CHAPTER 10 - Bitter Tears
Arthur took a long sip of coffee and looked about the room. Peering back at him were six adolescents and five ghosts. He rubbed his face with both hands and sighed. "So, what are we going to do? We have to put a stop to everything, permanently."
"How do you kill someone who's already dead?" Seth waved his hands in an exasperated gesture.
"I've been reading through the Arcanum and I have some good news and bad news." Jean replied. "The bad news is, we have no choice but to allow Cyrus to open the Ocularis. It's the only way we CAN kill him. He must be cast into Hell in order for things to return back to normal."
"So what was the good news?" Dennis interrupted.
"That was it. We have the ability and know-how to end this, we just have to wait." Mallory stood up.
"Wait a minute - are you telling us that we have to wait for this psycho to kill twelve innocent people in order to destroy two ghosts?" Jean shook her head.
"No, there's more good news, but it's tricky. Like us, Cyrus and Kalina can't kill anyone directly or else they are sent straight to Hell. I don't think either of them knows this. If that's the case, as soon as they take an innocent life they're straight to Hell without a second glance."
"But that still requires someone to be sacrificed! That's not fair - there has to be something we can do!" Broadway said, equally as distraught as her sister. Jean shrugged her shoulders.
"That's all that I could make out from the text. I know how horrible that sounds but I really don't know what else to do about it. The only way that Cyrus and Kalina can be stopped is if the take an innocent life, or is able to open the Ocularis with another thirteen ghosts and is cast in himself. Either way, someone is going to have to die."
"But why? Why thirteen ghosts? You said that there were twelve of you trapped in that house-"
"The thirteenth ghost is known as the Sacrifice of the Broken Heart. It must be a willing human sacrifice. That was why Arthur was essentially called to the house in the first place, Cyrus and Kalina tried to use our children as bait and get him to kill himself to activate the Ocularis." Jean explained. Broadway shook her head impatiently.
"This is fucking retarded." She sat down on the couch heavily and chewed on her fingernails. "There's got to be another way."
"Maybe there is - I mean, wouldn't a suicide be considered a willing sacrifice?" Seth asked. Dana looked at the floor.
"No."
"..No?"
"No, the death must occur inside the house." She replied in her breathy voice. Seth cringed.
"Fuck. We're running out of options here! How long do you think they have before they can leave the house?"
"Not nearly long enough. I'd give them a week or so." Jean replied. Arthur nodded.
"Good, that means we have a week to think of something else."
"It might also be in our best interests to keep our eyes and ears open to the news and note any deaths that have occurred recently. If we can find the potential ghosts before Cyrus and Kalina, we'll be one step ahead of them." Dennis added.
"I guess that means meeting adjourned." Arthur stood up and nodded at the group. "I'm going to head into town and grab a few things." Mallory stood up.
"I'll give you a lift, I'm heading that way too. We need food and things of the sort." Dennis watched her stand up and walk gracefully across the room. Her hips moved in a perfect little axis as she walked and her steps didn't make a sound. He tore his eyes off her and shook his head a little. Broadway removed the glasses from her face and rubbed her eyes.
"I'm going to go take a shower."
"Good, you could use it, Squirt!" Seth joked, punching her lightly in the arm.
"Hey Freak, you're no fucking rose yourself." She hit him back a little harder. He raised an eyebrow and gave her a little shove.
"What was that?
"You heard me." She shot back with another hard shove.
"You want to make something out of it?"
"With you, it won't be much now will it?" Seth frowned and hit her in the shoulder.
"You're a big talker! Lets see what you've got!" Broadway dodged another punch and kicked him hard in the back of the knee before connecting his stomach with her fist. He countered with a shot to the abdomen and to the solar plexus. Luke rolled his eyes and advanced forward.
"Not again!"
"Do they fight often!?" Jean asked mildly startled.
"Does a bear shit in the woods?" he replied. "Come on shit-heads, break it up!" By that time, the two of them were going right at it. Although Seth was much bigger and stronger, he didn't have six years of living on the streets as fighting experience. Broadway gave Seth another shot in the chest and jaw. He countered with a hard hit to the side of the face sending her sprawling backwards just enough for Zeke and Luke to interject and separate he two.
"Cut it out, both of you - must you make a fight out of everything?" Zeke yelled, struggling to keep his sister back. Seth shook his head and shrugged Luke off of him.
"Nah, only once and a while, right bitch?"
"You got it cock-sucker." Broadway replied throwing her brother off of her shoulders. Mallory and Bianca exchanged tired glances and made for the door.
"Last call if you're coming downtown." Mallory called.
"I'm staying here." Seth called over his shoulder. He headed from the private lounge to his room and shut the door tightly. Zeke and Luke - who were pretty much inseparable - joined their sisters at the door. Zeke looked back.
"Coming Broddy?"
"Shit no - have fun! I'll be here working on me baby." She tossed her head in the direction of the garage and winked.
"Have fun then."
"Oh, I will."
~*~
"Fucking COLD!" She hurriedly wrapped one of the fluffy white towels around her body and shivered. Broadway glared at her reflection in the foggy mirror and toweled her hair until it stopped dripping. Her cheek was a little red but not too badly damaged from Seth. She shook her head and ran a brush through her long dark hair, which looked almost black because it was wet. She pulled on a clean black t-shirt and jeans and secured her favorite silver studded belt over her hips. She exited the bathroom into her room and tied the laces of her tall black boots. Broadway reached for her necklace but stopped, her eyes falling on the worn key that hung from the chain next to a small charm. She fixed the piece of jewelry around her neck and cocked her head to one side. She could hear music floating into her room from outside, but something was odd about it. It sounded staticy and soft, like it was coming from one of those really old radios, and she figured it was coming from an old couple out on their patio, enjoying an anniversary. Her fingers found the key again and Broadway remembered that she had to return it to Royce, assuming it was his and he did drop it. She reached into the side drawer and removed the glasses Dennis had given her the day before. She placed then on her back pocket and made her way to the garage.
It was a beautiful day, the kind where only ginormous clouds that resemble confectioners' sugar interrupted the blue sky. As she approached the large, two-story garage the music steadily got louder and she could make out the distinct voice of Elvis. She peered around to where the music was loudest, but didn't see anything. Broadway placed the glasses on her nose and scanned the area once more. She made her way to the bottom floor to where her Avalanche was parked and caught her breath in her chest. It was Royce, ad it was his car that was making the music. In the dim light, she could make out his figure bent over the hood of his car, which had been completely restored. He had his back to her, but Broadway could hear him whistling softly to the tune. She crept closer, trying to make the last amount of noise possible. His jacket was draped over the open window and his bat was resting on the passenger seat. She grinned and walked closer and closer.
"Number 47 said to Number 3, 'You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see. I sure would be delighted with your company, so come on and do the jail-house rock with me!' Lets rock!"
Broadway tiptoed up behind him and gave Royce a gentle nudge with her hip. He let out a short cry and brought his head up fast, effectively banging it against the hood of his car. She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her giggles as he turned to face her.
"Broadway! What are you doing down here?" The tape that was holding his bandages became a little loose and the fell slightly over his face. He looked up disparagingly. "Ah cripes.."
"Here' She reached her hand up and fixed the tape. "Better?"
"Yeah." Royce rubbed the back of his head roughly. "I hate it when that happens."
"Me too." Broadway replied. Her hands fell to the chain around her neck once more and she grasped the key. "Oh! Here, you left this in my room last night." He lifted the key and the charm and examined it closely.
"I was wondering where this went." He replied. "What's this?"
"My charm? It's just a good luck charm, nothing really." She stroked the silver design with her finger and smiled to herself. "I never go anywhere without this on. It's a biohazard symbol. Reminds me of my personality."
"Why would you say that?"
"No reason, I just would." She replied. Royce dropped the chain and shook his head.
"Such an odd ball." He mumbled. Broadway frowned.
"Get bent!" She retorted removing the chain and removing the key. Royce grinned lopsidedly held his hand out. She dropped the key in and ran her hand over the body of his Hot Rod. "She's beautiful."
"Yes she is. Too bad she let me down right when I needed her the most." Royce replied bitterly. Broadway turned to face him again.
"Royce, what really happened?" He paused and shrugged.
"I went-"
"Flat out and stacked up your screamer, I know. But what REALLY happened." She interjected. Royce stared at her for a moment and dropped his eyes.
"I wanted too much. I had all I could ever ask for; I was popular, had alright grades, I was going to get a scholarship for my athletics, but I was greedy. I wanted to have the title of fastest car, so I challenged the top greaser for a drag. I thought it would be a blast, my hottie could really move! But something went wrong..I didn't break in time and I was really going flat out - as fast as I could go. I missed a turn and totaled my car. I don't know how many times it flipped before.." He paused and shook his head. Broadway lay a hand on his shoulder and looked down.
"I'm sorry, Prince. I shouldn't have asked."
"Nah, it's alright. Sometimes, it's better not to forget some things. Keeps everything in perspective." Royce glanced down at his bandaged body. "But, it never stopped hurting. I was even in the newspapers; worst accident to hit Valley High in years!" He cast her a sad look. "But, they also said I died on impact." He shook his head. "If only. I lay up in that wreck for seven minutes while the fire and twisted metal tore at my body. I screamed for seven minutes and no one came to help me..not one person had the decency to come and get me out of there and they could have!" Royce frowned and clenched his jaw. "The Arcanum calls for the spirits of twelve tortured and enraged ghosts and one sacrifice. They caught me and placed me in the cell of the Torn Prince, when all I wanted to do was find the people who didn't help me and make them suffer the way I did! But I couldn't and I had no one to take the anger out on except myself." Broadway stepped back and bit her lip. Royce was acting differently and it scared her. She couldn't forget that he was dead and there wasn't anyone around to help her if he tried to hurt her.
"Royce! Calm down, it's over now!"
"It's not over! It won't be over until I find them!"
"And be sent to Hell? Is that really what you want?"
"I don't care where I go as long as they get what's coming to them!" He took a step forward and grabbed her arm. His grip was cold and as hard as steel. She yelped and tried to wrench away. He brought her close to him and glared into her eyes. "Don't forget who I am - I AM the Torn Prince."
"No you're not! You're Royce!"
I WAS Royce! Royce is dead, I'm all that is left of him."
"Will you snap out of it! Royce, you're hurting me!" Something began to burn its' way through the front of his shirt. It was a symbol of some sort, and it was made from blood seeping through his bandages. He winced and tightened his grip on Broadway's wrist. She cried out again and grabbed face with her free hand. "Royce, listen to me! That isn't you! I know who you are!" He brought her closer and brushed his lips against hers.
"How about this dolly, when I let you go, I'll give you thirty seconds before I come after you. You can be my practice victim. What do you say?" Before Broadway could scream the space behind Royce flickered and Dana shimmered into view. She brought her knife up and drove it roughly into Royce's shoulder. He called out in pain and dropped his hold on Broadway. Dana grabbed her by the arm.
"Come on!" She dragged Broadway to her feet and out of the garage. She made a symbol with her hands and it flashed on Royce's chest and car.
When they were safe in Broadway's room Dana let her go. Broadway sobbed softly and plopped down on her bed.
"It wasn't Royce's fault, you know." She looked at Dana quizzically. "Royce always answers 'I went flat out and stacked up my screamer' because it isn't the direct story." The ghost continued. Broadway sniffed.
"What..?"
"Rule number one - don't ever ask a ghost how they died or else they go into flashbacks and spaz out like Royce just did. It brings out all he pain that makes us tormented spirits and turns us violent. He probably wasn't even aware that it was you he was threatening. All he knows is anger and hatred when in that state."
"And it's all my fault."
"How were you to know? It's not like we come with instruction booklets." Dana replied. "You don't have to worry, I put my seal on him. He's not going anywhere until he cools off." Broadway nodded.
"How did you know?"
"Susan." She responded. "She's jealous of you. She saw Royce go into the garage and then you a short time after. When you didn't come out after a while, she started flipping out so I went to investigate. I could pick up on the vibes down there and knew what was going on."
"Thanks." Broadway paused. "Jealous? Why is Susan jealous of me?"
"Because Prince pays more attention to you then he does her. Susan is dead for a reason, jealous boyfriend found her on prom night in the arms of his best friend. Needless to say, he didn't take it too well and a week later the found her body under the football field goal line. She's a good girl, she just wants every guy she lays eyes on, dead or alive."
"She has a crush on Royce?"
"Of course. And who wouldn't? He's a babe when you get him at the right angle." Broadway remained silent and looked at her wrist. Royce's finger marks were still apparent, the red a bright contrast against her porcelain skin. She felt her lip quiver and she looked away. Dana placed her arm around her shoulder. "Royce didn't want to hurt you, Broadway. Just give it some time." She removed the glasses from her face and felt the pressure leave her shoulders. Dana whispered something just barely audible and the room returned to its normal temperature. Broadway sighed deeply and pushed back the tears that burned just behind her eyes. She reached around her neck and searched for the chain that brought her so much comfort. She fingers brushed against her bare neck only. Panic rose in her throat and she franticly searched her neck and bed for her charm. She came up empty and nothing could stop the tears from flowing from her eyes. She threw herself face down on her pillow and wept bitterly for the rest of the afternoon.
Arthur took a long sip of coffee and looked about the room. Peering back at him were six adolescents and five ghosts. He rubbed his face with both hands and sighed. "So, what are we going to do? We have to put a stop to everything, permanently."
"How do you kill someone who's already dead?" Seth waved his hands in an exasperated gesture.
"I've been reading through the Arcanum and I have some good news and bad news." Jean replied. "The bad news is, we have no choice but to allow Cyrus to open the Ocularis. It's the only way we CAN kill him. He must be cast into Hell in order for things to return back to normal."
"So what was the good news?" Dennis interrupted.
"That was it. We have the ability and know-how to end this, we just have to wait." Mallory stood up.
"Wait a minute - are you telling us that we have to wait for this psycho to kill twelve innocent people in order to destroy two ghosts?" Jean shook her head.
"No, there's more good news, but it's tricky. Like us, Cyrus and Kalina can't kill anyone directly or else they are sent straight to Hell. I don't think either of them knows this. If that's the case, as soon as they take an innocent life they're straight to Hell without a second glance."
"But that still requires someone to be sacrificed! That's not fair - there has to be something we can do!" Broadway said, equally as distraught as her sister. Jean shrugged her shoulders.
"That's all that I could make out from the text. I know how horrible that sounds but I really don't know what else to do about it. The only way that Cyrus and Kalina can be stopped is if the take an innocent life, or is able to open the Ocularis with another thirteen ghosts and is cast in himself. Either way, someone is going to have to die."
"But why? Why thirteen ghosts? You said that there were twelve of you trapped in that house-"
"The thirteenth ghost is known as the Sacrifice of the Broken Heart. It must be a willing human sacrifice. That was why Arthur was essentially called to the house in the first place, Cyrus and Kalina tried to use our children as bait and get him to kill himself to activate the Ocularis." Jean explained. Broadway shook her head impatiently.
"This is fucking retarded." She sat down on the couch heavily and chewed on her fingernails. "There's got to be another way."
"Maybe there is - I mean, wouldn't a suicide be considered a willing sacrifice?" Seth asked. Dana looked at the floor.
"No."
"..No?"
"No, the death must occur inside the house." She replied in her breathy voice. Seth cringed.
"Fuck. We're running out of options here! How long do you think they have before they can leave the house?"
"Not nearly long enough. I'd give them a week or so." Jean replied. Arthur nodded.
"Good, that means we have a week to think of something else."
"It might also be in our best interests to keep our eyes and ears open to the news and note any deaths that have occurred recently. If we can find the potential ghosts before Cyrus and Kalina, we'll be one step ahead of them." Dennis added.
"I guess that means meeting adjourned." Arthur stood up and nodded at the group. "I'm going to head into town and grab a few things." Mallory stood up.
"I'll give you a lift, I'm heading that way too. We need food and things of the sort." Dennis watched her stand up and walk gracefully across the room. Her hips moved in a perfect little axis as she walked and her steps didn't make a sound. He tore his eyes off her and shook his head a little. Broadway removed the glasses from her face and rubbed her eyes.
"I'm going to go take a shower."
"Good, you could use it, Squirt!" Seth joked, punching her lightly in the arm.
"Hey Freak, you're no fucking rose yourself." She hit him back a little harder. He raised an eyebrow and gave her a little shove.
"What was that?
"You heard me." She shot back with another hard shove.
"You want to make something out of it?"
"With you, it won't be much now will it?" Seth frowned and hit her in the shoulder.
"You're a big talker! Lets see what you've got!" Broadway dodged another punch and kicked him hard in the back of the knee before connecting his stomach with her fist. He countered with a shot to the abdomen and to the solar plexus. Luke rolled his eyes and advanced forward.
"Not again!"
"Do they fight often!?" Jean asked mildly startled.
"Does a bear shit in the woods?" he replied. "Come on shit-heads, break it up!" By that time, the two of them were going right at it. Although Seth was much bigger and stronger, he didn't have six years of living on the streets as fighting experience. Broadway gave Seth another shot in the chest and jaw. He countered with a hard hit to the side of the face sending her sprawling backwards just enough for Zeke and Luke to interject and separate he two.
"Cut it out, both of you - must you make a fight out of everything?" Zeke yelled, struggling to keep his sister back. Seth shook his head and shrugged Luke off of him.
"Nah, only once and a while, right bitch?"
"You got it cock-sucker." Broadway replied throwing her brother off of her shoulders. Mallory and Bianca exchanged tired glances and made for the door.
"Last call if you're coming downtown." Mallory called.
"I'm staying here." Seth called over his shoulder. He headed from the private lounge to his room and shut the door tightly. Zeke and Luke - who were pretty much inseparable - joined their sisters at the door. Zeke looked back.
"Coming Broddy?"
"Shit no - have fun! I'll be here working on me baby." She tossed her head in the direction of the garage and winked.
"Have fun then."
"Oh, I will."
~*~
"Fucking COLD!" She hurriedly wrapped one of the fluffy white towels around her body and shivered. Broadway glared at her reflection in the foggy mirror and toweled her hair until it stopped dripping. Her cheek was a little red but not too badly damaged from Seth. She shook her head and ran a brush through her long dark hair, which looked almost black because it was wet. She pulled on a clean black t-shirt and jeans and secured her favorite silver studded belt over her hips. She exited the bathroom into her room and tied the laces of her tall black boots. Broadway reached for her necklace but stopped, her eyes falling on the worn key that hung from the chain next to a small charm. She fixed the piece of jewelry around her neck and cocked her head to one side. She could hear music floating into her room from outside, but something was odd about it. It sounded staticy and soft, like it was coming from one of those really old radios, and she figured it was coming from an old couple out on their patio, enjoying an anniversary. Her fingers found the key again and Broadway remembered that she had to return it to Royce, assuming it was his and he did drop it. She reached into the side drawer and removed the glasses Dennis had given her the day before. She placed then on her back pocket and made her way to the garage.
It was a beautiful day, the kind where only ginormous clouds that resemble confectioners' sugar interrupted the blue sky. As she approached the large, two-story garage the music steadily got louder and she could make out the distinct voice of Elvis. She peered around to where the music was loudest, but didn't see anything. Broadway placed the glasses on her nose and scanned the area once more. She made her way to the bottom floor to where her Avalanche was parked and caught her breath in her chest. It was Royce, ad it was his car that was making the music. In the dim light, she could make out his figure bent over the hood of his car, which had been completely restored. He had his back to her, but Broadway could hear him whistling softly to the tune. She crept closer, trying to make the last amount of noise possible. His jacket was draped over the open window and his bat was resting on the passenger seat. She grinned and walked closer and closer.
"Number 47 said to Number 3, 'You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see. I sure would be delighted with your company, so come on and do the jail-house rock with me!' Lets rock!"
Broadway tiptoed up behind him and gave Royce a gentle nudge with her hip. He let out a short cry and brought his head up fast, effectively banging it against the hood of his car. She covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her giggles as he turned to face her.
"Broadway! What are you doing down here?" The tape that was holding his bandages became a little loose and the fell slightly over his face. He looked up disparagingly. "Ah cripes.."
"Here' She reached her hand up and fixed the tape. "Better?"
"Yeah." Royce rubbed the back of his head roughly. "I hate it when that happens."
"Me too." Broadway replied. Her hands fell to the chain around her neck once more and she grasped the key. "Oh! Here, you left this in my room last night." He lifted the key and the charm and examined it closely.
"I was wondering where this went." He replied. "What's this?"
"My charm? It's just a good luck charm, nothing really." She stroked the silver design with her finger and smiled to herself. "I never go anywhere without this on. It's a biohazard symbol. Reminds me of my personality."
"Why would you say that?"
"No reason, I just would." She replied. Royce dropped the chain and shook his head.
"Such an odd ball." He mumbled. Broadway frowned.
"Get bent!" She retorted removing the chain and removing the key. Royce grinned lopsidedly held his hand out. She dropped the key in and ran her hand over the body of his Hot Rod. "She's beautiful."
"Yes she is. Too bad she let me down right when I needed her the most." Royce replied bitterly. Broadway turned to face him again.
"Royce, what really happened?" He paused and shrugged.
"I went-"
"Flat out and stacked up your screamer, I know. But what REALLY happened." She interjected. Royce stared at her for a moment and dropped his eyes.
"I wanted too much. I had all I could ever ask for; I was popular, had alright grades, I was going to get a scholarship for my athletics, but I was greedy. I wanted to have the title of fastest car, so I challenged the top greaser for a drag. I thought it would be a blast, my hottie could really move! But something went wrong..I didn't break in time and I was really going flat out - as fast as I could go. I missed a turn and totaled my car. I don't know how many times it flipped before.." He paused and shook his head. Broadway lay a hand on his shoulder and looked down.
"I'm sorry, Prince. I shouldn't have asked."
"Nah, it's alright. Sometimes, it's better not to forget some things. Keeps everything in perspective." Royce glanced down at his bandaged body. "But, it never stopped hurting. I was even in the newspapers; worst accident to hit Valley High in years!" He cast her a sad look. "But, they also said I died on impact." He shook his head. "If only. I lay up in that wreck for seven minutes while the fire and twisted metal tore at my body. I screamed for seven minutes and no one came to help me..not one person had the decency to come and get me out of there and they could have!" Royce frowned and clenched his jaw. "The Arcanum calls for the spirits of twelve tortured and enraged ghosts and one sacrifice. They caught me and placed me in the cell of the Torn Prince, when all I wanted to do was find the people who didn't help me and make them suffer the way I did! But I couldn't and I had no one to take the anger out on except myself." Broadway stepped back and bit her lip. Royce was acting differently and it scared her. She couldn't forget that he was dead and there wasn't anyone around to help her if he tried to hurt her.
"Royce! Calm down, it's over now!"
"It's not over! It won't be over until I find them!"
"And be sent to Hell? Is that really what you want?"
"I don't care where I go as long as they get what's coming to them!" He took a step forward and grabbed her arm. His grip was cold and as hard as steel. She yelped and tried to wrench away. He brought her close to him and glared into her eyes. "Don't forget who I am - I AM the Torn Prince."
"No you're not! You're Royce!"
I WAS Royce! Royce is dead, I'm all that is left of him."
"Will you snap out of it! Royce, you're hurting me!" Something began to burn its' way through the front of his shirt. It was a symbol of some sort, and it was made from blood seeping through his bandages. He winced and tightened his grip on Broadway's wrist. She cried out again and grabbed face with her free hand. "Royce, listen to me! That isn't you! I know who you are!" He brought her closer and brushed his lips against hers.
"How about this dolly, when I let you go, I'll give you thirty seconds before I come after you. You can be my practice victim. What do you say?" Before Broadway could scream the space behind Royce flickered and Dana shimmered into view. She brought her knife up and drove it roughly into Royce's shoulder. He called out in pain and dropped his hold on Broadway. Dana grabbed her by the arm.
"Come on!" She dragged Broadway to her feet and out of the garage. She made a symbol with her hands and it flashed on Royce's chest and car.
When they were safe in Broadway's room Dana let her go. Broadway sobbed softly and plopped down on her bed.
"It wasn't Royce's fault, you know." She looked at Dana quizzically. "Royce always answers 'I went flat out and stacked up my screamer' because it isn't the direct story." The ghost continued. Broadway sniffed.
"What..?"
"Rule number one - don't ever ask a ghost how they died or else they go into flashbacks and spaz out like Royce just did. It brings out all he pain that makes us tormented spirits and turns us violent. He probably wasn't even aware that it was you he was threatening. All he knows is anger and hatred when in that state."
"And it's all my fault."
"How were you to know? It's not like we come with instruction booklets." Dana replied. "You don't have to worry, I put my seal on him. He's not going anywhere until he cools off." Broadway nodded.
"How did you know?"
"Susan." She responded. "She's jealous of you. She saw Royce go into the garage and then you a short time after. When you didn't come out after a while, she started flipping out so I went to investigate. I could pick up on the vibes down there and knew what was going on."
"Thanks." Broadway paused. "Jealous? Why is Susan jealous of me?"
"Because Prince pays more attention to you then he does her. Susan is dead for a reason, jealous boyfriend found her on prom night in the arms of his best friend. Needless to say, he didn't take it too well and a week later the found her body under the football field goal line. She's a good girl, she just wants every guy she lays eyes on, dead or alive."
"She has a crush on Royce?"
"Of course. And who wouldn't? He's a babe when you get him at the right angle." Broadway remained silent and looked at her wrist. Royce's finger marks were still apparent, the red a bright contrast against her porcelain skin. She felt her lip quiver and she looked away. Dana placed her arm around her shoulder. "Royce didn't want to hurt you, Broadway. Just give it some time." She removed the glasses from her face and felt the pressure leave her shoulders. Dana whispered something just barely audible and the room returned to its normal temperature. Broadway sighed deeply and pushed back the tears that burned just behind her eyes. She reached around her neck and searched for the chain that brought her so much comfort. She fingers brushed against her bare neck only. Panic rose in her throat and she franticly searched her neck and bed for her charm. She came up empty and nothing could stop the tears from flowing from her eyes. She threw herself face down on her pillow and wept bitterly for the rest of the afternoon.