Page 96 of The Sound Of Us

I focus on the bile sitting high in my chest from Frank’s proximity. I use my revulsion for him like a shield. “Yes, Frank.” Over my dead fuckin’ body.

“Anyway,” he continues, “as I was saying, sometimes I get a little out of hand. I do and say things I don’t mean. You know that about me. You understand, right?”

His palm caresses my cheek. Vomit sits in my throat.

All I can do is nod and pray he doesn’t kiss me.

He does. A sloppy, cold, awful kiss.

“Come on. Leave these dishes. I’ll help you with them later. Come lie on the bed and I’ll rub your shoulders.”

Chapter 52

Eli

We'll have to wait sixty days at the minimum to have Axel's divorce finalized, even with a friendly judge but we don't have to wait that long to get Axel away from here.

I send several texts to his iPhone telling him not to worry, for him to see when he gets back to work tomorrow. Each text ends with I love you. A truer thing has never been said.

I’ve considered several over the top options to keep Axel safe. Pressing charges even though Axel told me to leave it alone, sending a surveillance team to watch over him. I’ll have security so tight Frank’s head would spin. I even considered having someone rough Frank up a little bit. Desperation is a dangerous thing.

I’m trying to listen to Axel and keep things calm until we can leave together, but the thought of Frank not just touching Axel but violating him is not something I can sit on and do nothing.

I make a video call to my mother at around eight-thirty.

“Have you been to the doctor?” I sign.

“Tomorrow,” she signs back.

“Okay. Are you feeling okay, though?”

She smiles but doesn’t answer. “Why don’t you fly out for a day or two?”

I’ve told her nothing of how much my life has changed since I arrived at River Valley.

“I can’t…”

“You look tired. What's wrong?” she signs.

“Nothing. I'm okay. I’ve met someone.”

Her eyes light up like a thousand lights.

“Oh, Eli…”

“Don’t cry,” I sign, smiling.

“What’s his name?”

“Axel.”

“Axel… such a lovely name. Bring him with you. I want to see you. Both of you. I’ve missed your face and I want to see the person who’s found your heart.”

“I’ll try.”

“I’m so happy for you, Eli. I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Me too,” I sign.

---