Flee

The streets’ chatter kept me on edge as I followed behind the staggeringly tall man. His broad shoulders broke the crowd so I could easily tap after him. I was annoyed, I had to speed walk to follow after him as he casually walked ahead. “Damien, could you please slow down? It’s really hard to follow after you, I have short legs!”

The deep baritone chuckle plagues the air as he finally eases up on his speed. I manage to now walk alongside him subconsciously sticking close as to not get pushed away from him in the stream of people.

"How the hell is it still warm here when it's literally November?" I grumble out causing Damien to respond, "We're close to the Southern Hemisphere. It's only scientifically logical for it to be warmer here than back in your small town in the States." 

I huff at his stupid scientific response. I was never one to pay attention in science class anyways. Damien had still yet to vocalize the plan, and I was utterly confused. 

We continued to aimlessly walk the sidewalks, busy in front of certain shops and crosswalks. He seemed to know where he wanted to go, yet for myself, I was lost. The twists and turns had me frazzled and going insane. I mumbled out in an annoyed voice, "Where are we even going? This is taking forever!" 

The man let out a chortle placing his hand--in a familiar fashion-- on the small of my back. I wanted to pry it away every single time but I oddly urged myself not to. It confused me, I hated that he showed his dominant nature in public. It only made me want to shrink away, unknowingly, into his grasp.

I let out an inaudible sigh as I let my eyes wander, a small ice cream parlor sat on the corner of the street. I wildly pointed, looking up at Damien as I held his attention, “Can we get ice cream?” I yelled out in a brusque manner. He chuckled and held his finger over his mouth signaling me to quiet down. “No more shouting and yes, I’ll allow you to get some. Though I want to take you to a small store before we go.”

I nod happily as he leads me--soon enough-- to the see-through glass door of the shop. The petite shop had a calming blue color on the outside yet as we stepped in the antique white was gorgeous. My eyes widened in curiosity looking around in awe. I rushed off through the isles of clothing and other miscellaneous items.

Before I can run any deeper, I’m pulled into a hard plush chest by a strong grasp on my wrist. I looked up with an uneasy gulp as I spotted Damien looking down at me with a scowl. "No aimlessly running off in stores, you'll learn soon enough it infuriates me. Now, follow me. I need to pick up something from here, then you can look around." I nod softly as I follow after his head start. 

I look around not paying attention, but I sure do pay attention when I come into contact with his defined back. I pull away quickly and stand at his side looking down. We stood at the checkout desk, "Good Morning Madame, I was curious if my order came in." 

The lady smiled, "Can I get your name and the order number please?" He stops to think, "Damien Alferenzo, the order number I believe is 6-2-0-9-1-7-3-0" 

I hear the typing of her clacky keyboard as she types in the information. "It turns out it is in, I can go fetch it for you." He nods as she ushers off to the backroom. I keep my head hidden as I wiggle my toes in my shoes. 

A soft calloused hand rubs the small of my back causing me to glance up at him. The soft taps of her heels on the floor echo back to us as I spot her holding a small box. My curiosity perks up like a dog, "Make sure it's in good condition, and then if it is, you can proceed to the checkout." Damien opens the small box and I pout, not able to ease my curiosity at spotting its contents. 

"It's perfect." He shuts the box and sets it back down on the counter as the woman smiles. We continue to ring up the item and I check the price, almost fainting. How could something in a box that small be worth so much money? “Can I still look around?” He nods and I respond with wandering aimlessly. I track through the store and look towards the clothing. My attention was caught by the attractive clothing. 

I fan through the racks and pick up a huge hoodie knowing it could most likely fit Damien even though it was for myself. I always wanted to wear a really big hoodie so this can be my special one. The soft pastel pink is appetizing to touch as I skip over to find Damien watching me like a hawk. His posture is somewhat rigid but it seemingly eases when I approach. 

“Damien, can I please get this?” I don’t look at his eyes but one small glance and I’m reminded why I don’t. His light brown eyes holding a hidden glare but yet the small reply leaves my heart to flutter. “Yes, I suppose you can get it, is that all you want?”

Bobbing my head we usher back to the checkout and finally complete our stop here. I threw the hoodie on, without a care that it's hot here, the fuzzy interior of the hoodie was relaxing. I grabbed Damien’s fingers, dragging the poor mafia man over to the ice cream parlor as per my request. My excitement made him laugh as I heard the soft baritone chuckle echo from behind. When the shop door opened the soft bell rang above. Behind the counter, a happy teenager greeted cheerfully. 

In confusion I looked up at Damien, “Can you order for me… Please?” With his begrudging nod, I tell him my order and stay behind. I watch as the man speaks with the girl behind the counter charmingly but not with a flirtatious tone insight. It eased past me knowing this man at least wasn’t a pedophile. 

I sighed and nervously fidgeted with the sleeves of my hoodie. My eyes sporadically scoped out the parlor. Why is it taking so long to get ice cream? Unknowingly, my anxiety level rose as my breathing became labored. 

After what felt like hours Damien walked back over with two cones, one of orange sherbert and the other of mint chocolate chip. I glanced over at him with panicked eyes. He seemed to notice and quickly approached me, pulling my shakey form close to his chest. "Relax dear, let's sit down and eat, then we can go home if you would like, okay?" 

I nod and he hands me the delicious sherbert. He leads us over to a booth allowing me to sit on the other side. I take to digging into the deliciously cold treat. My mind slowly melts away as I focus on eating. Damien eats his mint chocolate chip with a small but noticeable smile.

I munch on the cake cone and with my mouth still mildly full I say, "Are we doing anything else?" My words slur together due to the food in my mouth as Damien shakes his head disapprovingly. "First off, no talking while your mouth is full, you might choke. Second, no, I was planning on just going back home after a small stop at the grocery store." I nod along and happily continue to eat, my anxiety has eased itself into the back of my mind. 

What strikes me as interesting is, I'm sitting across from a man apparently in the Mafia and annoyingly enough my husband-- eating mint chocolate chip in an ice cream parlor. That sounds like a night at the bar coming to recoup at three in the morning. I still have my plans but they're in the back of my mind along with anxiety. 

I'll get the hell out of here before the time comes when I turn 18. I'd rather him not try anything on me. He'll act all innocent for now and then when I age he'll become a monster. I've heard stories from submissive girls at my old school living in hell. 

I will not damn myself staying here with him when the time comes. I plan to flee the week of my aging and try to flee to the states, if possible. Maybe he'll lose track of me and move on- "What are you thinking so hard about, boy?" The devil inquires. 

"Just my parents…" He hums in acknowledgment not believing a word I say. "Your Birthday is coming up soon, do you know what you want to do to celebrate?" I stiffen, caught off guard as I simply shrug and try to play it off. 

He watches me closely as I finish off my cone. Twiddling my finger I let out a soft yawn, "What all do we need to get from the supermarket?" I rub my eyes and look at him.

He squints his eyes quizzically but refrains and sits back against the seating. "We need to stock up on food and some other miscellaneous necessities. If you need anything you can grab it as well." He finishes off his cone and wipes his mouth with a white napkin. 

We stand and wander off to throw away our remaining garbage. My thoughts consist of my plan, while at the store I'll grab things such as food and water. I'll need a knife but he'll get suspicious of me if I ask for one. 

Our shoes click on the pavement, the sun beating down on us on what would be a freezing day in the States. Yet here, it's an inferno. I would almost prefer the cold to this heat but I'll struggle through it for now. I only have roughly two weeks, though in that time I can gladly come up with a solid plan. 

My dream will forever consist of a wife and kids yet this man wants to ruin it. I'll achieve my goal even if I kill myself in the process. OK, that might have been a bit dramatic…

I follow alongside the brute, spotting the crowded supermarket in the distance. My anxiety picks up and I unknowingly press myself closer to Damien as I fidget with the sleeves of my hoodie whilst I nervously look around. I forgot how much I truly hate noisy settings as we walk through the crowd and into the store. Some people scatter out of our way as I curiously look about. 

The anxiety nips at my insides as I shift and squirm. We manage to slowly make our way through the people to get a shopping cart. My anxiety bubbles, what can I get for my exciting plan? 

"You can go off and get what you need if you can manage to. If not, you can stay with me. Don't stray far though." I nod quietly and rush off down aisles as I make note of getting as far away from him as possible. 

Maybe I won't have to make some elaborate plan, I can just go now? I smile at the thought of freedom. My thoughts are clouded by my dreams and ambitions as I make my way through the crowd again with bated breaths. My heartbeat increases in volume once I make it to the door and exit quickly. 

My thoughts didn't care if I wasn't prepared, this might be my only chance so I'll gladly take it. Though in the distance thoughts my brain was almost distraught in a way. I fought through and made a break for it as I took off running. I'm glad I bought this hoodie now because if it gets cold tonight at least I'll have it. 

My mind is muddled as I run until I'm heaving for breath. Damien's mostly realized by now something is up. With that motive, I push myself to keep moving. 

Knowing the man doesn't care about the law he'd most likely speed around looking for me. Making my anxiety levels rise as I continue to push myself. My breathing becomes labored once I finally run down an alley. My vision begins to blur and cloud and although I know I should keep going- I couldn't. I sat down on the cold disgusting ground leaning my head against the wall. Soon enough, my vision finally goes black.