Welcome to Moongate

Three: Welcome Back to Moongate

In less than an hour my bail had been paid and I was finally out in the fresh air again. I was beyond relieved to be out of that jail cell, away from the knowing eyes that I’d been a huge embarrassment today. My ego was bruised, badly, and more than anything I just wanted to put this day behind me.

I want my stuff.

I had texted Leo, but I knew better than to expect a response. After changing the locks on our apartment, I was almost certain I would never hear another word from him. Yet, that didn’t change the fact that all my belongings were in that apartment, and I definitely wouldn’t be leaving those behind. Especially if that blonde Barbie was planning on moving in next, just the thought of her going through my belongings made me nauseous.

A police officer stepped outside the building, glancing up at the sky and breathing in the fresh air. Suddenly, I had an idea. I walked straight up to him, swallowing my pride and flashing a big smile as I caught his attention. “Excuse me officer, I really could use some help,” I said.

His eyes brightening immediately, then he let out a gentle chuckle. “Young lady I heard about you at the start of my shift, sounds like you’re having a god-awful day,” he offered. My cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and I had to remind myself what was at stake here. I needed my belongings back, I wouldn’t let Leo win this easily.

So, I put my hands on my hips and willed myself to be brave as I asked my favour, “My ex-boyfriend changed the locks on our apartment, but all my stuff is still inside. He’s low enough to file for a restraining order, and especially after today’s incident,” I nearly choked on the word, for a moment flashing back to my fists smashing against the door, and I had to shake the memory away. “I just want my belongings.”

The man didn’t even pause for a moment to think, his hand shoving in his pocket and pulling out a set of car keys. “These men think they can get away with whatever they want. Good for you for standing up to him. I’ll escort you there and help you get your belongings.” He gave me a small smile and I followed him over to the car. At least I could add one good thing to my day today.

The officer was more help than I ever could have imagined. After knocking on the apartment door several times without answer, he helped me track down the building manager, who after hearing my story, graciously offered to unlock the apartment and allow me to collect my belongings under the watchful eye of the office.

At the site of our apartment alone, I immediately felt sick to my stomach. To think I’d ever trusted this man, or allowed myself to love him. Earlier, all I wanted was for this drama to be undone and to come back home to our bed. Now, I wanted nothing more than to get out of here as fast as I could. I pulled my suitcases from the closet and threw in as much as I could, as quickly as I could. In less than 10 minutes, I’d packed up anything that was of any importance to me anymore, and was heading back outside.

“You okay now ma’am?” The officer tilted his hat to me and I nodded my head. My bottom lip began to quiver as the rush of emotion hit me. I wasn’t okay, especially not now. I had a plan though, and a flight to catch.

“Yeah, going to head back home for a while,” I said without hesitation, surprising even myself when I called that place home. It was my home, I’d grown up there, but right now it felt far from the person I was now.

“Good luck,” He gave me one more nod before getting into his car and driving off. I clutched the handles of my suitcases, forcing a few deep breaths between my pursed lips. How the hell did I get here? All I could hear was the words of the HR lady in my head, telling me how much more she’d expected of me under a moment of stress. All I could do was agree with her. Hell, I’d expected more of myself. How could I let some man do this to me? How could I blow up my entire life over someone like him? I could feel the panic coming on, but I had no choice but to keep pushing myself forwards. Somehow, I’d get through this. Somehow, I’d come out the other side.

I didn’t waste time, hailing a cab and making my way over to the airport, if I paused for even a moment I knew the panic would come right back, and I wasn’t prepared to face that yet. So, just as my mother had instructed me, I breezed through baggage check and security, then boarded the red eye flight.

I was seated against the window allowing me to rest my head against the frame and shut my eyes during the flight. An elderly lady took the set beside me, and almost made me laugh as she clutched her purse in her lap and pulled out a ball of yarn and began to knit. There was no doubt in my mind that she was traveling home. She belonged there, with those knitting needles I was sure she fit right in to the quaint town.

“Traveling for business or pleasure?” She turned to ask me, a sickly sweet smile on her face that I briefly returned. In the back of my mind, I was rolling my eyes though. Like anyone ever traveled here for business.

“Just visiting for the summer,” I said, unwilling to elaborate any further.

“Oh,” her eyes immediately lit up with excitement. “Well if you need any suggestions for places to eat or see or anything at all, I’m sure I could muster up a list.” She was already digging through her purse for a pen and paper, that overbearing small-town charm oozing off of her and I couldn’t shake my head fast enough.

“No no, thank you though. I think I’m just going to get some sleep,” I explained, gesturing towards the sweater I’d already balled up against the wall in place of a pillow. Disappointment flashed over her, but she was quick to cover it. A small shrug of her shoulders and she’d gone right back to knitting.

Before I knew it, I had made my way across the country, back to the little town that had raised me. I was just waking up, blinking a few times as my eyes cleared. The plane was descending over the small town, and my eyes caught on the water tower in the distance. A single memory from my childhood that I’d been trying to repress for so long, came rushing forwards. Asher Hale, leaning against the railing with the wind whipping through his hair. That childish smirk, beckoning me to come closer.

“Welcome to Moongate!” The lady said in that too cheerful voice and I found myself cringing, but thankful she’d pulled me out of that memory. I shook my head a few times, pressing back the memories again. More like Welcome back to Moongate, not that I’d ever admit to being from here out loud.