by Sasha Spice
Stella seems to be enjoying the view. She strikes up a conversation with me every time she spots an interesting store, and I only end up shaking my head because I have no idea what to tell her. I don’t remember much about this place, except that every time I came here, I was happy.
Stella suddenly asks if I dated anyone in town. Her question catches me off guard, making me laugh. I give her an honest answer: that I never dated anyone until I went into the army.
I confess it’s been a while since I was last with anyone romantically.
I sigh, remembering my years of being in the army. I was with them for quite a while, and though I’m not part of them anymore, I feel as though the rest of my life will always be dedicated to the army despite the loss I’ve experienced and the difficulty I’ve had getting used to civilian life.
I know death is inevitable, but losing the people you love without being able to do something about it is frustrating. It’s certainly contributed to the trauma I still suffer from, but that seems to be normal for retired soldiers.
Stella only giggles about the lack of romance in my life, saying we’re on the same boat. She hasn’t had any relationships lately either. She tells me she can barely remember the last time she really flirted with anybody or even the last time she had a smoking hot night like we just did.
My curiosity grows until I can no longer handle it, so I ask her about it while we look for the town’s 24-hour grocery store. How can a gorgeous woman like Stella not have steamy sex every night?
I can’t believe it. It’s impossible.
“You’re kidding, right?” I joke with her, laughing.
But Stella slaps my arm, giggling. “I’m telling the truth!” she says as she lets out a big sigh. I take a glimpse at her while she looks at the street, and it seems that she’s in deep thought.
Her mood suddenly drops. I wonder what she's thinking. We were laughing just now! Did I say something wrong?
I’m ready to beat myself up over it, but then Stella confesses it’s all because of her family.
Taking care of a sick younger sister with divorced parents at a very young age wasn’t easy. Her father never kept in touch with them after he left, so she grew up and tried to survive with only her mom and her sick sister.
Stella looks out the window, averting my gaze. She says her mom grew increasingly distressed after the divorce, worried about the life she could give her daughters when she didn’t even have a stable job.
The distress turned into depression when her mom found out that Stella’s sister had stage 4 lymphoma.
Stella took care of them over the past year while working her ass off just so the doctors could treat her sister right away. She put all her time and effort into making sure her sister and mom were fine, not even able to take care of herself. Dating was the last thing on her mind.
She tells me that, two months ago, her sister passed away. Her mom fell even deeper into her depression, and she and her mom are struggling through their grief.
Though she isn’t looking at me right now, I can see the pained expression on her face. I can tell that she loves her family immensely. It must’ve been so hard for her to lose a sister, have a depressed mother, and live with an absent father.
I grimace at the thought, imagining myself in the same situation. What’s crazy is that, though we may have lived through very different circumstances, I feel as if I understand how she feels.
Knowing all this about her, I find myself admiring her even more. I like how she can be so bubbly with her pretty smile all day, all while nursing her pain. I can’t help but feel closer to her—more connected to this mysterious woman.
A tear escapes her eyes and she immediately wipes it away, trying to hide it from me. I don’t say anything, but I grab her hand from her lap, squeezing it to show her I care. Her teary eyes break my heart as we lock gazes. I wipe her other tears for her and smile.
“I’m sorry to hear about all of it, Stella,” I say sincerely, squeezing her hand tighter. I hope it eases her to know that I’m here for her. She isn’t alone.
She shakes her head, still wiping the tears that keep on falling. “It’s okay.”
“I hope your sister’s happy wherever she is now,” I tell her. “I’m sure she’s in a better place.”
“You’re right, she is. And I hope Mom and I will find our happiness soon.”
She smiles in an effort to hide all her pain. I park the car in front of a grocery store and look her deep in the eyes. I realize they’re more beautiful than I thought as I cup her cheek and kiss her on the forehead.
“You will,” I say. “You’ll be happy.”
She nods, smiling as she begins to calm down. Stella then takes a deep breath as we ready ourselves to go grocery shopping.
Fourteen
Stella
While Rob and I choose what to buy at the grocery store, I reflect on what I told him in the car. I’m still in a daze. I can’t believe I told him so much—and about my family, no less!
I’m still internally slapping myself for recklessly sharing so much about myself with him.
I’ve always been a private person. I never share my personal issues with just anyone. After everything that’s happened to me, it’s become hard for me to let my guard down and trust someone easily—but Rob changed that in a snap.
I wish I could bite my tongue to stop myself from babbling, but my emotions took over me and I just couldn’t stop myself from talking about all the pain I’ve been feeling. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’m too comfortable around him. That much is clear.
How could I open up about something so personal to someone who I’ve just met? And yet, I feel so safe and at home with him.
Am I going crazy?
But it feels so good to cry again. I haven’t let myself cry since my sister died. I feel lighter than ever and, strangely, happier. I’ve been keeping everything to myself, bottling it all in, but I can’t help but get emotional every time I remember the past.
Looking at Rob, who’s currently picking up some fruits and veggies from the produce section, I realize I’m glad I met this guy when I did. Even if it was in the back of a cab while I was trying to run away from three goons.
I suddenly let out a laugh. Who would’ve thought a soldier would save my life like that? I don’t know where I’d be now if we never crossed paths. Now, I don’t think I ever want our paths to separate.
I’ve never felt so free with someone, although “free” might not be the best term to use right now. We are hiding from those gang members.
Rob is the only one who’s ever made me feel this...comfortable. He’s made me feel less alone. And I’m sure I’ve made him feel the same way.
I clutch my chest and feel my heartbeat deeper and louder. I can’t help but smile. I don’t know what’s happening to me or what this feeling is, but I’m enjoying every bit of it.
It’s late at night and we now seem to have everything that we need—and more! Rob picks up two small gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream and my stomach grumbles at the sight, clearly missing the delicious treat.
But then Rob suggests that we eat dinner before eating the ice cream. I have no choice but to follow him, although my cravings scream otherwise. We decide to eat the packed meals in the car, filling our stomachs to our hearts’ content.
Their seafood tasted fresh and their meat was surprisingly tender! And damn, their beer is the best! It’s been a while since I tasted yummy supermarket food, and I’m enjoying every ounce of it. As soon as we finish, I grab the ice cream, ready for my treat.
I don’t get why some people don’t like this when it actually tastes so heavenly. Rob feels the irritation I feel at how people just can’t understand how delightful this flavor is. But we both agree that less demand means more ice cream for us!
Soon enough, the car is filled with my laughter and his corny jokes.
“What?! You’ve peed your bed?” I shriek, shocked to hear it from Rob while we�
��re eating.
Rob nods, confirming the story. “Yeah, I know, I know. My parents even made me wear diapers until I was at an age when normal kids didn’t have to!”
With my hand holding the ice cream, I hold my stomach, which aches from too much laughter. “I’m so sorry but you are the epitome of a big baby, Rob.”
“Well, that’s what my cousins called me back then.”
I wipe the tears from my eyes. I never knew Rob could be this comical. I thought he was uptight, but I’m learning so much more about him, which fascinates me.
I take a second to look up at the sky, mesmerized by the beautiful stars and the half-moon.
But then I get a prickly feeling on my neck. I’d been feeling we were being watched, even while we were doing our groceries, but I just shrugged it off, thinking we were safe here.
My worry’s intensified and I can’t shake it off.
I look around, trying to see if someone’s watching us, when I spot a car across the street. It’s facing us. I gulp at the realization.
I swear that car looks so familiar.
“Um, Rob?”
I reach for Rob’s arm without taking my gaze away from the car. I don’t want to ruin this night for us but we have to leave right away.
“Yeah? Down for another fact about me?” Rob chuckles and feeds himself a spoonful of ice cream. I grab the tub and keep it in the paper bag in the backseat.
“No. You need to drive. Right now. Hurry!” I urge him and grab the keys to start the engine.
He looks at me in confusion, weirded out by my behavior. “What? Why? What’s wrong?”
I don’t answer him. I feel like there’s no time to. “Just drive!”
He drives away and leaves the store. I tap his arm to make him drive faster while I am looking behind us, relief filling me when the strange car’s out of sight.
“What’s going on Stella?” Rob asks, glancing at me with a scrunched nose.
“I think we’re being followed,” I reply.
He scoffs, turning the wheel into the dark road. “What? Are you sure?”
I gasp when a car’s light flashes on as it enters the road we’ve taken.
Shit, they’re still following us!
“Yes! Now speed it up, Rob!”
Fifteen
Rob
“Damn it!”
I curse under my breath, watching the car follow us from the rearview mirror. Everything was just perfect—hearing Stella’s laugh after I made her cry from letting her remember the past—until this shit happened. I guess we really can’t catch a break tonight.
“Hang on, Stella,” I warn her and she immediately clutches her seatbelt.
Changing the car’s gears and stepping on the accelerator, I speed up the car. I’m glad it’s already dark and there aren’t any people walking around or cars nearby so I can just drive at full speed without worrying about anyone other than ourselves.
“Rob! They’re catching up!” Stella trembles while looking behind us.
I focus on the road, trying to think of a way to get rid of the car following us. My eyes keep wandering back and forth from the car in our rearview mirror to the road with my hands gripping the wheel tighter. I try to remember every street in town while Stella watches the car in terror.
To my relief, I remember there’s a turn up ahead where my Grandpa used to take me so we could look at the lake and fish. There are a lot of narrow roads we could take on our way home.
Maybe I can shake these bastards.
I smile, remembering my grandfather and how he loved adventure, always leading us through different roads which I can now clearly remember. I never thought I’d ever use these roads without him, but here we are.
Thank you for it all, Grandpa!
“Hold on, Stella. This is going to be a hell of a ride.”
I swerve the car to the left, leading us to the lakeside. Stella yelps as the tires shriek. We’re about to hit the railroad when I change gears and drive forward.
Stella warns me again as the car gets closer and closer and tries to bump us. I keep changing roads, drifting zigzags before they can even hit us. I speed up and turn right.
“Are they still following us?” I ask and notice that I’m exceeding the speed limit. Stella nods while watching the back of the car.
“Yes!” I grit my teeth in frustration.
They still manage to tail us after all that trouble. I continue swerving into every road I see while barely managing to control the car. I drift and take tons of turns just so they can lose sight of us.
Stella yells when the car almost flips over when I turn to enter the narrow road which will finally lead us back to the cabin. I hold onto the steering wheel, trying not to bump any of the trees surrounding us.
Honestly, I’m not just worried about the car chasing us. I’m worried about the tires. I bet they’re all worn out now after this car chase. I’m just hoping that we can reach the cabin safely.
I take a deep breath and realize there are no longer any blinding lights behind us. With my eyes still glued to the road, I ask Stella to confirm my observation.
“They’re gone! They’re finally gone!” she rejoices and I check the rearview mirror just to be sure. We’ve really lost sight of them. Perhaps they got lost in the woods.
Stella clutches her chest in relief while still looking back and forth.
I speed up again, wishing we'd be at the cabin soon. We’ll be safe there if we lock ourselves up inside. And we won’t need to worry about food since we already bought much of it.
“What’s the plan, Rob?” Stella asks. “I’m afraid they’ll find us sooner or later.”
Her voice quakes, obviously scared of what will happen next. I reach for her hand on her lap and she squeezes it tight, letting me feel her fear. My eyes meet hers, glistening from all her unshed tears.
“We’ll talk about that later when we’re back inside.”
She nods. I tell her she can take a moment to rest while we’re still in the car, but she refuses. She’s still too scared, worried they’ll catch up to us. I assure her that they won’t.
I don’t think they’ll be able to follow us now. I tried to drive as silently as possible, while Stella and I never let our guard down. Besides, they’re not from here. They don’t know this place like I do.
I park the car by the cabin. While I want to comfort Stella, I feel like I need comforting myself. I’m relieved we made it in one piece, and I’m glad they didn’t try to shoot us.
“Oh my God. I thought I was going to die back there,” she says. She sighs, rubbing her chest. I nod, glancing at the sides of the cabin to make sure it hasn’t been disturbed.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “Driving like that was the only way I thought we could get out of the situation safely.”
I step out to open the car door for her.
“It’s okay,” she says. “We’re safe now. That’s all that matters.”
We smile at each other, feeling reassured by each other’s words. We pick up our groceries from the backseat and I check the tires. Just as I thought, they’re all worn out. I’ll probably need to have them changed tomorrow.
Stella waits for me by the main door. I open it as I help her carry the groceries. We proceed to the kitchen when we notice that something doesn’t feel right. We both look at each other, confused.
She hides behind me and clutches my arm to her chest as we’re greeted by a man in his late forties wearing a gray suit. He’s standing by the couch with a deadly smirk on his face.
“Finally, you have arrived. I’ve been waiting for you.” His French accent echoes through the cabin and he looks at Stella, who seems petrified to see him, while I squint my eyes at the uninvited guest. “It’s been a while, Stella.”
Sixteen
Stella
“Ma chérie, it’s been far too long,” Henri croons after putting more logs into the fireplace.
He saunters ever so confidently toward Rob and me as we sta
nd frozen at the authority and benevolence of his gait. His salt and pepper hair looks well-kempt, and he proudly stands almost as tall as Rob. His smile only accentuates this silver fox’s handsome features.
But no matter how gallant he may seem, his malevolent blue eyes betray the dastardly beast residing within his poisoned heart. And my body instinctively takes a step back with each step he takes forward.
Rob looks confused as he looks at the both of us, “You know him?”
Henri laughs out loud, “Know? As much of it is an understatement, my rugged friend…yes. I do ‘know’ Stella, just as much as the bee knows the flower and vice versa.”
“You shouldn’t be here, Henri,” I finally say out loud, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice.
“Oui, here I should be not. I should be enjoying a warm bubble bath at the La Reserve while a young brunette is sucking my cock as I count my diamonds and feast on cheese and wine, chérie.”
Henri gracefully moves in front of me in the blink of an eye and slams his fist on the wall behind me, barely missing my face by a few inches. His eyes flare furiously. “And yet, I am in some cold outback in the middle of nowhere, my cock is not sucked, and I don’t see my diamonds anywhere! Where are my goddamn diamonds, Stella?”
“Back off,” Rob warns Henri as he puts his hand on Henri’s shoulder. But before I can warn Rob, Henri grabs his wrist and swiftly twists his entire arm as he steps behind Rob and kicks him toward the table.
“Filthy Americans,” Henri complains as he swats off the dust on his shoulder. “And is this really the standard fighting ability of the US Army? No wonder China is kicking your butts.”
I quickly head over to Rob to see if he’s okay.
But Rob glares at me as well. “What the hell is he talking about, Stella? And who the fuck is he?”
My lips quiver as I tell him, “He’s…an old friend of mine—an ex-French Special Forces who got kicked out after smuggling drugs from Afghanistan.”
