21. Scarlett
Chapter twenty-one
Scarlett
The Next Night…
Just as I dropped the trash bag into the trash can and put the lid on, he came out of nowhere.
His leather glove clamped over my mouth and nose, making it impossible to breathe.
I tried biting the hand to no avail. His grip was too tight around my face.
I lifted my body and kicked and thrashed with all my might.
I screamed through the leather glove, which smelled of body odor and cigarettes.
I kicked and swung my body in any direction I could, knowing full well that I was now in a fight for my life.
The gloved man twisted my body, throwing me onto my back.
My head hit the grass and dirt, knocking the wind out of me and disorienting me more than anything.
The man above me wore a black ski mask, so I couldn't make out his face.
I began swinging my arms as he straddled my waist. My fists and sometimes fingernails took purchase on any surface of this man's body I could reach.
Adrenaline courses through my body as I know I am fighting for my life.
My silk robe has come untied, leaving me in my barely-there panties, and one of my slippers has fallen off in the scuffle.
My body is bare to this man. As if he is tired of the struggle, he cocks his massive hand back and knocks me out cold.
If you know my family, tell them I’m okay.
Tell them that innocent people sometimes get hurt, too.
Tell them I felt nothing as the man carried my body to the van and threw me inside.
Tell them the beating I suffered didn’t hurt because I was already unconscious.
Tell them I’m sorry they saw my body that way.
I never wanted anyone to see me vulnerable and damaged, especially not them.
Tell them how I fought like hell to survive before I was knocked unconscious.
Most importantly, tell my family I love them and that they will be okay.
I’ll send someone to them so they can be whole again.