Chapter one: The Escape
1163 Words
"Fraya, are you certain about this?" my sister snarled over the speakers in the car. I wrapped my fingers more tightly around the wheel as my eyes fixed on the open highway.
"I've put my life into this car, Jen. Like I really have a choice," I said; the words coming out much sharper than I expected.
She let out a heavy sigh. "You can stay." We can figure this out together. Running is not going to-
"I'm not running," I said, interrupting him. "I'm starting over. There's a difference."
Jenna didn't say anything for a very long time. "Okay. But call me when you get there. Is that a promise?"
"I will. Goodbye, Jenna."
I exhaled my breath, my thumb on my shoulder as the Riverview sign sputtered in the dying light. New beginnings, new beginnings. It was time to look forward, not back.
I felt nervous as I pulled up in front of Lizzy's apartment building. His car was no longer in its usual spot. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and dialled his number. The phone rang directly to voicemail.
"Great," I said muttering to myself as I shoved the phone into my pocket. Two more calls-in both cases to voicemail-and then I gave up.
Two hours later, I sat alone, in a small, dark bar on the edge of town.
"Tough night?" A soft voice said from behind me.
I turned to see a man leaning casually against the bar, his neat suit out of place in the shabby place, his piercing gray eyes fixed on me with an intensity that took my breath away.
"Something like that," I said, shifting a little under his watchful gaze.
"Let me guess," he said, taking the seat next to me. "You're new here."
"How'd you guess that?"
"Small town," he said, catching the bartender's attention. Everyone knew everyone. And I will definitely miss you. »
"That's easy," I said, trying not to laugh and failing utterly.
He chuckled. "Daniel Harper." He held out his hand; his handshake was firm and sure.
"Fraya Miller."
"Fraya," he murmured, enunciating the name. "What brings you to Riverview, Fraya?" »
I faltered. "A fresh start."
"Ah," he said, his head nodding knowingly. "Running away from something, or chasing something?"
"Probably a little bit of both," I said, recognizing the ring of surprise in my voice.
"Well," he said, raising his glass, "to a new beginning.
"For a new beginning," I repeated, clinking my glass against his.
The hours flew away in a cacophony of talk and laughter. Daniel was charming, exuding charm that spoke of his self-assuredness and surety of self-confidence. When he invited me to his place for another drink, I agreed without demur.
---
The next morning, I awoke to sunlight filtering through blinds I hadn't known existed. My heart clenched as the events of last night came back to me all too quickly.
I sat up, pulling the blanket against my chest. Daniel was sitting on the edge of the bed, buttoning his shirt.
"Morning," he said, smirking at me.
I swallowed. "That was a mistake."
"Really?" he asked, an eyebrow arched.
"Yeah," I stammered, struggling to get my clothes on. "I shouldn't have…"
He stood up, his presence filling the small room. "Fraya, relax. Last night was a surprise, but I don't regret it."
"Oh, yeah," I said dryly, tugging at my jeans. "I shouldn't have let that happen."
Daniel's face darkened, but he said nothing as I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.
Outside, in the car, my cell-phone vibrated. Lizzy's name flickered on the screen.
"About time," I grumbled back.
"Fried!" Oh, I'm so sorry," Lizzy's clear voice reached my ears. "I just got back to town last night. You've been here, haven't you?"
"Yeah," I said, making my voice not shake.
"Great!" Coming! I can't wait to see you!"
"Now?"
"Yes, right now! I'll text you the address."
The line went dead, and a second later his address popped onto my screen.
---
Lizzy's house-or mansion, rather-sat atop a hill her huge estate a far cry from the modest apartment I'd imagined.
"Wow," I muttered as I stepped out of the car.
Before I had a chance to knock the front door opened and Lizzy burst out onto the path, blonde curls bouncing, and threw herself into my arms.
"Fray! Look at you! » she exclaimed. "You look great! »
"Thanks," I said, giving a forced smile.
"Come in, come in!" » she said, squeezing my arm and leading me inside.
Inside was as sumptuous as outside was: marble floors, crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows with a manicured garden.
"Make yourself at home," Lizzy said, gesturing to the plush sofa. "I'll get us some coffee." »
I had just sat down on the sofa when a man's voice boomed from the next room.
"Lizzy, have you seen…"
The voice cut in as Daniel entered the room.
His eyes met mine, and my stomach somersaulted.
"You," I whispered.
I couldn't read her expression, but her eyes darted to Lizzy, who was wandering around the room without noticing.
"Daniel, this is Fraya," Lizzy said with a laugh. "My best friend.
The air was thick as fog between Daniel and me as our gazes met.
"Nice to meet you," he finally said, holding out his hand.
I gave a second's pause before hugging him tightly. The first touch of his skin made my arms jerk.
"Same," I replied with a voice barely louder than a whisper.
Lizzy chuckled. "Hey, don't let him intimidate you, Fraya. He's all bark and no bite."
Daniel didn't break eye contact, and I broke away, busying myself.
"Sorry," he said suddenly before turning and exiting the room.
Lizzy frowned. "Sorry. He's been so stressed lately."
"It's OK," I said quickly.
She sat down beside me and her face relaxed. "I'm glad you're here, Fraya.
"I miss you too," I said guiltily, like the feeling was tearing at my chest.
---
That evening, I took to walking in the garden, trying to clear my head.
"Fraya," a soft voice called.
I turned around, finding Daniel standing a few meters away from me, his face unreadable.
"What do you want?" » I said suddenly snooty.
"We need to talk," he replied as he came closer.
"No, we won't," I said, folding my arms. "Whatever happened between us…"
"It happened," he cut me off in a low tone.
I glared at him. "And it was a mistake.
Daniel's jaw clenched. "Do you really think it's that simple?" »
"I have to," I said, turning to leave. "Fraya," he called, his voice freezing me in place.
I turned, my heart pounding.
"It's not over yet," he said, his eyes burning into mine.
"Yes, yes," I said, pushing the words out of my mouth.
As I turned to walk away, the weight of his gaze followed me, but deep down I knew he was right; it wasn't over.
- Writer
