Audrey loathed the girl staring at her. Everything about her disgusted the young woman. Her face, plain and pale, without the slightest hint of the usual mask of foundation and mascara. Her already slight body, somehow even thinner, to such an extent that each of her ribs could be made out below her skin and the tatty underwear she wore. Her red eyes, bleary and bloodshot, with heavy bags hanging under them. Her bleach blonde hair now matted and filthy, with horrid auburn roots making their presence known. Audrey hated every inch of her. She turned away from the mirror, unable to look at herself for any longer.
It had been a rough week. For the first two days she had barely eaten, opting to sit in the dark and cry as she worked her way through her stash. Once the pot had run out though, she'd moved to the couch, spending her days flicking mindlessly through the different tv channels. Audrey hadn't left the apartment nor opened the curtains in nearly nine days. Her phone had been set to silent and discarded on the floor, the bombardment of texts and calls unbearable after the first hour. She grabbed an almost empty box of cereal and returned to her squalid nest, shovelling a few handfuls of the sugary sustenance into her mouth but not really tasting anything. She left the tv off though, sitting in the silent gloom to brood.
Her eyes locked on the only light source in the room, the fish tank with its twin occupants blissfully living their lives. They were the only reason Audrey even got up during the day. She watched the flashes of deep red and sparkly pink as the fish chased each other around, wasting time until their next feeding. Pink and red. She'd chosen them to represent her and Tiffany, but now the sight of them getting along made her sick. She'd caught herself regretting slapping the girl a few times, but more often she regretted only slapping her.
The reflection in the dark plasma screen taunted Audrey as she tossed the empty box onto the pile. This wasn't who she was. Audrey Belrose did *not* mope about over some boy. She definitely didn't look like some sort of tweaked out witch over a breakup. She had to do something. Falling to her knees she rummaged through the trash heap until she had her phone in hand. Thankfully it still had some charge. Ignoring the mass of missed calls and unread messages she hit a number on her contacts, planning her comeback as she went. The phone was answered after only a few rings.
"Audrey? Are you okay? No one's heard from you in days."
"I'm fine Nik. Look, we're going to Lusties tonight. Just you and me. So tell your dyke you'll be home late tonight."
There was a slight murmur of conversation in the background before Nikki replied.
"If you really think it's a good idea, then fine. But don't you think you should at least talk to Tiff..."
"Fuck that. The bitch showed her true colours. She can go get hit by a bus for all I care. I'll come get you at nine."
She killed the call before the younger girl could argue. Nikki always went along with her plans, it was one of the things she appreciated most in the girl. Audrey couldn't go out with her hair in such a mess though. She hit dial on another number, heading for the shower as it rang.
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The mall held none of its usual comfort as Audrey marched along the tiled floor. She didn't even bask in the satisfaction of the usual faces scurrying out of her way, only half sure the creature in its ratty jeans and leather jacket was the infamous Belrose. She had a mission. The salon was thankfully empty as she strode in, making a beeline for her usual seat. The Latin woman daydreaming at the chair almost jumped out of her skin as the shell of what was once Audrey Belrose made her presence known.
"Damn, you really do look like shit…"
Audrey shot Kyanna a look, but held her tongue. She didn't have the energy to charge into their regular verbal battle, nor did she really want to chat with the woman. Kyanna had a way of getting people talking, and she couldn't keep a secret to save her life. It'd be better for Audrey to stay quiet for once. She took her seat, removing the woolly beanie she'd been using to hide her roots.
"So, just a touch up? Or do you actually want me to try and fix this mess?"
Audrey turned her head, checking her reflection. The blond look had gotten stale. She needed to make a statement.
"Black. And keep it neat."
Kyanna half laughed, half choked.
"Black? You going all goth or something? Seriously, it'll be the hardest to change back later on."
"Just do it, skank. I'm not here for your fashion advice."
With a huff, Kyanna began her work. Audrey closed her eyes as her scalp was massaged, hoping the silence would continue. With the energetic stylist though, that was a vain wish.
"So, I saw the shiner you gave Tiff…."
"Bitch earned it. She's lucky that's all she got."
"She was still pretty shaken, even when she was watching Philly. What did she do to piss you off so much?"
Audrey couldn't pass up a chance to drag her ex-best-friend's name through the mud a bit.
"What, she didn't tell you? I caught her hooking up with my man. Guess the little slut takes after her mom a bit too much."
The Latin woman seemed genuinely taken aback. It was clearly news to her, the squeaky-clean Tiffany Maye being just another backstabbing bitch.
"C'mon Audrey, there's no way Tiffany would ever do something like that. You must've just seen it wrong."
"I know what I saw! Bitch didn't even try to deny it, anyway."
"Still, it's hard to believe…."
Quiet returned as Kyanna mulled over the new gossip. Audrey felt her eyes close again, surprisingly exhausted by the most interaction she'd had all week. She let herself drift off, just a little.
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Something was very wrong. Audrey had been at the club hours, but still wasn't enjoying herself. Even the dozen or so neat rums hadn't improved her mood. She'd planned on getting wasted and picking up a guy or two, but nothing that was on offer seemed to interest her. She'd rattled off faults with every boy she'd seen. Too short. Too full of himself. Too much of a douche. Why did it seem like all the decent eye candy had stayed at home? Her little wingwoman wasn't helping very much either.
"Fuck's sake Nik! Can't you try to be useful, just for once."
The girl to a choking gulp of her Pepsi as she shot Audrey a glare.
"Screw you! You know I didn't really want to come anyway. Besides, what did you think I'd know about picking up guys?"
She knew the argument made sense, what would a lesbian know about boys? But Audrey needed someone to vent to, and Nikki would always take her abuse without any retaliation. Even with Celeste backing the girl up, she'd always be a pushover.
"Well why aren't they coming over then? I thought guys liked the goth look again now?"
Audrey smoothed out the tight black dress she'd squeezed into, a saucy little number she'd never wear otherwise. Didn't anyone realise how much of an opportunity they had? Normally Audrey Belrose wouldn't even look at the common rabble, much less put out for one of them.
"It's big titty goth girls that are back in. You're kinda missing a vital part there."
Audrey's hand tightened around the glass, tempted to whip it at the blue haired girl's face. But that'd just be a waste of good booze. Instead, Audrey opted to neck it, feeling the burning sting at the back of her throat once again. Her head throbbed, but whether that was the alcohol, or the thumping music was anyone's guess. One of the waitresses slid a fresh pint glass onto their table.
"Courtesy of the gentleman at the bar."
Audrey followed the woman's nod, she must've been sick of cliché douches like that as well. A chubby, brown-haired boy raised his glass in Audrey's direction, sliding off his barstool and sauntering over to the girl's table.
"Well hello ladies. Mind if I join you?"
Before either of them could object he squeezed into the booth, pushing close to Audrey and resting an arm around her shoulder. The audacity kept Audrey quiet, she wanted to see how much of an ass he could make of himself. Besides, it took a lot to keep from gagging at his touch.
"Such a shame you're both unescorted for the night. Maybe there's…...something I could do to help."
He moved his hand to the back of Audrey's neck, squeezing slightly with his thumb and forefinger.
"You could take turns, there's plenty of me to go around. And don't worry, I'll be gentle." He brought his lips close to Audrey's ear, and his free hand to her leg. "At least, I will be at first."
That was the breaking point. Audrey hadn't been having fun to begin with, thinking of all the ways she could verbally destroy him, but the creep had pushed her over the edge. Using all of her remaining willpower, she kept a cheery smile on her face as she rose to her feet, signalling Nikki to do the same.
"Well, aren't you two eager. Just let me get my…. AGGHHHH!"
His confidence took a nosedive as the full glass he'd sent over smashed into his forehead. Audrey dropped the shattered remains on his lap and squeezed past as he writhed on the ground, grabbing Nikki as she went. In the dark, booming club, the pair were able to slip out without anyone noticing.
Well, almost anyone.
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Audrey's lungs burned. Running wasn't something she usually made time for, and years of tobacco build-up left her chest heavy. The small girl she was dragging along was in a similar shape. Nik had never been very athletic, even with her new job helping her fitness. They both slipped and skidded, the ground damp from the light rain. Neither of them could stop though, the running footsteps behind them kept them going. The figure had been following them since they left Lusties, and had kept pace with every step they'd taken, suddenly speeding up when they started running.
They came to a stop in front of the park, a dark, neatly kept wooded area stretching almost all the way to Audrey's apartment. If they kept going along the street they'd stay under the streetlights, but if they cut through the park they'd be home faster. Audrey didn't waste any time. She pulled Nikki along as she charged across the shadowy gravel path. The quicker they got home, the quicker they could get showered and start drinking again. The sounds of their pursuer were drowned out by the crunching gravel under their feet and their panting. They made good progress, getting almost halfway through the deserted green area.
Then Nikki went down.
She must've slipped on the wet stones. Her head hit the ground fairly hard, and she lay still. Audrey skidded to a stop. There was no second thought in her head, she just made a beeline for her young friend. She almost managed to reach the unconscious girl, before she was bodychecked to the side of the path. As soon as she stopped rolling, she was scrabbling back to her feet. She didn't get very far though, a stomp to her ankle sent her back down, screaming in pain at the blood-freezing crunch. A large weight came down on her chest, pinning her as a flurry of blows smashed into her face.
"SHUT…. hng…. The FUCK up!"
Audrey was left whimpering when the punches finally stopped. Her eye was swollen, and she could taste blood in the back of her mouth. The man kneeling on top of her looked deranged, his muddy brown eyes were burning with anger as his knee ground into her solar plexus. A hand seized her throat as he forced his lips on hers, muffling her choked cries. Her hands flailed weakly as she tried to shake him off, but all that earned her was a punch to the side. It was an agonising few minutes before he pulled away, leaving Audrey gasping through her restricted windpipe.
"You wanted this. I saw you at the club, y'know. Slutting it up. I'm just giving the pair of you what you wanted."
She would've told him to go fuck himself, but it took all her effort just to breathe. Tears formed in her eyes as he yanked the top of her dress down, exposing her chest. Her weak kicks did nothing but cause her pain, failing to dissuade him as his tongue ran over her bare skin. It felt vile, like a slug working its way along her breasts. Audrey's eyes went wide with pain as something sharp dug into her side. It wasn't too deep, but it burned as it ran down to her hips. She gasped at the flash of silver out of the corner of her good eye as he tossed what looked like a knife to the side.
"Yeah, look at you. You're fucking loving this. You filthy little whore."
Audrey tried to mouth something, but a slap across her face kept her quiet. Her whole body heaved with rage, but she was completely helpless. He peeled her cut open dress away, throwing the bloody rag aside. Audrey flinched as his hands ran down her exposed stomach, heading further south. Boiling tears ran freely down her cheeks as she silently seethed, she had to get away. She clenched her thighs together as tight as she could, but a blow to the fresh cut in her side weakened her grip. He pushed down on her neck as he fumbled with his belt, licking his lips. It looked like he was struggling with one hand.
"If you make so much as a sound, I'll fucking kill you."
The whisper in her ear was punctuated by slamming her head against the ground, leaving Audrey dazed. The pressure around her throat loosened as he fought to undo his belt. She only had one chance. Filling her lungs with cool, damp air, Audrey threw her head back and screamed.
….
The roar cut Audrey's scream short, even stopping her assailant's fumbling to undo his fly. A horrible, violent wail rang out all around them. Every basic, natural instinct was telling her to run. They both looked towards the source, but before Audrey could see anything, a kick sent her rolling into the grass. She quickly pulled herself as upright as possible. The mud covering her was icy and damp against her bare skin, with only the now soggy white panties protecting her modesty. From behind came the sounds of a fight. Not the usual bar brawls she was witness to, but real combat. Dull thuds and grunts were cut with growls so angry that they sent the hair on her neck standing on end. There were more than a few sickening snaps as well, definitely bones breaking.
Audrey would've turned to watch, but a flash of colour in the misty rain caught her eye. A dark, neon blue.
Nikki!
The girl was still laying on the path. A slight rise and fall of her side brought Audrey a small sense of relief. She made to stand up, only to slam down in pain. Her whole body throbbed, but her leg burnt in agony the second she tried to put weight on it. Glancing down almost made Audrey throw up. Her ankle definitely shouldn't've been at that angle. The bone looked twisted and misshapen. She would worry about it later. Dragging herself through the dirt, she made for the young girl.
Nikki.
The sounds behind had calmed down. The scuffle hadn't quite ended, but the grunts were only from one source, and the dull blows sounded heavier and slower.
Nikki!
Audrey's sore arms skidded and slipped in the mud. She had to dig her nails deep into the ground to keep going, holding the hot and oddly sticky line on her side as she went. The edges of her vision flickered with black spots.
"Nikki!"
The words dribbled out with a small trickle of blood. The fight behind her had stopped, and heavy, tired footsteps were approaching. Audrey's sight was getting worse, rapidly narrowing thanks to the growing blackness. She managed to seize a handful of Nikki's top, pulling herself on top of her friend. Whatever happened next, she'd keep Nik safe. The last visible light faded, leaving a pair of muddy boots as the last thing Audrey saw, before passing out on the ground.