𝐔𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃

88 | a way out

Disclaimer: This chapter contains sensitive and graphic themes of violence. If you can't handle such topics feel free to skip this one out.

Nox

Three years ago on New Years...

I remember the first time I grazed a steering wheel.

It was on my first date with Elijah. I was wearing my cute little red floral dress and he was in a leather jacket and ankle high Converses. I remember how anxious I was for that one date; my stomach was making somersaults in my body, and I wanted to throw up from how anxious I was. The idea of sitting across someone I barely know and having to stir up random conversation was my main root of fear on dates, because you can never know how it goes. You might say the wrong things and hurt the other person, or you might accidentally say something embarrassing that will make you want to crawl into a hole and die.

I hadn't gone on many dates up until that point and I usually avoided the traditional dinner date, because it was too stressful. I had no idea what Elijah had in mind, but in case he didn't make any plans, then I would have to come up with something quick.

I remember him standing near his car right outside my house, waiting for me. I remember how relieved I was that nobody was at home because he already made me anxious enough as it is and having to introduce him to my dad at the very first date would make me explode inside. Instead, of taking me downtown to some extravagant restaurant, we went on an evening drive with the windows rolled down and Bruno Mars blasting from the speakers. We talked and talked endlessly while munching on Red Hot Cheetos and Gummy Bears, when we suddenly reached an empty parking lot.

My stomach immediately dropped and the first thought that came to mind was 'this is it'. This is how I'll die. He will tear me open and rip my kidneys from my body then sell them to the black market; I've watched a fuck ton of true crime documentaries so I'm not a stranger to how this type of shit goes down.

But then he got out of the car without the keys and circled around to my side of the car with an irresistible smile.

'I don't know if this is an ideal first date, but you always wanted to learn how to drive, so I figured that this is the perfect place.' He said, resting his arm on the window.

Elijah got me comfortable with the car's controls and helped me adjust the seat. It took some time, but I got familiar with the foot pedals and then he showed me the breaks. After showing me a few more things and giving me tips on how to handle a stick-shift, I turned on the engine. The car started to move, slowly until it got faster; I lost control and panicked and ran his car to a wall.

I was scared- no terrified. The front had gotten scratched on the rough surface of the wall and just as I thought he was going to yell at me, he started laughing. It was the most real thing I had ever heard in my life, so lively and vibrant it made me feel warm inside.

I told him I liked his laugh.

It was the first time I heard it.

It's funny how this version of Elijah seems to be so many light years away from me. The sweet, freckled boy that taught me how to drive is now replaced by the cruel man that made me bleed.

I don't know how I managed to steer clear from Elijah on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but I did. Much to my luck he didn't come over the house to check on me since as far as he knows, I'm spending my holiday at my aunts thanks to Axel covering up for me. I also haven't seen Yoongi since the night Elijah dropped by uninvited. He left soon after Elijah took his leave saying that he needed to go somewhere.