as nonchalantly as possible before finishing my lunch and moving into the living room, pulling the curtains closed.

I felt the same feeling again over the next few days. Like I was being stalked, like someone  was just out of frame for me to catch them following me. I kept inside most of today. Keeping the curtains drawn and lights dim. But even that didn't help. I start to feel the anxiety bubbling inside me...I leave my bedroom to grab my meds off the kitchen counter when I heard a small noise, followed by a creaking sound. I froze, too afraid to move. The kitchen, just steps away. But another creaking sounded off not far behind me. I glance towards the front door, too far, but my only safe egress.

I close my eyes. Took in a breath. And ran.

Just as my fingers grazed the knob, my neck snapped back. I thrashed behind someone forcibly holding me still. When something pricked the side of the neck, sending everything turning in circles.

I finally came too. My eyes, heavy, barely able to keep them open. I couldn't see straight, I couldn't hear anything either, just the sounds of dull muffles. My veins burning like a wild fire, drenched in a cold sweat. The sound of distant voices wafted through the air. Something moved in my skewed vision, forcing myself to blink in attempt to focus.

"Shhhh shh shh, now, baby, don't get yaself all worked up. You'gonna need alllll your strength." The sour voice rang through my ears. There's no way. This can't be happening...My eyes focused, refocused, and focused again as absolute terror set in. I thrashed and kicked, screaming against the duct tape polarizing my sound.

Lukas...

He touched me with a filthy hand, keeping my hair in his grasp.

"Hi Vanessa, knew you'd be happy to see me."