The Master (part 2)

Staring up at the ring above my head, I began to question just how much I did know about Leon. And... whether or not I truly yearned for the truth.1

A shudder rolled through me at that very moment, and I knew I had my answer.2

"You know what, Leon? I believe I have changed my mind. Do not get me wrong. Please. I do trust you. You were the one who was there for me when Anthony hit me. I owe you my life. It's just that.... I do not know if I am ready to understand."3

"But, Stars.... you do not even know what I wish to show you. Are you absolutely certain that...."4

"Yes. I am sorry to have bothered you."5

I stood up from Leon's bed in such a hurry that I became lightheaded. Everything began to fade into darkness as I fell to the floor.6

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(Flashback...)
The blood is running down my cheek. I can taste it in my mouth. I cannot believe Anthony just did that to me.... I walk in on him sleeping with another woman and I get the punishment? How dare he...8

"Stars!?!"9

Shit. He's looking for me. Please don't check under the sink. Please don't check under the sink.10

I hear Anthony walking down the stairs. I know he has reached the bottom step because it's the only one that creaks. His footsteps are getting louder. I know he is in the kitchen and that it will only be a matter of time until he finds me. 11

My pocket. Yes! I have my cell phone in my pocket. I reach into the pocket of my red hoodie and pull out the phone. Quickly, I flip open the top to expose the keyboard.12

Text message. 'S.O.S. Help. Under sink in my kitchen. Anthony hit me. Bleeding. Looking for me. He's in here. Help.' Send.13

"Stars!?! Where the fuck are you, bitch. I know you're still in this house."14

I can hear him walking up to this side of the kitchen. Shit! He stops. I can hear him rapping his fingers on the counter. Now, I hear more footsteps.... but.... they're getting farther away. Yes! I can hear the bottom step creaking. He is going back upstairs.15

"Stars!?!"16

This may be the only time I get to run for it. I slowly open up the cabinet door. I step out from underneath the sink as lightly as possible so as not to make a sound. There it is. The back door. I run. I grab the doorknob and twist, ripping the door open as quickly as I can. He's coming. I hear him running down the stairs. No!!! I make a run for the side gate. I open the gate, with haste. There he is. Standing directly in front of me. He must have gone out the front door whilst I was exiting through the rear.17

"Where are you going baby? I am not going to hurt you..... much."18

That's when I hear it. My salvation. The engine roaring up my driveway. 19

I scream at the top of my lungs, "Leon!"20

"You've got to be kidding me." Anthony said. "You called the little bitch?"21

At that moment, Leon comes running from out of his black '94 Sedan. I see him. Hatred radiating from the very fiber of his being. He sees me. He knows that I can see him. But... I didn't see Anthony. I should have been paying attention. Should have know not to turn my gaze from the man in front of me. I should have ran the opposite direction. Should have seen it coming. The hard right aimed directly at my cheekbone on the left side of my face. Darkness.22

I awoke 2 minutes later to one hell of a sight. Anthony, laying on the ground covered in so much blood that his face somewhat resembled the strawberry topping on Angel Food cake. And... Leon. Beautiful Leon. My best friend. Standing beside Anthony with fire in his eyes. 23

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"Stars? Stars?"25

"Ouch."26

I opened my eyes to find that I was laying on the floor of Leon's bedroom with him on his knees beside me. 27

"There you are, roomy. You took quite a trip. How does your head feel?"28

"Well..... I can honestly say that it doesn't tickle."29

"That's my girl. Would you like for me to help you up, darling?"30

"Yes. Thank you."31

He grabs a hold of my hand and places his other arm beneath my waist, lifting ever so slowly, as to not provoke another incident. He helps me back onto his bed, never letting go of his hold on me.32

"Stars.... Why is it that you trust me with your life and you let me take care of you.... but you can't trust me with this one simple thing?" 33

"Nice try. I know you too well. I it were truly something minor and or insignificant, you would not have asked me if I trusted you."34

"You do know me rather well, don't you?"35

"Thank you for being my savior, once more."36

"You are very welcome."37

"I will be back later. I am going to go for a walk in the park." 38

"If you say so, Stars. See you in a bit."39

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