Page 25 of Embers in the Dark

“Thanks Tucker. Really, I appreciate it,” I tell him.

“No problem. I have leftover pizza in the fridge if you want some. But make sure to get some rest. I’m just going to freshen up then head out. I’ll be sure to lock up and let you know when I leave.”

“Okay, thank you. But don’t worry about me. I promise, I’ll be fine.” I try to stand up straighter to prove it.

“Baylee, you don’t have to do that,” he says.

“Do what?” I ask.

“Act like you’re unaffected. It’s okay to not be okay around me.” He looks at me.

I look at him and realize that I want to let go so badly with him. But last time I almost did that, I nearly gave him my whole heart. I wanted everything with him and if I had gotten that, who knows where I’d be. One thing’s for sure, I wouldn’t be here, bruised and battered in this way.

Instead, I stand taller. “Tucker, I’m going to be fine. Thank you, though.”

Tucker must realize a wall has formed right then.

“Ok. Call me if you need anything.”

He turns and leaves the room.

I walk myself into the restroom and pull out everything I need for a shower. I turn the water on and let the steam engulf the confined space, slowly taking over the mirror in front of me. Before the reflection is fully covered by steam, I see the bruises that have truly taken over my body. I try to close my eyes in hopes I can shield myself from remembering how horrific these last twelve hours of my life have been, but those lifeless blue eyes take over my memories.

Myles left his mark on me—on my body and in my mind. He has permanently left scars in my memories and now I feel robbed of so much joy. It’s as if the beauty of life’s potential is tainted. I just hope he hasn’t left his mark permanently on my soul. Maybe as I move forward, I can erase each piece of ugly with a moment of happiness.

I wake to the smell of garlic, and my stomach immediately growls. I can’t remember the last time I ate something. It takes me a minute to figure out where I am. This mattress feels like I’m lying on a cloud. I turn over and stretch out, my muscles stiff.

That’s when the memories from earlier come flooding back... Myles and the attack... my call to Tucker and the trip to the hospital. Everything feels overwhelming. I’m in Tucker’s apartment and my life is no longer what I thought it would be.

I look over at the clock and it’s four-ten in the afternoon. I groan thinking about my roommates who are probably sick with worry. We exchanged a few text messages before I finally succumbed to sleep earlier. My brother updated me with some short messages when things were getting handled at the apartment. I’m relieved the lock was changed without anyissue. He also told me he found someone to come and fix the damage to the wall. He promised to drive back out to Connecticut later in the week to supervise that repair for me as well.

My roommates were given a brief explanation, and they wanted to come straight home, but I didn’t want them driving back yet. With the apartment still unsecured and Myles out there, I thought it best they stick to their plans until it was safe to return.

I reach over and grab my phone to find missed texts from the girls, along with a few from my family checking in on me. I also see a missed call and voicemail from a number with an area code from Connecticut, which I’m hoping is from the police department.

I skip the texts and immediately put the phone to my ear to listen to the message:

“Hi, Ms. Rios, this is Officer Tamos. Please give me a call back when you get this. Thank you.”

Unfortunately, she didn’t leave much else to hint if they were able to speak to Myles. Maybe she can’t leave details in a message. I’m too anxious to wait another second, so I immediately call her back. The moment I hear the line ringing, I feel my heart pounding. I place my hand over my chest, hoping I can calm myself down.

“This is Officer Tamos,” she answers.

“Hi, this is Baylee Rios. I’m returning your call,” I say, my voice a bit shaky.

“Hi, Ms. Rios. I’m glad you called. I assume you got my message?”

“You can call me Baylee. And yes, I just got it. I’m sorry for missing your call.”

“That’s fine. I assumed you had a long night after you left the apartment. I received the report from the hospital. I was happy to see you didn’t end up with a concussion.”

“Oh, um, thanks. Yes, I’m relieved. I’m okay. A bit sore and still shaken,” I tell her.

“That’s to be expected. I’m filing the information for the arrest warrant. That will likely take at least few days. Keep that in mind. You’re staying in Boston, correct?”

“Yes,” I tell her. The unease knowing Myles could just be anywhere is infuriating.

“Be vigilant of your surroundings, Ms. Rios. I did pay a visit to Mr. Stempler today and he was agitated with my questions. But he’s aware he isn’t allowed to leave the state. He has also been informed that you're pressing charges against him,” she explains.

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