Love Beyond The Rite

Chapter 7

EMBER

It’s so weird to be called Emmy again. The Amish weren’t fond of the name Ember so they decided to call me Emmy. It’s better than Emily, which some of the cousins would call me. My family called me Emmy as a nickname too. No one in Florida called me that.

I can’t believe that was little Jacob I was talking to, he looked so grown and handsome.

I’m also in shock that Elijah was shoveling my mom’s drive way. I didn’t get a good look at his face to see if he had a beard, I think he did though. He did look taller and stronger. Is he living at his parents again or just visiting?

Ugh I sit down and sigh.

I was forbidden to ever see him

Again. Why am I even wondering these things. It can’t still be in place right? That was 10 years ago. He’s an adult now. Surely things have changed?

I put on a different outfit, a revenge outfit. If I’m going to see this douche bag I might as well look hot to show him what he lost. I look through my suitcase and pick out a burgundy crop top that shows off my cleavage and a pair of skinny black jeans. I also pull out a winter jacket from my closet. It’s a little big but it will have to do.

I do my make up quick, leaving the bruises out so he can feel bad about his actions.

I text Paul for the address. He responds quickly with it.

I also text my highschool best friend Becky. I haven’t seen her in awhile and we have a lot of catching up to do.

“Hey girl! I’m back in town. Want to hit the gym or get some tea? i have lots to spill 😉” she could never say no to gossip.

I pack a bag incase she says yes to the gym and walk out to the living room. Agnes is folding my mom’s laundry. Should I be doing this?

“Hey Agnes I have to run to meet Paul for my work laptop I’ll be back in a bit. You don’t have to bother with the laundry, I can do it when I get home.” I say quickly.

She smiles back at me “no worries dear, your mom is sleeping and I need to keep my hands moving.” She set down a folded shirt. “Feel free to leave your laundry out for me to take care of too. I don’t mind doing it.”

“ I appreciate it! ill see you later. Please tell my mom I’ll be home soon to read to her” I say as I head out.

Sitting in the driveway is my mom’s 20 year old gray Honda pilot. Since she doesn’t have a car starter I have to turn it on and blast the heat for at least 10 minutes to feel warm.

I start to feel anxiety about going to see Paul alone. I don’t think he’s going to hurt me again. It’s always been sporadic, usually the day after a hit he is kissing up to me.

I won’t take him back this time no matter how hard he pleads. Ashley can have him and his small peen.

The car is almost clear of ice, I look out towards the Troyers farm house and see someone staring at me. He’s leaning over the wooden fence with his hands crossed and he’s looking at me.

It’s too far to make out exactly who it is but it looks like Elijah by the way he’s standing. I take a deep breath and back down the drive way, whatever this is… it will have to wait.

It took me 8 minutes to get to the bed and breakfast Paul is staying at.

He told me he is in room 8b. I find it pretty easily and give a little knock.

The door abruptly opens and I have a hand on my neck. He pulls me inside the room and throws me onto the bed.

If I didn’t hate him this would almost be kinky.

He’s on top of me now planting kisses on my chest and neck.

“Paul… what are you doing?” I let out a sigh.

“What does it look like I’m doing?… “ he huffed at me.

“Oh I know what you’re trying to do but I don’t understand why when you have Ashley to go home too” I said to stand my ground.

His hand shoots up to my breast and squeezes it hard. It send a shooting pain through my body.

“Please stop. You’re hurting me…” I say softer than I should.

He moves his hand up to my throat and puts his mouth next to my ear.

“You know nothing you little brat. Don’t you dare repeat her name to anyone.”

I sigh.

“Paul I honestly don’t care anymore. She can have you. “ I try to get out with him squeezing my wind pipe.

“But who has you baby girl? Me… I’m going to make sure you don’t forget me.” He says aggressively in my ear as he squeezes my neck tighter.

I’m starting to feel light headed, I watch him look at my neck and shoulder area.

Is he going to do what I think he’s going to do?

He doesn’t hesitate and bites down on my collar bone hard. The worst pain goes shooting through my body as I try to push him off me. It stings so bad. I let out a sob and the tears come rushing down my face.

He kisses my lips hard and then gets off me.

“I’ll be back for you in a month. You speak not a word of this to anyone, understand? Ashley’s going to be my wife. Her family is filthy rich. You? I’ll keep you around as my play thing. “

That made me laugh.

“Play thing? You don’t even f**k me. She’s the play thing. And no you will not be back for me in a month. We are done. I never want to see you again.” I yell through my tears.

He throws my laptop bag at me.

“We’ll see about that, you’ll be crawling back to me in a week.” He said overly confident heading to the bathroom.

I touch my shoulder and there’s blood dripping down my back from where he bit me.

I grab my laptop and run for the door.

I make it out before he has time to go after me.

I sped off and drive to a little secluded spot where I know he can’t find me.

Once I park I look at my shoulder. It is bleeding pretty badly. I think I need to go to the hospital.

Putting pressure on it, I decide to go to the urgent care in town instead.

After waiting 20 minutes, the doctor enters and asks why I'm here. I show her my shoulder, revealing the deep teeth marks. She gasps, covering her mouth.

"Who did this to you?" she demands.

"My ex-boyfriend," I reply.

"Was this a consensual act or did he intentionally harm you?" she asks.

"No, he meant to hurt me. The other marks on my body are from him too."

Her eyes widen in shock. "Ember, we need to involve the authorities. Are you able to speak with an officer and file a report?" She asks with kindness and concern.

I take a big gulp as I know once I do this I can not take it back. This could ruin his life. A voice in my head response “he will take yours”

I look at the doctor and tell her I’m ready.

I gave the officer my statement and he filed an order of protection so Paul can not come near me or contact me. He also informed me that Paul will be arrested and have to appear in front of a judge. He may or may not get jail time as this is a first time offense and if he has a good lawyer he can get it down to community service.

At this point I just want Paul out of my life.

After the doctors cleaned and bandaged up my wound they told me I could go home. I caught a glimpse of my self in the mirror and noticed I now had bruises forming on my neck from where he chocked me.

I look horrible. No guy will ever want me now I say to myself.