I let out a cry of pain as I was flung to the side, hitting the wall. My cheek was already throbbing; blood was trailing out of the corner of my mouth; my whole body was riddled with cuts and bruises. This new blow would only add to my collection. Still, I just couldn't learn. I glared up at the one who had done this to me only to get a kick in the mouth, sending me toppling to the side. I propped myself up on my forearms, coughing up blood from my mouth.
I soon found myself dragged to the nightstand, my hands tied around the leg with a strong rope. Damn, he knew how to tie ropes… I spat out blood, kicking at him as he began to unbutton my pants. I only received a strong punch in the gut, causing the air to be knocked out of me. My focus faded in an out because of all the pain that my whole body was in, but I didn't give up. I tried to kick at him once more, but he ended up sitting on my legs to stop me from doing so after he casted my pants aside.
Lips collided into mine, the kiss filled with lust. He forced his tongue into my mouth, taking full advantage of what little strength I had left. As one hand roamed my bare chest, his other reached down. He played with the elastic of my boxers, not even breaking the kiss. He then dipped lower and massaged between my legs, though it was anything but comfortable. Again, I tried to kick him only to find that I had become weaker than before and that my whole body was shaking with fear and pain.
He broke the kiss be rested his chin on my shoulder, removing his hand from between my legs to hoist me up so that I was between sitting and laying down. His arms then wrapped around me and pulled his hips forward, grinding our hips together. His breath was hot against my skin as he continued to grind our hips together, thrusting every now and then, though he seemed to want more than just that.
He crashed his lips into mine again, though I didn't return the kiss, tears streaming down my cheeks. His thrusts became more frequent and harder. He let out small grunts each time, seeming to enjoy himself, though for me, it was the exact opposite. I hated this. I wanted nothing more than just to run away. I felt his hands run down my chest then stop at the edge of my boxers. He rested there for one more moment before he began to slide my boxers down.
He broke away and stopped everything he was doing when the sound of the front door opening was heard. Both of us knew that my parents weren't supposed to be home for about a week, so of course Hayner was confused. But I didn't forget. There was no way that I could. I was only wishing that he would get here in time. I soon felt my boyfriend being yanked off me and I curled up, my hands still tied around the end table. I forced my eyes open when I heard my brother screaming for someone to leave. But the only thing I saw was my ceiling.
I sighed and calmed down as fast as I could, turning onto my side. I closed my eyes once more, but my dream flashed before my eyes. The worst part was; I remembered it. It had actually happened in real life. I wished that I could just forget about that night, though I was still thankful that my brother had come home just before I lost my virginity.
I don't know when I had fallen asleep, but it only seemed like for five minutes before my alarm clock went off right beside me, though I knew it was longer than that. I groaned and turned off my alarm before sitting up. The first thing I noticed was that it was darker in my room for this time of day, which was 6 AM. The next thing I noticed was the sound of the pounding rain against my window. I shivered slightly at the soft rumble of distant thunder, knowing very well that it would become louder in about an hour, maybe less.
Luckily, my brother hadn't seemed to sense my dream this time. Either that or he decided not to bother me. He knew not to wake me up, even if it was a nightmare. I ran a hand through my hair before pushing myself off the bed, shoving the dream to the back of my mind. I quickly changed, throwing on a dark grey T-shirt and a pair of jeans. I then walked out the door, noticing that the lights were already on downstairs.
I carefully walked down the wooden stairs, careful not to make a noise. But I swear; mothers have eyes on the back of their head! This was proven when my mother suddenly said "Good morning, Roxas. Breakfast is already ready." I didn't answer her and just walked into the kitchen. I picked up my plate and walked back to the dining room, sitting down. I quickly ate my scrambled eggs and bacon before taking my plate into the kitchen. I didn't say a word, but nodded to my mother as a 'good morning' when she looked at me. I did that every morning, so it was nothing new.
I then did what I did every morning before school; brush my teeth, comb my hair a bit(though no matter how much I tried, it would always stick up like that), put on my shoes, then set my backpack in the living on the couch next to the door. I then went up to my room and sat down at my laptop, opening it. I turned it on, watching the start up screen until the main wallpaper came into view, which was just Hayner, Pence, Olette, and I at the beach during summer vacation.
I opened up Yahoo and logged in. I sighed when I noticed Hayner was online, though he was on idle. I logged out of that then logged into MSN. Yes, I had both. So what? It didn't take long to load, but right when I was about to log out, a little box appeared on the bottom right of my screen. 'Axel has signed in' it said. I ignored it and went to sign out again when a message popped up onto my screen.
Axel: Didn't know you'd be on so early.
I frowned. I was always on before school, just to see if there was anybody worth talking to. I sighed and typed my reply.
Roxas: Of course I'm on. Why wouldn't I be?
Axel: I dunno. Just thought you wouldn't be, y'know?
Roxas: Whatever. Look, I gotta finish getting ready for school. I'm supposed to leave in about 5 minutes and it's pouring outside. I'll see you at school.
Axel: Wait
Axel: Don't leave yet
I went to log out, but then grew rather curious. I sat back in my chair, waiting for Axel to reply.
Axel: You still have time until you have to leave, Rox. Anyway, you still dating Hayner?
Roxas: Yeah. Why?
Axel: I dunno. Just thought you would break up with him by now. I mean, what he did to you and everything…
I paused for a moment and considered logging off, but I knew that he would give me hell about it when I was at school. He always had. I finally sighed and shook my head, leaning forward so that I could type.
Roxas: I'll talk to you at school, Axel. You might want to leave soon so that Hayner doesn't figure about our talk. I need to talk to you in RL; not over MSN.
Axel: Fine by me. Meet you there in 5. Better be ready.
With that, Axel had signed out. I signed out as well and closed my laptop, hearing the click as it locked into place. I knew it would turn off anyway, so I didn't bother clicking the button or anything. I stood up from my chair and wandered back downstairs. I glanced at the clock, knowing that it was probably too early for me to leave if it were a normal day. But today wasn't a normal day; I had to go talk to Axel. I slung my backpack over my shoulder after slipping on my white hoodie that was black on the inside and on the front pocket, pulling up the hood.
Without telling the others I was leaving, I ran out the door, closing it behind me. I ran down the street as fast I could, the pouring rain pounding against the concrete and soaking parts of me. I didn't bother looking both ways when I ran across the road; bad idea. I heard the honking of a car and I my first reflex was to put one of my hands on the wet hood. I glanced at the car before I took off in a sprint again, my heart hammering in my chest. Soon I was safe inside the school. The first thing I did was sit down near the front door and catch my breath, listening to the rain and the low rumble of thunder that sent shivers down my spine. I then stood up once more and began to walk the halls.
I glanced around, noticing that only security guards were roaming the halls. They already knew that Axel and I had secret meetings here without my boyfriend knowing. In fact, they were also in on it, trying to keep me safe. My brother is friends with all of the security guards, so he had told them to watch out when Hayner was around me, just in case. Of course, I wasn't mad at him for this; I was rather glad to know that people were actually looking after me now. Because of that one incident, I was 'friends' with all the security guards as well.
I walked up the large main stairs of the school onto the second floor before walking to the way back to a door labeled 'attic'. This was the only place locked from everybody except for Axel and I and a few employees. No other student had ever stepped foot in here before. I pulled the key out of my pocket and put it into the lock, turning it before pushing it open. It opened without a sound, despite its age. I walked inside and silently closed it behind me, pulling out the key beforehand. I then locked it from the inside and turned around to walk up the dusty, old staircase. I knew better than to run my hand along the old wood, knowing very well that I would get splinters from it if I did.
I slowed to a stop once I came to the middle of the room, looking up at large, slanted window in front of me. I watched the rain cascade down its length and a lightning bolt stretch across the clouds, filling the room with a dim light only to have it fall back to its usual dimness. No matter what, this room seemed quite dusty, old, and dim, but that was because of the old window covered with dirt and dust. I finally tore my eyes away from the window and sky just as I shivered from the sound of thunder. I looked around the room just to make sure nobody was there. The only things I saw were a few things that were no longer needed in the classrooms. Other than that, everything was left the way it was before I had left for summer vacation.
I dropped my backpack down against the wall next to the stairs before walking over to the couch, pulling off the sheet that kept dust from settling onto the three-cushioned couch. I stuffed the sheet into a wooden chest near the window before pulling off the sheets from the two recliners, shoving those in the chest as well. I opened up a compartment on the top of the chest and pulled out a small rag, using it to dust off the coffee table in the middle of the room. I then used it to clean off the end tables and the lamps before putting the rag back in the compartment. I closed the chest, locking it with the same key that I opened the door with. I walked up to the large window, pulling the large curtains over it and putting pin through the hole in the curtains and into the wood so that it would stay closed. I walked around, turning on all the lamps before finally collapsing onto the couch, sighing heavily as I let my eyes close.
I lay there for a moment, slowly falling asleep due to the fact that I slept a lot; both my brother and I did. It didn't matter how much we slept at night; we would always fall asleep during the day. None of the doctors could figure out why, but we always slept more than the average human. Because all the teachers knew about our sleeping problems and the fact that I would sometimes escape here when I needed to relieve some stress, they let us off the hook a lot. They knew that if we didn't get our sleep, we would just pass out and if I didn't come here, I wouldn't be able to concentrate at all. This was only mine and Axel's place; our sanctuary.
When I was tired during class, I would just excuse myself and come here. For some reason, I would never have nightmares here. I would have a peaceful sleep. I would never be plagued with the nightmares at home or anywhere else. I would've invited my brother to this place, but for some reason, it just didn't seem right. This was Axel and my place; nobody else's. Nobody would ever bother us here. We would be free to do whatever we wanted due to the fact that the whole room was rather sound-proof. Even after school I was allowed here; Axel and I have the key to the whole entire school. The teachers know how important this room is, though they don't even know why.
Axel and I have suggested many things. It could've been the fact that we could be ourselves in here without fear. It could've been because of how peaceful it was most of the time. It could've been even the fact that we could talk about anything and everything and know that nobody is listening in on us. There are many reasons as to why we love this place, including the history behind it. But all of that we kept to ourselves, not wanting to give out details about the room because it was our room.
My thoughts were interrupted when I suddenly had the urge to wake up. I had the feeling that someone was watching me, though I already knew who it was. I shifted slightly when I felt someone blowing on my face, small smile forming on my face. I soon swatted away the one blowing on my face before opening my eyes, looking directly into emerald eyes. "You have minty breath, Ax. Smells like Winter Fresh," I said with a small laugh before sitting up. "Or something like that. I can never tell the mints apart."
Axel stood up and made his way to one of the recliners, sitting down on it with a satisfied sigh. He leaned back and lifted his feet up, crossing his ankles as his heel rested on the coffee table. He did this all the time, though I couldn't help but notice the new pair of combat boots on the junior. He laced his fingers together, laying his hands on his stomach. "Eh, it doesn't matter. You were asleep for a while. It's already well into second period. Probably just a few more minutes until the bell," he said.
I opened my mouth to reply to him, but he held up a hand to stop me. I closed my mouth again and his hand returned to its previous position. "I already informed your teachers that you're up here, sleeping. They said it was alright and that you should rest," he replied to my unanswered question, causing me to merely nod. He then stood up from his spot on the chair and walked over to his backpack. He crouched down next to it and opened it up, pulling something out. "By the way, you forgot this."" He then turned towards me and tossed the object up, the object coming towards me.
I reached up and caught it before it could fall behind me, bringing it down in front of my face to see what it was; my phone. I couldn't believe that I had forgotten this. I had always brought it with me, everywhere I went. I only kept it just in case I needed to talk to Axel, though I would only text him and tell him to go up to the 'secret place'. The teachers allowed this for the both of us, of course, though most of the students always seemed jealous that we were allowed to get out of class early.
I laughed softly and a bit nervously before shoving it in my pocket. "Sorry. Must've slipped my mind," I said, offering Axel a small smile, which he returned at a larger scale like he always did. I sighed softly and nestled back into the couch cushions, looking at the redhead as he played around on his own phone. There was a moment of silence that passed between the two, save for the opening and closing of the red phone in the redhead's hand. Finally, I spoke up. "Hayner keeps asking me why I even have my phone if I don't bother calling anyone with it," I informed.
This caught Axel's attention. Emerald eyes quickly looked up into mine, giving me a look that told me to continue. Of course, it wasn't a mean look or anything, but I was able to distinguish which was which. "I told him that it was only for emergencies and that I didn't need to call him if he lived right next door," I finished. He continued to give me the look, though he seemed pretty convinced. I knew exactly what he was asking. I laughed softly and shook my head. "He still doesn't know about us, Axel. I keep my phone away from him, in the compartment underneath my nightstand. You know; the one that drops down with the small key my brother has," I answered with a small smile.
Axel nodded then went back to playing with his phone. He was silent for a few seconds before speaking. "So tell me… Has he tried anything over the summer while I was gone?" he questioned, his eyes moving back to mine. "Like, say… what happened that first time. Did you ever try that again?"
I nodded slightly. "Not as bad as last time, but he did try just yesterday," I replied. He gave me the signal to continue. "He snuck in through my window. I managed to get him away before he tried anything, though. So you don't have to worry." He nodded and I watched as he stood up, shoving his phone in his pocket. He walked over to the couch and sat down, moving so that his back nestled between the back of the couch and the arm. He then reached forward and grabbed my hand, pulling me onto him, which I accepted.
I closed my eyes and laid my head o his chest, feeling one arm wrap around me protectively as the other moved so that he could lace our fingers together. He always did this to comfort me and it never failed. He knew when I needed someone to be right there and he always gave it, even if I didn't ask to it. We laid there for a moment, just listening to the rain and the sound of our even breathing. But of course, silence is always broken. "Why do you even stay with him, Rox?" he asked. "You should just break up with him. He's way too controlling and will have his way with you if you give him the chance, no matter how much you try to push him away. He may be holding back for now, but that doesn't mean that he will forever."
I remained silent for a moment, opening my eyes about half way. I turned my head so that I lay on my right cheek, facing the room. I began to trace small shapes across the fabric of Axel's shirt. Finally, I sighed and stopped playing with Axel's shirt, curling my fingers so that it formed a loose fist that just rested on the redhead's chest. "I know, Axel, but… I can't find it in myself to break up with him. If I do break up with him…" I said, letting my voice trail off. I didn't need to finish my sentence. Both of us Hayner's anger issues and how he would kill the first person he saw if I had broken up with him.
Axel reached up and ruffled my hair, causing me to frown and reach up with my free hand to fix it as his returned to my back. "Just promise me that you'll break up with him if things get out of hand. I don't want you getting hurt because of him. You've been hurt enough as it has," he replied. I nodded, but said nothing; there wasn't anything to say to that.
I let my eyes drift closed, snuggling into the redhead's warm chest once more. I don't know why, but Axel always gave me what Hayner never did. I always thought of it as a way to comfort me, but I found that I liked it much more than what I was supposed to. Truthfully, I didn't really care. Axel was the only one who really understood why I stayed with Hayner; even Sora didn't understand. And explaining it to him would never do any good and Axel and I knew that. Though Sora may know me better than anyone, he didn't exactly know how to react. Besides, I would rather keep him out of this. I would never want Hayner to go after Sora just because my brother was protecting me. But with Axel… he could always protect me from the shadows and pretend to just be a random stranger and get away with it. I soon found myself drifting off to sleep once more, too deep in my thoughts to notice that the thunder was getting louder by the minute.
When I awoke, I found myself lying on the couch by myself; Axel was gone. I sat up and looked around, searching every corner with my eyes. I stood up and began to walk around, looking behind each and every equipment I could see inside the small attic before running down the stairs, panicked. I couldn't stand it alone, especially if I wasn't alone beforehand. I quickly unlocked the door and ran out into the hallway, closing and locking the door behind me. Well, at least I had the sense to do that… I then looked around once more, but still saw no sign of the redhead. In fact, the whole school seemed empty.
Rain pounded harshly against the large windows of the school and the roof above me. The whole world outside was dark as well as the inside of the school. Everything was dark, but my eyes adjusted to the light. I began a quick walking pace, looking down every hallway I could find on the second floor. I let out a yell as lightning flashed right outside the window, the loud crash of thunder echoing throughout the hallways. I took off in a sprint, looking through the window of every classroom I could find. I ran down the stairs and through the hallways down there as well; still no sign of Axel.
Thunder crashed loudly just as the lightning touched down, the rain hammering the roof and the windows. My breath quickened just as my footsteps did, desperately searching for a familiar face. The security guards, my friends, Hayner, Axel, anyone! But so far, there was no sign of anybody there. Only the thunder accompanied me in power blasts that shook the school and the world around me. Tears I never knew were there streamed down my face, every single one of them caused by fear.
I quickly darted up the stairs and towards the attic once more, but just as I turned the corner to go down the hallway I knew the attic was in, I collided into something soft. I stumbled backwards with a shout and started to feel myself fall backwards. Just then a hand shot out and grabbed my arm, holding me upright. The lightning flashed once more to reveal a rather confused-looking Axel, his eyes widening when he realized that he had left me alone and I had woken up.
He quickly pulled me to him, wrapping his arms around me as I buried my head into his chest. "I'm so sorry, Rox. I just went to go check to see if anybody was left in the school. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have left you," he whispered, stroking my hair as I cried loudly. I stood there, trembling in his arms. I didn't even reply to him, I was that scared. He knew that I was terrified when I was alone during a thunder storm. Despite that, he had left me alone without leaving a note or something.
"Shh. Calm down. It's alright now. I didn't leave you," he said soothingly, stroking my hair in a calming motion. Once my tears had subsided (for the most part), he grabbed my hand and led me back to the attic, using his own key instead of asking for mine. He led me up all the way up the stairs then pulled me to him once more when we were near a previously-covered rocking chair. He sat down with me in his lap, moving my legs so that they draped over the arm. "We'll stay here for the night. Or at least until the storm passes," he said softly, rocking back and forth gently.
He whispered softly, just saying the same things over and over until I finally calmed down. Once I was calm enough, he stood up and moved us to the couch, carrying me bridal style. He laid down and I instantly cuddled up against him, burying my head into his chest as I tried to ignore the frequent thunder. He reached into his backpack that I didn't know was right next to the couch and pulled out an iPod, putting the earphones in my ears. He then played Lullaby for a Stormy Night by Vienna Tung, putting it on repeat. After listening to it a few times, I soon fell back asleep, knowing that Axel wouldn't leave me this time.
~*wonk uoy naht noitceffa erom deen I. My sanctuary; where fears and lies melt away.*~
