The next morning I woke up to the strong smell of freshly ground coffie. Rumbling of cars driving down the road outside. The sun shining on the covers, warming them. Adam sat in the chair, drinking his coffie and reading the paper, like he always did. I could never understand how he moved on so quickly and acted like it never happened. As if everything was all ok.
"Morning Babe" He said.
"Morning"
"How many matches do you have today?"
"Just one"
"Good"
"Why is that good?" I asked.
"Never mind"
He clicked his lighter between his fingers, lighting up a cigarette and smoking it, filling his lungs.
"Come here" he waved me over.
I shuffled over to him and he motioned for me to sit down on his knee. I obeyed. He stroked over my cheek where he hit. The red mark had faded now, but the memory would always be there.
"You know I hate doing that to you princess" he said " but you have to behave"
"Yes"
"Good girl, no talking to other men, especially that Benny guy"
"What's wrong with him, he seems like a nice guy"
"He's a threat to me, I don't want you talking to him, understand?"
"Yes"
"Good, now get dressed"
I hurried, getting my little white dress on and shoes. Brushing my hair and my teeth then walked down with Adam to my match.
I played Townes, he was good, but I still managed to beat him. He shook my hand and Adam motioned to me to go back over to him. I sat up and went over to stand next to him.
"How am I not allowed to talk to them if I play them?" I asked.
"That's the only exception" he said " you know what happens if you disobey me"
"Yes"
I spotted Benny over by the corner fiddling with the rings on his fingers. He looked at me and smiled but I didn't smile back. I didn't want to get into any more trouble than I already was.
After that, Adam took us straight back up to our hotel room. I wasn't allowed to leave which was kind of boring. I didn't really have anything to do up here. Adam just drank bottle after bottle, watching the tv. It sickened me how much he drank, I wished he didn't do it. The amount of times he had come home drunk and...well, he gets a bit rough with me...
I read a book since I had nothing else to do. I liked reading because i could pretend I was somewhere else. Not here. Free.
Mine and Adam's relationship was sort of complicated. We met three years ago and we started getting really close. Handing out a lot and spending a lot of time together. Soon enough we started dating and I even moved in with him. But after about a year things started to change. Adam wasn't the guy I had fell in love with anymore. He started getting a little to physical. I always thought It was my fault, that I was doing something wrong. Everytime he always apologised and I forgave him because I was stupid. I thought that maybe somewhere deep down the guy I loved was still in there. But even if I wanted to leave I couldn't, he wouldn't let me.
Hours went by and I finished my book, putting it down on the bedside table. It was dark? I had been reading all day! I saw that Adam was asleep on the other side of the bed. Maybe If I was careful I could go outside? He wouldn't no so long as I got back before he woke up. He was pretty much drunk and always sleeps in until about eight.
Quietly, I tiptoed out of bed and grabbed my shoes, slipping them on my feet. I put my cardigan over my shoulders to keep the chill off, and walked over to the door. As silently as I could I unlocked it, trying to open the door without making it creak. I squeezed out of the gap and shut the door behind me.
I let out a big breath not realising that I had been holding it. My body was also shaking a little. I calmed myself down, reassuring myself that I would be fine and walked to the lift. I took the lift to the second floor and made my way towards the bar. Adam didn't let me drink often, so it would be nice to treat myself for once.
I kindly asked the man for a beer, and he handed me one. I thanked him, and took a long gulp.
"Hey" I heard.
I looked to see Benny beside me. He wasn't wearing his coat and hat like he always did at the tornaments. It was a little strange seeing him like this, but I liked it.
"Hi" I smiled.
"I haven't seen you all day" he said.
"Yeah, I was in my room"
"Why? It's a nice day, you could have been getting some fresh air"
"I- I just had things to do- studying"
"Hmm" he said " well I hope I can see more of you"
"I doubt it" I sighed.
"Why not?"
"No reason, I'm just busy"
"Why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something?" He asked suspiciously.
"What!" I said shocked " no- I'm not hiding anything I really am busy"
"Ok, if you say so" he shrugged taking a sip of his drink.
Me and Benny sat and talked for what seemed like forever. I loved talking with him, he never ceased to disappoint me. We talked about chess, life, past a lot of things. Laughing and smiling and joking.
"Uh I probably should get going now, it's getting kind of late" I told him.
"Ok that's fine, where's your boyfriend?"
I shivered a little at his mention.
"He's upstairs"
"Oh, would have thought he'd want to be here with you"
"No, he's sleeping, I'll see you tomorow Benny" I waved.
"Alright then, bye Y/n"
I slowly walked back to my hotel room thinking. Benny was so nice. I would love to see him more often but Adam wouldn't allow it. Maybe I could ask for his number and give him a call when I got home? I sneaked back inside the room and closed the Door quietly. When I saw him standing in the dark, arms folded.
I instantly felt my heart rate speed up rapidly. Sweat forming on the surface of my skin.
"Where the hell have you been!" he spat.
"I'm- I'm sorry" I apologised.
"I told you not to leave!" He shouted " and you did anyway!"
"I was only getting a drink I swear"
"Are you lying to me?" He got close only inches away from me.
"No I'm not I had one drink"
He examined my face, burrowing his eyebrows.
"You were with him weren't you?" He asked.
"What? I-"
"YOU WERE FUCKING WITH HIM!" He shouted.
He grabbed a tight hold around my neck pushing me hard into the door. I felt agonising pain crawl throughout every inch of my body. Tears fell from my eyes from the pain. My throat closed up from being squeezed by his strong grip.
"IF YOU EVER GO NEAR HIM AGAIN I'LL KILL HIM UNDERSTAND!"
I nodded unable speak. He released his grip on me and I took a deep breath of air, choking, trying to breathe again.
He walked out the door slamming it behind him with a crash. I fell to the floor, crawling into the corner of the room, huddling myself in a ball. Crying to myself, crying only made it hurt more, but the more it hurt the more I wanted to cry.
I stood up, walking towards the door to open it. I would quickly go and get some pain meds to hopefully help with the pain. But a light knock sounded at the door. When I opened it I was greeted with Benny.
When he saw me his smile quickly faded into a frown.
"What's wrong?" He asked concerned.
"Nothing I just- I'm fine" I told him.
"Y/n what's going on?"
"There isn't anything- Uh my grandpa passed away" I lied.
"Oh I'm sorry"
"It's fine, I just need to be alone"
"Yeah, that's fine I understand" he said.
"So please don't come to see me, I just need to mourn"
"That's fine, just let me know when you're feeling better ok" he smiled walking off.
I shut the door starting to sob again. I didn't know how much longer I could hide the truth for.