Quietly taking his bag from the closet. Justin held his breath as he tip toed across the floor. If Wade awoke he would face a wrath so great he would wish he was dead. Hell, he already did wish he was dead. If only he knew now what he knew then. If only he could go back to that day they met. Wade had seemed like the perfect friend. Offering to teach him dance moves in between his college studies their dance lessons had quickly progressed to much more till soon they were more moments to make out than dance. It had been perfect until day they moved in together. Soon Wade became possessive. Controlling his every move, questioning his comings and goings. It didn't take much to set him off. Being five minutes late, being seen with another guy. All it took were little things to anger him and soon Justin would find himself hovering in the corner beaten until he could barely move. Each time Wade promising it would never happen again. At first Justin believed him, thought he would change but as the beatings got worse it became clear that would never happen. He didn't know where he would go but he knew he had to leave. Suddenly hearing the bed creak Justin's heart beat rose and he turned to see Wade roll over. Thankfully he was still asleep. If he was lucky he might not wake for hours giving Justin time to be long gone before he could be found. Turning the knob on the kitchen door he slowly closed it behind him hoping to make no sound. He would have to walk a mile to the main highway and hitch a ride. The cold wind whipping through his body it seemed like hours as he made his way up the hill to the rode above. The headlights of a car in the distance he stuck out his thumb as the car neared. Honking the horn the car sped past him as Justin frowned. Someone had to stop before Wade woke up and found him gone. Standing in the road Justin waved his arms furiously at the approaching car. Stopping inches short from running him over. The driver cursed as he honked his horn at the stranger.

"Please, I need a ride" said Justin.

"Geez, you almost got yourself killed."

"I have to get out of here" said Justin as he nervously looked over his shoulder.

"I can take you as far as town" said the driver.

"That's fine" said Justin. Getting in he fastened his seat belt as he winced in pain.

"I'm Dave, what's your name."

"Wade, my names Wade" said Justin reluctantly.

"Please to meet you Wade. Look you seem awfully nervous and your pretty banged up there. Your not running from the law or anything because I don't need any trouble from the cops" said Dave.

"I'm not in trouble, I didn't do anything" said Justin.

"Ok, I was just asking. Their's a rag in the bag you can use it for your head" said Dave.

"Thanks."

"So how did you get banged up."

"You give me a ride, no questions" said Justin.

"Where are you headed?"

"The bus station" replied Justin. Look you can let me out here. I can walk the rest of the way."

"Your in no shape to be walking" said Dave.

"I"m fine really" said Justin.

"Ok, you have a nice trip."

Feeling the brush of cold air as he stepped out the car Justin almost began to wish he had let the man take him.

"It was only half a block but the pain in his side was getting worse and he could barely walk.

"Pulling the cap over his head he followed the headlights of the cars. Each time wondering if one of them was Wade's.

"Clenching his side he stepped onto the sidewalk and sat down on the bench. Pulling the money from his pocket he carefully counted it again. He had $100, hopefully enough to get him far away from Wade. Getting to his feet he entered the terminal and headed in the direction of the pointing arrow. He would to clean himself up before someone else started asking questions. Waiting until the restroom was empty he entered locking the door behind him. Turning the faucet on he leaned over the sink as he splashed the cool water on his face. Taking a towel from the holder he began to wipe at the dried blood now forming at the cut on his head. He could hide most of the bruises but their was nothing he could do about the black eye. Flinching as he placed the back pack over his shoulder he approached the counter.

"Good evening, how can I help you?"

"What's the first bus you have going out" said Justin.

"We have one going to Jacksonville, it leaves in 5 minutes" said the clerk.

"Something out state" said Justin.

"We have a bus going to Las Vegas, it should be pulling up any minute."

"How much for a ticket."

"$45." said the clerk.

Handing him the money he leaned against the counter as he waited for the ticket to print. Soon he would be safe, be free Justin thought to himself.