Chapter 14 We Are Broken
Three days into spring break and they were both beginning to think the same thing. This was their heaven. There hadn't been a cloud in the sky since they got here, just warm sun and a comfortable breeze. They had spent today just as they spent the ones before. Waking up, fixing whatever they wanted for breakfast, going out to the beach with a blanket and basket full of food in tow. After they had their feel of soaking up as much sun as possible they would retreat to the little cabin. There they would watch a movie from the vast collection of kids dvd's that had been left there. It was like bringing them back into their childhood. They were able to place themselves back in that innocence they had both once had.
The sun had long ago set and the girls were wrapping up their nightly movie. As the credits rolled the cleanup had started. Peyton started to the kitchen with the empty popcorn bowl, Brooke following behind her with their empty cups.
"I think this might become a habit."
Brooke turned smiling at blonde. "I could handle that." She reached down, turning on the radio as she passed by. The both burst into laughter as 'Wannabe' started blaring from the speakers.
The two started to do the dishes, neither of them knowing they were being watched. The devil himself stood watching them through the side window. Far enough off they couldn't see him in the dark, but close enough he could watch their playful banter.
He had learned enough over the past few days to tell there was more than friendship there. He could use that to his advantage. He already knew Peyton would do anything for Brooke. There was no doubt in his mind the same thing could be said about Brooke. Only thing was, how far would Brooke go for her friend? He smiled that crooked wicked grin as he pictured the two of them. Would they cry for each other? Would they give him whatever he wanted? Peyton was his obsession, Brooke would just be an added bonus. "Get ready girls."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
He stopped hearing the voice behind him. Turning his smile grew as he saw the source.
"See Danny, I always keep my promises, and I promised that sweet girl you would never put your hands on her again." Whitey stood, his rifle never shook as he pointed it at Dan.
"Come on coach, are you just jealous I got to her first?" He watched as a look of disgust crossed over the old man's face. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Camilla blonde."
Whitey smiled in spite of himself. "After years of coaching you do really think you can twist this, maybe make me angry enough to make a mistake?" He let out a small laugh. "You don't know how much I've thought about this over the years. Watching you, the way you've treated your sons. The way you've treated Karen. When you put your hands on that sweet girl in there you crossed a line Danny."
"Save it old man." Dan took a step closer to him, testing the waters. "We both know you won't use that gun." He watched as the smile disappeared from the older man's face.
"Care to test that theory Danny?" Hate. Pure hate was the only expression on the coach's face. It rolled off the old man in waves and for the first time in a long time Dan felt fear. "Why don't you turn around and head on up to that cabin there. I'm pretty sure one of those girls would be more than happy to put a call into the cops for us. Oh, go ahead and put your hands where I can see them, my eyes play tricks sometimes, old age and all. I might mistake a twitch and accidently shoot you." He smiled as Dan lifted his hands in the air and started to the cabin.
His mind raced with possibilities. He couldn't fail, not now. Not when he was so close to finally having what he wanted. As the distance between him and the cabin became shorter the only thing he could think of was Peyton. The way he saw it Whitey had already taken enough from him. He had watched as both of his son's came to think of Whitey as friend rather than a coach. He had watched as Keith, his own brother, would rather spend any time he wasn't with Karen with the old man. Whitey had already come between him and his family. He wasn't gonna let him come between him and the girl that waited on him inside that cabin.
They came to the steps at the front porch. Slowly he made his way up them. He reached his hand up, knocking on the door.
Inside the girls were just finishing up the dishes when the knock caught there attention.
"You expecting company?" Brooke had a glass dish in her hand, drying it.
"I'm not, unless it's a not so late night booty call for you." Peyton playfully smacked Brooke with the dish towel.
"Ya know Peyt, if that turns out to be Lucas you might regret those words." She watched as jealousy flashed in the blonde's eyes. "Kidding, just kidding." She threw her hands up playfully as she made her way to the door, honestly expecting to see Lucas, maybe even Karen standing outside. When the door opened and her eyes met his she could have sworn she felt her heart stop. It looked like slow motion to her as the dish fell to the ground and shattered.
He stepped forward, really more like he was pushed forward from the barrel of the rifle. He watched as relief washed over Brooke's face when she spotted the man behind him.
"You girls ok?"
"Yeah coach." Her voice was shaking and she couldn't control it. She hadn't seen Dan since the day she had knocked him off of her friend.
"Who was it Brooke?" Peyton came around the doorway, her eyes instantly falling on Dan.
It was a blur to both girls. Dan knew once Peyton came into view the old man's eyes would be on her. In a heartbeat he shifted his body, his hands grabbing back for the barrel that had been pushing into him. He jerked the gun, pulling it easily out of Whitey's hands. When a back motion he hit him between the eyes, knocking him out instantly.
He smiled as he turned back, looking at the two trophies he had just won. "Both of you, on the couch." He watched as they stood there, motionless. "NOW!" He screamed causing both girls to jump.
They did as he said, Brooke reaching and grabbing Peyton's hand, squeezing it tightly. She was terrified at the feeling. When they sat down she noticed that not only was her hand shaking, but her whole body was in a state of tremors. She sat down on the couch, pulling the blonde down with her and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. They sat there, watching as Dan pulled Whitey's unconscious body completely into the cabin. He pulled the door to behind him, turning the deadbolt as it closed. He held up the rifle, almost as if to inspect it. "You know, I don't much care for these." They watched as he unloaded the gun, slipping the shells into his pocket.
After he had finished he looked over at the two girls on the couch. In Peyton he saw fear. That only made him want her more. Brooke, on the other hand, showed the complete opposite. She held onto his prize with a look of protectiveness. He didn't like it. He would let it slide for the moment. He smiled at them as he sat down in the chair closest to Peyton. He reached his hand out, his intention had been to place it on her thigh. Before he could make contact he was stopped by her protector. He watched as Brooke stood up, placing herself between him and Peyton.
"Don't. Touch. Her." Her words were steady and her voice a lot stronger than it had been earlier.
He stood up, his large frame towering over the young girl. He looked her up and down, as if sizing her up. Before she had time to think, or react he back handed her. The force splitting her lip instantly.
Peyton stood, ready to rush to Brooke's side.
"No!" He grabbed her arm, excited as she tried to jerk away from him. "You can't rescue her anymore. That changed when you let her catch us." He pulled her closer, roughly kissing her on the neck. He took an arm, picking Peyton up by the waist. With the other he reached down, jerking Brooke up by the forearm. "You two wanna play rough, I have no problems with that." He carried Peyton and half drug Brooke to the bedroom. There he threw Peyton to the bed, watching as her thin frame bounced a few times before settling. He lifted Brooke up, shoving her into the same spot.
He walked out of the room, returning too quickly for either of them to make a run for it. He had a chair in his hand, a chair from the kitchen. He sat it down facing the bed. He reached both hands into both of his pockets. Pulling them out he revealed in his left hand a silver roll of duct tape. In his right, a small black and silver revolver. "This" He said, nodding to the revolver. "This is what I prefer."
He motioned to the chair. "You won't be needed on the bed tonight Brooke, but I thought you might want a front row seat." He motioned to the chair.
She started to protest but stopped just as quickly as he pointed the gun at Peyton. "If you play nice I will." He smiled as he turned to Peyton, the young girl's eyes wide with fear as she looked straight into the barrel of the gun.
So many emotions ran through Brooke. She didn't want to leave Peyton's side. She's was afraid though. This mad man had a gun pointed at her friend, her soul mate. She couldn't bear the thought of losing her. Slowly, she made her way to the chair.
Dan smiled as the girl took her seat, sending a glare of pure loathing in his direction.
"Don't worry." He stepped behind her, pulling her hands tightly together where he began wrapping the tape around them. "I won't leave you out, I promise." He kissed her gently on the cheek, causing her to feel the need to vomit. Within a matter of minutes he had her body secure in the chair. The tape so tight around her wrist and ankles she swore she was losing blood circulation.
He looked now at his obsession. Before he could continue he needed a few answers. "Did you tell her about us? Is that why she came to the apartment?"
She shook her head, silent tears falling down her face. "I….I didn't, I swear I didn't."
The force of contact nearly knocked Brooke out. It wasn't a back hand, not even a slap. This time is was a closed fist that collided with her cheek bone.
"Don't lie to me!" His teeth were gritted tightly together, his face contorted in anger.
Peyton watched as Brooke squinted like she was trying to regain her vision. "Please don't." Her voice was nothing but a plea. "I didn't tell her. I promise I didn't tell her."
He smiled. He turned his attention back to Brooke, he grabbed her roughly by the face pointing the gun in her face. "Did she tell you, did she tell you everything?"
"You're sick." That husky voice didn't waver. She stared at him defiantly.
He squeezed her face harder, this time pointing the gun back at Peyton. "After you caught us, did she tell you everything?"
Her teeth were gritted this time. She wasn't a murderer but she swore she could be tonight. Again she answered. "Yes."
He loosened his grip. "Really?" He looked to Peyton. "Did you tell her you enjoyed it?"
"You're lying!" Brooke shouted from his side.
"No, no I'm not." He smiled as he looked from Brooke to Peyton. "You didn't tell her how you're body reacted, did you? You didn't tell her about that one night when you actually felt pleasure in my touch."
She could feel her face blush as Brooke looked at her. She could feel the shame as her cheeks burned. "No, I didn't."
"Tell her now, tell her how you liked it."
She looked at him then back at Brooke. Her eyes pleading with her to understand. "He made me Brooke. I tried not to, I tried to fight it." She felt it as the cold steel of the gun hit her face. She saw different colors dance in front of her eyelids until her focus came back into view.
"You know, I thought you loved her." He motioned from the blonde to Brooke. "I thought you would do anything to protect her."
"I would….I will." Peyton looked at Brooke. Her eye was already starting to swell, blood still running from her lip. "I'll do whatever you want…. Please, don't hurt her." She looked at Dan, directly in his eyes. "Take me with you and leave her here."
"Peyton!" Brooke struggled desperately trying to get free from the chair.
She wouldn't look at her. Her sole purpose from the start of this was to protect Brooke. She stood, walking over to Dan. He didn't let his guard down. He was taken by surprise as the blonde ran her hand gently from the bottom of his neck to his chest. "I'll go with you and I'll do whatever you want me to do."
Her eyes held no fear and her tears had stopped.
"Please." She pleaded again.
He smiled. "Whatever I want?"
She nodded. Still ignoring the protest that came from the brunette taped to the chair.
He started to grab her by the arm but stopped.
"Wait. I need to….Can I say good-bye?" She motioned toward Brooke.
"Make it quick." He watched as she turned, kneeling down in front of the chair. He backed away a little, giving her some space. She was his, finally his. He thought he was showing her how much he cared by giving her that little act of what he saw as kindness.
Peyton tried to smile, placing her hands first on Brooke's knees. She whispered, knowing good and well he could still hear her. "Don't talk, please." She reached up, wiping on her tears away with one hand, with the other she reached into her own jean pocket. "I can only make it through this knowing you're safe. I'm sorry Brooke." She wrapped her hands around the girl, giving her an awkward hug around the chair. Very gently she placed one of her hands inside Brookes. She prayed the girl wouldn't give Dan any reason to suspect anything as she put the key to the cabin insider her hand. She hoped Brooke would use the key to cut away the tape. She placed a kiss gently on her forehead. "I love you…" She was able to truly smile as she said it. "Always."
She slowly stood turning back to face Dan. " Can I grab my hoodie, it's a little cool out there." He nodded, still in a slight shock that he was getting what he had wanted for so long. She reached over on the closet door pulling her Keith Scott Motors hoodie from the small hook it hung on.
He had no idea as she slipped it on what was inside it. The day they had gotten to the cabin she had prepared herself for this. The first thing she had done when Brooke took a shower the night they arrived was go to this same room, the master bedroom. She had opened the top drawer on the left, removed the fake bottom and taken from it the pistol that had belonged to Karen's dad. That same pistol was now resting, unknown to anyone other than her, in the front pocket of the hoodie.
Brooke screamed on last time, praying for some small miracle. "Don't Peyton…Please don't." She shook her chair again, struggling with the unseen key trying desperately to cut through the tape. "Peyton, I love you, please."
She had only turned to look for a minute. That was all it took. Dan, fearful that the cries from her girlfriend would change her mind, took his gun free hand and grabbed a hand full of those big blonde curls. He pulled her with him as they left the room and a still screaming, pleading Brooke.
The music still played as she watched them walk out. She did her damndest to cut through the tape as the words filled what she prayed wasn't an empty house.
I am outside, and I've been waiting on the sun
With my wide eyes, I've seen worlds that don't belong
My mouth is dry, with words I cannot verbalize
Tell me why we live like this
It seemed like everything was moving in slow motion. She let Dan continue to push her down the hallway. She thought of the look on Brooke's face when she had told her she loved her. The way her friend had looked so beaten and bruised. This was her fault. She should have been stronger, she should have never let it get to this point. As they reached the living room, her back still facing him, she reached down, pulling the small pistol from her hoodie pocket. She wasn't going to do this again. She wasn't gonna let him do this to her again.
Keep me safe inside
Your arms like towers tower over me
"Keys blondie, where are they?" She felt his grip tighten as he pulled her head back by her hair.
"On the counter." She waited, her breath so much calmer than she would have thought. This was it, this was her chance. Dan turned, his body to the side of hers now. She watched as he reached for the keys with his hand, the same hand that still had hold onto the revolver.
Cause we are broken
What must we do to restore our innocence
All the promise we adored
Give us life again, cause we just wanna be whole
It happened in a split second, if even that. She jerked her body to face him, feeling the hair pull from her head as he tightened his hold, trying not to let her go. In one movement, before Dan had time to point his gun at her, she was a few feet from him. He had lost his grip on her. She couldn't help but feel glad for the small spark of fear she saw in his eyes. He stood now, facing her, looking at the small pistol she had pointed at his chest.
Lock the doors
Cause I'd like to capture this voice that came to me tonight
So everyone will have a choice
And under red lights I'll show myself it wasn't forged
We are at war
We live like this
He smiled a little, she couldn't tell if he was being cocky, or just nervous maybe. "You won't do it little girl. You know why?" She watched his face, keeping an eye on his still outstretched hand that held his gun, still pointing toward the counter. "You don't have the nerve. You know you belong to me, you know you always will. You're mine."
She wasn't his. She was Brookes.
Keep me safe inside
Your arms like towers tower over me
"You're wrong." Her hand was as steady as her voice. She didn't even close her eyes as she pulled the trigger. She wasn't surprised as the gun recoiled a little. She watched as Dan's eyes showed shock, pain, and now more than ever, fear. She watched as he stumbled back, losing his balance and landing on the kitchen floor. About the same time, she heard his gun as it hit the floor.
Taking a step back she felt as her back hit the wall behind her. She let her body slide down the wall. She looked at the gun in her hand. In a way Dan was right, a part of her would always be his. He would always be in her mind, he was the one who had killed part of her soul. It was too much. She felt her hand slightly tremble as she turned the gun, pointing it at herself. She closed her eyes.
Cause we are broken
What must we do to restore our innocence
All the promise we adored
Give us life again, cause we just wanna be whole
"Don't."
One word. One word so full of fear and hurt. It nearly broke her heart. She opened her eyes and looked, her eyes finally finding the brunette in the hallway. "Don't do it Peyt." She watched as the girl cautiously kept her distance. Tears flowed steadily down the beautiful girls' bruised face. She look so hurt, worse than she'd ever seen before. "It's over now, please don't leave me. Don't leave me before I have the chance to make this right for you."
Tower over me
Tower over me
She closed her eyes again. A tear slowly made its way down her face as she opened them and looked into those big brown eyes. "I'm sorry Brooke." She let out a small breath " I'm sorry." She closed her eyes one more time. Not listening to the voice of her best friend, her soul mate. She couldn't even hear the music anymore.
And I'll take the truth at any cost
She smiled a little as an image of Brooke came up in her mind. The Brooke from before, the one that laughed and enjoyed every day. She felt deep down that they would never get that back. Taking in a breath, she squeezed, pulling the trigger on the gun that was now pressed to her temple.
Cause we are broken
What must we do to restore our innocence
All the promise we adored
Give us life again, cause we just wanna be whole
Hope this chapter was long enough for you
Ok, I wonder now just how many of you are cursing me as you get to the bottom of this page. I should have another update before the weekend, so don't hate on me too much.
The song is We Are Broken by Paramore.
Thanks for reading, as always reviews are loved.