Loving the Addict: A Cathartic Saga of Love, Lust, Obsession and Dominance

Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER: 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

A WORD ABOUT DOMESTIC ABUSE

BIOGRAPHY OF RAVEN STORM

INTRODUCTION

The Story behind writing Loving The Addict started out in the beginning as a jotting down of thoughts and feelings in a journal as self therapy to cope with what had happened to me. Being that this was my true story and one that I felt needed to be told, it was far from difficult to write. This book was written to let other women who are being abused, or in an abusive relationship know that they are not alone, That no matter what the circumstance is there is a light at the end of what seems to be the darkest tunnel.

"STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

LOVE SHOULD NEVER HURT"

Love And Light To All, Raven Storm

DEDICATION …….

Loving The Addict is dedicated to those who have been a victim of Domestic Violence.

Their Courage and Their strength!!!

I also want to dedicate this book to my mom who, through all of this, was always there for me every step of the way. She has been my biggest strength and solid rock. Through her I found my strength, my courage, and my voice to fight and survive.

R.S.

CHAPTER 1

I WILL NEVER FORGET the day that I met Jake Cunningham. That is the day that changed my life forever.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was working as a manager at a hair salon in the mall when I met Jake. It was just about closing time. My mother had come in that night to get a haircut. I was just about finished with her hair, when in walked this man. I went up to him and asked if I could help him. He asked to speak to the manager. I introduced myself as Brenda and told him that I was the manager. He proceeded to take off his hat and go sit in one of the empty stylist chairs. Apparently he had been in earlier that day and got his hair cut by one of the other stylists, but was not happy. As I put the hair cape around his neck I asked him what his name was? Jake he replied. I work as a personal trainer at the gym here in the mall. Jake being an egotistical man could not stop talking about himself. I ignored most of what he said and watched as my mother rolled her eyes at Jake.

As I cut his hair Jake jumped off the chair and started screaming YOU CUT ALL MY HAIR OFF! No I didn’t, I fixed what you asked me to. OMG I’M BALD Jake screamed. Bald you’re crazy. Jumping around like a lunatic. Jake ranted and ranted for what seemed like forever. Saying he would have to wear a baseball cap until his hair grew back. Irritated I told him to leave the salon, that there was nothing else I could do. As Jake left unhappy and angry I closed down the gate and sat in the chair laughing my ass off at this man. Sure I would never see this pompous arrogant guy again, I was quite happy and relieved.

The next day I thought a little bit about Jake and told my friends about him. I will admit that as pompous of a jerk as Jake was he was quite handsome, very muscular and had the most gorgeous blue eyes. Too bad he was also a jerk. Friday morning I went to work and one of my stylists told me that Jake had been in looking for me. Unimpressed by this news I continued my work. I went to lunch around 3 and when I returned, there sitting in the salon was Jake. Hey, What’s up? Not much you? Nothing just bored thought I would come and see if you were working. Lucky me. What days do you work asked Jake? Every day I laughed .cool he replied, catch you later. I shook my head and couldn’t believe that this son of a bitch was coming by to see me after the scene he made the first time we met.

As the days went by this became Jakes pattern, coming in to see me when I was working. That week my job sent me to a training seminar for two days. The only ones who knew where I was going to be was my family, friends, and the girls who worked for me. So when I saw the red light flashing on my phone in my room at the hotel , I was quite surprised that it was Jake that left me a message, Apparently he had bribed one of the stylists to tell him where I was. Sweet yes, but I did not find Jake sweet. I found him irritating and childish.

Hey Brenda, Its Jake hope you don’t mind my calling you. I told one of the girls I had to talk to you. Maybe when you get back we can get together. Hope to see you soon.

As I hung up the phone I couldn’t believe that leaving me that message was the same guy I had met days prior. The next two days I couldn’t help thinking about the message from Jake. Maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy after all. Little did I know. The following week Jake came into the salon and invited me to the gyms open house party. I told him I was working until nine so I didn’t think I would be able to make it but I would try. I had to say something to get him to leave. Needless to say I didn’t make the open house. I ended up working later then I thought, and really did not care if I went or not. The next day Jake came into the salon. There was something different about him. I could see it in his eyes. What happened to you last night? Sorry I had to work late. Oh, I was hoping you would have come to the open house. I saved you a plate and well I just thought u would have come. I’m sorry I didn’t know that it meant that much to you. It didn’t. Oh, well you seem quite upset for something that didn’t matter to you. Just thought it would be nice if you came. Why would I have come after the way you acted the first time we met? Jake laughed, it was all about my hair. That’s who I am. No Jake that’s not who you are. Yeah well you no nothing so umm I guess I’ll see you later. See ya.

As I walked back to my station I couldn’t help thinking that I hurt Jakes feelings. But how he doesn’t even have any. The next day I was off work and my cell phone kept blowing up with work calling me and telling me that Jake had been calling, and calling for me. Take a message Nicole. Ok, but he is very insistent on talking to you. Should I give him your number? NO, I’ll see him when I get to work. Ok I will tell him thanks. As I hung up the phone I could not believe what was happening. It was like a joke all of a sudden this man was up my ass. That night something happened at the salon and I had to go into work. Nicole had already told Jake I was off that day so I didn’t think I would see him. I locked the salon and started walking through the food court of the mall to the parking lot. I pushed open the door when someone grabbed my shoulder. I jumped and turned around. Jake was standing there. Jake what the hell, you nearly scared me to death. What are you doing here? I thought you were off tonight. I was, there was an emergency at the salon and I had to come in. Oh cool what you up to now? Heading home you? Nothing heading back to the gym. Ok well I’ll see you later. Yeah later sounds good. Night Jake

As I got into my truck I saw Jake walking away. His head was down like something was wrong but I ignored it and started my car. In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins was playing on the radio as I drove off. When I got home I decided I was going to pay Jake a visit at his work later to discuss his obscure behavior. I changed my clothes into my skinny jeans, a white t-shirt and black leather jacket. Grabbed my purse and left. When I got to the gym I called the front desk first to see if Jake was working. He answered but something felt off. I could hear his hello, hello, hellllllooooooo, nothing I couldn’t reply. I hung up the phone and drove off. What was it about Jake? His arrogance, his sweetness, what? As I sat in my truck I kept thinking Brenda, Brenda, what are you doing? What are you thinking?

You can’t stand this guy. Why do you care? With that I drove home and called it a night. As I lay in my bed I couldn’t stop thinking about Jake. What was it about Jake? Why could I not stop thinking about him? I decided to call my friend Emily who luckily was still awake. I told her about Jake and everything that was happening. We agreed to meet for lunch the next day and talk in hopes that Emily might catch Jake and she could give me her honest opinion of him. The following day Emily and I met up for lunch before I had to go into work. After lunch I went to work, still confused by Jakes actions.

The night flew by customer after customer. I had just about finished with a client when in walked Jake. What’s up? Nothing, working. Got any gel for men? Of course what kind are you looking for? The good Shit,he replied. As I finished ringing up my customer I could see Jake pacing back and forth in a nervous kind of way. For a second I found it cute until Jake opened his mouth. In a very demanding voice, he asked me to get him the gel. As I walked over to the display case and grabbed the gel for him Jake left. And just like that he was gone.

CHAPTER 2

OCTOBER 31, HALLOWEEN AT the mall. The mall was packed with trick or treater’s when Jake walked in. Happy Halloween, Hi Jake, What’s up beautiful? Sorry I had to leave yesterday but I had to get back to work. I nearly lost my footing. BEAUTIFUL and an apology did I just hear him right? Got any plans for tonight? A bunch of us are going to the neighborhood bar, they have a Halloween party every year. Sounds like fun. It is. Oh hey before I forget I got something for you. You did? Yeah I thought you might like it. Thank you. Jake reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a bubble box with a little toy dog inside. Something for you to keep on your station to keep you company when you’re by yourself at night. Shocked at his gesture I smiled. That was so sweet of you. Thank you . Anytime Brenda

For the next two weeks Jake came into the salon every night I was working. He would sit there watching me work for hours talking, laughing, and even helping out in the salon. Sometimes when it got really busy he would answer the phones or help me fold towels. When it wasn’t busy we would sit and talk about everything, and sometimes nothing. As the weeks went on Jake would bring me lunch or more little toy dogs. After about a month of this finally I agreed to go out to dinner with Jake. Jake and I were complete opposites in our upbringing and our lifestyles. Some of what Jake would tell me about his life were things you saw in the movies or read in books. I found out a lot about Jake, things that I should have run from but didn’t. I stayed and like a fool believed him. His stories and what I would later find out as his lies. Jake opened up to me about his life, the things he had gone through and a lot of his upbringing and his daughter Katlyn who he hadn’t seen in years. Jake told me he had been released six months ago from jail for a hate crime. The reason he worked at the gym was because he was finishing up his parole.

Jake lived in the city almost an hour away and rode his bike every day to work. Jake lived in a house where everyone there rented a room. He had been trying to change his life so he said and I believed him, not knowing anything or any of what I was about to. I felt so bad for Jake and lucky at the same time for my life, that all I wanted to do was help him any way I could. So I did. From that night on Jake and I became inseparable. We were together all the time. Every night amazingly enough as much as we were together Jake was able to have a double life, one which I knew nothing about.

The night I brought Jake home to meet my mom Diane who already had her impression of Jake from their first meeting, was still not impressed by him and could sense something was not right about Jake. Things don’t add up she would say. Boy was mom right. Two weeks before Thanksgiving Jake asked me for my help. He wanted me to cosign a cell phone for him. Because of his prior record and poor credit he could not get one in his own name. I was reluctant and extremely hesitant to do this at first, but he promised to give me the money from his paycheck towards the phone every month. Of course his sweet words did not help me from saying no. In fact I liked the idea of being able to reach Jake and talk to him other than his coming to see me. So I agreed and stupidly cosigned a phone for him.

That agreement lasted exactly one month then it became my responsibility, as did everything else from that point on in Jakes life. Shortly after Jake got the phone he lost his job and was informed that the house he was living in was sold. He had thirty days to find a new place to live. Jake was devastated and lost. He had no idea what he was going to do and where he was going to go. That is when I met his friend Natasha.

CHAPTER 3

Natasha Borski a name I would soon never forget, Natasha was a little petite Russian girl who Jake met while working at the gym. Natasha told me that she had met Jake right after he got out of prison. That she and her mother were helping Jake out. They were friends and her boyfriend was trying to help Jake find a job.

Natasha worked as a bartender at Tommy’s in the city where Jake would frequent a lot. I later found out that Jake was allowed to drive Natasha’s car and occasionally crashed on her couch when he would work late. Both claimed to be just friends, which later would change. Jake had all his bases covered in more ways than one. At the time though I trusted what Jake said and did not think she was a threat. So I had no thought about their friendship Later I would find out that Natasha lived down the street from me and that while her mother was in Poland Jake would stay there and keep her company on the nights Tommy was not there. As the clock began to tick we knew Jake had to get out of the place he was living. For days Natasha and I tried to find a place for Jake to go, but no luck. With Natasha’s mom due home there was no way Jake could stay there and truthfully I was not comfortable at that point with him being there.

As the days went on Jake would spend most of his time at my house, and a few nights a week he would crash there. My mother was less than thrilled at Jake staying over all the time, but I did not care. I was happy so I did what I needed to. I asked my mom if Jake could stay with us until he got on his feet? I explained to her that he needed my help and had nowhere else to go. That was the beginning of the biggest rollercoaster ride of my life.

CHAPTER 4

The next day I told Jake I had some Christmas shopping to do, and would be back in a few hours. Jake told me he had to speak to my mom in private. As I walked out the door I couldn’t help but wonder what he had to talk to her about? Later that evening I went into work and saw Jake and my mom at the mall at one of the jewelry stores. I ducked around the corner so I would not be seen. The next day Jake and I took a ride up to DeerPark where his Grandpa Clyde lived. He wanted to bring gramps as he is called a Christmas gift. Meeting gramps was the best. He was a sweet little old man, who loved to talk about sex, food, and his beer. This man had case after case of beer in his backyard stacked up high.

Honey he’d say ain’t nothing like a good cold beer. Have my three every day. As I laughed gramps took out from the drawer photos of Jakes grandma and of Jake as a little boy. As I looked at the photos I couldn’t help but see the pain in Jakes eyes. Later on I found out that Jake had been very close to his grandma and she passed away from cancer while Jake was in jail. After we left Grandpa Clyde’s house Jake took me to some of his old stomping grounds in StoneFalls where Jake grew up, the night was perfect all the stars in the sky were out. Not a cloud in sight. Jake and I drove into a forest area to see the Christmas lights and all the big houses on the block. Suddenly Jake stopped the truck. We were parked in front of what looked like a mansion. All the lights were on, music was coming from the windows. People laughing and having a great time. Jake where are we? Who lives here? My mom and dad. Then as we pulled away Jake screamed I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU. Angrily Jake speed all the way out of there. Blasted the radio and we drove home.

The days and weeks flew by. With the new mall holiday hours I was working a lot more than usual. Something Jake could not handle. Jake would go with me to work every day and sit until it was time to leave. Occasionally he would leave for an hour or so to go work out and then return. Sometimes he would go get dinner and bring it to me, but mostly just sit there and watch and wait. One evening I was cutting this guy’s hair. Jake was sitting reading a magazine, and I was busy talking to my client, Mathew was a regular so we would laugh and joke around, something Jake did not like at all. When Mathew left Jake would start yelling at me. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING? TALKING JAKE. TALKING WHY DONT YOU JUST GO FUCK HIM BRENDA.

YOU’RE MAKING A SCENE OVER NOTHING JAKE HE IS A CUSTOMER.! YEAH WHATEVER...As Jake stormed out of the salon I began to rethink my relationship with Jake. After all this time of our being together he did not trust me. How could I be with someone who did not trust me? As the hours passed and it became closing time there was still no sign of Jake. As I packed up my bags and got ready to turn off the lights, in walked Jake with a single red rose in his hand.

Sorry Baby I lost my temper, please forgive me?

I turned off the lights. Jake kissed me and we left. Still confused from what happened and Jakes reaction to Mathew I couldn’t’ wait to go home.

CHAPTER 5

THE NEXT DAY WAS Christmas Eve. I called Jake to see what his plans were for the evening? He told me his mom called him and wanted him to come out to StoneFalls for Christmas dinner with the family. Jake was ecstatic at the Invitation from his mom. I was happy for him, but sad that he would not be with me and my family. We agreed to exchange presents when he got back. That night I spent Christmas Eve with my family. We had a great big dinner, and then watched White Christmas on the TV. As I laid on the couch I couldn’t help but hope that Jake was having a good time with his family. At eleven pm my phone went off. It was a text from Jake .Baby I miss you. I responded with I miss you too. How was time with your family? It was alright, lots of bickering and drinking, the usual. I’m really drunk babe. Drunk? Yup fuck my family, I’m nothing but a worthless piece of shit. You deserve so much better than me babe.

Jake stop it .What is wrong with you?

You’re not worth less. Where are you? Why don’t you come over here?

No I can’t. I’m still in Stone Falls. Don’t worry about me Bren, I’ll see you later.

Three days later I heard from Jake who had no memory of writing, or sending me that text. Jake met me at work for lunch. We only had a short time before he had to leave to get ready to go to work at the club. Jake was really nervous about his first night there. I asked him if he would feel better if I drove him their? Yes he said, I’ll be by your house around five-thirty. Perfect I get off around four o’clock. Jake gave me a hug good-bye and left. I had a little time left on my lunch so I decided to walk around the mall a bit. By the time I got back to work the salon was packed. At three o’clock Jake called telling me he did not need a ride to work, but would like it if I came and picked him up instead. He told me he would call me around midnight to give me an idea of what time.

Four o’clock came and I left work. I decided to stop and get some gas before I drove home. Jake text me he was thinking of me. The night flew by fast. Jake text me almost all night. Sometimes with questions, or just little sweet words. Finally he called and told me to come get him. The club was not far from the house, so I told him I would be there in fifteen minutes. Ok cool. I hung up the phone, put on my coat and walked out the door. It was freezing out and my truck was so cold inside. I pulled up to the club and Jake came running out. Jake jumped into the car, gave me a kiss and we drove off.

Where to I asked??

Drop me off by Natasha’s he said, I want to go and change my clothes I’ll walk over when I’m finished. Besides I have a little something for you.

We pulled up to Natasha’s apartment and Jake ran in. On the drive back I kept thinking that I probably would not see him again that night. But to my surprise Jake came over. I had just gone up to bed when the doorbell rang. Standing there in the freezing cold was Jake. Jake grabbed me and spun me around so happy to see me. In his hand was a silver bag. Who’s awake babe? No one they all went to bed hours ago. Ok good. Here open it. Jake could barely wait for me to open his gift. I didn’t want to make too much noise so we decided to go into the basement. I sat on the couch and grabbed from behind the couch his present as I opened mine. Jake placed a black velvet box in my hand. I opened it, Stunned by what was inside. A diamond heart necklace. I was speechless. Jake brushed my hair away from my neck and whispered in my ear, I Love You. I looked at Jake and saw the tears in his eyes as he told me he loved me. All I remember saying is,Jake I love you too.

Jake opened his gift. He was shocked, it was a bottle of Kenneth Cole Black Cologne, and a picture of Jakes favorite sports car. That night Jake stayed over. I would like to say we were together that night but no luck. Jake wanted to wait until we had sex, and was a perfect gentleman. Well almost …….wink wink.

The next morning I showed my mom my necklace. Jake left early to take care of some things before we met up later. It’s Lovely she said. He has excellent taste Brenda. It would be months before I would find out that Jake borrowed the money from her. A secret I kept from Jake.

Brenda I want to talk to you for a minute. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Jake’s situation and your question about his moving in. Yes? My answer is yes, on two conditions. I was so excited I ran over to my mom and grabbed her into a huge hug. Thank you, Thank you mom. Brenda listen to me he has to contribute in this house. Ok and he must obey the rules while staying in our home.

I barely heard her conditions, I was so ecstatic that she agreed to allow Jake to move in. I ran up the stairs and dialed Jake. I told him the news that my mom agreed to allow him to move in. Jake said he would be over within the hour. Mom made dinner for us before we drove out to Jakes place. The house was large and dark. We pulled up to the house and got out. Jake took my hand as we walked up the stairs of the front porch. As we walked through the front door an elderly woman was standing there screaming at Jake to make sure he was out by the end of the week. We walked up three flights of old wooden creaky stairs. Each stair creaked as you stepped on It. Jake would joke we would be falling to the ground soon. Finally we made it to Jakes room.

CHAPTER 6

WHEN I WALKED INTO Jakes room all I saw was a blue futon, a television on a stand, a radio, empty beer bottles, a tiny table and a window with a large crack in the middle.

Jake how much do you pay for this place? Five hundred a month he said.

You have got to be kidding me, for this little room? Yep. I could hear in Jakes voice how upset he was and saddened to have to move again. It may not have been a perfect place but it was home none the less. I sat on the futon and looked around the room. Jake handed me a beer and we began to pack up his things. One by one we went through the closet or what you would call a closet. It looked like a tiny slit in a wall with a door. In the bottom of the closet Jake came upon a box. He sat on the futon and opened the box. Inside was a silver band ring, some old pictures, some empty beer bottle tops, an old cigarette lighter, and some small pieces of crumpled paper. Jake held the silver ring, smiled, took my hand and slipped it on my ring finger.

Brenda you know you mean the world to me, your all I want and need. You’re my life, my love and my heart. As Jake held my hand and kissed my lips. I knew I had found my love, my soul mate, and the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Jake had become my everything. After about two hours of packing, Jake loaded up the truck with all the boxes, shirts he had on hangers, and everything else he had in the house. The truck was packed to the hilt. Jake was ready to say farewell to that place and start a new life with me.

On the way home we met up with Natasha and Frank at the Arizona bar. Jake was a big romantic, so when we got there he went right to the juke box. I remember the bar being empty maybe three or four people in there. The pool tables were in the back by the dance floor. Jake put on one of my favorite songs Take My Breath Away, Then took my hand laced in his, wrapped me in his arms and held me close. So tight whispering in my ear, don’t ever leave me. While dancing Frank and Natasha walked in the door. I will never forget the look in Natasha’s eyes. As if she was hurt by seeing Jake and I dancing. Jake didn’t care we danced and danced. By the time we were ready to leave the weather started getting really bad. That night we stayed in the city at his friend Frank’s house. Frank felt it was too far of a drive for us being that it was late, the weather being bad and the fact we had had a lot to drink. Jake agreed and we followed Frank home. Jake and I had to sleep on separate couches. Franks parents did not believe in sleeping together when you’re not married. So when they went to bed Jake crawled onto the couch with me. Of course nothing happened after all we were in the room with Frank.

Jake got up in the middle of the night and had to use the phone. Jake was always on the phone but this was different. I could hear him yelling into the phone. I’m sorry, what am I supposed to do? This is the way it is. I don’t mean to hurt you. I stood there puzzled. When Jake hung up I asked him who that was? Oh it was Nate and Kelly old friends of mine from StoneFalls. Sorry if I woke you up babe. Go back to sleep its nothing. But I knew deep down Jake was lying to me. As I lay back on the couch Jake snuggled up to me. I felt for the first time like I was sleeping next to a stranger. In the morning Frank’s mom made us breakfast Jose Rancheros. They were good and spicy. As I ate I couldn’t shake that phone call from my head.

Finally I couldn’t take it anymore. I confronted Jake. He told me don’t worry about it, that it was nothing. The next day I called in sick to work. We watched some TV, and then went to see National Treasure. I couldn’t help but feel disconnected to Jake. I knew he lied to me but why? What was he not telling me? That night I decided I wanted to be alone, so I dropped Jake off at Tommy’s bar and drove home. An hour after I dropped Jake off I received a call from Natasha that I needed to come down there. She began to tell me that Jake was really upset and felt I didn’t care about him anymore. I hung up the phone and thought maybe I was wrong about her and got myself together to go to Tommy’s.

When I arrived at Tommy’s Jake was shooting pool. Natasha saw me and greeted me with a hug .Jake saw me and smiled. I sat at the bar with my drink talking to Natasha and Tommy for over an hour before Jake came up to me. By this point I was angry and ready to go, Right as I am about to walk out the door Jake goes to the juke box and plays Aerosmith’s I Wouldn’t Want To Miss A Thing. Yells out my name Brenda, Please don’t go. I turned around to see Jake coming towards me. I’m sorry baby, Please forgive me. Words I would get to know very, very well. Not wanting to make Jake look bad in front of his pool buddies I grabbed his hand, kissed him and we walked up to the bar and got another drink. Natasha introduced me to some of her regular customers as Jakes girlfriend. Hearing her say that was just the words I needed to hear especially from her, and especially that night.

Jake finished his game of pool and said he would be right back. Which seemed like forever. Finally he returned and was ready to go. As we drove home with the radio blasting Jake couldn’t take his eyes off me. He starred at me like a hunter hunting for his prey. There was a look in his eyes, a hunger. I want you baby. Can’t u drive any faster? Ring, ring, ring Hello....WHAT… WHAT HAPPENED? BABE TURN AROUND SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED TO NATASHA AND TOMMY. Babe whatever it is I am sure they can handle it. Jake what are you doing? Jake got out of the car at the red light and disappeared into the night. I sat at the light and waited until I could turn around. When I arrived at the bar it was dead, closed and locked up for the night. Not a car or a person around. Where did Jake go? I called Jake but no answer. I left him message after message but no reply.

As I drove home alone I waited for my phone to ring but it never did. In fact it didn’t ring the entire night. No Jake, No word, nothing. As I pulled into my driveway the tears rolled down my face. Where was he? What was he doing? What did Natasha want? As I sat there in my truck in the dark and in the cold I dialed Natasha’s number. She answered. I asked her where she was? Some bar she told me in the city. I asked her where Jake was? I don’t know Brenda; I thought he left with you? He did until you called him telling him that something happened to you. That’s when the phone goes dead. I dialed Natasha again, right to her voicemail .She was at a bar supposedly with Tommy and my man. I starred at the phone, got out of my truck and walked to my door and went into the house when my phone rang

Babe...Babe, Hello are you there?

Click What was there to say? I couldn’t even speak I was so angry. I turned my phone off and went to bed. I laid there tossing and turning. Tears filled my eyes. I turned my cell phone back on no messages no calls. 6:45 am Babe ...Baby please answer the phone? I’m stranded everyone left me. I’m sooo sorry I will explain everything. Please baby come and get me? I love you please?

I never answered Jake that night. I still to this day don’t know how he got home or really what happened to him that night. Now after ever thing I am sure it had to do with drugs.

CHAPTER 7

I WENT TO WORK that day. To my surprise No Jake that day. No calls or messages….nothing. Maybe he thought I owed him the apology, but that was not going to happen. If anyone owed anyone an apology it was him. As the hours went by and still no word, I became more and more angry. I closed up the salon, called my friends and met up at the bar. I left the bar at 2am when my phone rang it was Jake.

Hello….. Hey where are you?

I’m out with friends

Nice

Where are you?

Home

Home, yeah just laying on my futon. Been asleep all day my phone was dead

Really Mhhhm

How was work?

Fine.

Cool

Is that all you have to say?

Yup

No explanation?

Nope

I don’t want to fight.