I race through the park, weaving around trees and pedestrians. Chase's footfalls clump behind me and I throw a grin over my shoulder. He puts on a spurt of speed and I squeal, pumping my arms faster. He may have longer strides than me but I have played sports most of my life. Chase cannot catch me, especially when I have increased endurance.
Not wanting to make him feel too discouraged I slow my pace ever so slightly. His arms clasp my waist and swing me around squealing, which causes him to lose balance. With an "oof" we both tumble down the grassy knoll. When I finally come to a stop the world is spinning. I roll onto my other side to where Chase is. His chest heaves deeply.
"That…that was fun," he manages.
I laugh breathlessly. "I'm out of shape," I exhale, flopping back down.
He laughs incredulously. "You're out of shape?" It takes a while for our breathing to return to normal. We lay in the grass watching the clouds flit past. Our hands find each other and hold on tight.
He leans over and places a kiss on my cheek. "Thanks for that."
His arm drapes over my shoulder, mine winds around his waist and we begin walking back. I could not be happier right now. That lightness evaporates as soon as I catch sight of a figure further along the path. Even with the distance between us, I would remember that gait anywhere.
Chase feels me tense and looks down. "What is it?"
I take a moment to steady my voice before answering. "Up there, that person? That's Jacob." His immediate reaction at my words is to push me behind him, take a step so he is positioned between Jacob and me. Jacob has not yet seen us. Seeing his back I feel a resolve begin to harden inside. I have been through so much in the past few months. I overcame my greatest fear and walked away from it. This is just one more thing I need to cross off my list.
Stepping around Chase I place a hand on his arm. "I need to deal with this. I'll be right back." Before he can argue I square my shoulders, take a deep breath and step confidently to my ex.
Jacob turns around and blinks in surprise. "Audrey, I didn't think I would see you here. Actually, come to think of it, I didn't think I would see you again ever."
"Listen, I need to make something clear: I am not afraid of you anymore. You are nothing more than a coward who enjoys the pain of others. I never want to see your face again and if I do, there is going to be hell to pay. The things I can do now…I will not hesitate to hurt anybody who threatens me the way you did. So it would be in your best interests to stay far away from me and everyone I care about."
He stares at me with an almost humorous look. "Okay, Audrey. Are you going to tell me what it is I should be so scared about?"
I smile slyly. "No, I'll show you." Stretching my arm out I will my hand into a gas. His eyes widen in horror and he shuffles back. "That's only a fraction of what I can do. The other things are so much cooler. Do you want to see?"
"No, you freak, get away from me!" Jacob begins walking backwards, arms out as if to ward me off.
"Leave, Jacob, and never come back." Under my glare he turns and hurries away. I watch with triumph as he disappears from my life.
"That was impressive. I'm so proud of you for finally standing up to him. You had the strength all along to, you know," Chase smiles.
I sigh contentedly and lean against him. "Thanks. It feels good to fully be in control. I don't think he is going to be coming near me."
"Nah. And I'll always be here to help you fight off your demons."
His hazel eyes sparkle with the light I have come to love in the first place. "Let's go home."