Artistchick96: I want to meet up. To talk about something.
I’m barely done pressing send when the screen lights up with another ding.
Nattybatty95: I’d definitely be down for that. Burning rubber to get home.
Artistchick96: See u there
Another ding.
Nattybatty95: What’s this all about? Is it Danny?
I turn off the phone instead of answering. It'll take too much to type to tell my story, and I'd rather think about what I’m going to tell her on the way over. I still haven't decided if I’m going to tell her the truth yet, or make up some story.
But whatever I’m gonna do, I need to go there quick so I can get back before Zander’s home. Glancing at the clock on the wall it's almost one, so I don’t have too long, but it's still plenty of time.
Don’t leave here without telling me. His words echo in my mind before I can take a single step.
For a moment, I’m frozen with indecision, not sure what to do. Zander was explicit about not going anywhere without asking for his permission.
But Natalie's my friend. And she needs to see me to feel secure. I can’t leave her worrying about me like that.
Deciding that Zander will have to get over it if he finds out, I quickly get dressed and take off without looking back. He’ll get over it. I glance at my purse a few times, wondering if I should text him. But I don’t. Instead, I turn up the radio and try to relax, but it’s impossible.
A heavy weight settles on my chest just thinking about opening up to Natalie. I don’t know what I should do. Tell the truth. Or lie.
There are no pros to either one. I tell the truth and Natalie goes nuts, wanting to call the police. I tell a lie, and I feel like a shit face asshole.
I lose either way.
Whatever I do, I’m still going to apologize for being an absentee friend these past few months. It’s really not fair how I’ve treated her after all she’s done for me.
When I pull into my usual parking space at the apartments, I don’t see Natalie’s car anywhere, but I figure she’ll show up any minute as I step out of the car and head up inside. The familiar scent of Natalie’s perfume hits me as I step through the doorway and I feel a sense of nostalgia.
I’ve been so wrapped up with Zander, I forgot how much I’ve missed my friends these past few days.
I walk down the hallway and go into my room. I toss the keys on my dresser and head over to the closet to grab some more canvas, but before I can open the doors, my eyes are drawn to a note on my bed.
My stomach drops in my chest when I pick it up and read it:
Ari
I know I haven’t been the best friend to you lately, always bugging you about the problems you’re having with Danny, but I’d just like to tell you I’m just concerned about your well-being. I don’t mean to be intrusive when I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. I just care about you and want what’s best for you. I really do hope that you’ll tell me about your problems one day.
Until then,
Love always,
Crazy Nat
Tears sting the back of my eyes as I read the message.
“Oh Nat,” I say softly, swallowing back a large lump in my throat, “Why do you have to make this so damn hard?” Now I’m really dreading our conversation. A part of me wants to leave now before she comes back, so I don’t have to deal with the situation. But I’m not going to take the easy way out. I’m going to wait until she’s here to decide which action I take.
I reread the message several more times before placing it on my nightstand and walking back into the living room to wait for Nat.
I flip through channels on the TV, thinking Nat is going to walk through the door any minute. But almost thirty minutes later, she's still not here. I glance at the time, my anxiety growing. Zander said he’d be back at six, and it’s almost two.
I turn back on my phone to text Nat to see what’s going on. Before I can type a letter, the last message she sent before I turned my cell off pops up.
Nattybatty95: Hey I’m going to stop by A.C. Moore to get some supplies so we can chat while we paint. I have a feeling this is gonna be a juicy talk. ;)
Artistchick96: Okay. I’m here at the apt already... but can you hurry? I need to leave here by 5:30.
No sooner than I’m done texting, there’s a knock at the door.
My heart jumps in my chest, my hand gripping at my shirt. It’s Natalie. It has to be. She’s probably back with her hands full of painting supplies. I let out a breath and try to shake off the dread.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Coming,” I call, slowly getting up, and moving as fast as I can.
I take a deep breath when I place my hand on the door handle. Muttering a quick prayer, I swing the door open and put on a cheery smile, “Hey Nat-”
My heart freezes as I see Danny standing only a foot away with a demented grin on his face. He’s dressed in his usual dress pants and dress shirt, except his eyes are bloodshot, his hair isn’t finely coiffed as usual and his clothes look rumpled.
“Expecting someone else?” he sneers. A whiff of alcohol hits me and I immediately know he’s been drinking.
“Danny?” I gasp. “What are you doing here?” It’s hard not to tremble and keep my voice even. I wasn’t expecting this at all. Zander’s words come to me unbidden.
Don’t leave the house without telling me.
“I’ve come to collect my debt,” he growls, his eyes boring into me with a hatred that causes my skin to prick.
“What? What are you talking about?” I try to move, to slam the door in his face, but my body feels frozen, paralyzed with fear. He takes enough of a step in that I can’t slam the door. I can run though.
“I followed you here,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “You know what?” I ask after swallowing the lump growing in my throat and being as firm as I can manage. “You’re making me feel uncomfortable. I think you should leave.” It’s hard, standing up for myself. But I don’t have to take this kind of abuse from Danny. Not anymore. My hand feels hot as I push slightly on the door.
“You’re really asking me to leave?” Danny demands in disbelief, his nostrils flaring as he splays his hand on the door, keeping it from shutting.
“You’ve been drinking,” I say, “and don’t look well. It’s for the best.” My heart beats chaotically. If I just act like everything’s fine, it’ll be okay. I’m in control. “Please leave.” I hold his gaze, straightening my back and willing him to go and leave me alone.
For a moment, I think Danny is going to comply with my wishes, his head bowing. But when he looks back up at me, my blood runs cold.
“I don’t think so,” he says, his voice dark and deadly. Without warning, he rushes forward.
Crying out in alarm, I try to slam the door, but it smacks against his foot and he forces it open with a feral grunt. The door hits me straight on and I stumble, falling onto the floor. Heart pounding like a hammer, I scramble forward on my hands and knees while simultaneously reaching for my cell in my pocket.
I open my mouth, preparing to scream as loud as I can. But cold, powerful hands clamp down on my mouth from behind, muffling my cries. His hard body falls on top of me, knocking the phone out of my hand, but I grab it, forcing it into my blouse to hold onto it.