Runaway Love

Pain. That was the first thing I remembered as I came to. Absolute pain everywhere. I looked around my surroundings, confused. Panic seized me as I didn't recognize where I was. Josie, relax, it’s just the hotel room you stayed in last night in New York, I told myself. I slowly pushed myself up into a sitting position, pausing as the room spun. I waited for everything to come to a stop before standing. I was just outside of Sweet Haven, but I had to stop last night. My body was too sore and too tired to push the last 40 miles. I slowly made my way to the bathroom. I had to keep moving. I was so close to having help. I quickly undressed and showered, grimacing when the water hit the cut on my head. I quickly showered and dressed. Looking back in the mirror, I took a quick inhale at my reflection.

My right eye was more swollen today and the bruises were worse. My wet red hair hung down to my shoulders, only starting to curl back up to its naturally curly form. My left eye showed it’s green coloring and was glossy and I couldn't tell if it had a bag underneath or bruising. My eyes kept traveling down my slim frame. My wrist was wrapped, but probably should be x-rayed. My bruises on my ribs were hidden but hurt enough I could mentally see the bruising through my shirt. I moved my gaze back up to my face, leaning in to see the cut that had stung so badly this morning. It was in my hairline looking red and looking angry. I made a mental note to have a doctor look at it when I reached Sweet Haven.

Sweet Haven, I hoped the small town lived up to its name. I turned and grabbed my sweater and sunglasses. Make-up would be useless in trying to hide the bruises on my face, but the large sunglasses helped. I put my sweater on, and grabbed my small bag, checking to make sure my wallet and keys were in it. I hadn't had much when I left. My best friend, Gina Hardy, and I had planned everything.

I had saved a few thousand dollars in a separate account at her bank and had saved up enough to buy a beater car where I kept a few sets of clothes and disposable phone. Gina's husband was separated from the military and knew of a few guys who had started a security firm in Sweet Haven. He had talked to them about my situation and the owner agreed to help me start over.

As much as I regretted the decisions that led to where I was today, I was now free. My husband, Joshua Carter, followed the classic abusive husband road. He was sweet and kind, then slowly became more angry and violent. He had picked me up when I was heartbroken in high school. We had grown closer, eventually marrying. Then things started to get rocky between us and that led to where I was today. On the run, going to a strange town to ask help from a stranger, Sean Kane, co-owner of KT Security.

After making sure I had everything I closed the door and put my sunglasses on and left. The road was empty, and the sun was barely visible. I took my sunglasses off, so I could see better and turned my car back onto the interstate. Forty short miles and I'll be safe. I told myself as I drove into the northwest side of New York.

The miles passed smoothly and by the time I saw the welcome sign to Sweet Haven I was exhausted and starving. I stopped at a small diner to rest and eat before facing the people that would make me relive my last few years. I frowned at the thought as I gathered my purse and keys. Slowly, I pulled myself to my feet and walked to the door.

The bell above me rang, and I froze as I saw the waitress, who threw a smile at me before rushing off with plates of food. She looked familiar, but I couldn't place where I'd seen her.

"Welcome! Seat yourself and I'll be right with you!" she yelled over her shoulder as she placed a few plates on a table.

I walked to the back corner, where I could see the entrance clearly. I sat down and gave a quick glance at the menu. Seeing my favorite breakfast meal, strawberry-rhubarb stuffed French toast, I set down the menu. The blonde waitress with blue eyes bounced toward me.

No one should be that cheerful around me before I've had my first cup of coffee, I thought to myself. She walked to my table and looked down at me without really seeing me. I plastered a fake smile on my lips and prepared to order.

"Welcome, what can I get you?" She asked, pen poised on notepad, ready to write down my order.

I sat frozen. There was something familiar about this woman. I couldn't place it, but panic filled me. What if she was from back home? What if she told Josh where I was? When she finally looked up at me, I realized I was staring. When our eyes finally met, I saw pain and concern fill her eyes.

"Oh my God, are you alright?" She asked, truly taking in my appearance. "Do I need to call for help?" she reached into her apron, for what I assume is her phone.

"No, please, no. I'm fine." I blurted looking at my hands. "Can I get the strawberry-rhubarb stuffed French toast and coffee?" I asked, avoiding her gaze on me.

"Of course, it'll be right out." She said, spinning on her heels and walking away.

She came back just a minute later with a mug and coffee pot. She filled my mug and paused.

"Is there anything I get you while you wait?" she asked, shifting her weight nervously.

"No, I'm all set. Thank you." I said putting on my best smile.

She smiled back and walked away. I slowly added sugar and cream to my coffee and took the first sip. It was delicious, well as far as diner coffee goes. It had been hours since I'd woken up and I only stayed long enough to grab a cup of black coffee from the coffee maker in the room before I rushed out the door. I smiled to myself as I was warmed by the coffee. It wasn't long before the waitress came back with my food. She set it down with a smile and paused.

"Is there anything else I can get you?" she asked, fidgeting with her pad and pen. I shook my head and picked up my fork and knife.

I dove into the meal, quietly moaning as I tasted it. It was better than I remembered. My mother used to make this every Sunday after church. I hadn't made it after I moved out because Josh was allergic to strawberries. I slowed down and savored the meal, enjoying the fond memories of my mother and Sunday morning breakfasts.

The waitress came back over and filled my mug again. I smiled and thanked her. She hesitated, like she wanted to ask something but was nervous to. Trying to pull the awkwardness away from her, I asked about the man I was supposed to meet. I felt bad I was making her so uncomfortable.

"Do you know Sean Kane?" I asked, staring at the coffee pot. I felt bad I was making her so uncomfortable.

"Of course, I do. He's best friends with my brother. Do you want me to call him to come meet you here? Or do you want directions to his office?" she asked, perking up.

I glanced at her face, familiarity rearing its head again.

"Uhm, directions will be fine, please." I said looking back at my hands.

"Sure, he just works around the corner. When you leave, turn right back on the road and go to the stop sign. Take a right and they are the second building on the right side. They normally have breakfast here, but they haven't stopped by yet." she said with a frown, walking to help the customer who was calling her.

I glanced around me and saw signs for the restroom. I slowly got up, stabilizing myself on the table as a wave of dizziness swept over me. I slowly made my way to the bathroom. As I washed my hands, I tried to figure out why she was so familiar. I couldn't think of anyone who had moved away recently. I finished drying my hands and slowly walked back to my booth.

The bell above the door jingled, causing me to jump and snap my head up, pulling me from my thoughts. I saw a tall man, with blonde hair and green eyes come through the door. He was muscular, but handsome. I took another step and heard a familiar male voice.

"Joselyn?" My eyes landed on the man who spoke my name.

I had moved my head too quickly and had to steady myself on the back of the booth I was at. Standing there was a man I never thought I'd see again. It only took him a second to snap into action, covering the short distance across the diner quickly in his long strides.

His face showed nothing but anger. I stood frozen, unable to move.