ALEXA RHODES
As Rafe and I were driving, I noticed we weren't going home. Instead we were heading for The Cut. "Rafe, where are we going?" I asked. "I just need to make a quick stop. You don't mind, do you?" he asked. "No, of course not. Sorry," I said. He just nodded and we kept driving. Eventually, we were deep in the dirtiest parts of the OBX. We pulled to a stop in front of a dirty rusty trailer park house and I saw Barry sitting in a chair out front, smoking. I looked at Rafe and he looked at me. "Rafe, what are we doing here?" I asked nervously. "Don't worry about it. I'll be back in a second." he said. I nodded. He got out of the car and walked over to my side and rolled down the window. "Stay in the car, understand?" he asked. I nodded again. Then he left.
Rafe walked up to Barry and they began to talk. I couldn't hear what they were saying but I watched. They started to argue. Rafe seemed to be trying to calm him down. Barry pointed to me. Rafe looked back at me and then back at Barry. He shook his head. They talked some more and Barry laughed. Rafe seemed angry. Then he sighed and nodded. Barry pointed to me again and Rafe started to walk back to the car. "Are you ok? What happened?" I asked. "I need you to come with me," he said. My face fell. "What? Why? What's going on?" I asked. "Now!" he said as he slammed his hand on the door. I flinched and looked at him. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were dark. I quickly opened the door and got out. He grabbed my wrist and started to pull me towards the house. "Rafe, please. What's going on?" I asked. "I'm sorry," he said in a low voice. I looked at him again and then he pulled me onto the porch and Barry stood there. "Well then, isn't she cute?" he said smugly as he looked me up and down. I felt a chill go down my spine. "One hour. That's it." Rafe said sharply. "Mmmhmmm," Barry said. "Then I get my shit?" Rafe asked. "Yes. Then you'll get your shit. After one hour." he said. Rafe nodded. Then he looked at me and I understood. "No." I said. "Just go with him. It's one hour." he said. My eyes filled with tears. "Are you insane? You're going to sell me? For what? For drugs?" I exclaimed. "Alexa, don't make this difficult." he warned. "Please, Rafe. Please don't make me do this." I pleaded. "Wow, that hurts my feelings princess," Barry said. I ignored him. "I'm sorry, babe. I really am." he said. Then he pushed me towards Barry. "No!" I yelled as Barry tried to grab me. I wrapped my arms around Rafe and clung to him as if my life depended on it. Because maybe it did. "Please Rafe, please!" I cried. "Let go, Alexa." he said. Barry tried to pull me away and I fought him. Rafe pulled my arms off and shoved me back. Barry wrapped his arms around my whole body and began to drag me back into the house. "No! Please! Rafe, help me!" I cried. Rafe just stood there and watched. "I'll be back in an hour," he said. Then he started to walk to the car. "Rafe! Rafe, no!" I screamed. Then he got in his car and drove away. "Come on, princess. Let's have some fun." Barry hissed in my ear. "Fuck you!" I yelled. I elbowed him in the side and he groaned. Then I pushed him away and ran. I was in his house and I had no idea where to go or what to do. I couldn't leave because I was in the middle of nowhere and he would catch me. So I ran into the bathroom and locked the door. I was panting and tears streamed down my face. Barry began to pound on the door and yell. I was terrified. I couldn't do this. Whatever Barry wanted me to do, I couldn't do it. And Rafe, I don't know why but I guess when he beat me I was ok with it. Because he taught me a lesson. Because I deserved it. I deserved what he did. But this was different. He was using me to get drugs. Hurting me for his own benefit. I would do anything for Rafe. Because I love him and he loves me. But not this.
"Get out here, you little bitch. You can't hide forever!" Barry yelled. I pulled out my phone and dialed JJ's number. After 2 rings, he answered. "Lexi, is that you?" he asked. "JJ, I need help. Please!" I said. "Where are you? Tell me where you are." he said. "I'm on The Cut. At Barry's house." I said. "I'm on my way. I can be there in 15 minutes." he said. "Ok," I said. "Stay on the phone with me, ok?" he said. "Ok, I will." I said. Barry was banging hard and harder. I could see the door splintering. "JJ, the door isn't going to hold. What should I do?" I asked. "Look around, is there anything you can use as a weapon?" he asked. I began to tear through drawers looking for something to fight back with. "No, it's just soap and towels." I said. "Ok, Just fight. Fight like hell. I know you're strong." he said. "Ok, I'll be-" I started. Then the door smashed open and I jumped back and screamed. I dropped my phone and I could hear JJ's voice yelling for me. Barry was seething. "I'm going to kill you, you stupid kook bitch!" he spat. I stared at him with fear in my eyes,
