Free Don't Look Back by Christine Kersey

Trevor had been gone about twenty minutes and Amanda about fifteen. Time was getting short, but I thought I could get it done. When I had looked in the closet earlier, I had noticed a plastic tub that I could use to carry things out to my car.
    Dashing to the closet, I dumped out the contents of the tub, which looked like some gaming equipment of Trevor’s. Then I took the tub to the kitchen and set as much as I could fit into it, then carried the tub to my car. I opened the door behind the driver’s and moved the items from the tub to the floor of the car. Greta watched my every move, but stayed in her seat, restrained by her seatbelt.
    I went back into the apartment for another trip. After another trip I came back inside once more and was able to fit the remaining items, including the silverware, into the tub. I looked through the cupboards and drawers one last time to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Satisfied that I’d gotten everything that belonged to me, I took the last load out to the car and unloaded it all into the back seat.
    After locking the car, I took the empty tub back into the bedroom. I was putting Trevor’s gaming stuff back into the tub when an angry voice filled the room.
    “What the hell are you doing?”
    My head whipped up to see Amanda standing in the doorway. I sincerely hoped Trevor wasn’t with her. I looked at my watch and knew I had only minutes until he would be back. I had to get out of there. I jumped up, the tub forgotten. “I was just leaving.”
    “How did you get in here?”
    Angry to be questioned by this girl who was in my apartment, I said, “Not that it’s any of your business, but this is my apartment. The lease is in my name.”
    Clearly not convinced, Amanda shook her head. “But you don’t live here anymore.”
    “Do you?” I shot back.
    “Not yet,” she said, a mean glint in her eye.
    “Well, I hope you and Trevor will be very happy together.” I paused. “Has he hit you yet or is he still playing the part of Prince Charming?”
    She shook her head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    I knew I needed to get out of there but she stood between me and the exit. I watched as she pulled out her cell phone and pressed two buttons.
    “Trevor doesn’t love you anymore, Lily. You just need to get over it.” Then she put the phone to her ear.
    Her words sank into my heart and I felt hot tears welling up in my eyes. Even though I’d left him , I still loved him in a way and it cut me deeply to think he didn’t love me at all.
    “She’s here,” Amanda said into the phone. Then, “Okay.” And she hung up. “Trevor wants to talk to you.”
    My mind spun as I focused on what Amanda had said. Trevor was on his way. He knew I was here. I had to get away . Gathering my wits, I shook my head. “I have nothing to say to him.” Then I walked toward her. She didn’t move. “Get out of my way,” I demanded.
    “No. Trevor told me to keep you here until he gets back.”
    I tried to push past her but she wrapped her arms around me. It was just like Steve, my self-defense instructor, had done. For a full second I was immobilized as I tried to recall the moves I’d practiced. Then in a rush, they came to my mind and I executed the moves exactly as Steve had taught me. Amanda cried out as I bent her finger back as hard as I could. A moment later I was free. Momentarily stunned to discover the moves really worked, it took me half a second to react. Then I raced out the door, unlocked my car with shaky hands, started the engine and drove away.
    Just as I began turning the corner, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw Trevor’s Camaro entering the street at the other end. I drove as fast as I dared, the adrenaline pulsing through my veins. Soon I was back on I-80 and heading west.
    “Woo hoo!” I shouted, startling Greta. “I did it!” Giddy with relief, I laughed as I pictured Trevor and Amanda’s faces when they realized I had cleaned out the