Always Him

Chapter One

Chapter One

My heartbeat accelerates, matching the irritating beeping sound that fills the room. Neither compares to the searing pain coursing through my skull or the stabbing agony in my chest whenever I attempt to draw a breath. My initial effort to open my eyes fails, thwarted by the blinding overhead lights.

"Oh, thank God you're awake. Let me turn some of these lights down," a familiar voice says. It’s Katherine Wells, my oldest and closest friend. As the lights dim, I manage to open my eyes. The sterile, all-too-familiar surroundings of our E.R. come into focus, causing my heart rate to spike even more. This can't be good. Max (a doctor at the same hospital and Charlotte’s boyfriend) must be here somewhere; there's no way to hide or escape.

"Katherine," I croak, my voice barely a whisper. "How bad is it? Where is he right now?"

Her face is a mask of concern, her voice trembling. "It's bad. You have a severe concussion, multiple broken ribs, two black eyes, and a broken arm. What happened? Don’t tell me you fell down the stairs or ran into a door. It was him, Max. Max is in surgery right now. They called him in for a consult with another patient when you arrived. They called me to let me know you were here."

"Thanks," I say, my voice shaking. "I'm not going to lie. It wasn’t some stupid excuse. We both know it was him. I need to get out of here before he’s done. I’m terrified of what will happen."

Katherine nods, understanding dawning in her eyes. "Okay, I understand. We can’t take a plane; it would be too painful with your injuries. How about we drive as far as we can, back to Fort Wayne, Indiana? It will take ten hours if we’re lucky." She starts rattling off plans, then pauses. "I’ll see if we can get help from Louise. She understands domestic violence and has been aware of your situation since you started wearing turtlenecks every day."

I try to respond but fatigue overwhelms me. I close my eyes, letting the darkness pull me under.

When I wake again, I’m in a different room. Through the window, I see Katherine talking to Louise at the nurse’s station. Louise hands her a credit card and a bottle, then hugs her and looks over at me, waving before walking away.

Katherine comes through the door. "We’ve got the all-clear. We need to leave soon. Louise is getting a wheelchair. My car is out front. She also gave me her credit card to use, so he wouldn’t be able to track us. I called your mom and my brothers. They won’t tell him either. Let's go."

I sit up, realizing I need to get dressed to leave. Thankfully, a set of my scrubs is on the counter. Katherine helps me stand and walk to the bathroom. I use the restroom and then call her in to help me dress. Breathing is a nightmare, and with a broken arm, it would take me forever. She enters, tears in her eyes as she assists me.

"It’s going to be okay," I assure her. "We just need to put some miles between us and here before he realizes I left. Did you take any pictures?"

"Yes, I took them while waiting for you to wake up. Louise got every single visit documented. She’s given copies to the police, my brothers' information, and our destination. She won’t tell."

I throw the jacket around me, leaving my bad arm undisturbed. "Let's go."

I’m not sure how we managed to get to the car, but it feels like a weight has been lifted from my chest. "Hey, I’m sorry about this. In case I haven’t said it, I’m so thankful to have you."

Katherine squeezes my hand, her eyes filled with determination. "We’ll get through this. Together."

I took one look at the place that was my first job and I felt like I was making a difference as well as my first real relationship. Max used to be so charming at the beginning but now it ends. All the fear, all the pain. The countless hits to my body and my self-esteem. I vow never again to let a person make me feel like this and I say goodbye with a tear sliding down my cheek.

"Hey, we're far enough away for you to take a break," I tell Katherine, my voice barely above a whisper, the exhaustion seeping through every word. The medication dulls the pain but leaves me feeling like a shadow of myself, weary and worn.

"I will be fine. I've got coffee, and my brother's going to meet us in Fort Wayne. We're staying with him if you're okay with that. He thinks it'll be safer in case Max comes around. He doesn't want any unnecessary danger." Katherine's voice is steady, though the undercurrent of anxiety is unmistakable. She switches lanes with a practiced ease, casting a glance my way, her eyes filled with an undying concern that pierces through the haze of my fatigue. "You can go back to sleep, love."

"I'll stay up for a bit," I murmur, my thoughts drifting back to the conversation she had with my mom at the hospital. "You said you talked to my mom? How is she doing? Did you tell her everything?" My questions come out in a breathy whisper, laden with the weight of our predicament.

Katherine's eyes flicker with a mix of worry and determination. "Your mom's holding up. I told her as much as I could without worrying her too much."

Anxiety gnaws at me, and I can't help but voice my fears. "I know your brother doesn't want you in harm's way. Maybe it's best if I stay at a hotel or the cabin. It's far off the beaten path, and Max doesn't know that place. For that matter, he hasn't ever been to our hometown. I bet he's forgotten it."

I ramble, the words tumbling out in a rush as I try to protect my best friend from the looming threat. "Which reminds me, we’re going to have to find jobs again. We just got off probation at the last hospital. You excelled in the emergency room, and I’ve been in the NICU for some time now. I love that job and didn't want to leave on bad terms."

Tears well up as I think about the job I had poured my heart into. Despite my chaotic home life, my work brought me immense joy and purpose. Watching those fragile newborns, so sick or tiny at birth, grow stronger over months of care was a testament to the resilience of life. It was unbelievable when those little angels finally left the NICU, strong enough to go home with their families. That was why I was late yesterday, why I couldn't make it to his charity gala. As a doctor himself, why couldn't he understand that I couldn't just leave when a baby was unstable? I had the tools and knowledge to help those precious souls.

The memories flood back, the joy and heartbreak intertwined, making it all the more painful to leave it behind. Katherine reaches over, squeezing my hand gently, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of my emotions. The road ahead is uncertain, but with her by my side, I find a glimmer of hope amidst the somber reality.

We stopped at a truck stop diner in Grove City, Pennsylvania. The smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee greeted us as we walked in, the hum of conversation and clinking cutlery adding a sense of normalcy to the chaotic whirlwind of the day. We slid into a booth with red vinyl seats, the table adorned with a plastic flower centerpiece, and a sticky menu. I glanced at the specials board, my eyes skimming over the words "meatloaf," "mashed potatoes," and "apple pie." The promise of comfort food was enticing, but my mouth ached and my arm throbbed, each pulse a sharp reminder of the recent events.

I tried to distract myself from the pain by listening to Katherine talk to her oldest brother, Elijah, a cop and retired Marine. The same guy I had a huge crush on in high school. All my fantasies of being his girlfriend and eventually his wife had fallen on deaf ears. He barely noticed me other than as Kat’s best friend. Despite the background noise of the diner, I couldn't make out what they were saying. The pounding in my head drowned out their voices, turning them into a distant murmur.

I pulled out my cell phone and saw that I had ten missed calls. My heart skipped a beat as I checked to make sure my location wasn’t on. Relief washed over me when I confirmed it was turned off and I was no longer sharing my location with Max. However, I could still see that he was at the hospital. A knot in my stomach loosened slightly; it seemed he didn't know I wasn’t at home yet. His voicemails painted a picture of his state of mind.

The first few messages were anxious, his voice tinged with worry as he asked why I hadn’t stayed at the emergency room so he could check on me. One voicemail stood out, his voice tight with anger as he chastised me for not answering, saying he was too busy to play childish games. The very last message was a stark contrast. He informed me he would be home by dinner at 7 and would pick up something for us to eat so I wouldn't have to cook. I rolled my eyes, the familiar feeling of frustration bubbling up. His controlling nature never ceased to amaze me.

I picked up the bottle of pain meds, shaking it slightly to get Katherine's attention. She glanced at me, her conversation with Elijah pausing momentarily. "I'm taking one," I said, popping a pill into my mouth. The promise of relief and the inevitable drowsiness that would follow was a welcome prospect. "I'll probably be asleep or very tired soon. We should eat quickly before I get sleepy or out of it. I think it would be more comfortable to fall asleep in the passenger seat of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Maybe even find a blanket and travel pillow on the truck stop side."

Katherine nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. I settled back into the booth, trying to focus on the diner's mundane ambiance. The painkillers slowly dulled the ache, and for the first time in what felt like forever, a sense of peace began to creep in.

We leave the truck stop and get back on the road. I was able to find a blanket and pillow in the travel section of the truck stop. We grabbed some drinks and Katherine grabbed some provisions in hopes of not having to stop in hopes that they could drive two or more hours before another stop. Being smart she filled up the Jeep’s tank.

‘Hey, Kat, do you want to listen to Taylor Swift or should I just put some headphones on? I just want something that can help me ease into a deep sleep and not move. As the day progresses my pains have become more and more intensive and sits in the jeep while comfortable most days is causing my entire body to ache. I am still very drugged up from the pill I took while we were eating.

“Love, of course, you can listen to her. Taylor Swift is already a station on my Apple car play I'll just put that on. If it's too loud just let me know. We have around five more hours to drive before we make it to Fort Wayne.” Kat replied with laughter in her voice and the first smile on her face since I saw her today. “It’s five O’clock now so I’m hoping we make it before midnight.”

“If it gets much we can always pull over and switch. I can drive with one arm. Just let me sleep this round of pain pills out and I can take over. I am serious as long as I am in one spot it doesn't hurt that much.” I tell her with a yawn.

I look out the window as the town falls away and it is nothing but interstate driving. Kathrine switches lanes with ease as Taylor Swift's “Lose OF my life” plays in the background. She sings along with the radio with a voice that is just as beautiful. I lean the seat back as I drift off into sleep.

Three hours later I woke in the Jeep in another gas station. The car was on and the heater on as well. Kathrine isn't in the cab with me. So I turned off the car, and grabbed the key. Locked the doors after I had gotten onto the curb then turned to head into the gas station. The door dings to announce another customer and the powerful smell of Coffee fills the air. I look around and see a worker moping the floors in the snack aisle.

“Sir, where the restrooms?” I asked with a dry throat. The man just points to the back right of the store. I walk over that way looking at items of memorabilia that read OHIO. I move as quickly as my body can do with the soreness. I went into the the rest room and Kat was washing her hands at the sink.

“Hey, Kat, if you need me to drive for a bit, I’m good to help. I just need to use the restroom, and I’m desperate for some caffeine!” I tell her as I make my way into one of the three empty stalls.

The restroom is starkly lit with fluorescent lights, casting a harsh glare on the overly pink tiles and walls. The scent of floral air freshener barely masks the underlying antiseptic odor.

As I finish peeing, I realize this stall has no toilet paper. I sigh and call out, “Kat, hate to bother you, but it seems I picked the stall with no T.P. Could you hand me some?”

I chuckle, thinking to myself that this day just keeps getting better. We’ve been at the E.R. since 1 AM, and now the cherry on top is no T.P.

Kat laughs and tosses a roll over the stall door. “Here you go, girl. This day is a nightmare!”

“Thanks,” I say, catching it. After finishing up, I step out of the stall and up to the bright pink countertop to wash my hands. The counter is cluttered with various soap dispensers and a hand dryer that looks like it hasn’t worked in years.

Katherine seizes the moment to comment on the overly pink and feminine bathroom. “I’m not sure who their designer is, but someone needs to find a new job,” she says with a smirk.

I laugh, wincing as I clutch my side. “Ouch, girl, don’t make me laugh. My ribs can’t handle that.”

We walk back into the main store, a small convenience shop attached to the gas station. The aisles are narrow and stocked with an assortment of snacks and drinks. I grab a tea, and Kat picks out a Coke. We head to the counter and check out using Louise’s borrowed credit card.

As we leave, I start thinking out loud. “Do you think Max knows I’m not at the apartment or even in the same state?”

Kat looks at me with concern. “He’s been calling every five minutes. Sorry, I turned your phone off. You might want to change your number in the next couple of days.”

I nod, taking a sip of my tea. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks for handling that. This day just needs to end.”

“Agreed,” Kat says, linking her arm with mine as we walk back to the car. “But hey, at least we’re in this together.”

I smile, grateful for her support. “Yeah, together.”

We climb into the car, the engine purring to life as we pull back onto the highway, heading towards Fort Wayne.

As we merge into the moderate traffic of the interstate, Katherine’s voice carries a mixture of urgency and practicality. “We should have only an hour, maybe an hour and a half. Let's call Elijah and see if we’re just going to the house or if we’re meeting somewhere. Plus, I need to go to my mom’s house to get some clothes since we have nothing.”

I nod, grabbing her phone to search for Elijah's name in her contacts. The hum of the car fills the silence as I hit the call button, and soon a gruff, timber voice fills the jeep's cabin. "Hey, Sis. Are you getting close yet? How's Charlotte doing?"

A shiver runs down my spine at the sound of his voice; it's deep and commanding, with an undeniable hint of s*x appeal. “Um, according to GPS, we have an hour and a half, as long as there aren't any more stops or traffic delays,” I reply, casting a small smile at Kat. “So we just wanted to know where we’re going once we get to Fort Wayne. I don’t know if Kat told you earlier, but we don’t have any of our clothes. Should we stay somewhere, or swing by my mom's house and yours for clothes? Also, do you think it would be safer if Kat stayed with your parents, or should I stay at the cabin so everyone would be out of harm's way if Max were to find me?”

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that too. Maybe we can meet at my mom’s, and then I can take you back to my house until we know for sure he doesn’t come here and mess with you. I’d feel better knowing you’re under my protection and that my sister is staying somewhere else. She can stay at Mom’s or my log cabin, but you’ll be staying with me. How are you feeling? Do you think you can handle seeing the family tonight?” Elijah’s voice crackles through the speaker, his concern palpable.

“I agree with you about Kat being safer somewhere else, but I can stay at a hotel. I’d rather not see the family today, nor do I want to see the look on your mom's face when she sees my state. I’d prefer to wait until I look more like myself. Maybe we can meet you at the hotel rather than everyone seeing me like this,” I say, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“You will be staying with me, and that’s final, young lady! I don't want any more harm to come to you. Meet at my house, and then we can figure out clothes for the next couple of days. I have some of my old college clothes that you can sleep in until we get some other stuff. Anyway, ladies, I have to go now; I need to get something worked out at the police station.” He says all this in a rush, then quickly adds, “Kat, she never told me how she was doing, so I think that in itself says more. Text me if you need anything. Love you. Bye!”

The call ends abruptly, and I look over at Katherine, shaking my head. “Good lord! I thought once he got out of the Marines, he’d stop ordering people around. Are you okay with the living situation? I don't mind not listening to him and getting a hotel.”

Katherine sighs, her fingers drumming against the steering wheel. “There is no point in trying to go against him. I’ll bring you clothes tomorrow or the next day. I have to organize movers to come and pack up our apartment. Do you have anything that you need from Max’s place? I know you had clothes there, but most of your stuff was still at our place.”

• I stare out the window, watching the blur of passing cars. “No, nothing from Max’s place. I just want to leave all of that behind. Thank you for helping me, Kat. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “We’ll get through this together. You’re stronger than you think, Charlotte.”