Page 32 of Mine

Dread swept over me when I realized that I was giving him false hope.

I didn’t want Luke. I wanted Cal.

I put my hands on his shoulders and pushed him back, shaking my head as I do.

“No, Luke.”

He glared at me with disbelief, his face close to mine.“Why? Do you feel disloyal to him?” he spat the last word out in disgust. “I didn’t think you felt disloyalty, Gretchen. You sure didn’t last night.”

I twisted away from him so that I’m staring out of the window, my body trembling with guilt and anxiety.

Luke started the car and squealed away from the curb.

A trickle of fear seeped around my core as I pulled my seat belt on, asking him where we were heading. He stared ahead in stony silence, not responding. My mind raced. He was a nice guy; he wouldn’t hurt me. He was hurting, that was all.

My phone interrupted the awkward silence, and I reached for it until he snapped at me.

“Don’t answer it. I just want your attention for a little while longer, if you would be so kind.”

I slumped back in my seat wordlessly. He was incensed with rage; his jaw tightening as he drove, the car weaving in and out of lanes dangerously.

“A year, Gretchen. Are you going to throw that away over a punk like him? Do you know anything about him? He’s a fucking dick. I assume you know that he’s got a temper?”

I remained silent, allowing him to continue.

“Oh, boy, has he got a temper. Why do you think they moved here?”

I glanced at him curiously as he continued with a sneer.

“Why don’t you ask your lover that?”

The car veered to the left, and my heart thudded when I realized, we were on a dirt track. It was only when he took a few more turns that I realized we were nearing my house.

“Home, sweet home, honey,” he whispered bitterly. I release my seat belt, my fingers trembling.

He’s unhinged.

I had done this to him, but my instincts told me to get away from him.

“This is bullshit,” he whispered, as he grabbed the back of my head, pressing his lips down hard on mine again. This time I didn't kiss him back, and he tightened his grip on my hair.

“You want him, don’t you?” he hissed, his eyes searching mine.

I’d never seen him like this, and I reached out for the door handle as tears filled my eyes.

“Get out of my fucking car.” He released me, staring ahead with a cold expression on his face, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

My body trembled as I swung my legs out of the car, desperate to get away from him. The car door barely closed behind me before he sped away. I stood on the street, tears running down my cheeks.

What had I gotten myself into?

Chapter Thirteen

GRETCHEN

Walking into school the next day was like walking into a lion’s den.

I tried to remain calm, but the constant whispering and wide-eyed expressions made me want to scream at the nosey gossipers.