“Take care of yourself. I'm glad about your friend. Do you trust her?” Jake continued, reluctant to break the connection.
“Yes, I do. He hates her.”
When Jake chuckled, it came out more as a contempt-ridden sound, than amusement. “It figures.” He dropped his head into his hands again, rubbing his eyes. My life has just gone from bad to hell-driven.
A chilling pause.
“You're not with anyone?”
“No. It's not working for me. Not yet.” His anger had subsided into depression. He took a deep breath. “I'll try to get to that money. How much do you think it is?” It is the only way. That voice in his head again.
“I don't know—a lot. I don't even know how he got it.”
“Really? You never asked him?” He stifled a laugh. Why isn't that hard to believe?
“No. I know it was stupid...”
“Hey, you were surviving. Stay strong and positive, okay?” Maybe saying it out loud will help me too.
They ended the call, she blotted her face with her t-shirt and went back to Alicia.
“Was that...” Alicia faltered, her eyes filled with concern.
“Yeah, that's the one I was telling you about. I'm helping him out. He's in trouble, but he'll be fine.”
Alicia shook her head, a knowing look on her face. “Let's get some air. If you feel like talking about it...”
Kristen smiled, an unusual peaceful feeling sweeping over her as they left the apartment.
LOGAN
Gina was thrilled to hear from him and didn't hesitate to show it. After weeks of little sexual activity, he finally experienced some mild satisfaction.
But, he still refused to acknowledge his need to have total control over Kristen. Or, that Alicia provoked jealousy and contempt in him by challenging it. If he did it would make him feel weak, and weakness would depress him. Having just pulled himself out of a deep slump, it wasn't where he wanted to be any time soon. Instead of facing his demons, he sought the solace of Gina's body—no commitments or expectations. At least that's what he thought, and the only thing that concerned him.
They did a lot of very potent coke and it knocked him on his ass good. It had been awhile since he’d hit the drugs so hard.
“Hey, what time is it?” He stretched, bored with staying in bed. Without thinking, he jerked upright only to be knocked right back down by a dizzy rush. In an unsettling instant, everything turned upside down.
“Eight. Why, do you have another appointment?” She moved on him like a panther.
“I...” It hit him then, a surge of vomit rising from his stomach. Wobbling to the bathroom, he made it just in time to hang weakly over the toilet.
“You better lay back down, baby.” Gina snuck up behind him.
A fleeting image of Kristen invaded his mind. Maybe after I rest a little I’ll text her. The thought vanished as soon as he hit the bed again.
KRISTEN
She wasn't in a hurry to get back home. Alicia didn't have class and enticed her into a home-cooked meal. They sat around the small dining room table in her apartment afterwards. The cute, cozy place, filled with various types of plants, bright colored paintings, and large windows, induced a safe and content sensation in Kristen. She found herself confiding in Alicia about Jake, opening up in a way she'd never done with anyone before. Talking about it made it real, forcing her to realize the full potency of her feelings. They were so powerful, she couldn't hold back the tears any longer.
“Kristen, it's obvious you really care about Jake. And he—oh my God! He still loves you after being apart for so long and all you’ve put him through! You have to make a serious decision.” She handed her a box of tissues.
“How do you know?” Kristen sniffled, eyes large and hopeful.
“That he loves you?” Alicia studied her, rolling her eyes at Kristen’s timid nod. “Come on, Kris, I don’t have to spell it out for you! You know all too well and you know you need to decide pretty soon.”
“I know.” She blew her nose, starting to regret that she'd told Alicia about the money. What if something inexplicable made her tell Logan?
“Logan is cute, even though he’s strange, but—hey do you have any photos of Jake?”
Kristen whipped out her phone, laughing. “I thought you’d never ask!”
“Oh yeah! Very, very hot! Where’s he get that exotic look from?”
“Probably his dad. Jake’s practically a clone and he was a really hot French Canadian. And I think he said his mom has a mix of Spanish, Hawaiian and Scottish blood. Awesome, huh? I guess that gives him that special uniqueness.”
“Wow! You know it’s really obvious you have strong feelings for him, Kris. If I were you…” Sidetracked by the dreamy look in Kristen’s eyes, Alicia let a nod of approval pacify her, before moving on with caution. “Is he a good man? I mean, he's really big and strong. Does he scare you at all?”
Remembering the details of Alicia’s abusive relationship in Puerto Rico, she decided to be truthful with her. “I don’t think Jake would ever hurt me. He has a big heart.” Alicia’s intent expression warned her she wouldn’t be satisfied unless she bared her soul. Kristen sighed, unable to meet her eyes. “He does have a temper, but only when he's really pushed to the edge. And he’s working on it. Like me.”
Alicia raised her eyebrows. “Uh oh, two hot heads.”
“It was pretty volatile. But then again, I didn’t make it easy for him. Without Logan around I really think it would be very cool.”
“Yeah, but unfortunately, he's still here. I think after you find out who the father is, it will be easier. Well maybe not easier, but at least you will have some direction.”
“Right—who to fight. I have a feeling Jake won’t give up the baby either, if it’s his. I am screwed either way.” She shook her head. “But I know one thing, I'm glad I didn't have an abortion. If it is Jake’s I think it’s the only way he'd take me back.”
“Maybe, maybe not. From what you tell me, Jake's hooked on you, but even if he’s Logan's, just love him for who he is. That baby should be the most important person in your life. No man is that important. And don’t forget, a man can always be replaced.”
Kristen flinched as Logan’s image flashed in her mind. “Speaking of the devil, he hasn't even called me. I bet he's with that bitch again.”
“See what I mean?” Alicia scrunched her face in disgust. “Hey, you can stay here tonight if you want.”
Very tempting. “Thanks, but I better go back. It'll make it worse if he comes home and I'm not there. No stress, remember?” She smiled getting up.
“Duh! I'm bad. I'll walk you home.” She laughed, joining her.
“Thanks for dinner. It was really delicious.” Kristen hugged her when they reached her apartment.
As soon as she opened the door, her skin crawled. The total darkness loomed in front of her, unusually foreboding and lonely. Like the calm before the storm.
TUESDAY