The second I open my eyes, I glance over to where Chloe slept last night. She isn’t there. I sit up, checking the time. It is only seven in the morning. I take a look around, but she is nowhere in sight. Maybe she went back to the spare room during the night.
I climb out of bed, readjusting my morning friend. I don’t want to walk in there with a raging hard on and make her uncomfortable. I headed upstairs, checking the bathroom, but it was empty. I knocked on the bedroom door, but there was no response; she could still be sleeping. I carefully open it, not wanting to startle her. It turns out I didn’t need to because she wasn’t here either.
I sigh, disappointed she has left without saying goodbye. I hate the thought of her going back to that bastard. A part of me hoped she would still be here, and I could try to change her mind again. I would worry about her. I didn’t have a chance to give her my number in case she needed me. She knows where I stay, so if she is in any trouble, hopefully, she will come here.
I didn’t even know where she worked. If I did, I would show up to check on her, not caring her boyfriend could be there. I wasn’t afraid of that coward. All I know is her first name and age, which won’t help because Chloe is quite a common name. I wish I could do something, but I don’t think I have any other options.
I need to busy myself today, or I will drive myself crazy with worry. Coffee sound like a good start. I make my way to the kitchen, starting a pot. I turn to get a mug, but a piece of folded up paper on my counter catches my eye. I grab it, seeing my name on it. I open it to full size and see writing on it.
Blake,
I am sorry I didn’t stay, but I had to get home. Thank you for everything. You showed me there are still good people in this cruel world. It has been a while since someone has shown me kindness.
Who knows, maybe we will cross paths again one day. I would like that. Please don’t worry about me, okay? I will be fine. I always am. Please continue to be you because the world needs good people like you in it.
I will never forget you and what you did for me and all only in one night.
Take care of yourself, Blake
-Chloe xx
I sigh as I read it. She is not going to be okay, not while she is with him. Men like Max don’t change. They become worse, not better. Sadly, though, it is something only Chloe can decide. No one can force her to leave until she is ready to. It’s the harsh truth for people in abusive relationships. It took my mother over ten years to find the strength to leave my father. She tried before that but ended up returning, but she managed to get out in the end.
My mother went through so much in her life, and that’s why I try to take care of her, well, when she lets me. I think I will visit her today, chat with her about what happened and see if she has any advice for me.
I pour some coffee, sit down at the counter and reread her note. It is a shame she didn’t add her number to it. I sigh, fold it back up and slip it into a drawer.
There must be a way for me to find her! I need to think long and hard. I have a strong urge to protect her in every way I can. I don’t believe anyone has ever protected her. She is vulnerable, and when someone is like that, they are easily taken advantage of. I have never understood how someone can hurt another human in such ways. I can only hope Chloe finds her way out.
***
I pull up outside my mom’s apartment, where she stays with her fiancé, Sam. He is a good man, the type my mother deserves. They have been together for three years. They both had terrible marriages in the past, so they are in no rush to marry again, but they are happy and in love which is all that matters.
I climb out, lock my car and head inside. I knock on the door before entering.
“Mom, Sam, it is me,” I call out.
“Hello, son, we are in the kitchen.” Mom calls back.
I smile at the sound of her voice because you can tell she is happy by her tone. I make my way through the apartment, reaching the kitchen.
“Hey, mom. Hey, Sam. I hope you don’t mind me just showing up.” I smile.
I didn’t tell them in advance that I was coming. I meant to, but with everything going on in my head, I forgot and only remembered on my way here.
“Blake, we have told you a million times. You are welcome here any time.” Sam chuckles.
My mom comes over to greet me with a hug. When we part, she studies me closely, “My boy, what is wrong? You seem sad and stressed.” She asks, concerned.
“I need your advice on something,” I reply.
Sam tells us to sit down and makes some coffee before joining us.
“Talk to me, son,” mom encourages.
I nod, taking a few deep breaths and begin to tell them the events of last night and about Chloe.
“I hoped she would still be there when I woke up, but she was gone. I don’t know what to do because I know he will continue hurting her.” I say sadly.
“Son, I am sorry. I wish she stayed too. And you have no way of reaching out to her?” she asks, concerned.
“No. I only know her first name. I planned on giving her my number this morning. Now I wish I had given her it last night. I want to find her, but I have no way of doing so. I could search the strip clubs, but there are so many, and I wouldn’t know where to start.” I sigh, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.
“No, that is a bad idea, Blake. Those places can be dangerous, and you don’t want to get on the wrong side of the wrong people.” Mom argues, reaching over and placing her hand on mine.
“Then what other option is there? I can’t just forget about her.” I tug at my hair, shaking my head.
“I don’t know, but that isn’t an option. You can’t help Chloe if you end up in serious trouble.” She insists.
My mom has a point, but if it is the only way, then so be.
“She knows where you stay if she needs you or is looking for somewhere to escape, I am sure you will be the first place she will come to,” Sam says, trying to give me some hope.
“Maybe…” I trail off.
“Blake, I understand this is hard, but sometimes things are out of your control. I don’t say give up on her but be careful because I know you well enough to know you won’t just forget about her. You have too much of a pure heart for that. Perhaps your kindness is the push she needs to realise she doesn’t need to stay in a bad situation and there are better things in this world. Sam might be right; she may show up at your place when you least expect it.”
I appreciate them trying to make me feel better, but it isn’t going to change the fact that Chloe stays with a monster, and unless she leaves him, God only knows what could happen to her.
I rest back on the seat, close my eyes and massage my temples, “I really pray you are both right.”
“Son, it will be okay. You need to believe Chloe will come to you.” I usually believe my mom when she tells me these things, but right now, I am not sure I can.
“And if she doesn’t?” I ask softly, not wanting my mom to think I am annoyed at her because I am not.
“Then we will work something out. I promise.” She smiles.
Yes, we will work something out. We have to.