Escaping the Void

Chapter Two

Then, as if things couldn't get any worse, I hear someone call my name.

A man. 

I turn around to see a tall, lean guy walking towards us, his eyes dark brown and his hair pitch black and curly. His skin is brown and smooth looking. He's obviously built with a bit of muscles, and he has this impeccable smile that is captivating. He's wearing a t-shirt with some washed out jeans. But the most surprising thing of all is that I know exactly who he is. It's Carter Braxton. 

Carter and I were old high school friends. Well, we were more than friends. He was my high school sweetheart. He was actually the last boyfriend I had before I got together with Trevor. We dated from freshman year up until senior year. Yeah, I had a few rebounds, but nothing ever serious other than Carter and Trevor. Carter is the nicest guy I've ever met. Complete boyfriend material. He was phenomenal in school. President of student council, football and basketball player, 4.3 GPA. He's the type of guy you would be proud to take home to mom, the guy you would start a family with and plan the rest of your life with. And that's almost what we had. But, me being young and wild and not really wanting a commitment, I broke up with him. Worst decision of my entire twenty-two years of existence. 

He makes it to the table smiling his perfect grin that complements his dimples so nicely. His suave gleams at me as his eyes fall into mine. "Drew Marshall, is that you?" he says to me.

"Hey, Carter," I say quietly. Carter leans in for a hug. I pat him lightly on the back as Trevor watches in complete disdain.

"Wow, you look great," Carter says as he pulls away from me.

"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself," I smile. I try to be as nonchalant as possible, but I know that this is eating Trevor up inside albeit his blasé expression. "Whatcha been up to lately?"

"Oh, you know, just college mainly. USC."

"Awe, no Clemson?"

"Well, I got a full ride scholarship from USC for academics. Clemson gave me a scholarship for basketball. It was never my intentions to play sports in college, so USC it is," he sighs tucking his hands into his front pockets. Trevor clears his throat loudly, causing both Trevor and I look over to him. 

"Oh, sorry. Carter, this is my boyfriend Trevor Ridley," I say. Carter's eyes widen a bit.

"Boyfriend? Wow. I kinda thought he was your cousin or something," Carter says looking at Trevor. Trevor squints his eyes at him.

"Nope. Boyfriend," Trevor says. 

"Well, it's nice to meet you," he says as he holds out his hands for Trevor to shake, in which he does.

"Same. How do you know Drew?" 

"We dated in high school until she broke up with me," Carter says chuckling. "You're really lucky to have gotten a girl like her. I wish I was able to keep her."

"I'm glad you didn't," Trevor says frankly.  

"Uh, yeah, I'm sure," he says back, a bit shocked by Trevor's response. He turns his attention back to me. "So, how've you been?"

"Oh, pretty good. Just living life as is," I answer him.

"Ah, that's good. I don't mean to impose, but maybe we can catch up sometime? Say, over lunch?"

I want with all of my being to say yes. I want to say that that would be great. But I can't. I know that Trevor won't allow it. Not over his dead body would he ever let me go out with Carter to lunch or anywhere else for that matter. The answer is already no, and Trevor is going to make sure that he answers for me. 

"I'm sorry, but Drew can't go," Trevor says.

"Why not?" Carter asks, demented.

"Oh, because I said so," he answers almost smiling. 

"I didn't know you were the boss of her."

"Look, I already said that she's not going anywhere with you. You're not taking her to lunch, breakfast, or dinner."

"That's fine. We can do brunch, then," Carter says sarcastically, but I know he feels the heat of an argument coming on, and he's only fueling the fire. 

"Oh, so you think you're funny? Maybe you're just slow. I'll put it slowly: You're. Not. Taking. Her. Anywhere," Trevor says.

"Last time I checked, Drew could make her own decisions," Carter says, his smile fading. 

"And last time I checked, my fist was gonna bash your pretty little face in if you don't get the fuck outta here." Trevor stands and is only inches away from Carter's face.

"Are you threatening me?" Carter asks.

"That's up to you," Trevor spits back.

Trevor and Carter stays locked in each others glare for a while until Carter breaks out into a smile and starts laughing softly. "You're really not worth my time." Carter looks at me, "If you ever decide to go to lunch, call me. My number is still the same." He gives me a suggestive smile and walks back unto which he came.

Trevor stay in place, both of his hands in fists. The veins on the side of his neck start to bulge, and the sense of fear inside of me grows even worse. He looks down at me and his face hardens and his fists get tighter. He approaches me and yanks me up from my seat by my arm. "We're leaving," he whispers in my ear. 

"Our food hadn't even come out yet. Let's just wait. There won't be any more distractions," I whisper back, hoping he'll hear me out. He doesn't, though.

"We're leaving," he repeats as he grips my arm even tighter. His cold breath echoes through my ear. He starts walking towards the front door of the restaurant, hauling me behind him. On our way out, I see Lennon at another guest's table taking their order. He sees me and sends a woeful expression my way. But he won't do anything to help. No one will. 

When we're outside, Trevor opens the passenger door of the car and shoves me in. He crosses over to the drivers side, starts the car, and quickly pulls out onto the road back home. His speed escalates the longer he drives until he's finally dangerously over the speed limit. The only thing that runs through my mind is what Trevor might do to me when we get home.