and instantly, I know the perfect
place.
“I know a spot we can go. It’s reclusive, and it’s got a
great scenic view. I’ll take you there. We can pack a lunch.” I don’t wait for
her to respond because I’m not sure if she really wants to hang out with me.
But I want to take her someplace nice, and we both need to clear our heads. I
head towards the shower and shut the door behind me. I know she won’t try to
run away from me again here in the city. She’s learned firsthand exactly how
rough this neighborhood is, but I’m not sure how she’ll respond elsewhere.
As the warm water hits my back I try to think of a plan to
keep her next to me when we travel outside of the city. I keep coming up blank,
and then I realize something very important. This girl has me wrapped around
her finger, and if she tries to run away today, I’ll let her because I only
want her to have the best.
WE COAST OUT of the alleyway, and
the feeling is amazing. We’re in the Beamer, which is a car I actually own, and
it has the darkest tinted windows. Sally packed us a lunch. We merge onto I-85
to head out of the city. Our drive will be almost an hour long and in the
silence, I wonder if Claire is planning her escape. It’s only been just over
twenty-four hours since her attack, but she’s able to slightly open her eye. I
glance over and then give her my iPod, which is wired into the stereo system.
“Pick out something for us to listen to.”
She thumbs through the lists and then I hear A-ha’s “Take On
Me” blasting through the speakers.
“You like 80s?”
“Yeah, apparently you do, too.”
“There’s something unique about music from the 80s”
We listen to the end of the song before Whitesnake starts to
sing “Is this Love?” I glance over at her and smirk. She smiles back, a genuine
smile and without thinking, I grab her hand. She doesn’t resist, and I wonder
why on earth she would let someone like me touch her.
“I’ve never asked you, how old are you?” I ask, assuming
she’s around my age.
“I’m twenty-five.”
“Tell me about your law degree.”
“I did my undergrad at the University of Georgia and then I
took two years off and worked for my dad. Then last year, I got accepted into
law school, and I’m in my second year.” She pauses for a second and then
continues in a quieter voice. “I’m doing an internship this summer at my dad’s
office.”
I feel terrible and don’t know what to say. “I’m sorry,
Claire.” I pause thinking of my words. “I promise I will make all this up to
you. I’m not sure how, but I will.”
“Why can’t you just let me go? Drop me back off at my dad’s office.
I won’t say a word.”
“Because it’s not that simple.”
“Why not?” Her voice is soft yet hard. She really doesn’t
get it.
“Claire, your dad and Officer Hamilton are on my ass. If I
drop you off there, they will question you, trust me, and no amount of
lying will save you their interrogation. They’ll find out where I am, and where
I’m running all the car thefts. They’ll use you to get to me. I’ll have to use
Plan B before I let Sarah and you return.” I don’t mention they can’t go back,
that I can’t take that chance.
“What’s Plan B?”
“I haven’t gotten that far,” I say under my breath.
She lets out a sigh and lets go of my hand. An instant
feeling of loneliness surges through my body, and I desire her warm hand back
in my own. I grab for her hand and give her a slight squeeze. “Baby, I said I
would make it up to you and I will. I promise.” I take her hand and kiss the
top as I see her relax. I feel as if I have temporarily made up for my sins,
even if it is for a small moment in time. We continue to drive down the
freeway, while Bon Jovi serenades us to “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
WE ARRIVE AT our destination and I
slide the Beamer into park. I glance around the dirt parking lot and notice no
other vehicles. It’s important
place.
“I know a spot we can go. It’s reclusive, and it’s got a
great scenic view. I’ll take you there. We can pack a lunch.” I don’t wait for
her to respond because I’m not sure if she really wants to hang out with me.
But I want to take her someplace nice, and we both need to clear our heads. I
head towards the shower and shut the door behind me. I know she won’t try to
run away from me again here in the city. She’s learned firsthand exactly how
rough this neighborhood is, but I’m not sure how she’ll respond elsewhere.
As the warm water hits my back I try to think of a plan to
keep her next to me when we travel outside of the city. I keep coming up blank,
and then I realize something very important. This girl has me wrapped around
her finger, and if she tries to run away today, I’ll let her because I only
want her to have the best.
WE COAST OUT of the alleyway, and
the feeling is amazing. We’re in the Beamer, which is a car I actually own, and
it has the darkest tinted windows. Sally packed us a lunch. We merge onto I-85
to head out of the city. Our drive will be almost an hour long and in the
silence, I wonder if Claire is planning her escape. It’s only been just over
twenty-four hours since her attack, but she’s able to slightly open her eye. I
glance over and then give her my iPod, which is wired into the stereo system.
“Pick out something for us to listen to.”
She thumbs through the lists and then I hear A-ha’s “Take On
Me” blasting through the speakers.
“You like 80s?”
“Yeah, apparently you do, too.”
“There’s something unique about music from the 80s”
We listen to the end of the song before Whitesnake starts to
sing “Is this Love?” I glance over at her and smirk. She smiles back, a genuine
smile and without thinking, I grab her hand. She doesn’t resist, and I wonder
why on earth she would let someone like me touch her.
“I’ve never asked you, how old are you?” I ask, assuming
she’s around my age.
“I’m twenty-five.”
“Tell me about your law degree.”
“I did my undergrad at the University of Georgia and then I
took two years off and worked for my dad. Then last year, I got accepted into
law school, and I’m in my second year.” She pauses for a second and then
continues in a quieter voice. “I’m doing an internship this summer at my dad’s
office.”
I feel terrible and don’t know what to say. “I’m sorry,
Claire.” I pause thinking of my words. “I promise I will make all this up to
you. I’m not sure how, but I will.”
“Why can’t you just let me go? Drop me back off at my dad’s office.
I won’t say a word.”
“Because it’s not that simple.”
“Why not?” Her voice is soft yet hard. She really doesn’t
get it.
“Claire, your dad and Officer Hamilton are on my ass. If I
drop you off there, they will question you, trust me, and no amount of
lying will save you their interrogation. They’ll find out where I am, and where
I’m running all the car thefts. They’ll use you to get to me. I’ll have to use
Plan B before I let Sarah and you return.” I don’t mention they can’t go back,
that I can’t take that chance.
“What’s Plan B?”
“I haven’t gotten that far,” I say under my breath.
She lets out a sigh and lets go of my hand. An instant
feeling of loneliness surges through my body, and I desire her warm hand back
in my own. I grab for her hand and give her a slight squeeze. “Baby, I said I
would make it up to you and I will. I promise.” I take her hand and kiss the
top as I see her relax. I feel as if I have temporarily made up for my sins,
even if it is for a small moment in time. We continue to drive down the
freeway, while Bon Jovi serenades us to “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
WE ARRIVE AT our destination and I
slide the Beamer into park. I glance around the dirt parking lot and notice no
other vehicles. It’s important
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