Safe (4 page)

On the other wall were floor to ceiling mirrors. I stepped in front of it, surprised at the progress my bruising and cuts had made. They were almost gone, with only a small bit of yellowing around one of my blue eyes. This, of course, I could cover up easily with makeup. I learned to perfect this over the years.

I hadn’t put any eye makeup on for the trip, so I looked incredibly young. The concealer on my face covered up the bruising and gave me a nice glow. I was looking like myself again.

My hair was a mess. I pulled it down from the messy bun and watched as my long auburn hair fell down to the small of my back. I quickly used my fingers to try and comb through it. There was no use, so I threw it back up in the bun.

I lifted my shirt up carefully, as my arms were still a bit sore, and looked at my ribs. Rob did a number on them this time. Nothing broken or cracked, just bruised up pretty good. Asshole.

My tiny waist had a few bruises left over from a few of the kicks, but it was healing nicely. Over the years, I was very lucky to not suffer any permanent physical damage at the hands of Rob.

I really wanted to be completely healed before I moved to Georgia with Lauryn and her family. I didn’t want anyone to see my jacked up face and body. I knew the first thing out of their mouths would be, “What the hell happened to you?” I didn’t want to answer that question. This was my fresh start. No more looking back … only forward.

Since two weeks had passed, everything was looking really well.

Snapping me out of my thoughts, my body tensed when I heard the door open. Seeing Lauryn standing there, I felt my entire body relax.

“Hey! Don’t you just love the bathroom? Daddy redid both yours and mine … and well the whole house! I was so excited about the tub!” Lauryn oozed energy, and I was hoping that I could somewhat keep up with her, considering she and her brother were the only people I really knew here.

“I do love it. I wanted to jump in. Maybe later, though.” I smiled back to her.

“Let’s show you the rest of our place here. This is your home just as much as mine, and it’s changed lots since you were here last,” Lauryn said as she took my arm and pulled me through the door.

Lauryn’s parents, Aunt Maggie and Uncle Jim, were nice enough to let me move into their guesthouse with Lauryn. They had acres and acres of land here in Georgia. The main house, where they lived, wasn’t too far away. But it was far enough that it felt as if we lived alone. As a child, I visited many times on family vacations, but I never thought I would be living here.

I’d known the layout, but since Uncle Jim did tons of renovations to the place, it all looked brand new—almost like I’d never seen it before.

Leading me into the hallway, Lauryn pulled me into the wide open living room. If I didn’t already know this was a guesthouse, I would never have known by the look of the house. It was beautiful and more than something the kids just lived in.

The living room had floor to ceiling windows, and I hoped to God I didn’t have to climb a ladder to clean those suckers. The view was astonishing. The lake instantly grabbed my attention. The way the sun shined on it made it look like a glass mirror. The huge dock on the left side looked like an awesome place to sit, relax, and read.

On the opposite side of the lake were trees—hundreds of them—like our own little forest. A shiver ran down my back when I thought about things … or people … that could be hiding in those woods.

Shaking myself out of it, I noticed the huge grassy area before the woods began. There were several picnic tables set up and what looked like a fire pit in the center of homemade wooded benches.

I wonder if these got used a lot? Not that I knew anyone to have something like this, but it would have been fun to have a set up like this at home.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Lauryn’s voice squeaked.

“Yes.” I couldn’t help but feel my gut twist in what I knew was a little homesickness, even though I just got here.

“We have little get togethers now and then. We’re gonna have one in a few days. I’m inviting everyone, and I want them all to meet you!”

Feeling my mouth drop to the ground and stomach start to flip out of my body, words finally escaped my mouth. “You’re doing what exactly?” Was I really ready to meet everyone in this town? I guess that was what starting over meant, but it didn’t mean I was ready.

My hometown wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t this small either. It was big enough to have several schools, restaurants, and when you went out, you didn’t always see someone you knew.

Williamsfield, Georgia was a very small town. My mom told me before I left it was one grade school, one high school, several small businesses, a few restaurants, and if I wanted to go shopping, I would probably have to go to the next town.

It wasn’t a huge leap from Michigan, but it was going to be an adjustment. A small town reminded me of everyone knowing everything about everyone, and I just didn’t know if I was ready for that.

“It’s in a week or so. Nothing right now. We’ll have a bonfire, food, drinks, and people. It’s a kinda meet and greet! Everyone will so love you!” She sounded so excited. I didn’t want my nerves to burst her little happy bubble and yell, “Hell no.”

Closing my eyes and willing my mind to catch up with my mouth, I responded, “Sounds good. I can’t wait to meet … everyone.” My half smile really didn’t give too much away, although I was sure the hesitation in my voice did, but I could see on Lauryn’s face that she was having trouble trying to read me—this was fine with me.

After all, I had a few days to prepare, so it should be fine.

“Sadie, it’s just a little party so you can meet some new people. It’s no big deal. I’ll be around to introduce you to everyone.”

Sighing and letting it go, I conceded, “All right, show me the rest of the house.” I smiled at her, not feeling any more relieved at her declaration, but I would make due as always.

She turned me around to see the rest of the living room. Holy shit! My eyes focused on the biggest thing in the room, and I couldn’t tear my eyes off it. “I didn’t know they made TVs that big.”

“That was my birthday present from Daddy. He really does love me.” She winked. Okay, note to self: Lauryn is still Daddy’s little girl at twenty-five years old. Feeling the sadness creep up on me, I had to block it out. I missed being Daddy’s little girl. I missed my daddy.

“Wow. This is an awesome room!” My excitement was truly genuine.

If front of the TV meant for a giant, was a huge brown leather sectional couch. I could comfortably see myself relaxing and sleeping there, and in front of it was a beautiful glass coffee table. The room was warm and inviting, but very minimal.

“I love it.” I turned to Lauryn.

“I designed it myself. I told the contractors what I wanted, and well, poof! Here it is.” Her beaming smile told me she was obviously proud of her accomplishment, as she should be, since it turned out so beautiful. “Let me show you the kitchen! This is soooo my favorite!”

Lauryn took my arm and led me not too far, as it was a very large open space, and mostly just needed to turn into the kitchen.
Wow
was all I could think. Now, I don’t cook—never learned and didn’t plan on ever learning. It just wasn’t my thing. This kitchen looked like a chef’s masterpiece that you would see on one of those cooking shows on TV.

Stainless steel was everywhere, and the way the sun shined through those huge windows was almost blinding. With the bright white cabinets, the kitchen was a total knock out. Maybe I could learn a thing or two in here.

My favorite part was the island. I have a serious thing for them. I think it has to do with the long talks my dad and I used to have at ours at home. I miss those days.

It had six chairs around it and was huge. I could envision myself there eating breakfast, on my laptop, or talking to Lauryn. My body began to relax.

“Wow, Lauryn. This is outstanding.”

“Thank you. I love to cook and wanted something that I could move around in. And well, this is the result of
moving
.”

Lauryn lead me through the archway into the dining room. It was very simple, but no less beautiful than the rest. The table was solid cherry and could easily fit ten or more. Just how many parties does this girl have?

“Okay, Sadie, I saved the best for last!” Lauryn practically screamed at me. “Follow me!”

I dutifully followed her through the dining room to the hidden stairs. “I didn’t know these were here.” I had never seen them any of the times I had been here.

“This used to be the old cellar. Well, it’s not a cellar anymore.”

I walked steadily down the stairs and became utterly speechless. Red … everywhere. Red walls, red carpet, red recliners. “It’s a movie theater,” I whispered.

“Yes! And not only that.” She shoved open another door and revealed a game room. Yes, an actual game room … with real games. I saw skeeball and ran over to it.

“This was my favorite game as a kid,” I said in awe, placing my hand on the game as if it were about to come to life at my touch.

“Mom would take Seth and me to Arcade Palace, and we would battle this game. I remember one time I got this really cute girl to come talk with him, my ultimate distraction technique. Little did he know, I rolled all his balls into the gutter so he didn’t score.” I smiled at the thought.

“Well, you can come down here and play anytime you want!”

“I’ll take you up on that! When Seth comes home, it is so on!” I really hadn’t felt this enthusiastic about a game since I was a kid. But I really wanted to kick Seth’s ass. Moreover, I just wanted to see him.

“Is Seth coming home soon?” Lauryn asked quietly.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard anything from him in a while.” I wish I could hear his voice to just tell me he’s okay. Not hearing anything is the worst. I need to get that new email account up so I can try to get in touch with him.

“What about your mom? Will she come see you?” Lauryn was digging for information, and I knew it. I wanted to give it to her; I just couldn’t, at least not yet.

“I don’t know.”

I knew I needed to stay here and hideout, and hope Rob didn’t trace me. With all of his skills, I knew that one slip up would mean he could find me in an instant. The already mounting tension in my body froze at that realization. He could find me anywhere.

Lauryn’s voice shook me out of my thoughts. “Come sit, Sadie, I have a couple of questions.”

The basement looked like a ‘50s diner with booths and a jukebox. The black and white tiled floors and disco ball hanging from the ceiling added to the feel. This was by far my favorite room of the house.

I sat and listened, not wanting to answer any of Lauryn’s questions.

“I know that you don’t want to talk about what happened, and I get that. I just need to know what you’re going to tell people when they ask why you moved here. Everyone in this town will ask, trust me.”

I’m planning to tell everyone in the town the same thing. I didn’t want any confusion, and I knew I didn’t want to slip up and say something about Rob. It only takes one wrong person to know I’m here, and Rob will find me.

“I needed a change and came to stay with you,” I told her, smiling. That was the truth.

“You know that they’re going to push for more than that, right? Like where you moved from.”

Blowing out an exasperated breath, “They may, but I’m not giving them anymore. If they want to know about me, then I’ll tell them, but if they want the why … it’s not coming. If they ask where I’m from, I’ll just say up North.” With that, I stood up and headed toward the door. “I’m hungry and tired. I’m gonna grab a bite and head to bed.”

Lauryn began running up to me before I got far. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push.” I knew that she didn’t, but I was just done for the night. Moving to a new place really took its toll on me.

“I’m fine. I really am just tired. It’s been a long day.”

I ran up the stairs, grabbed a sandwich, and headed to my room, shutting the door.

Flopping on the bed, I pulled out my laptop. I still hadn’t deleted all my accounts yet so I thought I would do that first since I had every account imaginable.

Instantly, my instant messenger popped up. Macy’s name showed up in bold letters. I couldn’t help the smile that came across my face.

Macy and I have been friends since our first day of Kindergarten, when a photographer for the local newspaper snapped a picture of us holding hands. That picture is still proudly displayed in my parents’ living room and explained to anyone and everyone who comes into their home. The thought made me smile.

We’d had our ups and downs as any friendship would. We’d gone periods where we didn’t talk for months at a time and others where we stayed at each other’s houses ‘til all hours of the night. We went through the terrible ordeal of high school together, just barely getting by—by the skin of our teeth.

We even roomed together in college. We endured the frat parties, boyfriends, overnight guests, stealing of the food, and the almost ending of our friendship … stealing of the Diet Coke. Okay, so not really ending our friendship, but one does not touch my Diet Coke stash … ever.

But through it all, we’d remained friends, and I’d deeply miss her.

Macy: HEY! What are you doing?

Me: Talking to you.

Macy: Funny. How are you?

Me: Good.

Macy: Okay … what’s wrong? Answering in one word isn’t you.

Me: Just tired. It’s been a long day.

Macy: Did the move go okay?

Me: Yep, all moved in.

Macy: You gonna tell me where you went?

Me: Nope. I already told you. I’m in need of a fresh start.

Macy: It’s not like I’m gonna tell Rob where you are. I hate him just as much as you do.

Me: We talked about this before I left. This has to do with me. I needed to break away from Mom. She’s my crutch. I need to be free.