Page 2 of Affliction
“Great. Well, let's get going so we can get you settled.”
Climbing into the vehicle behind Hazel, I close the door and pull the seatbelt across my torso. We pull out of the airport and onto a busy highway. She doesn’t speak, which I’m thankful for. I don't want to come off as rude, but I don't really feel like talking. Resting my head on the glass,I watch the trees pass by in a blur. Images of the fight, the fire, and the woods plague my memory, making it nearly impossible to drift off to sleep again, no matter how hard I try.
Twelve Hours Ago
My legs are screaming at me to slow down, but I can’t. I need to get to the club and fast. The house isn’t too far outside of the main city, but it’s far enough that there are no neighbors close by.
My pace is starting to slow down, my body beginning to betray me as the adrenaline of the night's events begins to wear off. Finally giving my legs what they have been begging for, I find a tree to lean against.
What if someone sees the flames?
There’s enough of both of your blood in there that they’ll think you’re gone, too.
I killed someone. Albeit to save myself, I never thought I’d be capable of it.
Sweat starts to cover my face, back and arms. My mouth starts to water and begins to taste like copper, then I start dry heaving. Except I can’t throw up, there’s nothing in my stomach.
After a few minutes, I manage to pull myself together. I’m dizzy and my head is throbbing, but I’m almost there.
Don't stop now.
After a thirty minute car ride we pull onto a gravel driveway, the crunch of the tires rolling over the gravel breaking me out of the haunting memory. At the end sits a small Craftsman-style home with a porch running the length of the front. It sits just before a forest that seems to go on forever, and just far enough off the road where it can't be seen.
This is perfect.
We step out of the vehicle and walk up to the front door in silence as I take in the details of my new home. Dark blue siding with white trim frames a heavy wooden front door. Hazel gently hands me the keys and I take in a shaky breath. “I’ll let you do the honors. When I got the call, I made sure to have the cleaner come and give the place a good, deep clean. I also had some furniture delivered for you. You can replace it when you’re able if you choose, or keep what’s here. It’s all yours.”
All mine.
I stare at the set of keys in my hand, stunned. I haven’t hadanythinglike this, let alone somethingthat truly belonged to me. Ever. The idea that this tiny little house is all mine seems surreal. Everything I’ve ever had wasn't really mine, and I was reminded of that constantly. Shaking my head to clear the unwanted thoughts threatening to take over, I put the key in the lock and open the door.
Stepping into the living room, I stare in awe. The living area is bigger than I thought it would be, and there is a small L-shaped sectional, a couple of end tables and an entertainment stand with a built-in fireplace along the front wall of the room. The kitchen is small with black appliances and granite counters, but it’s perfect for me. The dining room has a small round table with four chairs.
Hazel follows behind me silently as I make my way further into the house, past the hall closet that houses the washer and dryer, and toward the bedrooms. One bedroom is small and left empty. The master bedroomat the back of the house is larger; boasting a four post, queen-sized bed in the middle of the far wall. There’s a full ensuite bathroom to the left of the bed, and a large walk-in closet beside the dresser along the wall to my right. Noticing a set of french doors, I step over to them and peer through the glass. A large deck sits outside the doors and overlooks the backyard. Trees surround the area, creating a wooded bubble around the entirety of the house.
I didn’t plan for what happened at the cabin, so I obviously didn't pack anything. All I have are the clothes on my back. Absent-mindedly I reach up and touch my chest. That’s when I notice my necklace—the last thing I had that was mine—is gone. My eyes well with tears and I choke back a sob. I hate crying, and I refuse to do it in front of a stranger. A very warm and kind one, but a stranger nonetheless.
“Have you looked in the envelope Nick gave you yet?” Hazel asks me from somewhere in the room, leading me to shake my head and clear my throat. Quickly wiping my cheeks, I turn to face her and a soft, sympathetic smile pulls at her lips.
“Why don’t I make us something to drink? Then we can sit at the table and I will go over everything with you.” With that, she walks out of the room.
I follow her down the hall and sit at the dining room table, running my fingers along the grain of the top. Images of what it took to get here flash in front of me like some sort of sick, twisted horror movie. My mind is at war with itself, and I know I’m running an uphill battle towards forgetting everything–I don’t know if healing is something that’s in the cards for me. The sound of dishes clattering together echo through the house, forcing me to look toward the kitchen as Hazel finishes up what looks like two mugs. She brings over a small cup of coffee and some creamer and settlesin the chair beside me. Schooling nerves, I open the envelope, placing the contents on the table.
A driver’s license, social security card, passport, birth certificate and a stack of cash lie before me. My jaw goes slack as I gape at everything. I know that Uncle Nick has connections; I guess I just didn’t realize how good they were, or how quickly he was able to get all of this together. I grab the license and find a real picture of me, but the name is not mine.Parker Ellis. The reality of my situation finally hits and I inhale sharply. I am no longer Elizabeth Moretti; my parents are technically no longer my parents. Any and all ties to who I am are gone.
They have to be.
“I know it’s a lot to take in, so take your time. I’m in no rush.”
“No, I’m okay. It’s just strange to see my face with a different name.”
She offers an understanding smile and it puts me at ease. Though I doubt she fully understands the situation I’m in, I appreciate her empathy.
“Here are all the important documents you’ll need to re-establish yourself. He told me you were coming empty-handed, so I took the liberty of putting a few outfits and essentials in the dresser and the bathroom for you. The pantry and refrigerator are stocked as well. When you’re ready for it, the shopping centers aren't too far from here and you can go and get what you'd like. Your car will be here in the morning. It’s completely paid for and is in your name, and I have a job lined up for you—the owner is a very close friend of mine. You can start when you’re ready; there is no rush. It’s a small bar not far from here, and you can stay there for as long as you’d like. If you find something else you’d prefer to do, you can leave at any time. Do you have any questions?”
“No, I think you’ve covered everything. Thank you for all of this. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this was far more than that.” I reply,my head spinning from all the information. Overwhelmed by everything, a lump forms in my throat as I feel tears stinging the backs of my eyes.
I am so sick of crying.
