Chapter Eight - In My Life
I climbed up into the old truck like I'd done so many times before. When FP closed the door, I looked down to see the spot where I'd carved my initials into the paint. I gently ran my fingers over the old mark. Seventeen felt so long ago, but at the same time, it felt like yesterday. I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to avoid the mistakes that I'd made. Warn her about what the future holds. Maybe even tell her to wait. He would come back. He always did.
The driver's side door opened, and FP climbed in beside me. I looked over at him with a gentle smile and he held his arm out to me across the bench seat. I slid over next to him and rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head then put the truck in drive.
"She seems like a good kid," I finally said.
"TJ? Yeah, she is. She reminds me a lot of you, actually."
I looked up at him curiously. "She's angry, stubborn, and gets into fights?"
"No," he smiled. "Smart, ambitious, and won't take 'no' for an answer."
"Oh, stop." I hit the back of my hand on his chest.
"What? I'm just telling the truth," he shrugged.
I smiled and took his hand in mine. It was rough and calloused from years of hard work. But his touch was gentle, kind. I was finally starting to appreciate having him close. It's been hard the past couple of days, but his constant reminders that I'd never have to be alone again, that he would always be by my side, were working. I was starting to not be afraid that Drew would somehow show up around every corner.
He parked the truck across from the hotel and we walked up to the room. The autumn sun was starting to set, bathing the suite in golden light. I walked over to the window, my arms crossed over my chest, to see the world below. I hadn't noticed the vibrant colours of the leaves until now. Autumn was my favourite season and I'd completely overlooked it.
He walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I smiled softly and pushed my hair behind my ear. Nothing needed to be said. We just hung onto the moment. Two days ago, I wouldn't have allowed anyone near me like this. But now? I'd been reminded of what it felt like to be truly loved. That touch isn't a bad thing.
I spun around in his embrace and looked up. "I'm gonna go take a shower," I said. I'd been avoiding it since my return to Riverdale. I'd felt so vulnerable.
"I'll be here." He gave me a reassuring smile as he helped me take off his jacket.
I walked into the bathroom and closed the door, locking it. It was a habit that I wasn't ready to give up yet. I may have started to feel safe again, but not that safe. My trauma still ran deep.
I turned on the shower and started to undress. When the warm water hit my bare skin, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I took a deep breath of the steamy air, letting the tension in my body melt away. The bruises and cuts on my face stung when the water hit them, but, despite the pain, it was a welcome feeling. It reminded me that I was a survivor. I didn't have to answer to anyone anymore. I was free.
After my shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked into the bedroom. I made my way to the door and smiled, seeing FP sitting on the couch, reading. "I'll be out in a minute." I shut the door. Digging in my suitcase I found some comfortable clothes to change into.
Once changed, I opened the door with a soft smile. I stood there in an old, faded Riverdale men's ice hockey t-shirt and light grey pyjama shorts. My hair was still wet and hung in my face. I didn't bother putting my glasses back on.
In what felt like no time at all, FP was standing in front of me, pushing my wet, stringy bangs out of my eyes with a smile. "Feel better," he asked softly.
I nodded and rested my head on his chest. "Yeah."
"Good." He ran his fingers through my hair and held me close. We lingered in that safe feeling for what seemed like forever.
"Thank you," I said, pulling away slightly. "Thank you for making me feel safe again. It's been so long, and at first, I wasn't sure how to handle it. But you've been so patient. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You don't have to thank me. I love you, Artemis. I'll never let anything happen to you."
I'm not sure what came over me. One second, I was staring into his eyes with a loving yet longing expression on my face, and the next, my arms were wrapped around his neck and he was holding me close. I kissed him with all the love that I had. It had been so long since I'd felt this way. I could feel tears start to form in my eyes as we stood there locked in tight embrace. Almost nothing could ruin this moment. Nothing, except what happened next…
His cell phone rang in the other room. With an exacerbated sigh, he rolled his eyes. I could tell that he didn't want to answer, but I gave a nod towards the sound of the phone, gesturing for him to go. His fingers slid across my back, trying to hold onto me for as long as he could, but eventually, he had to let go. I wish he never did.
He answered the phone and just listened to what the other person had to say. Suddenly, he turned his back to me, his voice getting low and quiet. I stepped to the doorway separating the sitting room and bedroom, and just watched with worried eyes. I wasn't sure what the call was about, but I knew it couldn't be good.
"Thanks, Tom. I'll handle it," he said and hung up. He let out a heavy sigh as I took a step forward. Something happened, and he was trying to process. When he turned around, I saw worry in his face. Moving around the couch, he brought me back into the bedroom. I sat on the edge of the bed with him next to me. He took one of my hands and brushed away my hair, resting a gentle hand on the side of my face. The worry in my eyes must have been evident as I gazed up at him.
"Tem," he started. "That was Tom Keller. He got a call from Pop saying that a man matching Drew's description was just there asking about you." He took a deep breath and pulled me into himself. "Artemis, he's here."
My hands started to shake in his and my breath froze in my chest. The feeling of safety quickly faded. I felt helpless again. Even with his arms around me, holding me close, I was scared. The irrational thoughts started to flood my mind, and all I could do was sit there, catatonic.
