Chapter 27
Lizzy
Jolting up, I frantically search my surroundings, trying to figure out what woke me. When I hear another crashing sound of a window breaking, then muffled voices, I panic. I know in my heart that it’s the men from earlier.
I assess my room. The bedroom door isn’t an option because it’ll lead me straight to them. My adjoining bathroom window isn’t big enough for me. That leaves only one option.
Without even changing out of my yellow pajama set, I quickly crawl to my window.
As quietly as I possibly can be, I unlock and lift it.
Inch by inch, it reveals my escape. Once the opening is barely wide enough for me, I wiggle out.
I don’t even stop when I fall into the grass and the morning dew soaks through my cotton garments.
I run to the fence separating Bash from me. When I hear what sounds like pounding on a door, I glance over my shoulder and curse myself. I should’ve shut the window behind me. But it’s too late to go back now.
With strength I didn’t know I possessed, I hook my fingers into the empty spaces between the wooden planks of the fence.
Somehow, barefoot, I manage to struggle my way up.
I fall after making it only two steps up, but that won’t deter me.
I’m getting out of here. After all I’ve been through, I’m not going down by robbery.
I jam my fingers back into the holes and haul myself up. My biceps quiver with my body weight, but even my screaming muscles won’t stop me. Using everything in me, I make it to the top of the fence right when I hear my bedroom door gives way to the robbers.
Not wasting time looking behind or ahead, I let myself fall down. The ground hits harder than I expected, and I land with a groan. Lying in the safety of Bash’s backyard, I stay there immobile, catching my ragged breath.
I finally let the situation register that my home has been attacked. Someone has broken in and is looting it. I could’ve been hurt. But I wasn’t. Because I saved myself.
When I hear heavy, pounding footsteps approaching, I shoot up to my feet, prepared to fight.
“Lizzy! Lizzy!” Bash’s voice is frantic as he wraps me in his arms. “Get inside, now.”
“No, Bash…. My house… Someone broke in!” It comes out through panting, but he isn’t deterred.
“I know. Go inside and sit on the couch. Lock the door behind you. I’ll handle it.” True to his word, he’s standing tall and looks bigger than I’ve ever seen.
“Bash, you can’t. What if they have guns?” I pull at his arm, making him turn to me.
“Don’t worry about me,” he says obstinately. His focus is entirely on the gate separating our houses.
I’m close to begging now. He can’t get hurt. Nothing in my house is worth his life or mine. “But–”
But Bash just grabs my face in both his hands and kisses me harshly. It’s rough and gritty, harder than any kiss we’ve shared before.
“Inside. Now, Lizzy,” he demands then turns to the fence.
With tears in my eyes, I stumble towards his house.
When I hear a lock clicking, I turn to see the fence opening towards the right end of the yard, creating a door for him to stroll through.
I had no idea the door existed. I guess the realtor didn’t know about it either.
But it seems Bash does. I watch his retreating form from his back door, and only once the fence clicks shut behind him do I go inside his place.
I head towards the couch that holds many good memories for me. Wrapping a blanket around myself, I pull my legs to my chest seeking comfort that won’t come until I see Bash again.
Tears spill down my cheeks as I stare at the clock on the wall. The seconds tick by agonizingly slowly. And I do something I haven’t done since my mother used to drag me to church. I pray.