Page 52 of Xavier

“Hmmph.”

I stare out the windshield as he turns onto a gravel road. At least the thoughts of having sex with Xavier helped keep my mind off my need to relieve my bladder.

Trees pass in a blur as we head further down the one lane road. The gravel road narrows as we make our way over a small wooden bridge.

I’d hardly call it a bridge, but the small beaten up sign read “Old Deep Creek Bridge”, so I guess it is officially a bridge despite the three boards it took to cover the creek.

The gravel road opens up in front of a small one-story house that’s surrounded by trees. The wooden wrap-around porch looks inviting enough with several rocking chairs lined up, but there isn’t anything but trees to look at.

I probably won’t be sitting outside much.

Xavier parks the car at the end of the gravel and stretches his neck from side to side. “We’re here.”

“I figured.” I say before getting out of the car.

Leaving my bags in the trunk, I head up the steps to the front door while Xavier walks around the side of the house.

Squeezing my legs together, I pray he gets this door open soon or else I’m going to be popping a squat and peeing in the yard like an animal.

Motion inside the house causes my heart to race.

Did Xavier go through the back door, or is someone here waiting for us?

I squeeze myself between two rocking chairs and press my back against the vinyl siding as I concentrate on my breathing.

The front door opens revealing a very confused Xavier.

“Bri? Brianna?”

I step out from between the rocking chairs.

“What the hell? Why were you hiding?”

“That should be an obvious answer from all the shit I’ve witnessed. Where’s the bathroom? My bladder is about to bust.”

He points the way to the bathroom, and even though I know he won’t come in while I’m in here, I still lock the door behind me.

The bathroom is pretty large for a guest bathroom. The mint green paint is old and chipping, and the double vanity needs updating, but the tiled shower is spacious.

My gaze wanders over to the small window where the red and orange sky disappears behind the trees. If this house was bought as a safe house, why is there a window in the bathroom?

Did Dad assume since it’s so remote that no one would snoop around or look inside?

When my bladder is empty, I wash my hands with the scent free soap and stare at my reflection in the large mirror.

My normally bright eyes and tanned face look dull and hollow, like a part of me has already given up. Why should I continue to fight my dad and Xavier when they always get their way in the end?

It’s only been a few hours since we’ve left home, but it feels like it’s been days.

The silent car ride didn’t help pass the time.

How does Dad expect me to last God knows how long with Xavier here when he doesn’t speak much?

I need people to talk to. I’m a social butterfly. At least that’s what Mom calls me.

Xavier’s voice sounds from the other side of the door. “Brianna, are you alright?”

Tearing my gaze away from my reflection, I turn off the water and dry my hands before opening the door.

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