Chapter 6
Holly left the office without making her customary call to Blythe to check in. She didn’t have the energy for that.
Holly made her way home. The ride seemed much longer than usual. Maybe Friday afternoon traffic was heavier than usual, she didn’t know. She was sullen and deep in thought, still reeling from the afternoon’s events. She knew what she had to do… she didn’t really have a choice, did she?
The car had long since stopped in front of Holly’s apartment building but Holly was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she barely noticed her lack of movement until the driver discreetly cleared his throat. “We are here Ms. Jefferson,” he said ever so politely.
She came back to herself when she heard the driver speak.
‘I’m so sorry,” Holly said apologetically. She gathered her things preparing to get out of the car.
The driver came around to the back door and opened it, helping Holly exit.
“Have a good evening Ms. Jefferson,” he said closing the door behind her.
Holly waved to the driver not looking back and proceeded to make her way into the building. All she wanted to do was get upstairs… she couldn’t think much past that.
Upon entering her apartment, Holly locked the door, kicked off her shoes, dropped her purse and briefcase, and plopped down on her living room sofa. She didn’t turn on any lights, check her phone messages, or turn on the television… all a part of her normal evening ritual. Holly just sat in the dark… quiet… contemplative.
Holly didn’t talk to anybody about the quandary she was in. Part of her felt trapped, having to make a decision between her personal life and her career. Her thoughts returned to her family. Her sister had the perfect life, according to their mother. Holly knew her mother wanted her to have the same kind of loving relationship she had experienced with her father all these many years. But Holly didn’t have that. She wanted it too, deep down inside, but that kind of endless loving relationship had eluded her thus far. All Holly had was her career, and she wasn’t willing to risk it… not now.
Although she felt imposed upon by Mrs. Thompson and her condescending conversation, part of Holly felt somewhat relieved. Things had not been going as well with Trent as she had hoped. She liked Trent; she really wanted to like him. But he had shown her some things over the course of the past few weeks she simply could not reconcile as being okay. Even without the issue at work, maybe breaking it off with Trent was for the best, before the relationship went any further.
Holly made the decision to talk with Trent about her feelings. She was glad it was the weekend; that way she wouldn’t have to face Trent until Monday. ‘That should give him sufficient time,’ she thought to herself. To do what, she wasn’t sure, but Holly knew she didn’t want to waste anymore time. She had made her decision and it was final.
For the first time, Holly was nervous about calling Trent. Holly knew she really had few options. She contemplated her next move for the better part of the evening. She wasn’t willing to give up everything she had worked so hard for, for a relationship she wasn’t sure was good for her in the first place. ‘Yeah, it is the right thing to do,’ she said to herself.
Trent answered the phone on the first ring.
“Holly, I was just thinking about you - so glad you called,” he said. The smile on his face reflected in his voice.
“Trent, I really want to talk to you about something,” Holly began.
“Sure Holly, you know you can talk to me about anything,” he said, inviting the conversation to continue.
“Trent, I have really appreciated the time we’ve spent together,” she began, “but,” Holly hesitated. She wasn’t exactly sure how to go on and how Trent would receive it.
“What’s the matter Holly?” Trent asked. “I hope I haven’t done anything to offend you?”
Now Holly really felt bad. Maybe his intentions were honorable? No, she had to stay true to her convictions. It was now or never.
“Trent… like I said, I have enjoyed the time we’ve spent together, but, I think it best that we should just be friends,” Holly said blurting it out.
There was silence on the other end of the phone. She felt the need to fill the empty space and began to explain her position.
“It’s just that I have so much going on at work… I think people in the office are starting to suspect, I can’t risk all I have worked for… it’s just too much.” Holly’s words came spewing out all at once, one sentence running on top of the other. She felt like if she didn’t say it now, she wouldn’t say it at all. Trent deserved some kind of explanation, but, she still didn’t say what was really on her heart, and she had a feeling Trent knew it.
She kept explaining, but Trent interrupted her.
“Holly, Holly,” he said in a very calm voice…almost too calm. “There’s no need to explain… I understand.”
And that was it. He didn’t press her for answers or the real explanation. He simply accepted what Holly had to say.
He ended the conversation as he had done in the past. There was no angst or disappointment in his voice… only understanding.
Holly was shocked and a little bewildered; she didn’t know what to think.
For the first few days after their phone call, Holly felt like things were going to be okay after all. She would see Trent in the office; he would wave, smile, and continue on without peeking his head in. When they would see each other face to face in the elevator or passing in the hallway, he would smile, make polite conversation, and goon with his day. He never made her feel uncomfortable or brought up their ‘break up.’ Holly thought he was responding maturely, and she gradually began to relax. She focused all of her time and attention on her job and things were going better than she had ever expected.
Holly and Blythe decided to take a much-needed break from all the long hours they had been putting in at the office. It had been a long time since they had taken a girls’ night out, and Holly was certainly ready to relax and let her hair down. The ladies decided to go to Ms. Catherine’s for a little jazz and drinks. Ms. Catherine’s never disappointed.
Holly had not been to Ms. Catherine’s since her date with Trent. It was nice to be back to one of her favorite spots with her best girlfriend, just enjoying the evening. Because the ladies had come straight from work to Ms. Catherine’s, both were dressed in business attire: Blythe wore a navy blue pin striped suit with a crisp white wide-lapelled shirt and one of her boyfriend’s favorite neck ties. Blythe was a fan of playing up the men’s suit, and she pulled this ensemble off flawlessly. Holly wore a steel grey wide leg pantsuit, a chartreuse button front blouse, and 4-inch stilettos that accentuated her outfit perfectly. Blythe and Holly were having a great time. It started to get warm in the club, and Holly decided to take her jacket off, draping it behind her seat. The band was jamming and the ambiance in the restaurant was fantastic as usual. Ms. Catherine’s was buzzing with boisterous laughter balanced by intimate conversations. There was a little something there for everyone, and Holly found herself basking in the moment. Blythe was back to her old antics, pointing out all of the good-looking men to Holly… still on her quest to find Holly a “Mr. Right.” Holly didn’t mind. Blythe would never be satisfied until Holly was married with 2.5 children, a pedigreed dog living in the suburbs, and driving the latest in minivans.
Out of the corner of her eye, Holly thought she saw someone she recognized… Trent. She didn’t want to be obvious, so she slowly looked over, trying to be inconspicuous just in case it was him. But when she looked again, the man wasn’t there. Maybe she had been mistaken. Holly dismissed it, as just some random event. She wasn’t going to let anything spoil her evening.
The evening was drawing to a close, and Holly and Blythe waited outside Ms. Catherine’s for a taxi. Blythe lived on the east side of town with her boyfriend and Holly lived closer to midtown. They would need to take separate cabs, but as always, they agreed to text or call one another as soon as they ma
de it to their respective residences.
The ladies hugged as Blythe jumped in her taxi and headed home. It wouldn’t be long before Holly’s taxi arrived. Holly waited in front of Ms. Catherine’s. She could still hear the music pouring from inside the restaurant. There were plenty of couples out; some arriving at Ms. Catherine’s and some leaving… cozied up next to each other, hugging or holding hands, moving in rhythm to their next destinations. Although it was a weeknight, there was plenty of activity downtown.
Suddenly, Holly had the feeling she was being watched. It wasn’t like the quick glance someone would take as they passed you by but more like an unbreakable stare. She looked around but didn’t notice anyone noticing her. Although there were a number of people on the street and Holly was not alone or isolated, she hoped the cab would hurry and arrive.
Instinctively, Holly was on high alert. She repositioned herself closer to the door of Ms. Catherine’s and physically leaned against the building… that way no one could walk behind her and catch her off guard. She continued to scan the street and people in front of and around her. Holly didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone somewhere was watching her.
Holly was becoming increasingly unnerved as she stood in front of Ms. Catherine’s. The night air was brisk, giving Holly a chill. The people around her continued to go on with their lives, the music continued to pour out of the restaurant, and Holly continued on high alert. Finally, the taxicab pulled up. It couldn’t have arrived soon enough. Holly was relieved to climb into the back seat, lock the door, and make her way home.
She didn’t engage in conversation with the cab driver, she was much too on edge for idle chatter. She just wanted to get home.
The cab moved swiftly through the dimly lit streets. Holly was glad for the free flowing traffic; so different than it was during the hustle and bustle typical of work days. Even though the taxi ride was smooth and uneventful, Holly was still having a hard time relaxing. Her body was tense and her mind was filled with speculation. Holly still felt a little chilly; the goose bumps on her arm still raised from the briskness of the night air. Then she realized why. She had inadvertently left her suit jacket hanging on the back of her chair. Any other time, Holly would have instructed the driver to turn around so she could retrieve her jacket. But Holly had been so uncomfortable and was still a little on edge, so she made the decision to just call Ms. Catherine’s when she got home and have them hold it until she could get back there in the next day or so to pick it up.
The cab arrived in front of her building. Without an exchange of words, Holly paid the driver, and made her way out of the vehicle. Holly’s focus was getting her keys out of her clutch, and getting into her apartment as fast as she could. As she scurried toward the door to her building, her phone began to buzz. Taking the phone from her purse, she instantly recognized the number. It was Blythe. Holly was fumbling with the keys and trying to answer the phone when she saw him… it was Trent, standing in the darkened shadows cast by Holly’s high-rise luxury apartment building. Holly was shocked.
Before she could speak, he was right on top of her. Holly’s phone was still buzzing…she dropped her keys.
“If you value your life, you won’t say a word…”
The look on Trent’s face was disquieting. He was smiling but speaking through clenched teeth. Trent’s eyes were very intense. Holly had never seen him look this way before. The handsome man she had grown accustomed to seeing was magically replaced by what looked like a madman.
In one fail swoop, Trent picked up Holly’s keys. Trent grabbed her arm firmly and pulled her in close to him, resembling a loving couple in an intimate embrace. But there was nothing loving about it. He began to usher her away from the front of the building. Holly’s phone was still ringing. Blythe was persistent and she would continuously call until Holly picked up. She wanted to make sure her friend got home safely. Thinking quickly, Holly tried to answer the phone with her free hand but Trent snatched it from her, shoving it deeply into his back pocket; the ring of the phone now muffled. Unlike the atmosphere outside Ms. Catherine’s, Holly’s street was deserted. She didn’t see anyone else around her. She thought about screaming, but if she were to scream, who would hear her? They walked side by side and Trent held tightly onto her waist and arm, keeping her from trying to pull away or swing at him. Holly was frightened beyond belief. Everything was happening so fast!
She wanted to scream and make a lot of ruckus but she knew that would only make him more upset. He had already warned her to be quiet, but she had to do something. Her mind was racing…she didn’t know what to do, but she knew she had to do something. The grip Trent had on her became tighter and tighter as he ushered her toward the side of the building. The only thing Holly could think of was to try to reason with him.
“Trent what are you doing, why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice hurried and quivering. He said nothing.
“Please Trent… don’t do this,” Holly begged.
Trent didn’t respond verbally. He walked faster…moving quickly with intention. He was pulling Holly along, giving her no choice but to move along with him. Holly was resisting but he was so much stronger than she was. He walked with purpose dragging her in the direction of a car Holly saw parked on the side of the building. Holly’s feet were barely grazing the gravelly alleyway. He was moving so fast and the pavement was so uneven Holly almost fell as Trent drug her holding on tightly. But he never broke his stride, ushering her along without missing a step. The fact that Trent wasn’t talking scared Holly even more. She didn’t know what to think...what he would do next? When Holly realized they were moving closer to the parked car, her heart began to race even more. She wasn’t sure what Trent had planned, but she knew she didn’t want to get into that car.
Holly ignored Trent’s threat and began to fight with everything she had, screaming at the top of her lungs.
“TRENT STOP! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW! SOMEBODY HELP ME PLEASE! SOMEBODY … HELP ME PLEASE!”
But there was no one to hear her screams…
“Bitch! I told you not to say a motherfucking word!” Trent scolded, grabbing Holly up by her chin and pulling her face close to his. When Trent had lifted Holly’s face to him in the past he had been so loving and affectionate. Not this time…
Trent was talking between clenched teeth…the venomous spittle from his mouth landing on Holly’s frightened face. Holly was as shocked by Trent’s choice of words as she was by how irrational he was. He had done a complete 360 so unexpectedly. Holly was confused and frightened. And then out of nowhere, Trent placed his hand over her mouth, shoving her even more forcefully toward the back of the parked car.
Even though things were moving fast around her, and the alleyway was dark and dimly lit, Holly could see that the trunk of the car was already open. Trent had planned this down to the last detail. What was once fear was now terror, and Holly knew she had one chance… one chance to get away from this crazed man.
Holly refused to be quiet. She knew she was in the fight of her life and she was going down swinging… no holds barred. Holly’s previously heightened screams were now muffled by Trent’s large hand pressing against her open mouth. In a panic, Holly bit down on Trent’s hand with all her might; hoping it would startle him enough to make him pull his hand away; and maybe she could get away from him.
Holly bit down hard enough to draw blood. Naturally, because of the sharp and unexpected pain, Trent yanked his hand and tried to pull away. Holly refused to let go, biting down even harder; the thick pungent taste of blood oozing into her mouth, trickling from her lower lip. She didn’t care. She had to do whatever she could to get away from this animal.
“Ouch! You fuckin’ cunt…” Trent said seething.
He was furious. Trent wrestled with Holly. She was fighting to get away and he was fighting to hold on to her. Holly was kicking her legs making it harder and harder for Trent to hold on. But he was deter
mined. He had been planning this since that phone call suggesting they should ‘just be friends.’ ‘Who the fuck does this bitch think I am?’ the troubling thoughts were racing through Trent’s head. ‘I’m not the kind of motherfucker you walk away from. I am that son of a bitch that walks away from you!’
The thoughts fueled Trent’s anger. He was seeing red! Trent wasn’t going to let Holly get away no matter how hard she tried. The pain in his hand was intense. The harder he pulled, the more Holly sunk her teeth into his flesh.
With his other hand, Trent grabbed Holly up by her waist, squeezing her midsection trying to keep a grip on her, simultaneously lifting her off her feet. They were in a scuffle, both refusing to lose out.
Trent’s hold on Holly’s midsection was so tight it hurt. Holly was struggling. Her grip on Trent’s hand was becoming increasingly difficult as the blood began to gush from the puncture wounds. The thick blood poured from Trent’s hand and Holly’s open lips. She refused to let go and bit down even harder. Trent reacted to the new shot of pain by squeezing her midsection; bound and determined to get her ass in the back of the car. He had plans for her and his plans were not going to be derailed by this heifer’s bitch fit. The more he thought about it, he liked the fact that Holly was struggling, that she was scared, that she was fighting for her life. The rush of adrenaline excited him.
Trent let out a guttural sound, like a growling dog warning anyone attempting to infringe upon his highly coveted territory. His grip on Holly tightened and he swung her in mid air like a rag doll.
Trent’s hold on Holly was unbearable… almost taking her breath away. She felt a sharp pain in her midsection. She wasn’t sure what was causing it but it hurt like hell. Holly desperately wanted to get away! The more she struggled, the tighter his grip became. Her legs were flailing uncontrollably in the air and he was moving her closer to the opened trunk.
Holly had absolutely no control over her own body. As Trent swung her, moving her closer and closer to the trunk, Holly’s leg slammed into the steel bumper of the parked car. The shock of pain was horrific and Holly lost her grip on Trent’s hand. She was petrified! He was trying to force her into the trunk of the car! She didn’t want to go. Now Holly was acting like a wild animal; kicking, punching, screaming - doing anything she could to get away from Trent. It wasn’t working and she started to panic! He was so strong that he was overpowering her.
Trent was determined to get Holly into the trunk no matter what it took. She could kick, punch, scream, and cry… it didn’t matter. The bitch was going in! In mid swing, Trent slammed Holly’s thrashing body into the trunk. She fought harder, swinging wildly, her watch catching him across the cheek cutting his face. Trent was furious! There was only one way he knew to shut this trick up.
Realizing she was almost completely in the trunk, Holly began to fight with everything she had. She was tiring from the exhaustive physical exertion. Holly knew Trent was beyond reason at this point and if she was going to get away from him, she would have to push past being tired. Her leg hurt and her mouth was filled with blood, but she was still trying her damndest to get away from Trent. Holly swung blindly. She didn’t care what part of his body she hit, as long as she hit something. She had no choice! Holly was in the fight of her life and she knew it!
For a moment in the chaotically blinding fury, they locked eyes for the briefest second. This was a man Holly no longer recognized. Trent looked deranged, like he was under some kind of demented spell! What he saw on her face was desperation and terror. He liked it. He wanted her to be afraid, and she was. That made Trent smile… And then… as if in slow motion, Trent bared his teeth and punched her… catching Holly on her lower jaw. Holly was completely caught off guard. The pain was agonizing!
You would have thought that would have been enough to satisfy the angry beast. Trent had sucker punched Holly causing her own blood to shoot from her mouth. But he wasn’t satisfied with that. Trent wanted to let her know he was in absolute control of the situation. Before Holly could react, Trent leaned into the trunk, wrapped his large strong hands around her delicate neck and began choking her, squeezing Holly’s neck tighter and tighter, cutting off all oxygen to her brain. He didn’t want to kill her… he just wanted her to be quiet. And after a few moments, she was.