Page 31 of Twisted Obsession

I jerk toward the door and Thomas’s voice coming through it.

Now the trembling starts, and I fall back against the counter. I grip it with both hands, lowering myself to the floor. My knees are shaking, my throat closing.

Thomas did this.

He… he raped me?

There’s no way I would’ve slept through that. Not unless he drugged me or…

Well, that’s just it. My reasoning ends there.

“Melody?” The doorknob jiggles.

“I’m fine,” I call. “Sorry to worry you!”

But it isn’t fine. I take a burning-hot shower, rinsing away all evidence of what happened—except the bruises that I can’t seem to rub out of my skin. Bruises don’t work like that anyway. Or hickeys. But after, I stay in my room until I hear Natalie get home.

I know I should leave. That a smart, sensible person would call the cops or just walk out the door. And I would if I had anywhere else to go. I just got a job that hasn’t started yet. I’m still waiting on my new social security card to come in the mail. Besides the loan Thomas and Natalie gave me, I’ve gotnothing.

It’s a weird feeling, being so stuck. Like I’m sinking in mud with no helping hand in sight.

Just ride it out. The little voice in my head is meant to be reassuring, but really it’s just fucking depressing.

I manage to drag myself out in time for dinner. I echo that I’m okay, that I have a headache. But I do have news to share, so I tell them about my job. The social media assistant for the Colorado Titans.

Thomas blinks at me. “Does this have anything to do with the player you know?”

“No,” I lie. “I just saw a job advertisement and applied online. They called me in today, and I was hired on the spot.”

“Congratulations, Mel,” Natalie says. “We’re so proud of you.”

Like I’m a kid.

I guess I’m no better than one anyway. I smile at her praise and finish my dinner in silence, then I excuse myself and close myself away again. I need to pack for the day tomorrow, although it seems like we’ll be in and out.

My phone goes off.

Jacob

Ready for tomorrow?

What do I pack for two flights and no stayover? Socks? Snacks?

Definitely snacks.

Did I have social media? Before?

Why do you ask?

I just want to know if you knew me *that* well.

You did, but you didn’t post a lot.

I wait him out, chewing on my bottom lip.

Jacob

Your username was @melodyfliesaway

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