I woke up at around 8:30 the next morning, totally confused as to where I was. Within seconds, everything came flooding back to me and tears sprung to my eyes. I looked around. Nick must have put me in the guestroom.
I walked out into the hallway and made my way towards the stairs. I stopped in front of Nick’s room. The door was slightly open so I peeked in.
There he was. Sleeping like a baby, his hair a mess, and his body all entangled with the sheets. I smiled at the sight. Poor guy.
I walked downstairs and saw my purse sitting on the kitchen table, my wallet falling out. I giggled:
“Gee Nick. Don’t make it obvious or anything.” After grabbing my cigarettes out of my purse, I went out on the deck and stared at the ocean. Then it hit me:
“Oh my god! Ashley! She’s probably going nuts right now.”
*** *** *** *** *** ***
Ashley had tossed and turned all night after she and Drew had finally fallen asleep. They had been out late looking for me after they ran into Rob when he arrived back at the hotel.
RING! RING!
Drew rolled over sleepily:
“Hello?”
“Drew?” Drew sat up straight in bed:
“Kate? Is that you? Oh my god! Where the fuck are you?” I didn’t feel like explaining to him:
“Drew, can you put Ash on please?”
“Hold on.” Drew woke Ashley. She rubbed her eyes:
“What’s going on?” Drew handed her the phone:
“It’s Katelin.” Her eyes widened:
“Kate! Are you okay? Where are you?” I smiled at the fact that she was so concerned. I was glad to have a friend that cared about me so much:
“I’m okay. Ash, I’m safe. I’m staying at a friends house.” Ashley was puzzled:
“Who do you know here?”
“His name’s Nick and he helped me out last night and let me stay in his guest room. I don’t know where I’d be right now if he hadn’t been walking down the beach. I couldn’t go back to the hotel. Not after everything that had happened.” Ashley sighed:
“Rob told us everything. He was crying. I think he’s finally realizing what he’s doing, Kate.” I didn’t say anything. I don’t care how bad he felt. Not after how much he had hurt me. Physically and emotionally.
Drew stumbled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. He glanced down and his eyes caught sight of a white piece of paper and a hotel room key that had been slid under the door. He bent down and picked them up.
Drew and Ashley,
Ashley hung up the phone and noticed Drew’s odd expression and the note in his hand:
“What’s that?”
“A note from Rob. He left.” Ash’s eyes widened, once again:
“He left? Just like that?” Drew nodded:
“I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t be able to face her either” Drew sighed:
“Anyway, where is she? How is she?”
“She’s okay. She’s at some guy Nick’s house who lives on the beach where she was at last night.” Drew narrowed his eyes:
“She’s at some strange guys house?” Ashley nodded:
“She assured me she was fine. I told her we’d call her as soon as we were showered and dressed.” Drew pulled Ashley into a tight hug:
“Don’t worry, babe. Katelin’s strong. She’ll be fine. I know she will.”
“I hope you’re right.”