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Deal with the Devil

A week passed, and with it my relationship with Tom ended. The English project was over, and I was finally able to breath a sigh of relief. I wasn't sure how I made it past the last few days, but somehow I was still here, and more importantly I was still sane.

Tom also hadn't tried anything weird since the volleyball match. Every time I think about it a restless feeling comes over me. I tried to tell myself that it was because I couldn't perform to my full abilities, but somehow that answer didn't gratify me. That, however, wasn't even the worst of my problems.

Every few nights I was reminded with dreams that had me waking up in a sweat. My body would feel hot, and there would be a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. I would try to go back to sleep but my feelings of disappointment and anxiousness would keep me awake.

Perhaps this was the week that everything decided to go haywire. In a rare occurrence my father joined Trent and I for dinner. Though I had been upset that he wouldn't come home more often, it felt awkward to eat dinner with him. Normally, Trent and I would talk, but this time I couldn't think of anything to say. I shared a glance with Trent that spoke of mutual understanding, and remained silent for the rest of the dinner.

It wasn't until the end of the dinner that he told me that he had some people he wanted me to meet. That could only mean more forcing me into a career path that he approved of. Honestly, I didn't know what I wanted to do. As of right now the only real interest I have are cooking and volleyball, but according to my father making a career out of either one of those won't pay. As much as I hated to admit, he wasn't wrong. Unless I became really good and could sigh a contract to play for a national team, I wouldn't make much money from volleyball. As for cooking, I enjoyed it, but I didn't want to make a career out of it. I didn't even know what college I wanted to go to, though I'm sure my dad will tell me soon enough.

'It's not like I have much time to think about it. I'll have to apply somewhere, otherwise I'll be sitting out for a semester at least.'

My dad would kill me before something like that happened. Knowing him, he'd probably force me to work at the Station until the next enrollment period. I shuddered at the thought.

I would like to avoid that if at all possible.

Wednesday

The day started off typical enough. Trent and I boarded out train, and met the others along the way. The only difference was that Lola was pretty excited about something. Apparently, some other kids were hosting a party for the following weekend. It would be hosted by a kid named James Potter. He was a 3rd year Gryffindor, and similar to Tom he always had a crew floating about him: 3 other Gryffindors named Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Even though I didn't put too much stock into the going-ons of the popular crowd, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who didn't know them. James was to the Gryffindor House, what Tom was to the Slytherin house.

Though if there was a party, then Lola would be sure to drag - if not all of us - then at the very least me. That only added to my list of stresses. Before I could stop myself I heaved a heavy sigh, but I wasn't the only one.

Kat and I caught each other's eyes and shared a tired smile.

"You too, huh." She stated her shoulders seeming to hunch more.

"Yeah, feels like things are going out of control."

Kat averted her gaze, and a sad expression took over her face. "I know the feeling."

Of all my friends, it was strange to see Kat looking troubled the most. She was the one always smiling, and was typically the mood maker of the group. Seeing her like this made me momentarily forget my problems.

"Kat, are you ok?"

We were walking into the school now, and hearing my question the others turned their attention to Kat. Embarrassed by the sudden attention Kat blushed.

"Yeah, I am. Just tired."

"Judging by those bags under your eyes, I'd say you're more than just tired." Lola closely examined Kat for any physical tells that might give any clues. From her annoyed frown it was clear she was unsuccessful.

"You have been a bit quiet lately." Mary said.

For a while now Kat, while still talking and interacting with us, seem to get less enthusiastic as the days go by. During lunch she would even go silent for minutes at a time, even stranger since she always had something to say.

Kat seemed to be getting uncomfortable, and began gripping at the hem of her skirt. "It's fine, guys. I'm fine."

"Could it be family problems?" Trent's hypothesis hit the nail on the head. Kat tensed as if doused with ice water.

"Did something happen to your Grandparents?"

"Are they ok?"

"You should tell us."

By now we had stopped walking and was surrounding Kat as we bombarded her with questions. Though we meant well, us ganging up on her only made Kat shut down. Her face started turning red but, as we quickly found out, not from embarrassment

"Just drop it!" She shouted, "Get out of my face!" She shoved her way from the circle and dashed away.

We watched her go worry and guilt on all of our faces. We shared a look knowing we jumped her without the proper sensitivity to the situation. If something really did happen to her grandparents then things could be more serious than we realize. They were her only caregivers, and without them Kat wouldn't have any other family members alive that she could turn too.

My guilt was double since I realized I had tried to use Kat's problems as a way to escape my own.

Without another word we walked to class and took our seats. Through-out the class I could hardly concentrate. My eyes would constantly fall back onto Kat trying to gauge her emotions. I had hoped we hadn't made her too angry with us. During lunch Kat didn't join us, leaving us to further reflect on what we did.

Finally school ended and Kat rushed from the room without so much as a 'bye'.

"I guess we went too far." Lola frowned sadly.

Mary twidled her thumbs while looking in the direction Kat went.

"Well, let's just go home. We can ask her about it tomorrow when she's calmed down." Trent said while fixing his glasses, "But, we should be a bit more sensitive about it next time."

Unfortunately, Kat didn't give us the chance to. The next day Kat didn't meet us on the train, and through the whole day she didn't look or speak to us. She also looked very tense through the whole day. She didn't pay attention in class, and every chance she got she checked her phone - which was way out of character for her. Honestly, I felt glad for the distraction from my own problems, but didn't allow myself to dwell on it because it sickened me.

It was the last break between classes and I decided to go to the rest room. I was thinking of what I would saw to Kat, but nothing seemed appropriate. She told us to leave her alone, but how could we? Even if she didn't want us to know, now we do and as friends we can't just sit by while she suffers. Kat didn't have to be alone.

I was so into my thoughts I bumped into someone. I muttered a quick apology but the person suddenly grabbed my arm.

"Hey, what do you-" My voice trailed off when I noticed who it was. My heart began to beat faster, and I could feel my face turning red.

His eyes examined my face before a smug look settled on his face, "Long time no see."

I averted my eyes, "Not long enough." I tried to snatch my arm from him, but he only tightened his grip.

"Trying to run again?"

"Yes." I blurted without thinking.

Tom chuckled at my answer, "Honest, and as much as I would love to have my fun there just isn't any time."

I looked back at him in confusion, "They why stop me?"

"A warning for your friend." He said while letting my arm go. "Those people are bad news."

With those words he walked away, leaving me confused. I couldn't dwell on it because the bell rang, so I quickly went to the rest room and returned to class.

This day was no different than before. Without saying anything to us Kat left the school. It was then Lola suggested that we follow her to see why she was ditching us. I could tell that she was annoyed, but this kind of behavior was normal for her. There was a time when she followed me in secret for almost a week to make sure that I wasn't getting myself into trouble.

The rest of us were hesitant to the idea, but Lola eventually convinced us. Mary, however, wouldn't be able to join us since she still had to pick up Remus.

School ended and we all went our separate ways. When Trent and I returned home my father was there waiting.

"Welcome home." He called from the living room couch.

"We're home." Trent and I said.

"Raven, come." He stood and began walking towards his study.

I felt a hand on my should and saw Trent's encouraging smile. "He's just trying to take care of you."

"I know, but I want to choose my own future."

"Then tell him that."

"It's not that easy."I mumbled before following after my father.

When I entered the room he was sitting at his desk, typing away at his computer. When I entered he motioned for me to stand beside him. Without looking at me he spoke.

"This weekend there is a workshop at my department. You will attend so I can introduce you to my bosses."

"I um..." I fidgeted with the hem of my skirt. I should come up with some excuse not to go. "I actually..."

"Whatever it is cancel it." He turned his sharp gaze onto me. "You're 17 now, and about to graduate. I'm providing you a guaranteed, well paying job for your future. Only a fool would refuse."

I winced feeling uncomfortable under my father's gaze. I felt like a criminal being interrogated instead of his daughter. After what felt like ages he turned back to his computer.

"I doubt you'll be part of the main force. Even if this doesn't work out, I've already made calls to meet with others."

"I-i see."

"Unless you have something else to say, you are dismissed."

There were many things I wanted to say. I didn't want to go to the workshop. I didn't want to meet his bosses or any other friends he has. I wanted to tell him that I wanted to do something with volleyball. I wanted to choose my own future. All these things built up in my chest until a heavy pressure was threatening to explode.

I opened my mouth. I was going to say it, I was going to tell him. "I'll be ready." NO! That's not right! That wasn't what I wanted to say.

As I walked away I cursed myself for not being able to say what I wanted. Why was I like this? I always choked, and let other people make choices for me.

"Raven."

"Yes!" I mistakenly shouted not expecting my father's call.

Though he didn't look my way, I noticed the softer tone in his voice. "Your birthday is coming up soon. I'll take the day off, so lets go to that restaurant you like. The three of us."

Hearing those words happiness joined the mix of emotions I felt. This felt like a carrot-and-stick approach, but I suppose this was what I was used to. I knew that it was because my father was worried about my future. It wasn't like he was trying to make me miserable. Maybe if I had more confidence I could tell him what I wanted but...I couldn't bring myself to.

I smiled, "Ok, I'll look forward to it."

Friday

Through out the day I could feel my nerves growing. Lola seemed more fired up than yesterday, but I was still adamant that it was a bad idea. Well, at least I was in my head. I never said anything to her, and Trent seemed to follow my lead. It wasn't like Lola would listen to us, not when she was so into the plan. She had a one track mind when it came to things like this.

So when school was over, and Kat ran off, we followed behind her. We made sure to stay well behind her as to not draw her attention. We followed her onto the subway, boarding the cart next to hers.

"Where is she going?" Lola placed one hand on her hip and the other at her chin. "Her home is in the opposite direction."

"But the hospital is in this direction." Trent said.

I looked at cat through the connecting door window. She looked worried, and scared. Two emotions I've never seen on her face before. It made my heart drop. What could it be that has her like this? We had our suspicions, but until she said something, that's all we had.

"I feel bad about this but how else are we supposed to help?" Lola sighed, finally looking a little guilty. "I mean, she's started to completely avoid us."

"I'm sure she would have come to us eventually." I spoke up.

"But when?" When Lola turned to me I saw how worried she was. "What if when she does it's too late for us to help? What if-" She trailed off and looked away. "What if it's already too late, and we only make things worse."

"Lola..." I had no idea she was thinking all this. Honestly it all seemed like a rash decision. It seems like I don't know my friends as well as I think I do. In her teasing way Lola was always encouraging me so I wanted to do the same.

"I'm sure we are doing the right thing."

"Really?" She smirked, "Weren't you against this whole idea at first?"

I stuttered not knowing what to say, but soon she laughed and smiled. Seeing this I returned her smile.

"It's true I didn't like the idea at first but, I like the idea of not doing anything even less."

"This time let's not attack her like before." Trent warned us, "I think if she doesn't tell us after we try, we should step back a bit. We don't want to drive her away from us."

"Yeah, but it feels like it's already like that."

We fell into silence until Lola notice Kat getting off. We followed and something felt familiar about where we were. It didn't hit me until we were above ground again.

'This is the area where Tom lives!'

"Raven, keep up or you'll get left." Lola hissed and took the lead.

I nodded a quickly followed, but couldn't shake the bad feeling beginning to form. Tom's warning began replaying in my head.

-"Those people are bad news."-

Could that mean...If it's people that Tom know, and they are in this area...I could feel my face tense in worry. Just what did Kat get herself into?

We followed behind Kat for almost 20 minutes before she finally turned into a small rundown alcohol shop. We crossed into some back alleyways, so many of the people looked pretty dangerous. Trent and I had begun to stick closer to Lola - the only one who didn't seem scared - as she pushed we way through. She even shot glares at a few of them. How did someone so thuggish become so popular?

You couldn't enter unless you were 21, but somehow Kat was allowed inside. Since we didn't want to blow our cover we settled for peaking through a window. Not to long later a man wearing white pants, and a purple vest with no undershirt approached her. He was accompanied by two other men in full black suits. We couldn't see Kay's face but we shoulders tensed when they sat at her table.

Lola clicked her tongue, "I figured as much." Probably feeling my confused stare she elaborated, "Given how she was acting, and the location I began thinking she was meeting someone pretty unsavory."

"You think it's extortion?" Trent thought aloud. "What about her grandparents? Could this be related?"

Kat seemed really uncomfortable, and scared the entire time. It was hard to hear, but something must've gone wrong because the one in the purple vest grabbed Kat by her lapel. Since she was so short she was dangling in the air.

Lola was biting her lip so hard I thought she would draw blood. It probably took everything in her to not help Kat. Finally the man threw Kat to the ground and left after kicking her for good measure.

Kat slowly picked herself from the ground and exited the establishment.

"Fuck that."

"W-wait, Lola!" I tried to grab her, but Lola had already began running towards Kat. Trent and I quickly followed.

"Kat! The hell was that back there!?" So much for handling this delicately. Lola stood with her hands on her hips, and demanded an answer from Kat while blocking her path.

Kat being surprised was an understatement. Her eyes were wide, and she her mouth moved to find an answer. Instead she settled for biting her tongue. Her clothes were disheveled and fresh tear marks stained her face.

Not please with the lack of answer Lola began to speak again but thought better of it. Instead she took a deep breath and relaxed her posture. "Kat," Lola was trying to control her anger, but we all knew she wasn't angry with Kat. "Why the hell was that bastard treating you like that? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

Kat's eyes wavered as she debated whether to tell us or not. "I...I can't get you guys involved."

Trent, who had been silent for quite some time, finally spoke. "I think I can guess what's going on." As he spoke he carefully observed Kat's reactions. "Earlier when we guessed something was wrong with your grandparents , we were right. Somehow they got sick or hurt and are in the hospital. You needed money," Trent began speaking slower, seemingly a bit unsure of his next theory. However, with ever word Kat would begin to shake more. "So you sought out help. Those people, while probably looking respectable at first, offered the heels you needed. Against your better judgment you agreed and when it was too late you found yourself in debt to a group of thugs."

I turned to Kat in disbelief, trying to meet her eyes in hope that I would see that Trent was wrong. Sadly, it was rare for Trent to be wrong. It was scary how well he could decipher the truth of a situation from the tiniest of clues.

Suddenly Kat laughed, but it sounded sad. She brought her hand to her face and slowly her laughter turned to weak sobs. "W-why are you guys here? I...I didn't want you guys to get involved. It's dangerous...I'm...I'm in some deep shit but..." Her shoulders began to shake, "-But what was I supposed to do?" She looked at us for answers we couldn't provide. Tears began to build in her eyes, and she suddenly looked much smaller than I ever remembered her to be. "They...The accident...We didn't have the m-money. I though - he said h-he could help. I-i was desperate." She couldn't even make full sentences.

Lola pulled Kat into a hug, and gently caressed Kat's head. "Idiot, you should have came to us. We could have come up with something together."

Kat only sniffled in response. She pulled away from Lola, showing her face stained with new tears, snot and dirt. I fished through my school bag and pulled out a small handkerchief. Carefully I cleaned her face while smiling encouragingly.

"Th-thank you."

"I think we should get out of this area." Trent suggest. "Let's take her home."

We all agreed and escorted Kat home. The four of us arrived to a small one story home, with a decent sized yard and surrounded by a black metal fence. We entered the home and sat in the living room. Despite the small outward appearance, the interior felt a lot larger. The living room was decorated a calming light blue, with matching sofas. There was a TV, a rectangular wooden table, and a grandfather clock in the corner. Shelves were lined with knickknacks, and the walls were full with family photos.

"Do you guys want anything to drink?" During the ride back Kat had calmed down. She smiled at us but it felt forced.

"More than that, can you tell us what is going on?" Lola wasn't one to beat around the bush.

Kat sighed and nodded, "Yeah, I guess I don't have much of a choice now." She took a deep breath to steel herself. "About a week ago my grandparents were hit by a drunk driver. When I found out I was completely out of it. I was going to tell you guys, but things kind of got out of hand. When I got to the hospital I found out that both of them were on death's door. My grandpa needed a lung transplant, and my grandma had internal bleeding in her head and stomach."

Her shoulders sagged as she continued her story, "They cost was...Was crazy expensive. Keeping grandpa on life support was racking up the cost, and I didn't have much time before grandma's time was up. While I was thinking of what to do I was approached by someone. He said he was a friend of my grandpa, and that he owed him for all the help he gave him. He said that he would give me the money I needed." She shook her head, "I knew it was a lie. I knew that this wasn't a good idea, but I was desperate. It didn't take much convincing before I took the money. I was able to save them." She smiled for a moment.

"However, it didn't take me long to find out that I just accepted money from the Lestrange family. They began coming after me demanding that I pay them their money back. Not only that but the interest was making what I owed even less reasonable. They've been forcing me to do odd jobs for them in exchange for lowering what I owe, but at this rate I won't even be able to make a dent in the interest, let alone what I actually owe."

"They...They told me there is a better way for me to pay back what I owe, but-" She trailed off and hugged her body as if to shield her from the world.

We didn't know what to say. Even though we wanted to help, there was nothing we could do.

"Maybe my dad could do something." I offered, "I mean, they kind of tricked you into take the money. You didn't know it was Mafia money. How much are they saying you owe?"

"$750,000."

"What!?" We shouted in surprise. This situation looked hopeless.

"Trent, can you think of anything?"

Trent had been deep in though as he listened to the story hoping to think of a solution. Sadly he didn't look his usual confident self. "Right now, no. Legally, what they did was wrong and like Raven said, Kat didn't actually go to them for the money. Unfortunately, Kat used the money. That fact doesn't bode well for her." He fixed his glasses, "I'll have to do some more research into the matter, but don't worry Kat. We will, without a doubt, get you out of this."

As tears began to form again, Kat hung her head and softly said, "Guys...Thank you."

Saturday

"This is my daughter, Raven Clark."

I smiled politely at the older gentleman in front of me and inclined my head slightly. "Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well Ms. Clark. You have a beautiful daughter, and hopefully will follow in her father's footsteps." He said, directing his last sentence to my father.

My father nodded stoically, "I believe she will be a great asset to the team. I hope that in the future we can have more conversations on this matter."

As they spoke I continued to smile, hiding the boredom and annoyance I felt. This continued to for a while. My father dragged me around and introduced me to many high ranking people, donors, businessmen and many others. My face was starting to hurt from smiling so much.

The presentation at the workshop was just as boring, but I knew if I didn't pay attention my father wouldn't be pleased. Truthfully, I was hoping that I would get the chance to speak to my father about Kat's problem but the opportunity hadn't presented itself. Also, I got the feeling that he wouldn't be able to do much. I sighed, a bit too loudly as I caught a look from my father.

I quickly straightened up and listened intently to the remainder of the

After some a bit more polite conversation, and greetings we finally took our leave. Once in the car my father spoke, "You did well today. People were telling me how impressed they were of you." He seemed pleased with how I behaved.

"Many of them expressed interest in a second meeting. Tell me if anyone peaked your interest as well."

"I will." I automatically answered. "By the way, may I ask you something. If...If someone was to take money from someone whom they trusted, but turned out it was from a mafia group, then said group began demanding payment...Could you do something about it?"

Because he was driving he could look at me, but I shuddered from how his eyes hardened in anger. He slowly said my name, "Raven. Explain."

I quickly explained the situation to him, and when I finished he remained silent. Finally he said, "Sadly, there isn't much I can do. These kinds of tricks are so common, that it happens dozens of times a day."

That wasn't the answer I wanted to hear.

"But," He began, "Tell her to file a report, and I'll be sure to handle it personally. I'm won't make any promises, but at the very least we could see about getting her a good lawyer."

I nodded, "Ok."

We pulled up at the house, and I exited the car. Dad had to return to the station so after changing his clothes he left. I headed to my room and collapsed on my bed.

"There has to be something I can do." I racked my brain for a solution, but nothing came to mind. I turned my head and laid eyes on my volleyball laying on the floor.

...

...

Quickly I sat up and pulled out my phone. I hit a few commands and after a while hit the 'send' button. It only took a few minutes before I received a reply.

Tom: Decided to stop running away?

Me: You...Tried to help me.

Tom: No.

Me: Then, why say what you did?

Tom: I was board.

Me: She's in a lot of trouble.

Tom: And? That has nothing to do with me.

Me: But, you must've been worried! Why else would you say anything to me?

Me: Tom, please. Can't you do something?

Me: Tom? Are you still there?

Me: Please! I'd do anything.

...

...

...

Tom: I may be able to help her.

Me: Really?!

Tom: However, nothing is for free.

Me:...What do you want?

Tom: Come to my place tomorrow, and you'll find out.

The memories of what happened last time I went there flashed through my mind. I could feel my body shake as both fear, and strangely enough excitement coursed through me.

Tom: Fear not, you'll be safe.

Me: Even from you.

I could almost hear his chuckle in his response.

Tom: Yes.

I released the breath I didn't realize I was holding, and I became painfully aware of my fast heart beat. I convinced myself I was afraid, and nervous to be alone with Tom again, but somehow I knew I was only fooling myself.

"This is all to help Kat." I said as if to reaffirm my reason. As long as Kat can be helped, then none of this will be for naught.

Sunday

So that's how I found myself sitting in Tom's room. This time I made sure to sit obediently at his small table and keep my hands by my side. I learned my lesson the last time. Although it had been weeks since then I could feel my backside began to throb, and the remnant embarrassment made it difficult to look up at Tom. So instead I stared intently at the glass of water Tom offered me.

I cleared my throat, "Um...So..."

Tom chuckled, "I'm sorry, I keep thinking about the last time we met in here. Oh," He smirked, "That's a nice face you're making."

"S-stop joking. T-tell me what y-you want."

He leaned his head on his hand, "You want me to help that small friend of yours, Katherine. The group she owes money to, they are a smaller branch group of ours. I can easily tell them to lay off."

Hearing this I looked up at Tom for the first time since I arrived. If he could do this, then that means that Kat wouldn't have to suffer anymore.

Noticing my hopeful gaze Tom smiled wryly. "Of course, as I said before, nothing comes for free. I want something in return."

"And, what would that be?"

My blood chilled, and my eyes widened in shock when I heard his answer.

"You"

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