I'm just trying to save myself

I'm just trying to save myself
Hillary's POV

He said yes, with a depressing look. I sighed. “It's fine, there's nothing to worry about. You can come visit me whenever.”
I hope maybe this will work. If his Dad comes again, I hope he asserts that I obeyed his word, making myself as distant as possible. I won't come to Travis house but Travis would be the one visiting. Maybe he’ll be convinced with this.
But what if he's not?

“What are you thinking about?” He asks.

Thinking about avoiding you so your dad won't release my dad from prison.

“Just thinking about an apartment that would be beautiful.” I responded and he fell on the pillow, looking depressed as hell.

“Come on, it doesn't mean anything. We're still here. It's still us.”

He nods. “ I'm going to miss you.”

“Listen to me. Imagine, we're living our basic lives.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I have a house and you also have yours, except that I don't have one, but just imagine that I have mine.”

“Oh-kay?”

“Then, we fall in love.”

“Uh mhmm.”

“Then we started dating. I can't just pack to your place like I own it, do you understand? And my parents wouldn't allow that.”

“Fuck, babe…that's totally different and you don't have parents. That's why I also took you in. So you could feel at home here.”

“I know, I just want you to imagine that. Please.” I begged.

“Okay, fine.” He groaned. “ Fine.”

“Are you angry?” I rubbed his chest and he nodded. “I can't stay mad at you. I love you and I respect your decision. If that's what you want, then who am I to say no.”

“Thanks.” I smiled. “ I love you.”.

“I love you more.” He pulled my face closer, grabbing my body, pressed heatedly on his and his lips lingered on mine before he pulled away.

“Where do you want to rent?” He asks, his hot breath on my face.

“Um…..”

“I could place you in my condo.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah…. wait.” His hands went up in the air in protest to his own words. “No, I won't put you there. Those men, they'd be hitting up on you. There's no way I can take that.”

I laughed. “ Why don't I stay somewhere that isn't owned by you. Let's say, Battery park city.”

“That's a lil bit far.” He complained.

“Come on, not really. It's going to be very peaceful and I'll wake up everyday to stare at the waters.

“You're just running away from me.” He jokes.

“Come on, it's not that…..I just need a place where I can breathe a little. We're still us.”

I hope so.

Travis pulled me into his arms, giving me the biggest hug ever.
Later in the day, Travis had assigned Marcus to get information on all apartments in battery park. From Marcus' laptop, I scrolled through, selecting the ones I liked best. Travis had already said he would pay. Because I would be renting in a very expensive place. I finally saw a house that suited my taste and choice. Travis' eyes didn't leave mine as he watched me make my choices. This was for the best. It is.

“Marcus, you could schedule a tour right?”

“Yes, sir. Definitely. In fact I can talk to the agent and he'll get back to me.”

“Perfect.”



The next day, we rode to lower Manhattan at the battery park. I really loved how it wasn't densely populated. It was peaceful and beautiful. The houses were also beautiful. Travis didn't let my hands go or give me any breathing space. He had been so clingy since we arrived here. The agent greeted us both, showing us the glassy building of the first unit. We toured the apartment and I found the one I loved very much. It was quite expensive judging from the looks but Travis doesn't mind. The truth is that I wanted to go somewhere as cheap as possible where I could use my salary. But that doesn't even matter. Travis spends a lot on me and always makes sure my account balance remains robust.
I loved the sleek modern kitchen and soft lighting of the apartment. It was. Everything was now finalized and what comes after moving him? Packing up. After paying for the bill, Travis and I drove back home. Travis made Marcus do whatever he can to clean up and wash the space even if it's new.
We later got back home and I was happy and sad at the same time. Would I ever get used to this to waking up without Travis by my side? Of course I would. I let the cold water run through my body in the shower. The honest truth, I'm scared. I'm confused and insecure. I dried my body out, ensuring my door was locked. I didn't contact his father even though he gave me his card. I don't want to have anything to do with him. But that's why I sped up the house haunting. I could park my stuff by tomorrow.
I gulped, staring at the card, should I call him? No, the other voice in my head says. Maybe I should throw it away?
I wanted to break it. ..but now, I needed it just for two, three times. He gave me a 2 day deadline to do something and I chose to leave. If I let him know of my absence, it means that he wouldn't go as far as taking my father out of that prison. .

My hands were shaking terribly and I held my head tight like it was about to explode. I weakly fought against the tears that were willing to fall.
One deep breath and I dialed the number from the card. This felt so illegal and sick. Travis wouldn't be aware of this. It was a secret and I didn't want it to leak into the wrong hands.

Should I call him or not? His words still lingered and I was so scared of seeing my father once again. That man had suffered me enough.
I took a deep breath and dialled the number.

“He…llo?”

“Hillary.” He said through the line. “I was thinking you wouldn't call. I wanted to tell my lawyer to go along with the case.”

Bastard.

“I've done what you want?” My hands trembled. “ I'm leaving tomorrow. I'm leaving Travis.. hope you're happy?”

“Great news. Have you given up your position?”

“What?” I became confused.

“Part of leaving my son includes quitting your job. Did you do that?”

I opened my mouth to talk but I couldn't.

“Hello?” He continues… but I just went silent. Unable to say anything. I cut the call and began to cry.