Escaping Parker - F.T. Zele Page 0,34
I’m just a needy person who annoys him. I need to step back and stop expecting so much from him.
We don’t have to drive too far before we arrive at a good-sized shopping plaza, filled with many shops. I adjust my wig, making sure it is on tightly, and get my sunglasses in place. Walking through the parking lot feels like some sort of walk-of-shame.
First we stop at the drug store, grabbing some basics: aspirin, water, toothpaste, and all the essentials. We blend in, not calling too much attention to ourselves. I’m sure the only reason I’m concerned with this is because I feel guilty, like I’m hiding or I’m doing something wrong.
Rig isn’t being very talkative, which isn’t a change for him, but I felt like we really broke down some barriers between us last night, and for some reason, it cuts me kind of deep.
He stops in front of clothing store, glancing around. “So, I need to stop in here real fast to get a couple shirts. Do you need anything? Did everything I got for you work out?”
“Yes, everything was fine. I don’t need anything. Would it be ok if I just sat out here while you are inside? I’m really enjoying the fresh air,” I ask, hoping he doesn’t say no.
“Sure, but if you see anything odd, come in to the store immediately and get me,” he insists. I give him a salute and nod.
I relax on the bench directly in front of the store, watching people passing by talking to one another. A lone payphone catches my attention, and I start having this strong urge to run over there and call my parents. Andrew made it very clear I couldn’t call them and say goodbye, and they were to know nothing. He said it would put them in danger, and that it would be the first place Steven would go looking for me. But my heart wins out, and I walk over to the phone, looking around before I pick it up. My heart races while I dial their number, having no intention of saying a single word. I only want to hear a familiar voice.
The phone rings five times before my mom finally picks up. “Hello.” I stay silent. “Is someone there? Clarissa, is that you? Please, say something, anything.” I want to scream out, yes it’s me, I’m here, and I’m ok, but I remain silent. I can’t swallow past the lump in my throat. Tiny sobs blare through the phone as I hear the desperation in my mom’s voice.
Suddenly a hand comes down on the receiver ending the call, and the phone is ripped from my hands and slammed down.
“What are you thinking?” Rig yells at me.
“I didn’t say anything; I just needed to hear her voice. They don’t know it was me,” I say, trying to justify.
“You don’t think that they don’t know it was you? Their phones are probably being traced, especially since the police are involved,” he growls. “I can’t believe you just fucking did that. We got to get out of here.” He pulls my hand and leads us out of the mall.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize,” I say, trailing him like a naughty dog.
We drive back to the house without a word being said, an insane amount of guilt coursing through me. I don’t know how to even make this right.
Pulling into the driveway he throws the car in park and jumps out, pacing the car before he walks over to the passenger side and opens my door. “You need to go pack your stuff. We have to get out of here fast,” he demands.
“Ok.” Is all I can manage to get out.
Rig stays outside, animatedly talking on his phone.
I run upstairs and throw my things into my bag, then get downstairs quickly, waiting to leave.
Rig comes in and starts rushing up the stairs. “Get in the car. I’ll be down in a second.”
I choose the backseat, not wanting to feel the wrath of his anger right now. I know I messed up, and I should have really known better.
“Why are you sitting in the back?” Rig asks, dropping his bag on the seat beside me. “Yes I’m really dumbfounded on why you thought that would be ok, but I’m not mad.”
“I’ll just sit back here. I didn’t really understand what could happen. I’m sorry. I know I just messed stuff up.”
“Look, this isn’t like some overdramatized movie. All they have to do is call the phone