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“Nothing baby. Just take it.”
“But I....”
“Nothings going to happen. I promise.”
“Well, ok then. Anything for you, Dan.”
Moaning slightly, Mandy rolled over on her side and pulled the covers up over her head. Ugh, those were some weird dreams, Mandy thought sleepily. It was all blurred together now, but there was something about running. Running from someone. Who? Mandy wondered. And a guy....who.... Mandy yawned. It had seemed so real. Yet, it also made no sense. Thinking was too much work -- sleep was better.
“Are you awake yet?”
Mandy froze. Who was that? Come to think of it, where was she? This wasn’t her bed. Was her dream not a dream after all?
“Come on. I saw you moving. You can’t hide under the covers forever. It’s 10:00am already,” the male voice persisted.
Oh...my... GOD! Where the hell was she? Mandy held completely still, not even daring to take a breath. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t notice her...
“Girl, do you really want me to get you out of that bed myself?”
NO! Okay, so obviously, playing dead wasn’t going to work. Mandy slowly peeked out from under the blanket.
“And the beauty awakens! Halleluia!”
Mandy stared wide-eyed at the odd looking man standing at the foot of the bed. With his well manicured goatee, he looked strangely familiar. She narrowed her eyes in concentration. He was from... the bar? She was in a bar? Why? She didn’t drink. Oh! Her head hurt. Mandy placed a hand on her throbbing head and looked imploringly at... AJ was it?
He laughed. “Yeah. That’s going to hurt a little.” He smirked, “You don’t drink much do you?”
Ignoring his question, Mandy looked around. “Where am I?”
“My hotel room.”
“How did I get here?”
“I carried you.”
“You did WHAT?”
“Did you not hear me the first time?” AJ asked as he began making coffee.
Mandy gapped at his back. He had CARRIED her? Had she passed out? Had anything... happened?
As if reading her mind, AJ said carelessly without bothering to turn around, “Oh, and don’t worry. I didn’t rape you or anything. Notice you’re still wearing what you had on last night.”
Mandy looked down. Sure enough, she was clad in a rumpled shirt and jeans. “How...?”
“You passed out, obviously. I didn’t think you’d actually drink the whole glass. Especially that quickly.”
Mandy blushed. “Oh.”
A.J raised a brow. “Which brings me to an important question. Who are you so scared of? Are you in trouble or something?” He settled down into a nearby chair, cradling his coffee mug. “Not to be nosey, but it’s a bit noticeable somethings up with you.”
Memories hit her. Dan. All of this wasbecause of him. A wave of hatred washed over her. This was the first time she had actually admitted to herself that he was the problem. And he was. Damn that bastard. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t be in this mess. She wouldn’t be worrying about her life being in danger.
AJ watched as Mandy drifted into herself. The way her lips formed a straight line and her brows furrowed made it plain to see that her thoughts weren’t pleasant. He considered asking her again, but was glad he didn’t when she suddenly spoke up.
“I hate him.”
AJ waited for her to continue; and when she didn't, he prompted, “And he is..”
His voice seemed to yank her back into reality. Turning towards him, her eyes blazed with anger. “Just who the hell do you think you are? I didn’t ask for your help last night. And I sure didn’t ask to end up in your hotel room. I have no clue how this all ended up here, it was all a huge mistake. God,” Mandy waved her hands around as she spoke, “this wasn’t supposed to happen. I’m leaving, and don’t even think about laying another fucking finger on me,” Mandy warned, directing her fury at Dan and her helpless situation towards AJ. Angrily, she pushed herself up from the bed. She rose to her feet, only to find herself doubling over in pain, clutching her abdomen. AJ took a step towards her; and with a gasping breath, Mandy put her hand up in protest. “Stay away from me. Do not touch me.”
AJ wavered a second before closing the distance between them. “Lay back down.” Ignoring him, Mandy tried to side-step him and head towards the door, determined to leave. However, in her weakened state, AJ easily cut her off and caught her wrists. “I said, lay back down.”
“And I said keep the fuck away from me,” Mandy spat.
“While you’re in my house, you’ll listen to my rules.”
“You fucking kidnapped me!” With renewed indignation, Mandy tried to wrench out of his grasp. All she succeeded in doing was twisting her stomach into even more knots, causing her to cry out in pain. Using this moment to his advantage, AJ slowly backed her down onto the bed. Mandy was in too much agony to struggle.
“Shh. Calm down. Let me see what's wrong with your stomach.”
“NO!” Mandy cried through her fresh set of tears.
Dismissing her outburst, A.J slowly raised the bottom of her shirt. Mandy shrank back into the mattress at his touch, turning away slightly. It hurt too much to move anymore.
“Sweet Jesus,” AJ breathed softly. His eyes swept over her stomach and sides. She was a mixture of welts and bruises. The garden of purple and blue crept around to her sides, causing AJ to wonder what her back looked like. The massive color differences from red to brown to blue reminded him of when he had gotten his foot ran over. Deep red imprints, resembling a shoe or boot, were pressed slightly below her belly button, as well as on her left hip. AJ brushed the marks lightly with his fingertips, but stopped when Mandy took a sharp breath.
What had happened to this girl? AJ leaned back in horror and amazement. She must be in so much pain. Realization hit him, and he rushed over to his bag, rummaging through it until he found his bottle of pain killers. He sprinted into the bathroom and filled of cup with water.
“Here, take this.” He held the water and pills out to her. Anxious to ease the pain, Mandy took all four pills at once, washing them down with the water. She leaned back and closed her eyes, waiting for the medication to kick in. AJ bent over her apprehensively, waiting for a sign that she was alright. Slowly, the pain eased away into a dull throbbing. Although not comfortable, it no longer demanded her main attention.
Seeing her muscles ease up a little, AJ sat back softly on the bed beside her. Mandy opened her eyes and looked sideways at him wearily.
“Feeling better?”
“Yes,” Mandy hesitated, and then decided that being polite couldn’t hurt, “thanks.”
The silence that followed allowed both of them a moment to gather their thoughts. Mandy knew that he was going to question her, and she had no clue what she was going to say. The truth? Another lie? If she did tell the truth, there was no way to tell how he would react. Still contemplating, her thoughts were interrupted by A.J.
“What happened? Who did that?” His eyes were full of deep sorrow and concern.
Mandy turned away, shrugging her shoulders. “Nothing.”
“That sure is a lot of nothing.”
“I fell.”
AJ paused, before replying harshly, “That’s a load of shit.”
Mandy reminded silent.
“Look at me.”
Mandy snorted and turned farther away from him. Undaunted, AJ reached down and gently turned her head towards him. Mandy found herself unwillingly looking into his eyes. What she saw there confused her.
“I need to know who hurt you. Was it your boyfriend?”
Boyfriend. Dan. A tremor snaked through Mandy’s body. What would he do when he found her? Maybe if she went back now, he’d forgive her...
Seeing her shudder, AJ swore softly. “Fine. Let’s try another question. What’s your real name? And don’t give me that Sarah crap.”
Mandy pinched her lips together and glared at the man questioning her. “I don’t need an older brother looking out for me. I can take care of myself.”
“Like you did last night?”
“No, but--”
“Or like whenyou volunteered yourself as a punching bag?”
Mandy’s eyes flashed at the bluntness of his words, although her reaction was toned down due to her throbbing stomach. “Excuse me? Who do you think you are, asking all these question? The police?”
“No, but I thinkthey might be very interested in you.”
“What are you talking about?” Mandy asked, narrowing her eyes.
AJ leaned back and crossed his arms. “Well, seeing that you’re an underage runaway...”
“I am NOT underage and I’m not a runaway!”
“Oh really? You don’t look twenty-one to me.”
“Looks can be deceiving,” Mandy fired back, only afterwards realizing how close her word related to her own situation.
“Well then, you won’t mind if I send a little call down to the station,” AJ commented and headed over to the phone. Mandy followed him with her eyes, not wanting to cause more pain with body movement.
AJ picked up the phone and dialed. “Hello. No. Well, you see, I found this girl... no... and I think she’s a runaway. Uh-huh. I’m not really sure. No, I haven’t. Well, I want to make sure she has a place to go. Could do you do that for me? Thanks. Yeah, sure. I’ll hold.” AJ let the phone rest on his shoulder and turned to face Mandy. “So, anything you want to tell me while I’m on hold?”
“There’s nothing to tell,” Mandy said trying to sound unconcerned, although her wide eyes contradicted her tone. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Maybe not, but I’m guessing I do.”
“Whatever,” Mandy crossed her arms and turned away.
“Are you sure that you don’t... oh, yes, I’m still here,” AJ turned his attention back to the phone. “Uh-huh. Really? Curly blonde? Around 5’5? Goes by Mandy? Hmm. Last seen in a purple jacket?” AJ repeated everything outloud, for Mandy’s benefit. “Reported missing last fall? Really? Several reports of vandalism and theft?” AJ whistled and watched Mandy’s face fill with scorn. “No. I’m sorry. She doesn’t fit the description at all. Yes, yes I’ll do that. Thank you for your time.” AJ slowly hung up the phone, watching the girl on his bed.
“So. You’re Mandy,” A.J drawled out slowly, looping his thumbs in his belt buckle.
Mandy was torn between being defiant or just giving in. If he already knew, what was the use in denying it? “Yes,” she answered softly, feeling like a caged animal.
“Now, was that really so hard? If I have to call the police every time I need you to answer a question...” he watched her face intently, “But, I don’t think I’ll need to do that. After all, all I have to do is tell them you’re here, and I’m sure within minutes someone will be here to pick you up. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Anger radiated through Mandy’s glare.
“And I hear you’re acommon day crook.”
“No.”
“Excuse me? I do believe the nice man on the telephone said...”
“He was wrong. I never did any of those things. It was--” Mandy stopped abruptly, realizing what she had been about to say. “Just never mind.”
AJ observed the small figure who sat, arms crossed and scowling, on his bed. “I’m going to get something from the other room. I’ll be right back.” He headed into the adjoining room, and started rummaging through his stuff.
Mandy sat in shock. He had actually called the cops. Now, all he had to do was pick up the phone, and she’d go back. Oh, she wasn’t worried about jail. Dan would easily pay off the officer. And that was what she was worried about. Going back to the streets, the gangs. To whatever punishment Dan came up with. There was no way. She had to leave, now. Before this guy, AJ, decided to turn her in. Sneaking a quick look in his direction, she was pleased to note that he was busy looking for something, swearing slightly under his breath as he did so. Delicately, Mandy slipped out of bed. Her tender midsection cried out in anguish, but the pain killers made it bearable. Quietly, she made her way to the door. She placed her hand on the knob, heart racing. She was positive that he would return and stop her. However, luck was with her, and he stayed away as she slowly pulled open the door, trying to keep it from squeaking. Wasting no more time, Mandy slid out sideways, so she wouldn’t have to open it any farther. Not bothering to close the door, Mandy took off down the hall. She took a quick left, and ran towards the stairs, hair flying wild behind her. She yanked open the door to the stairway and ran right into something big and hard. Like a ball, Mandy bounced off and went flying backwards into the wall.
Now what? Mandy wondered groggily, rubbing the back of her head. Great, now her head AND her stomach hurt.
“Oh my God! I am so sorry! Are you alright?”
Mandy looked up towards the concerned voice. A large calloused hand reached down and pulled her up. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she said while eying the stranger. He was very tall, well-built and topped with a mop of blond hair. His eyes were so blue, and seemed to gather light rather than reflect it. Snap out of it, Mandy told herself, and get your ass out of here.
“It’s okay, it was my fault, really. But I’m really in a hurry,” Mandy enforced her point by glancing over her shoulder down the hall.
“I noticed. Where are you heading? It’s almost impossible to catch a taxi out there. Maybe I could give you a lift?”
“Uh, no. That’s ok. I’ll walk. Nice running, literary, into you,” Mandy said, placing her foot on the first step, a tad irritated that he was delaying her. But rushing off would look suspicious, and the last thing she needed was another random guy “helping” her.
“In those shoes?”
Mandy looked down. She was barefoot. “Umm.”
“Come on. Let’s go. I have nothing else to do. I promise I won’t jump you or anything.”
“No, really. I,” Oh, what the hell? “Fine.” Mandy agreed and dashed down the stairs. Through her worry and pain, she managed to find amusement in how the man actually followed, keeping her pace easily.
“Wooh. Wait, this way,” he instructed when she started to head towards the lobby. “My car’s out back.” He took the lead, still running. With no choice, Mandy followed.When they reached the parking lot, he headed towards a green Dodge Durango. “Hop in.” Almost out of breath, Mandy pulled the passenger door open and jumped in. “Buckle up, it’s the law,” her companion chirped and went into an extremely abrupt reverse. Before she knew it, they were roaring down the road, the driver grinning like a maniac. “Woah. That was fun now, wasn’t it?” Mandy didn’t answer; she was too busy screaming at herself for being so stupid -- again.
“Hey. I’m Nick, by the way,” the driver offered helpfully.
“Oh. Thanks for the ride, Nick. I’m Katie.”
“So Katie, why are you in such a hurry, and where are we going?”
“I didn’t want to miss my train. And the Northgate Subway.”
“Do you usually ride the subway with no shoes?” Nick asked in a jesting tone.
Once again, Mandy looked down at her bare feet. “No. I didn’t want to miss my train, so I was in a hurry,” she answered lacking creativity.
*RIIIINNNNNG!*
The sudden sound startled Mandy so much she leapt part way out of her seat, something Nick found very amusing. “Chill out, it’s only my cell phone.” With a grin in her direction, he pulled his phone out of a back pocket. “Talk.” A puzzled look crept onto his face as he listened to the person on the other end. “Really? Well, actually, yeah.” He glanced at Mandy. “Yeah. Hell yeah. Why? Aww man Bone! Are you shitting me? Because if you are I will -- fine! Yes, I know what Brian would say. Yes, damnit! I know! Now are you sure? Positive? Ok! I get it! Yeah, I’m coming.” He closed his phone with a snap.
“Well, interesting.”
Mandy waited for him to expand on exactly what was so interesting, but he didn’t. Nick seemed very focused on the road. Mandy squirmed uncomfortably, realizing she was in a car with a complete stranger. Not much better than her earlier scenario. “You know, you don’t have to drive me all the way. Right here is fine.”
Nick looked at her. “It’s no problem. We’re almost there.”
Mandy looked out the window. She didn’t recognize any buildings. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
She looked back out the window. Actually, some things did look slightly familiar. Like that McDonalds. Coulda sworn they passed that a few minutes ago. And that Quicky Mart, and that weird red modern art thing, the one that resembled a bunch of twisted wires.
“You’re going the wrong way.”
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you are!” Mandy said, starting to panic. “Who called you on the phone. Where are you going?”
“Who called? Just my friend. AJ, do you know him?” Nick regretted his words as soon as they escaped his mouth. With a wild look, Mandy lunged for the door, planning to make her escape.
“Damn girl! Are you trying to kill yourself?!” Nick grabbed her by the arm,yanking her away from the door. She turned her fury on him, scraping her nails on his shoulder. “Shit! Calm down!” Nick grunted, seizing her other flailing arm.
“Let me go!” Mandy shrieked, trying to twist away. “Let me out of this car!”
Nick’s attempt to both fend off and hold on to a fighting woman, while driving down a busy street, was turning out poorly.Unattended, the car began creeping over into the left lane of traffic. Horns blared, forcing Nick to pay more attention to his steering. “Shit! You’re going to get us killed! You’re not going to jump out of a moving vehicle! Jesus.” Nick managed to hit the child safety lock with his left hand and released the girl. Hastily, Mandy tried the door handle, and the window. Both were locked.
“Damn you! What is this?”
“Listen, it’s not like that. See--”
Mandy interrupted him, “What is this? What the hell is wrong with everyone today? This is so fucked up. I--” She stopped when she noticed a black jeep flashing it’s lights and riding close on their tail. Her eyes grew wide, “No way. Not possible.”
“What?” Nick asked alarmed by her sudden tone switch. He followed her gaze through the rearview mirror. “Do you know them?”
“In a sense, I suppose I might.”
“Well what the hell are they doing? Jerks, don’t they know how to drive?” Nick narrowed his eyes as he muttered angerly and stepped on the gas.
The jeep sped up also, keeping the uncomfortable few feet between the two bumpers. Mandy clutched the door handle, bracing herself for a sudden impact. Nick, however, was more concerned with being pissed off than worried.
“What’s your freakin’ PROBLEM?” Nick yelled at his mirror, emphasizing his frustration with a finger gesture.
“Umm, maybe you shouldn’t do that,” Mandy said nervously. “I don’t think that they’re just joking around.”
Nick glanced sharply at the girl in his passanger seat. He was already weary about her. If only he hadn’t run into her in the hallway, and if only he hadn’t been so stupid as to offer her a ride. It had been interesting at first, but now it was just looking like she was trouble. Nick opened his mouth, intending to let out a condescending comment, but stopped when movement behind him captured his attention. The passenger window of the jeep had been rolled down and a dark figure leaned out. Panic and disbelief washed over Nick like a flood as realization hit him.
“Get down!” Nick shoved Mandy’s head into her lap and ducked his own. Almost instantaneously, the back window shattered, sending glass flying through the car. Nick briefly lost control of his vehicle and it went spinning into a wild u-turn. Mandy screamed as she was thrown harshly against the door.
Nick’s fear of crashing outweighed his fear of being shot, so he sat up and grabbed the wheel. He gave it a hard yank to the left, pulling the front of his car level to it’s rear to end the the uncontrolled circulation. Once he had regained control, Nick eased his Durango back into the right lane. Safe from that danger, Nick allowed his attention to snap back to his other problem. He twisted around and realized that the jeep was gone. Mandy had also observed this and was now sitting ridged with fear, breaths quick and shallow. Extremely shaken up, Nick pulled over to the side of the road and collapsed into his hands. After a few minutes of silence, he tilted his head just enough to see Mandy with one eye. She was turning around to look out the window, a terrified expression etched on her face.
“I think they’re gone,” Nick informed her, his voice muffled in his hands. “Maybe they saw a cop car and decided to leave.Damn.” Nick frowned and sat up. “Maybe we should go and tell the police that--”
“NO!” Mandy interjected venomously, turning away from the window to face him. Now that she was in full view, Nick noticed a red mark across her neck where the seat belt had cut into her skin during the spin. She didn’t seem to be aware of her injury, causing Nick to finger his own exposed skin. After brushing against his cheek, he drew his hand away and saw blood. A piece of glass must have hit him, and with all his adrenaline pumping, he didn’t even notice. For some reason, his wound did not really concern him; and he simply grabbed a tissue and held it to his face.
Holding the kleenex against his cheek, Nick gave Mandy an odd look. “Um, why not?” Just hearing himself ask that annoyed him and some of his emotion slipped into his speech, “Does this have something to do with you? I don’t know what your history is, but whatever it is, I’m sure the police can handle it.” As an after-thought, he muttered softly, “Because I sure don’t want to.”
“Obviously you don’t know all the history, or you wouldn’t suggest something so stupid,” Mandy hissed, still clearly frightened.
“Woah there,” Nick held his hands up in his defense, “Maybe if you would tell me or AJ, then we’d know the history. How about that?”
“Drop dead.”
“You know what? I almost did. In case you didn’t notice, we just got shot at and chased by some freaky guys dressed in black. This isn’t normal. When things aren’t normal, I go to the police. Unless you have some good reason that we shouldn’t.”
“Listen, I tried to leave. Don’t blame me. I didn’t ask for this.”
“All I know is that for the first time in my life, I’ve been shot at. And coincidently it’s the same day I met you. Not to mention HOW I met you: running away from my friend, who found YOU freaking out in a bar. Things aren’t looking very good for you.
Mandy stared at Nick for a long moment. Her defiant and angry expression melted away into one of regret and sorrow, although the hint of fear remained in her eyes. Not knowing what to say, her shoulders slumped and she turned away.
Also at a loss for words, Nick started up the car and pulled out into thetraffic. He realized how lucky they were that they hadn’t hit another car, and that no one had come to yell at or question them after he had pulled over. They drove in silence until Nick pulled to a stop in the hotel parking lot.
“Listen, personally, I wouldn’t have a problem with you walking out of my life right now. However, I know my friend feels differently, and he wants to help you,” Nick practically sneered the last words. Then as though the words were directed at himself, he flinched. “Sorry. That was mean. Just, just come up to the room with me and we’ll take it from there, okay? A hotel room probably is a lot safer than the street.”
Mandy sighed. What was she supposed to do? She highly doubted that he would et her leave, despite what he said. And although she barely knew these guys, secretly, she was extremely grateful to them. Both of them had dragged her out of danger, and all she had done was give them hassle. She felt bad for her behavior, but knew she would have to stay on the defense for awhile. However, she considered, Nick could have only been trying to keep himself from danger, and she might have just been along for the ride. But then again, when they first met, he randomly offered to help her out, although at the time he had no idea what that would detail. In any case, the blond was right. Going to a safe hotel room looked much more promising than wandering the streets again.
Taking her sigh as a yes, Nick opened his door and hurried over to do the same for her, almost as if he was afraid that she would make a run for it. Mandy got out slowly, her eyes drifting towards the back window. The car looked brand new, and the broken window was a shocking contrast to the rest of the vehicle. Nick followed her gaze and said, “Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ll get it fixed. It’s not like I get to drive it much anyway.”
Mandy nodded as though this made sense and allowed Nick to take her hand. She realized it was probably more of a restraining issue than a friendly one, but didn’t really care either way. The pains in her stomach were starting to demand her attention again, now that she had calmed down a bit. The dull throbbing was a constant reminder of her past, and what was surely destined to be her future. With Nick leading her swiftly through the parking lot and into the hotel, Mandy’s mind uncontrobably went down a path of it’s own.
“Dan, you don’t know anything about those recent shootings, do you?”
Dan grinned and chuckled, “It doesn’t concern you, babe. Don’t worry about
it.”
“But...”
“No buts. I’ve got to go to a meeting; you’ll be fine alone, right? Ok, see you
later then.”
“Well, ok. Be safe.”
“We’re here,” Nick knocked on AJ’s door.
New Beginnings