Page 14 of From My Past
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Bryan. I’m a friend from college and we work together. He texted me a little bit ago and asked me to come get you, that it was very urgent.” He said, pulling his phone out and the blue light illuminating in front of me. He held it out of the car so I could see the text thread. It did seem that a ‘Trenton’ asked Bryan to drive along Helena Street looking for a girl named Talia with my description.
“‘Absolutely no harm to come to her’, huh?” I read from the last text Bryan received from Trent.
“Yeah, I was hoping you could shine a light on why Trent demanded me to come get you. This is definitely a first.” Bryan said, gesturing with his head to the passenger side.
I took the gamble to trust Bryan, but honestly, I didn’t think too much about it. I was already in hell.
I slid into the black vehicle into the equally dark matching interior and shivered at the heater that was blowing deliciously warm air on me. It might be summertime, but after walking in the dark for 10 minutes, I appreciate the heat.
“So, Talia, want to tell me how your face got busted up?”
“So, Bryan, want to mind your own goddamn business?” As soon as the words leave my mouth I flinch. I wait for the hit, the slap, the verbal threat. But none came. Instead, a deep chuckle came from the driver side.
“Touché.” He said and started to drive. “Where am I going?”
“1400 South Beach. It’s an older apartment.”
“Gotcha.”
We both stay quiet, tension in the car is incredibly awkward. I pull the visor down to see the mirror and inspect my face. I was sure that I had put on enough makeup to hide the bruising, I hope at least that no one else could see the extent of the damage.
“Yes, I’m able to see it.” Bryan said softly.
“I fell down the stairs.” I said, robotically, monotone.
“Okay, if you say so.”
From his tone, I could tell that he honestly didn’t believe me, but he was accepting my lie.
“So, how do you know Trenton?” He asked, thankfully changing the subject.
“I knew him way back in college. But I hadn’t seen him in years and honestly, I didn’t even really know Trent. I knew Kieron and back then, they were friends. I don’t even know if Trenton put it together that we knew each other.”
“Interesting. Kieron is a good guy. We still talk often.” Bryan said and turned the blinker on to turn onto my street.
“That’s cool. I hope he’s well. I haven’t heard from either of them in five years. A lot has changed since then.”
“I bet.” He said and pulled up in front of my building. I desperately didn’t want to get out of the car. Once I got out, I would have to sit there and wait for my abuser to get home.
Just sit there and wait. The anticipation of what I was in for was almost as bad as the punishment itself sometimes.
It had been a nice moment, feeling like someone cared about me. But I knew it had to end.
“Thank you for the ride, please thank Trent for me as well. I don’t have any way to get in contact with him and I don’t think I could even if I did.” I opened the door and took a deep breath, gathering my courage to get out.
“Wait, Talia.” Bryan said before I stepped out and I turned to look at him. “If you need anything, anything at all, call either of these numbers.” He pulled what looked like a business card out and handed it to me. “That’s my number and Trent’s number. I know you’re in a… situation… right now where you’re scared, but you’re not alone. Not anymore.” He said with a sad smile.
I leaned over and took the card and looked at it reverently, like a lifeline. Which I suppose it was. Then I looked up to him and smiled as best I could while I held it close to my chest.
“Thank you.” I whispered.
“Please,please, take care of yourself. Take some painkillers. Rest.” He said to me, his eyes and tone urgent. I nodded slightly, knowing I couldn’t take painkillers because Luca wouldn’t let them in the house. He wanted me to feel the pain. Always had.
I climbed out of the car and walked up to the door. Expecting Bryan to drive away as soon as I stepped out, I looked back and was surprised to see him still waiting. I punched in the code to the door and when it opened, I turned back to Bryan. He waved through the open passenger window but still didn’t drive off.
I waved back, surprised, and shocked that he was still watching and waiting for me to get in safely. I walked into the lobby of my building and closed the gated door. Once the door was latched, he waved one more time and drove off.
