Ch- 54 Hot chocolate

Ashley's POV:

I settle into the cab, barely aware of my surroundings.

"Just go straight from Melrose Avenue, then take the first right off 125 and Hayden Park.”

I mumble the directions absentmindedly, not even bothering to check if the driver understands. But he doesn't acknowledge my words either, and when I finally look up, I catch him staring at the marks on my arms through the rearview mirrror.

His gaze lingers for a moment too long, and I quickly avert my gaze, rubbing my palms along my arms as if I can erase the evidence of what happened… but all I can do for now is distract myself.

Turning to the window, I try to focus on the changing scenery outside as the neighborhoods blur together, a mix of old and new, rundown and pristine.

I lean my head against the cool glass; the cab ride will be an hour long at the very least, and maybe I'll get a chance to rest on the way?

But there is no trace of sleep or rest in my eyes or my destiny, because every time I close my eyes, I feel t