Free Take a Breath (Take 1) by Jaimie Roberts Page A

Look I got to go now; I have to start
packing so I can get to Williamsburg by tonight.  Speak soon ok
and keep your chin up girl.”  
     
 I know what’s coming next so we say in unison, “And don’t let the
bastards get you down.”  We both laugh together, “See, that’s
better, now take care of yourself Ana, you hear me?”  
     
  I roll my eyes, “Yes, Auntie Jessie, now go have fun and be
careful on the roads.”  Traffic can be terrible on the 495. 
We say our goodbyes and I think of Jessie’s plan. 
     
    I
have been saving money for a while now so I can get my own place. 
I would like to own my own home rather than rent so I have been trying
like mad to get a deposit gathered.  On the other hand I haven’t
treated myself for a while and it has been a long time since I got a
hair cut or went shopping.  I look across to the floor at my
ripped bikini bottoms.  I suppose I will need to get a new
swimsuit now too.  My heart sinks again.
     
    I spend most of the day sulking in my room, but around five I start to
feel hungry.  I don’t want to go downstairs but I need to
eat.  This is ridiculous!  I take a step out of my room and
creep along the landing.  The house is beautiful; a huge arch
window greets me as I gaze out a few seconds at the beautiful day I’m
missing.  I sigh to myself.  I head down the stairs quickly
passing through the empty living room and into the kitchen.  I
don’t think Jake is in the house.  I let out a huge sigh of relief
and get on with making myself a ham and Philadelphia sandwich.  I
grab a few lays crisps to snack on after and pour myself an orange
juice.  I sit down at the breakfast bar and get on devouring my
sandwich.  I didn’t realise how hungry I was.  Once I’m
finished I wash up and put everything away.  I grab myself an
apple and head upstairs again.  Wherever Jake is I don’t want to
be around when he gets back.
     
    I
searched the internet for a while looking for some dresses and shoes
and I book my hair appointment at Tyson’s Corner for 12.30pm, conscious
that the party starts at 4pm.  I gaze outside and only realise
that night is upon us and its 9pm.  I’m wired up and exhausted at
the same time.  I need to clear my head.  A run is probably
the best solution.  I grab my kit and get ready.  It is muggy
outside but at least the sun is down and the more I think about it the
more I feel I need this.  I get dressed and put my hair up in a
high ponytail to keep the sweat away from my hair.  I run
downstairs and see Jake is on the sofa.  I quickly move to the
door and open it.  
       “Ana, where are you going?”  
     
  I don’t look around; I can’t believe he wants to know where I’m
going.  Isn’t it obvious what I’m doing?  I quickly run out
the door and shut it behind me starting a steady pace.  
        I hear the door open behind me, “Ana, come back you can’t go out.  ANA.”  
     
  How dare he talk to me like that, who does he think he is? 
I quickly get out of earshot and make my way around the main roads so I
am not on my own too often.  There are plenty of people walking
their dogs so I feel safe.  I put my iPod on and start listening
to music to keep me going.  My adrenaline is pumping and in my own
little world trying desperately not to think about Jake’s every
touch.  I quickly snap out of it wondering how long I’ve been
out.  I look at my watch and see its 10pm, shit I must head back
now as it’s getting late.  I’m only a mile away from home now so
it will not take me long.  I turn around the last corner before
heading home and I see a group of young boys.  I instantly tense
as I get nearer to them.  They all look up and see me which is the
last thing I wanted.  
       “Hey pretty lady are you having a nice run?” 
     
  I study him a moment, he doesn’t look very old about 19 with
short cropped brown hair.  There’s another two with blonde hair,
possibly brothers,