Run to You (6 page)

Travis

  I position myself securely next to her on the couch, my arm wraps protectively around her shoulder tucking her to me.  I have never seen someone look so terrified in my life.  I want nothing more than to keep her safe from whatever she’s scared of.  My free hand reaches up and gently caresses her cheek, as I smile dimly at her.

    “You ready to tell me what’s going on blue eyes? What the source of that fear I see in there is so I can make it disappear,” I say softly, my eyes never leaving hers.

    “No,” she sighs, “But I don’t think I have much of a choice anymore, just-just promise me you won’t leave.”

    “I promise you that no matter what you tell me right now, that there isn’t a thing in the entire universe that would make me leave your side,” I assure her.

She takes a deep breath as if steadying herself and it makes me nervous.  What could have possibly happened to this remarkable woman to make her so afraid?

    “It was 3 years ago today…I-I was dating a guy named Cole.  We had been together since freshman year so for about two years.  He was the quarterback of our high school team and the Mayor’s son.  Everyone thought he would go pro one day, everyone loved him.  At one point I thought I did too.” she pauses and closes her eyes, her pain stabs at me.  I squeeze her shoulder, a small gesture of reassurance.  “It was a Friday night and my dad was on call at the Fire Station.  He was the Captain back then, Cole had insisted he should come over and keep me company so that I wasn’t alone.  I didn’t’ see any harm in it, we have been alone before; but something about him was different that night.  I-I should’ve sensed it then, there were signs…I-I just didn’t want to see them.”  She exhales softly.  “Anyways, everything was going great…we were on my couch and we-we were making out,” she pauses again but I don’t flinch, my eyes are focused on her.  “He was getting carried away, starting to go further than I wanted so I started to push him away, to tell him that I wasn’t ready, but he-he wouldn’t listen…he just kept pushing…I started to panic and I-I begged him to stop, his hands just wouldn’t stop.  He was all over me, he was everywhere…his hands stopped being gentle and instead they became forceful.  His eyes, his eyes were so dark, not the calming grey I was used to.  They were, I don’t know how to describe it but they terrified me.” She starts to cry again.

  I feel myself becoming enraged, my hands tighten so I have to stop touching her, I can’t let her see my anger.  She starts rubbing her hands over her arms.

    “Chloe, you don’t have to tell me anymore…you don’t need to relive it, I think I’ve heard enough,” I say as my jaw tightens, not wanting to picture this image anymore.

    “No…no I need to tell you everything, you won’t understand if I don’t.” I nod and grimace.  “I started to fight him off, but he slapped me and he called me a tease, told me that he knew I wanted it.  He wouldn’t listen to me, I begged him, but he held me down, I started to panic and I-I grabbed the lamp next to the couch and hit him over the head.  He stumbled back enough that I was able to get off the couch, I had almost made it to the door when his hand latched onto my leg and pulled me to the ground.  He had blood trickling down his face over his eye I can still see it clear in my mind, he rolled me over and climbed on top of me. He ripped my shirt open tearing a piece off in the process, but when his hand reached up to pin mine down I bit him.  I bit down hard on his arm, he cursed at me but I was able to free myself and run out of the door.  I made it as far as the driveway and started screaming for help, nobody was outside, nobody came.”  She was sobbing uncontrollably now, trying to catch her breath.

    “Chloe…” I plead, “Stop, I can’t…I can’t hear anymore.”

    “I can taste it, Travis I can still taste his blood in my mouth.  I can still feel his filthy hands, the way he smelled.  It haunts me every day, Travis and that’s not even the worst of it.”  She says as her body starts to shake slightly.

    “There’s more? God Chloe, what else did he do to you?” I demand, I’m already fuming.

    “I was so focused on screaming for help that I didn’t hear him come up behind me.” She shudders.  “I-I don’t even know where he got it, or even what it was exactly…but-but something pierced my side.”  She says as she gently lifts up her shirt to reveal a disfigurement, a long scar about 6 inches.  I don’t say anything at first, instead I carefully reach down and rub my fingers over it.  She pulls away for a second and then relaxes into my touch.  This astounding, damaged woman has just poured her heart out to me, revealed her deepest secret to me and she actually looks scared, like I’m going to be the one to run.  It breaks my heart and I don’t deserve her.

    “I am so, so sorry you had to go through all that Chloe…I-I don’t even know what to say,” I apologize.

    “Yeah, I know.  I wish that was all.  Once I was on the ground, blood pooling up beside me, he starting kicking me; he told me my life would be over.  He wouldn’t stop, I’m guessing sound of the sirens must have spooked him because it was the only sound I heard as he took off.  My dad was the first responder, he’s the one that found me.”  She says shaking her head.  “It’s all my fault, Travis.  Everything is all my fault.  My dad lost his job and his mind.”

    “No…no Chloe, none of this is your fault.  Really Chloe, look at me,” I say as I force her eyes to meet mine.  “You are not to blame for that asshole’s actions.  You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  She’s bawling now, my arms surround her; her pain and fear overwhelm me.  There’s no way I’m ever letting this girl go.

    “Chloe, I-I know I’m going to regret asking this…but what does all that have to do with why you were so upset earlier?  What made you run to me?”

    “He found me, he’s here…it’s the only explanation for what’s been happening.  I-I don’t know how, he should be in prison,” She says.

    “Who found you? Cole? You’ve seen him? Did he hurt you?”

  I wait in silence as all she reveals to me soaks in.  At first I’m angry that she’s been keeping all this from me, but then I look into those eyes and see her fear.  I hadn’t realize that my arms were still not holding her until her hand reaches out and softly touches my shoulder.  My head snaps up and her eyes meet mine.

    “Don’t Chloe,” I shake my head and scoop her into my lap.  “Don’t try to console me, I’m the one that should be comforting you,” I kiss her.

    “I’m sorry, I-just…you looked so, so…I don’t know mad at me,” She explains.

    “Christ, Chloe…no, no I’m not mad at you. I’m angry, furious even but not at you, never at you.  Look Chloe I-I’m going to be honest with you I don’t really know what to do right now.  Part of me wants to storm out that door and find this creep and beat him within an inch of his life, but the other part desires to pick you up and carry you to my bed and shower you with so much love that you are forced to forget about this appalling nightmare that you’ve been living with.”

    “Travis, make me forget,” She whispers and I crumble.

Chloe

  He doesn’t speak again, instead his lips crash down hard on mine.  They’re soft and warm and I relish in them.  The way his hands feel wrapped around my waist is comforting and yet fervent.  I wrap my arms securely around his neck as he carries me toward his room, my back smacks into a wall a few times along the way but it doesn’t stop us.  My need for him consumes me, it’s my newest quest.

  He kicks the door shut behind us and tenderly places me down onto his bed, he positions him arms on either side of my head.  His body is a perfect fit on mine. My body eagerly rises up to meet his, while my lips urgently demand more.  His tongue swirls and dances around mine in perfect rhythm, as if there is a music only they can hear.  I yearn for more, I roll us so that our roles are reversed, so that my body now commands his.  He responds to my every touch, my hands are up his shirt stroking over his toned chest, feeling the ripples of his abs shutter as my fingertips graze over them.  He groans in response, softly tugging at my hair pulling me closer to him. 

  Sitting back I peel my off my shirt slowly, watching his eyes devour every inch of my exposed flesh, his hands skim over my now bare stomach.  I tug at his shirt, silently pleading him to join me.  He doesn’t ask any questions, he knows what I want.  Shifting slightly and using only one hand he pulls his shirt off and tosses it carelessly to the floor.  His hands wrap around my back and free my excited breasts from their restricting holders.  He’s sitting up now, and my legs are wrapped around his waist, and his hands are making small circles over my nipples causing them to become firm.  Waves of sensation course through my body as my skin ignites with passion.  My lips devour his again but they can’t get enough, I feel greedy but I don’t stop.  I coerce him back down to the bed and start my assault of kisses down his chest to his belly button.  My hands get to work on his button and zipper, once they complete their task, his evident erection springs forward. 

  He wiggles his hips to help me free himself fully from his jeans and boxers.  My hands wrap around his hard shaft, drawing it to my mouth.  It pulsates in anticipation as my lips curl around it. 

    “Shit, Chloe,” He groans as his hands clench the base of my neck guiding my head where he wants it. 

  I moan as a small amount of moisture hits my tongue, he quickly pulls my mouth from him and brings my lips back to his.  His strong hands force me onto my back, a small squeal escapes my lips as his hands frantically pull off my jeans.  My stomach aches when his hands skim down my inner thighs as he slowly pulls off my red lacey panties.  He spreads my legs and his eyes meet mine as he kisses his way down my scar.  I attempt to squeeze my legs shut as the sensation of it makes me quiver but his hands hold them firm on either side of his head.  When his lips graze over my wetness, I nearly unravel.  His warm breath excites me as his tongue swirls around in circles over my spot.  His tongue sets me on fire causing my hips to move matching his strokes.  When he gently slides his index finger inside me causing my muscles to tighten around it, I nearly loose it.  He groans, “Fuck you’re tight.”  My hands clench the bedsheet beneath me as I attempt to keep my body still underneath him.

    “Travis,” I whisper, “I need you.”

  His lips are back on mine now while his erection glides up and down over my incredibly ready entrance, it feels unbelievable.  When he finally enters me the pleasure is so intense it nearly stops my breath.  It isn’t until his mouth surrounds mine that I remember to breathe again.  He consumes me, and as his release joins mine I finally feel whole.  He collapses on me, we’re both panting.

    “I’m sorry, I-I wanted that to be longer, but fuck…you were so tight.  Did I hurt you?” He asks examining my face.

    “No, no you didn’t hurt me, that was…that was amazing,” I smile, “I had no idea it would be like that.”

    “Wait, you’ve had sex before right?”  I look down at his chest, refusing to look into his eyes.  “Chloe,” he lifts my chin up, “Shit…I should’ve known, I mean I knew you were tight, I just thought…Christ I’m an asshole.”

  I bite my lip, “I’ve never, I-mean, the thought of someone touching me…I just-I just couldn’t before.”

  He climbs off me and starts pacing near the bed, I start to panic, did I do something wrong.

    “Why didn’t you tell me, Chloe…you probably think I’m a horrible person now.”

    “Why?” I ask sitting up to wrap the sheet around my body, feeling embarrassed.  “I wanted you to, I needed you Travis.”

  He stops and stares at me for a moment before closing the distance between us and kisses me.  He rests his forehead on mine, “Thank you…for trusting me,” He says with a smile.  And I do, for whatever reason I trust this man with my life.

Chloe

  We must have fallen asleep because I wake up wrapped in his arms.  His leg is tangled with mine and his arms are possessively wrapped around my chest.  After a lot of careful maneuvering I manage to free myself.  I retrieve his shirt from the floor and throw it on, it’s big on me, coming to rest just above my knees but it smells like him and I love it.  I quietly open the door and make my way to the kitchen, I am in desperate need of some coffee.  A whistle from behind me startles me, I turn to find Travis’s roommates staring at me with their mouths open.  They’re on the couch, holding game controllers.  I’m frozen in my spot, I feel my cheeks redden as the awkward silence fills the room.

  Strong arms wrap around my waist, as Travis kisses my neck.  Once he releases me he grabs the coffee cup from my hand and winks at me.

    “Stop gawking at my girlfriend dipshits,” he smiles, interlacing his free hand with mine dragging me toward the coffee pot.

    “Girlfriend?” I ask with a confused look on my face. 

    He stops pouring long to enough to look up at me and smile, “Do you object to that?”

  I just shake my head and smile, of course I don’t object to that.  I mean yeah we’ve only known each other a short time but I can’t imagine being with anyone else now that I’ve had him.  No, this man owns me…mind, body and soul.  No question.  He seemed happy with my answer as he handed me a cup of fresh coffee and a banana.

    “As you were boys,” he tells his friends with a smirk and ushers me back toward his room.

  I sit Indian style on his bed, while he sits across from me on his computer chair.  We both stare at each other over our cups, his emerald eyes have a sparkle to them, something I never noticed before.  The silence is killing me, we have too much awkward silence.  Silence makes me think about things and I don’t want to think right now.

    “What’s your favorite movie?” I ask between sips.

    He chuckles, “Uh…that’s random.”

    “I just figure I should get to know everything about you, I mean I am your girlfriend now.  What would people say if I didn’t know anything about you?” I reply and tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

    “Okay, I’ll play.  Hmm…I’m going to have to go with 50 First dates, you know the one with Adam Sandler.”

    “Of course I know it, I’m just shocked…that’s not your typical guy movie.”

    “You callin me a chick? Cause I will be more than happy to give you a repeat of last night and reclaim my manhood,” he winks.

    I laugh, “No, I mean…not right now.  Okay so um, favorite food?”  I feel like I’m back in grade school passing notes back and forth to the boy I like.

    “Nope, you first…what’s your favorite movie?” He replies.

    “The Notebook.  I guess in a way it gives me hope.” I smile shyly at him.  He stares intensely at me for a moment and I realize I haven’t told him about my dad yet.  “My dad…he um, he started drinking a lot after losing his job.  The doctors say that’s what brought on his Dementia.  All the alcohol.  He doesn’t remember a lot anymore, you know bits and pieces here and there.”

    “Ah shit Chlo, I didn’t’ know. I mean I remember you saying he lost his job but,” he doesn’t finish, instead he places his cup on the floor and sits beside me pulling me into him.  “Where is he now?”

    “Back home, his best friend moved in with us, Mac.  He’s been taking care of him this whole time.  He’s been a God send to us.” I smile.  “Okay…now, favorite color?” I ask again, hoping to change the subject.

    He stares at me for a moment, “Blue…not just any blue,” he reaches up and gently rubs his thumb under my eyes.  “This blue right here is my absolute favorite color in the entire world.  It has the power to burn through my soul and ignite my entire world on fire with just one look.  I could get lost in these gorgeous blue pools forever.”

  And then he kisses me.

  And it’s incredible.

  It’s at that very moment my phone chooses to ring, I don’t’ even remember where I put it so I have to follow the sound.  I look at the screen-Unknown caller.  I slide the green line over to answer, “Hello?”

    There’s silence for a few moments before a deep voice penetrates through the line, “No sleep for the wicked.  Time is almost up, run Chloe…run.”  I drop the phone and sink to the floor with it.

  Travis drops to my side and grabs the phone, “Hello? Hello…who the hell is this?” he shouts.  I’m guessing nobody answers back for him since he slams the phone down and turns my shoulders toward him.  “Who was that Chlo, what did they say?”

  I tell him, and then bury my head into the safe spot between his neck and his shoulder.  I need to feel safe, he is safe.

    “That’s it, you’re staying here with me and we’re going to the police.” He states as his hands rub soothingly up and down my back.  “I won’t let him hurt you, Chlo.  We’ll figure it out.”

  I don’t argue but I want to.  I want to run out that door and never look back, I want to protect him.  He doesn’t deserve to deal with my baggage but I’m terrified he will stay anyway.