Thank you for waiting, the next chapter has arrived!
I take the next few days off of work because the nausea continues to stay with me. The message haunts me all the while. Don't you dare. I see everything. Is Joy really dangerous? Or are they empty threats? But then I remember the red mark I saw in the mirror on my cheek after she left, and I know she's serious. She takes down whatever is in the way of what she wants, and she wants Fabian. But how can I give up Fabian when he's the one? The thought of hurting him or letting him be with Joy makes me even more sick than the thought of what she can do to me.
Fabian calls me at least a hundred times, but I don't dare pick up, not with Joy watching. Not with the endless possibilities running through my head. Ways to die, forms of torture, places she can bury me alive. Every time I hear footsteps from upstairs or music, anything, I am scared out of my wits, and there's no way to stop it.
After three long days in my apartment, I know I can't afford not working anymore. On the fourth morning, I try as hard as possible to forget what Joy said. I shower and get dressed, eat breakfast, and go out to my car. But when I get there, I know there's no way I'll be able to drive it to work. The tires are slashed, and "man thief" is written in all capitals on the windows. Why can't she let go?
It's right then that i decide I'm not going to let her win. I find my bike, hidden behind boxes I still haven't opened since I moved in. I air up the tires and ride it to the book shop-the one from the date, and Fabian didn't know I actually work work there- and Brenna is happy to see me. After work it over, I ride home. I don't know if it's a sudden burst of courage or if I just miss him so much, but I text Fabian.
Let's go out soon, I miss you.
I don't care what happens anymore. She's not gonna beat me.
