The Arrangement

Chapter Twenty-Two

Taylor's POV

My vision blurs as my eyes flutter open, the pain in my wrist and palm becoming unbearable as time passes.

My whole body aches and l close my eyes shut, the tears threatening to spill.

I use my forearm for support as l crawl and try to get up, tears sliding down my cheeks. I choke on a sob as I look down at my palm, the large gash no longer leaking any blood but I can still feel the agonizing pain and the dried up sticky red liquid trailing down my arm.

I reach into my pocket, pulling out my phone. I sob even more once I realize it's completely broken, the screen cracked and no longer working.

It must've broken when Victor threw me against the wall.

After a while I'm finally able to stand up, going upstairs to my bathroom and checking under the sink for the first aid kit.

I sniffle and open up the kit, grabbing the most reliable looking source since I've never had to use this first aid kit before.

I begin to wrap my entire wrist tightly, wincing every once in a while as more tears fall down my face.

What if something worse happened?

What if Victor had killed me over some stupid, pity jealously?

Maybe it was best for everyone if I cut all ties off with Nicolas.

I lean over the sink, sniffling and looking up at my reflection. More tears stream down my face and my eyes are red and bloodshot, my checks puffy and wet from crying all night long.

I soon finish wrapping my hand, struggling as I strip out of my clothes, desperate to change out the blood covered clothes.

I shower, completely avoiding going anywhere near my wrist. I wrap a towel around my chest and head to my closet, picking out the first random outfit I lay my eyes on. A tan jacket and skinny ripped jeans.

I grab my keys off the hook and look out my blinds, seeing rain pour hardly outside, but I don't care.

There's only one place I need to be right now.

__

I park my car and get out, practically running to his door as l continue to get soaked in the rain. I knock three times, looking around cautiously as my wet, sticky hair sticks to my face and lips. I tuck my hair behind my ear, waiting patiently for someone to open the door.

When someone opens the door, I'm surprised to see Linda standing there sleepily.

"Oh my! Taylor, what are you doing here so late? It's 1 in the morning!" She exclaims, her eyes wide and taking in my soaked state. "Get in here honey," I sniffle, stepping inside and smiling sadly.

"I-Is Nicolas h-here?" I stumble and ask, rubbing my arms with my hand that isn't hurt. She nods sadly, looking down at my wrapped wrist.

"What happened to you honey?" She asks, stepping closer to me and grabbing my wrist. I wince, tears forming in my eyes. Her eyes soften and she smiles at me, but the smile doesn't match the look in her eyes.