Page 32 of In Love with the Devil

I nod.

“Talk to me, Tory. What’s going on? You’ve been on edge for weeks and I’ve kept quiet, but it’s only getting worse,” says Mindy.

I shake my head. “It-it’s n-nothing, I just need to relax, that’s all. I need a vacation.”

She sighs, the annoyance pursing her lips. “Fine. But I want you to start searching for a different job. This is not you.” She’s upset with me and my heart breaks.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Sorry about what? You’ve done nothing, Tory.”

“I’m sorry I fainted. I’m sorry I called you over and bothered yo–”

“Tory, for fuck’s sakes, stop! I’m your friend. It’s my job to help you. Jesus Christ. It’s fine.”Silent minutes pass.“Come sleep at my place.”

“What? No.” The alarm in every cell of my body leaks into my syllables. What if Julian shows up over there and kills her? Oh Jesus. No. "That's a bad idea." I shake my head.

“Yes. Come. I can’t leave you alone while you’re like this. And it will do you some good to change settings.”

“I’m fine, Mindy.”

“I’ll order the roasted chicken from Paisano’s restaurant, some rice and beans?"

"With the sweet fried plantains? I ask as my body realizes I'm starving.

"And I have vanilla caramel ice cream. It’s my final offer, before I have Fernando beat you up into the trunk of his car. Take it or leave it.”

There are a few silent tense minutes of staring between the three of us.“Fine. Let me get some clothes.”

At her place, after dinner, we all sit to watch a movie. Mindy is in between me and Fernando. While I hug her arm, she hugs his. We eventually fall asleep like that. Fernando goes home some time in the middle of the night, and Mindy goes to her bed. For a while, I can’t close my eyes, listening hard to see if Julian followed us. My heart slams rapidly, but eventually, the exhaustion pushes me to sleep.

Chapter twelve

Late Again

Astoria

Memories of all that Julian did to me slowly trickled into clarity through nightmares. I kept waking up, screaming, thinking he was back and using my body for his pleasure again. The last time he did that to me wasn't the first. I looked it up. It’s possible to drug someone into a semi-paralyzed state but keep them aware of what’s happening.

Sick bastard.

It became difficult to stay in the present and deal with life. At work, I kept myself busy, but once I got home… I was a terrified mess. How I could get a wink of sleep was a mystery, especially in the home he invaded to rape me repeatedly. Eventually, I had no choice but to move in with Mindy, but after two weeks, I couldn’t handle continuing to disturb her life. I felt I was standing in her way, even though she never indicated such athing. I wanted to give her and Fernando privacy, so I returned to the house I’d been living in.

At the hint of any noise, I'd scream. I avoided going home for as many hours as possible, considered going to a shelter but decided against it. It was a rough few days while I searched for affordable homes on my work computer. Since he’d done something to my phone and laptop, I didn’t want to risk searching there. Knowing I was at least trying to find a way out of this mess helped me come to terms with things.

For the first time in my life, I was glad barely owned anything. The day I moved, I only took my clothes and what little make-up and hair products I had. With all that in Mindy’s trunk, we drove off. Two blocks away, I asked her to stop and I threw away my phone at the gas station.

It’s been two months since I last saw Julian, and one month since I moved. It’s like a second chance at life. The college vibe around my new place cheers me up. Even Mindy tells me I’m looking, sounding, and behaving more like myself again. Hopefully, killing Jeremy made Julian realize how off the rails he was or maybe he’s too busy hiding from the police to think of me. A part of me doubts it, but it's the only way I can move on with my life.

Today, I have that second appointment with Dr. Michaelson, so I rush through everything at work to leave early. This time, I want to be as professional as possible with him. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable with me, thinking I’m seeking special attention, by arriving late. So I finish three accounts in half the usual time and at five-thirty, I pack.

“Astoria?” my boss calls.

Fuck.“Yes?”

“Could you come in here for a minute?”

Two minutes later, I walk in and close the door behind me. He doesn’t even allow me to move from the door before raising his voice to ask, “What is the meaning of this?”

---