Me:
He’s running around naked and shutting himself in the back room.
Alice:
Yeah, bc that’s what sane people do.
I message another friend, Jo—short for Josephine, randomly, because I see she’s up and I know I can trust her, and tell her a fraction of what’s been transpiring since I moved to the Cay.
Her reply is instant:
Jo:
Honey, this guy is like made up of red flags.
Ain’t that the truth.
Jo:
This is bad news.
Are you engaged to him for any kind of legal reason? Paperwork or insurance or anything?
Me:
No, just relationship reasons.
Jo:
Okay, well… How long have you been with this man?
Both relationship wise and in person?
Me:
6 months.
I sigh.What an eventful six months it’s been.
With so much to fill her in on, I call Jo and give her a very abridged version of what’s been going on. But she doesn’t need to know every tiny detail to know I’m in a dangerous situation.
After we hang up, she messages me immediately.
Jo:
Honey, if you ever need me… if you ever need anything… text me 202 and I will find you help. Do you understand me?
I will find you help. Just text me 202.
I will help you.
Me:
Yes. 202. I got it. Thank you xo.
“I’m packing my bags!” Timmy suddenly announces, emerging from the back room with a huge grin on his face. “Dad told me to call him back in a couple of hours, but I would much rather be in Montana with them than here with you.”
Me: