Chapter Six
Capri
Ilook outside thewindow across the street.The moon is not shining tonight, so squinting doesn’t make it any easier to see why my neighbor’s dog keeps barking like it’s seen a ghost.The insistent noise is getting on my nerves, and the only reason I’m not at my neighbor’s front door is because their dog usually loses it like this.I just might end up calling them.I shut the blinds, and for the first time in months, I take a long, hard look at my living room.It’s a mess.Dirty clothes are piled in almost every corner and dishes are on the table and the floor.I’ve been living my life like someone waiting for a death sentence.The sight makes me wonder what Adriano must have thought when he came here.My place is a stark contrast to his.
I take in a deep breath and let out an exhale.I guess it’s high time some things change around here.
I haven’t felt so high-spirited in a long while, so it might be a good idea to take advantage of that feeling.I start by clearing out the dishes and taking them to the kitchen.Though the kitchen is another eyesore, cleaning it is a task for another day.I spend a few more minutes clearing out the living room until it’s a bit more pleasing to the eye.
I flop on the couch, tired.Months of lying around doing nothing have made me lazy.My gaze flicks to the crutches leaning against the wall.I haven’t needed to use them in a while.After the accident, I was unconscious for days, then woke up to multiple broken ribs and a fractured femur.I had undergone several surgeries and was in physical therapy for months after I was discharged from the hospital.I decided that I could no longer stay with my parents.I needed a new environment, new faces, new reasons to live.I thought I had it all figured out and could move on as if nothing had ever happened.I was wrong.I couldn’t even hold my brush without seeing her face.In her last moment, she stared at me as if she couldn’t believe that I had driven her to her death.
I let out a heavy breath.It’s about time I learn to live again.I dial my mom’s number, put the phone on speaker, and walk over to my canvas.Mom finally picks up as I arrange my brushes, paints, and palette.I pick up my pencil to start a sketch.
“Hello, Mom...”
Silence.I hear her sniffle.She’s probably overwhelmed with emotions.I haven’t called them since my best friend’s death.I needed someone to blame, and I had vented my anger at them.Our relationship quickly deteriorated after I left their place.I’ve refused to let them come here, too.
“Capri...”Her voice sounds heavy with emotion.I haven’t picked up any of her calls since our last conversation either.
“Hey, Mom...”I have no idea what to say.I’ve been angry with them for so long that our relationship is literally broken.I can’t even guarantee two sentences without an argument breaking out.
Mom takes my silence as a cue to do the talking.“Dr.Naomi called several times.She said you weren’t picking up.I called ...and...”She sniffs.“I don’t know, I was just so worried.”
I drop my pencil.“Mom, I don’t need to see Doctor Naomi anymore.But I didn’t call to talk about her.I want to fix us.”
“Really?Your dad and I would love nothing more.”
“I was thinking the two of you could come visit me sometime.”
“How does this weekend sound?I could make you some cookies.”
“I’ve missed your cookies.I’d love that.”
She lets out an exasperated breath.“You sound so different.Are you okay?”
“Mom, I’m okay.I met someone, and I’ve never felt more alive.”
“Oh ...that’s great news.Um ...what’s his name?”
“Adriano.”
“Will he also be around this weekend?”
That’s my mom’s way of saying she wants to meet Adriano.That doesn’t sound like a great idea, at least not yet.“Baby steps,” I say.“Mom, I have to go now.Tell Dad I said hi.”
“Okay.Bye, honey.You’ll tell me all about Adriano during this weekend.”
She ends the call, and I begin to sketch.I have no idea what I’m drawing yet, but I choose to trust my instinct and pour out my emotions.Just when I get into my element, my neighbor’s dog starts barking again.I curse under my breath and drop my pencil, storming toward my window.
Why the hell is he so hysterical tonight?
I hear a creak behind me and feel his warmth.Adriano.I pause, my heart beginning to thump faster and faster.That’s not his smell.I immediately reach for the crutches leaning against the wall and swing them with all the strength I can muster.The invader swipes away my attack as easily as swatting away a fly.He’s wearing a ski mask that doesn’t hide the nasty smile on his face.I, however, notice the tattoo that runs up his arm.I’ve seen it before.
“You’re coming with me, sweetheart,” he sneers.
I’ve heard that voice before.Where?He lunges at me, and I escape, racing toward my room.I need to escape.Adriano promised to keep me safe.Where is he?I feel a pang of betrayal.He sneaks in here at his will, but now, when I need him the most, he’s nowhere to be found.I make it to my room and lock the door behind me.I move toward the window.I can still escape, if only I can—
The door slams open.“Did you think I’d let you get away that easily?”He lunges for me again, and this time, I can’t duck fast enough.His grip tightens around my wrist as he forcefully drags me toward him.I let out a yelp, and his palm slams over my nose and mouth, cutting off my oxygen.
