Page 104 of Right in Front of You

MOLLY

I searched for a cab, but the streets were abandoned, as if an apocalypse had struck the city. I should have known that I wouldn’t find one tonight. The busses were on a holiday schedule, and it would be quicker to walk than to wait for any sort of transportation when the World Series finals were on. I usually walked home, but today was different. An urge to get home to Carter pushed my feet to a fast walk when my phone rung.

“Doctor Burke, hi.”

“Molly, how are you? I’m in a rush and don’t have a lot of time, but can you get a message to Carter for me?”

“Yes, of course. Tell him to call me as soon as he can.”

“Sounds urgent.”

“Well, it sort of is and… well… just tell him that he was right. And tell him to call me. I have to go. Someone just came into the clinic.”

“Okay, I will. Take care.”

“Bye, Molly.”

I hung up and gazed up at the sky. Black clouds loomed in the distance, and I frowned. Rainy days were usually my favorite ones. Certain I could make it back to the apartment before the first drops, I threw my empty water bottle into a recycling bin and picked up my pace.

I couldn’t wait to see him and hug him so that he could take away this dreadful feeling I’d had since this morning. I hadn’t felt like this, ever – the worry that lightning would strike and tear away this bliss we were living in wouldn’t leave my mind.

Was that what love felt like? Did it give you wings? Because I certainly felt like I could fly and conquer anything. My love for him grew each day, and I couldn’t imagine loving him tomorrow any more than I did today, yet I was sure I would.

About halfway home, I felt my bladder fill and I realized that the huge bottle of water was being processed way too fast. I looked at my watch.

Three minutes. Just hold it for three minutes longer, and you’ll be home.

I chanted in my mind, quickening my steps, desperate to make it home. Of course my bladder had a mind of its own. No matter how hard I squeezed my thighs as I walked like a duck, the need to pee wouldn’t pass. In fact, if I held it in thirty seconds longer, I would have soiled my pants. I dashed through the door of a restaurant and headed straight for the bathroom. The relief was instant but short lived. It wasn’t until I finished peeing that I realized which restaurant I’d run into.

Shit!

I quickly wiped myself and flushed the toilet. It would have been a huge coincidence if he were here today, though. Given that he was wanted on assault charges, he was probably hiding out – or so I hoped.

Taking a deep breath in – not too deep because the smell of piss was overwhelming in this bathroom – I pushed the green stall door open and nearly fell over. Leaning back against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, he was looking at me, all smug and confident. Except he didn’t look like Father. He looked like someone who’d just walked off a horror movie set. What the hell had happened to his face? The damage I’d done when I hit him in the nose should have healed, yet the injuries on his face were fresh. I wish I knew whom he’d pissed off so that I could find them and thank them.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, hoping to keep that backbone I thought I’d grown over the years. It wouldn’t be easy with him staring at me with those predatory eyes.

“Don’t you know how to properly greet your father?” His lip was crooked when he talked, split at the side, and he looked like he was missing a tooth as well. Whoever got in the brawl with him had definitely won.

“I have a restraining order against you. The officer told me one was delivered to your work. And you’re wanted for assault.”

“So?” He shrugged arrogantly.

I felt shivers run up my spine.

“Get out of my way.” I moved forward. But he stepped to the side, blocking the door.

“What the hell do you want?” I asked.

“You.”

The word vibrated in my ears over and over again as I felt the walls close in.

You… You… You…

I had to get away. I casually reached inside my purse, hoping to get to my phone, maybe even the pepper spray, but his gaze followed my hand. He rushed at me and ripped the purse off my shoulder. It fell to the floor, spilling my phone and wallet. I backed against one of the stalls.

“I will never let you touch me again,” I said though gritted teeth. “You’re lucky I’m not pressing charges for…” Jesus, I couldn’t even say it. The thought alone made me want to vomit. “For everything else. Mom deserves so much better than you. I’m so happy she finally got rid of your sorry ass. It will all be final soon.”

---