Page 12 of Absolution

“No.” My voice cracked, and a droplet of water fell on my fist clenched tightly in my lap. I reached up and wiped wetness from my face.

“You. You’ve been what’s kept me going all these years.”

Black spots danced in front of me, and I could hear my ragged breathing.

“You know I’m coming for you, don’t you?”

My whole body shook with cold chills, and my teeth chattered when I answered.

“Ye-yes. I know.”

“Good girl. Be ready,” he paused, and I could hear his smile. “Or not.”

A soft click sounded, and the call was disconnected. On leaden feet, I stood and the phone receiver dropped out of my hand to dangle from the spiral slinky cord. Knowing I’d never make it to the bathroom, I spun and vomited into the kitchen sink. Sweat coated my skin, and my hand shook so hard I could barely turn the faucet on to wash the remnants of my stomach down the drain.

Once I’d emptied it completely, I rinsed my mouth out with water from the tap and grabbed a dish towel to dry my face. The nauseous feeling in my gut wouldn’t recede. My legs suddenly went weak, and I slid down the cabinets to the floor. I don’t know how long I sat there hugging my knees to my chest, but when I next blinked, dark shadows had crept across the floor. The faded beeping sound of a disconnected phone line echoed in the room, and I realized I’d never hung up the receiver.

Clumsily, I made it to my feet but stumbled a little. I crept into the living room and checked the locks on the door and all the windows. Once I felt confident they were secure, I picked up the phone. My call was answered before I was ready to talk.

“Gina, are you there? Talk to me.”

I cleared the rocks out of my throat. “Sorry, yeah, I’m here.”

“What’s going on?”

“I’m in trouble.”

“Where are you?” She was out of breath like she was running.

“I’m home.”

“On my way.”

“No, you don’t have to come.” I hated myself for over-reacting and scaring her.

“I’m already on my way. I’ll be there in twenty.”

* * *

True to her word,twenty minutes later, my doorbell rang. After a quick glance through the peephole, I opened the door.

“Okay, start talking.” Sonia barreled past me.

I sank onto the couch, but she remained standing.

“Gideon just called.”

“Fuck. Not just a messenger this time, but actually him?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck,” she repeated as she joined me on the couch.

“What did he say?”

“Same thing as always. Only this time, it’s real. I’ve been able to rationalize with myself that it’s just been a sick and twisted game he’s been playing with me. Another way for him to exert his power over me.”

Sonia took my hand in hers. “Sweetheart, it’s always been real. You’ve just been ignoring it. Same way an addict ignores the fact they’re an addict. First thing we’re going to do is go to the police. The second thing is a meeting. And another. I’ll go with you to as many meetings as you need in order to keep you on track. Have faith in yourself, your strength, and your sobriety.”

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