College Life
By Jackalobe
…I should seriously change the title of this story…
Disclaimer: DISCLAIMER THIS! (I know, lame…) I don't own the Teen Titans…
Dedication: In memory of Kelly, a boy who will never grow to see college, to get married, to have kids, or live his life. A boy who will never smile again, or laugh again, or cry again. We all will never forget you; you know you were smiling when you were last with us… that means you're going to heaven, didn't you know? I know I'll never forget you. Rest in peace.
Don't ask questions, please.
Warning: MATURE CONTENT! I got a little… graphic with Raven's past… so please hold all complaints until you finish the chapter! And don't be immature about it, I know it's gross, just relax. Raven will be okay. She's one of my favorite characters; OF COURSE SHE'LL BE OKAY! NONE OF THE TITANS WERE KILLED IN THE PROCESS OF THIS CHAPTER! GOT IT!
My personal past history for WHY THE HELL I WAITED THIS LONG TO UPDATE: I've been having… problems. Yes, it links to the dedication-but other things. In fact, my friends and I think there's someone out there who's against us, and we plan on hiring a hit man soon… very soon…
Honorary Song: Bittersweet Symphony
I adore that song…
Chapter Twelve: Nothing Lasts Forever
Raven sighed heavily; opening her violet eyes lazily as Professor Mod elaborately explained the importance of British Plays and Musicals.
Oh joy… she thought unusually sarcastically. Though he was considered brilliant, his teaching styles were rather odd and to put it bluntly… he freaked out half the students.
Usually enjoying his passion and artistic genius, Raven slumped in her theater seat, yawning loudly. On her other side of the red velvet theatre chairs, Bethany was hastily taking note after note, seeing as she normally forgot everything the old Brit said minutes later. Her honey brown eyes were glazed with concentration, and frantically wrote down the long list of dates Professor Mod had just listed. Her hair was down and crimped stylishly and she wore a layered black mini skirt and a zipped up yellow sweater over a white camisole.
Jo occupied the seat on the other side of Raven, dreamily twisting her blonde hair into braids. She was wearing jean cut offs today, with a white linen buttoned shirt over a blue camisole. She wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention, but amazingly she maintained A's and recommendations in the class, though she showed no sign of real effort.
I guess some people are just favored by God… Raven thought bitterly. She yawned once again, leaning slightly on Jo as a pillow. The pensive girl giggled slightly, and turned to braid Raven's hair. The violet haired girl didn't object, and allowed Jo to twist her hair. Her mind was somewhere else… somewhere far.
She couldn't forget that kiss. How could she? It played in her mind over and over again, though it never lost its magic or confusion, nothing was explained. But all the same, it brought shivers to her skin and a blush to her cheeks.
Gar had kissed her. So quick and sweet and soft, she couldn't forget …that look in his eyes. Those green eyes that used to glow.
Raven only realized that class was over when Bee shook her slightly, "Rae, come on-class is over," The pale girl jumped, and looked up at her friend. "Already?" she asked, blinking twice.
Bee chuckled, slinging her purse over her shoulder, "Rae-forty five minutes has passed since you sat down in that chair, where've you been?"
She didn't answer, but waved to Professor Mod who had grabbed one of his 'victim's (The students he amusingly drove half mad with his strange questions and accusations). The target for today was Paul Grover, a tall sophomore with dark skin and even darker hair. Raven and Bee watched in amusement as he awkwardly tried to explain the importance of British Theatre.
It wasn't after he spoke two words when Mod's loud and abrupt words suddenly shrieked, "WRONG!" –Causing Paul to jump back, and fall into a group of senior guys.
Holding in cruel giggles, Bee and Raven walked out of the auditorium together, and the feeling of laughter passed. Once they left the building, Bee suddenly turned to look at her.
"Let's backtrack. Talk to me, what's wrong?"
Raven looked up, once again startled, and shook her head. "Nothing,"
Her friend stared at her, raising her eyebrows. Sighing, Raven reassured, "It's nothing! I'm fine!"
"Raven, I know you! You are not fine. You haven't spoken two full sentences to me all day! By now you are usually gushing over Mad Mod's latest lecture! What's wrong?"
"I did not gush!" The violet haired girl protested sharply, narrowing her eyes. "I'm just tired, that's all,"
The African American raised her eye brows once again, "Geez, did you and Fay fight or something?"
Raven scowled and shook her head, "No we did not-I haven't seen her since last night,"
"Oh, that's why you're so spaced out!"
Violet orbs glared into Bee's honey-brown eyes, "Excuse me? Are you implying something?"
Bee laughed, "You miss Faith! That is so ca-ute!" Raven winced at her shrill squeal.
"I don't miss her-I'm just… PMS-ing, I dunno…" She answered in defense. "Why, do you miss her?"
She stared in slight shock as Bee nodded, "Yeah, I do- but no offence to her- I want to go see Victor," She turned towards the direction of their dorm building, "Coming with?" she called.
Raven was at her side, nodding, "No-I think I'll visit Faith… see you later?"
Bee nodded, "I'm going to a seminar tonight, and see if you can sneak Faith out of the Hospital for movies later," she exclaimed, excitedly. "Oh and I didn't tell you-guess WHAT?"
When Raven didn't answer, Bee continued as though there had been no pause. "Clarence is coming in two weeks!"
At the mention of Bee's homosexual high school best friend, Raven forced a smile. "Seriously? That's cool-I'll be sure to stop by,"
But her friend was in her own little world. "He'll love the Sinner Circle, god he's such a dancer- and oh my god, maybe he'll have a boyfriend!" She was squealing and spinning around happily, it was adorable yet embarrassing to watch.
"Does Vic know about Clare?" Raven asked, bringing her friend back to reality gently.
Bee blinked in confusion, and then shook her head, "Nope, I want it to be a surprise; he's never met Clare before," She spoke of Clare's name as though it were the sweetest of chocolate.
"Oh, well… have fun, I'll be sure to stop by," Raven answered, feeling a bit cheerful for her friend. She watched Bee skip away and was surprised to feel a small smile grow on her lips. Walking away, her thoughts journeyed to Clarence, trying to picture what he looked like.
Bee is so excited… he must be her best friend. She hasn't seen him in months, how horrible.
A sudden wind brushed into her face, making her ears grow numb and icy.
That's like not seeing Faith for months…
Her smile slowly disappeared. How long had it been since she could keep a real smile on her face for more than just a few seconds?
She looked back up at Bee, who was walking in direction of a nearby Starbucks, chatting with someone on her phone. Wisps of violet hair flew around her face, and she jammed her hands into her black zip-up sweater. She was wearing an army-print mini skirt along with chunky black combat boots, with finger-less black gloves. She looked like one of those wanna-be-goths. Disgust filled her as she turned towards the parking lot to drive to the hospital.
Raven's heart unexpectedly soared at the thought of checking up on Faith, she desperately wanted to talk to her.
I desperately wanted to talk to her way before she was sick… now is the perfect time to.
But the more she though about it, the more it became a matter of need-instead of a matter of want. She needed her best friend right now, and Gar was definitely not available-that left Faith.
Well it couldn't be Terra, god knows how long she can sit still for…Bee's going to be with Victor, and I do not want Victor to know about Gar's kiss… And Robin……
Raven narrowed her eyes suddenly.
Robin is why Faith's sick. Robin is an ass.
So Faith… I need you.
As much as she felt bad for being so blunt and insensitive, she was mad at Faith for not coming home. For staying out on the roof. Especially when Raven needed her so much! Needed to tell her everything; explain the fight-make her picture the kiss- show the scars, show her the blood and tears…
Those silent screams and long nights... Raven walked slightly faster, shivering.
Damn it, why do I have to be so screwed up? she thought in half self pity, half annoyance, tucking her hair behind her ear. She sat in her dark blue Ford Taurus car, turning the ignition on quickly. Korn's 'Make Me Bad' instantly boomed into her head, making the ground vibrate. She ignored the startled stares from people around her, and sped off towards the hospital.
Terra was freaking out. She glared at her cell phone, demanding it to ring. She was still in her pajamas-blue pants and a pink camisole, with her hair tied in a fierce knot in the back of her hand. Lying on her bed, her head pressed against her pillow-her comforter twisted into her legs, she bit her lip in annoyance. She mentally cursed as she accidentally bit into the delicate skin, tasting blood.
And her phone would not ring.
She had skipped her geology class-and was having doubts if she should go to her interior designing tutorial. The day was cloudy and dreary, a light drizzle occasionally falling down, with an unnatural silence fallen over everything. It was a sleepy day. With a chill wind and cool temperature. Terra decided suddenly that she loathed those kinds of days…
And her damn phone would not ring.
An itch on her foot was driving her insane, as she refused to take her eyes off her phone or move. That phone… she scowled inwardly, but didn't take her eyes off it. It was staring at her, on her nightstand. Its plastic yellow and pink Hawaiian flowered-cover was making her mad, for some reason. She remembered… Brad had given her that cover, right when she got the cell phone.
And that damn cell phone still would not ring.
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU, DAMNIT?" She shrieked, sitting up. It was at that moment when the phone suddenly lit up and her ring tone rang out, "Like a virgin…"
She fell out of her bed in surprise, and snatched it up a second later. "Hello?" she spoke into it, not bothering to cover up her concern or hysteria.
"Terr-bear?" a familiar voice answered.
The blonde smiled in reassurance, "Brad, oh my god-I'm so glad you're okay…"
"Thanks Terra, sorry if I made you worry, Thomas just told me-,"
"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?" She screamed, her concern gone-her anger replacing. "DIDN'T YOU GET MY MESSAGES? WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME?"
There was a pause. And then a chuckle. "Glad you care so much, Terr," he laughed, "And I just got your messages,"
Terra stood up, still mad, "Yeah? All-,"
"Yes, all of them. All seven of them." He answered. She could tell he was smirking.
"Brad, where were you?" she asked, feeling embarrassed.
His voice softened, "Oh, Terra, I'm sorry. I got a flat tire and was four hours late. My cell phone wasn't getting any signal from where I was, believe me-I would have called you,"
Terra leaned back into her pillow, feeling happier. "Okay… why didn't you call me when you got home?"
He cleared his throat, "I was tucking in Thomas-he fell asleep on the couch waiting up for me. I fell asleep on his bed, and didn't check my messages," He sounded so sincere and sorry, that Terra suddenly didn't care that he hadn't called.
"How is Thomas?" she asked, looking out the window happily.
Wow, nice day! She thought, smiling. (:D!)
"Oh, just fine. He told me he had called you about twelve minutes ago, after I was listening to your messages. All your messages," he added, teasing her.
She scowled, "Well I was worried!"
He laughed and she closed her eyes, smiling at the sound of his laughter. Her anger was instantly evaporated to nothing. "Brad?" she said suddenly, after he stopped laughing.
"Terra?" he repeated. God she loved him.
"I miss you,"
There was a pause, and he answered, "You have no idea how much I miss you too, babe,"
It was the perfect thing to say, and she grinned. "I love you,"
"And I you, Terr-bear. Listen, Thomas wants to talk to you-or do you have class?"
She sat up, looking at her watch. Class was in five minutes… She heard Brad call her again and she answered, "No, I don't. Give me the Squirt; I want to talk to him too…"
(A/N: Bum bum bum! Skipping class are we?)
"What do you mean she's not here?"
The startled receptionist blinked, and twiddled her fingers nervously. "Well, the nurse from last night's shift said that she ran after some black haired boy, but never came back,"
Raven's cold stare didn't waver.
The poor blonde woman started to stutter, "B-but she might have missed her, the g-g-girl might ha-have come in, do you suppose?" She was obviously intimidated by Raven's cold gaze, and her brown eyes were filled with discomfort.
"Do I suppose?" Raven repeated coldly. "What room was she staying in?"
The receptionist, whom Raven had already begun to loathe, gazed down at her mountain of paperwork helplessly. "Um…"
From behind Raven, someone coughed quite loudly, and asked in a clear voice, "Is there a problem, miss?"
A look of relief washed over the receptionists face as Raven spun around. There was a very tall man standing there, with neat dark brown hair streaked with gray and green eyes hidden by thick glasses. He wore a clean white hospital coat with rubber gloves. He held a clip board and pen, and looked very professional.
Raven didn't let this fact repress her anger. "Yes, I was going to visit my sick roommate, but apparently," She took this time to turn slightly and glare venomously at the blonde receptionist, and turned back, "-She is not there," she finished. From behind, the receptionist began to bite at her false pink nails.
The man nodded and looked down at his clipboard, "Oh yes, Ms. Andrews-I presume?"
Raven nodded. "Yeah, and she didn't come back to our dorm either,"
The man gave a crooked half smile, "Well then, let me first settle a few things. My name is Doctor Fred Mills, and I examined Ms. Andrews last night on my last shift,"
She nodded, tucking wisps of random violet hair behind her left ear. A look of realization spread across her face, "Oh my god! I need to pay you- don't I? I am so sorry, I completely forgot I didn't-," She leaned down and grabbed her purse, fishing for her credit card.
Fred Mills caught her arm, and shook his head, "Oh no, don't worry about that-it's been paid for,"
Raven dropped her purse, furrowing her eyebrows. "What? You serious? By who?"
The crooked smile came back, and he chuckled. "By Mr.…" He looked down at his clipboard again. "Grayson, I believe, he came in earlier today,"
Raven's headache returned, full force as she closed her eyes, nodding. "Oh okay,"
Dr. Fred Mills continued, as though the interruption had never happened, "From what I know-Ms. Andrews followed a young man out the door-,"
"Yeah, Robin," Raven interrupted, nodding.
He didn't seem to notice her interruption again. "-do you think, possibly, that she and Robin might have gotten…" He paused, his face reddening suddenly.
Raven stared, clueless.
With a distressed sigh, he raised his brow eyebrows high. "You know…? Possibly…intimate?"
Her eyes burst open almost painfully and she groaned in disgust. "Faith is NOT like that-she wouldn't scare me like that,"
All the same… 'FAITH YOU IDIOT, IF THAT'S WHAT YOU DID- I SWEAR I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!' She roared inside her mind, swearing to herself to give Robin a good shove down the nearest staircase. (A/N: Her and me both…)
He must have seen right through her, because he chuckled, and turned to leave. But before he did, he stared at her, no longer smiling. "If she is not, I'd advice you to notify the police."
Raven looked back up, paling.
'I won't have to. She is fine.'
She forced a small smile, "W-why? I don't think I'll need to, maybe she's with Robin after all."
The doctor shrugged, "This town's never exactly been safe-,"
Raven's violet eyes clouded as she remembered the perverts she, Faith, Terra, and Bee ran into a month ago. Those wasted jerks… those sick perverts…they tried to hurt us. They-
Call them what they are. She thought suddenly, harshly.
Rapists… She could be getting raped. She could be getting killed. She could already be dead. (!NO!)
The doctor's voice pulled her back, "-so stay away from that side of town,"
She glanced at him, "Sorry, what?"
He patiently spoke again, "I said that my fiancé was once robbed NEAR Palindrome Avenue, it's on the west side. I'd stay away from that side of town period."
Raven pulled a curtain of hair back and tucked in behind her left ear. "Oh I am so sorry," she said emotionlessly, "And I will."
He gave her a warm smile, "Your friend was a nice girl, even in a delirious state. I hope she's okay," Raven watched him walk back to the receptionist's desk, and headed for the door.
Before Faith's possible horrible fates could appear in her mind, Raven desperately thought about something else.
Don't think about Faith…
But don't think about Gar!
Desperate times called for desperate measures. With a groan, Raven turned her car on and switched the heat on. She moved to the back seat, and lied down. Tears stung her eyes as concern filled her, and she shuddered.
It was too late. Images of Faith's body appeared inside her mind, all bloody, mangled, or twisted. She grabbed her black cell phone, and punched in Faith's number.
No answer. She listened to the answering machine before hanging up.
Holding back tears, she dialed Robin's number in quickly.
I promise I won't even be mad… just let her be there.
"What do you want?" a bitter voice snapped, and made her jump.
"Robin?" she asked, surprised to hear his voice so angry.
There was a pause, "Oh, sorry Raven."
"Who did you think it was?" she asked, still offended by his crabby tone.
"No one," he answered in a 'don't ask questions' tone. "What's up?"
She drew in a large amount of air before speaking, "I want to know where Faith is. Do you have any idea?"
"Why don't you call her cell phone…?"
"I did- no answer."
"Well I haven't seen her all day, so-,"
"Wait, what?" Raven asked sharply, "What did you say?"
There was a pause. Robin's voice suddenly spoke again slowly, "Raven, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean you haven't seen her?" Her voice rang out, filled with hysteria.
"Have you seen her?" Robin barked, showing no sympathy.
Raven almost burst into tears. "No!" she cried, "I haven't! She isn't at the hospital, she isn't at the dorm, she isn't with you or Bee or Terra, I DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE IS, ROBIN!"
There was a dull click and Raven realized Robin had hung up. She stared at the phone in despair before really bursting into tears. Everything was falling apart. Her happiness was going away, disappearing before her eyes.
She couldn't believe that earlier that morning, Gar had kissed her.
Raven continued to cry until she couldn't anymore. Her chest felt sore and it hurt to breathe.
I can't remember when I last felt this shitty… she thought, bitterly.
Except those years of my so-called-happy childhood. She shuddered.
Oh stop it! Stop feeling sorry for yourself! She snapped at her herself. Don't think about it, think about… think about…
It was already too late. Closing her eyes, she let herself fall into memory…
Flashback-
Raven was only eight when her mother died. She, her mom, and her dad were all driving to her grandparent's for Christmas dinner. Raven was sitting in the back seat, clicking the heals of her white Mary Jane sandals together, smiling at the sound. She made sure not to touch her hair, since her mother had spent nearly an hour trying to make Raven's hair into perfect black ringlets. She wasn't even old enough to look over the window and see the truck swerve into the passenger side. She tried not to move as the car rolled off the side of the road, but flopped in her seat. She didn't want her mom to be sad when she found out her curls were ruined from the flopping around…
A week later, Raven stared at her mom, who lay peacefully inside the mahogany coffin. Her black hair was curled too."Dad?" she asked suddenly. Her father pulled her into a warm embrace, and she cried into his black suit. He stroked her hair with her bandaged hand. It was the only injury he had received during the car wreck. Raven had escaped undamaged.
By next year, Raven grew used to death. Her grandparents on her mother's side both died when their house burned down and her grandfather on her father's side died from lung cancer. She tried to smile and remain happy for Daddy, as he began sleeping and drinking more and more. He never cried though… but looked at Raven, a cold smile always on his face.
She knew he saw her Mom instead of her. But she wanted him to see her instead.
Raven remembered seeing her father cry for the first time. She was eight years old and had decided to dress up like her mom. She figured her dad would be happy to see her mom's things again. She put on her mom's perfume, and her Mother's favorite black evening dress, and pulled her hair into a bun. She walked up the stairs slowly, as to not to her father and said, "Hello…"
He had stared at her, and didn't smile. Anger clouded into his face and he snarled, "You think that's funny?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm sorry Daddy-I thought you'd like to see her again…"
There was a loud crack and Raven flew across the floor, eyes wide and mouth hung open. She stared at the floor. "I'm sorry Daddy…" she said softly. Instead of getting yelled at, he pulled her close to him and stroked her hair just like he always did. When she knew he loved her…
"No Raven, I'm sorry," She realized he was crying, feeling the dampness soak into her skin and hair. "I'm so, so sorry, Raven. I'm so, so sorry Raven… my… my Arella…" Raven felt tears swell into her eyes- Arella was her mother's name.
"No Daddy, it's me." She said, "It's Raven," She pushed him away, "Don't you remember?"
He stood, his dark red hair hung in his face. "I'm sorry, daughter,"
She watched him leave, feeling abandoned in the cold, dark room. The tears fell onto the wood floor, with a soft 'Plop!'
'I know my father loves me… that was only an accident,' She thought, forcing the words into her. She wiped her tears away, and hugged her knees tightly. "Only an accident…" she whispered.
"It'll never happen again,"
Raven didn't even notice the small rain drops that had begun to fall. She didn't notice the dull thud of any rain hitting the wind shield. Everything was muted, the world was fading, and she sank deeper into her childhood.
A year later, Raven came home from school one day to find boxes everywhere. She gazed around her house in confusion, and touched the cardboard boxes. Footsteps from downstairs made her jump suddenly. "Daddy, is that you?" she called.
Her father walked up the stairs, nodding at her. "We need to go,"
She furrowed her eyebrows, "But why?"
"Don't ask questions, just go grab your clothes and get in the car."
She stared at him, "I don't understand…"
He turned to her, eyes cold and hard. "This place…" He looked slightly away from her, past her shoulder. "This place reminds me of your mother. I know she's still here…"
Raven felt hurt by his cold eyes. She walked up and took his hand, "It's okay daddy, I'll go get my stuff."
He didn't look at her, and she forced a smile, and squeezed his hand. "Things will get better," She swung his hand playfully, but he dropped it and walked to the garage door.
With a sad sigh, she raced up to her room, and grabbed as many clothes, books, and pictures as she could fit into a cardboard box. Driving away, she stared at their house, with its many bushes and trees, with the dark green ivy crawling on the side of the house, and the iron brass gate that surrounded them. She blinked away tears, and turned to stare at her dad.
He was griping the wheel tightly, and his eyes carried heavy gray bags. After a while, she settled into her seat, trying to sleep. She felt his hand caress her hair, and she blinked. He smiled at her, "Thank you Raven for doing this."
She let him stroke her hair, and whispered, "I love you Daddy,"
He didn't answer, but his smile never dropped. They continued to ride for days, only stopping to eat and sleep and Raven didn't once complain.
Bitterly, Raven remembered her intentions as a child. I was so scared he would stop loving me if I complained. I was scared he would leave me, how could I have known better? I had to be comforting. I had to make him happy.
A single tear rolled down her cheek, and she shuddered. Why did you have to die, Mom?
Flashback continued-
They moved into a one bedroom apartment, where she slept in the bedroom, and he slept on the couch. She continued school and got exceptional grades, but never made friends. She didn't dare care for someone else but her father. 'He needs me!' she always told herself. 'He can't take care of himself, he misses Mom too much!'
That's what she told herself. Everyday. He needed her.
He spent most of his time at the bar down stairs, and would stroll back into the apartment, wasted like hell, and would eat whatever Raven had made for him. She was only eleven years old when he finally began to loose it.
It happened on her birthday. She woke up happy, realizing she was eleven years old and walked into the kitchen to make coffee for her dad. He sat it down by the table and was pleased to find a note there. She looked at the note and read it quickly.
My Raven,
Well another birthday has come! Eleven years old, you are becoming quite the lovely young lady! I wish you happiness all day long, and my birthday gift to you is a day off! I left a message for the school; you don't need to go today. Instead, we'll spend the day together, does that sound nice?
"It's perfect!" she whispered happily.
Your mother would be proud of you…
And that was the end.
Confused, she looked on the back of the note and found nothing. Shrugging, she went back to her bedroom to wait for her dad to get up. An hour later, she heard him rise, and smiled. 'I'll give him ten minutes to drink his coffee,' she decided.
Ten minutes later, she sat down next to him and smiled. "Good morning," she greeted, and he stared at her.
"Eleven years old, huh?"
She smiled, "Yep! Eleven!"
He nodded, and then something strange happened. It looked as though he tried to smile, but it turned into an ugly smirk and then a grimace. She stood up and asked if he wanted more coffee.
"No, I'm fine, Arella, thanks,"
Her eyes widened and she drew in a sharp breath. It had been years since he had called her that. "No Dad… it's,"
"I KNOW!" he snapped, clenching his fists. "I know just… chill, okay?"
She nodded, turning back around. Her eyes welled up with tears and she turned the water on to do the dishes. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid!' she thought maliciously. 'He's right, of course he knows your Raven! My god! Now he's mad…'
She turned the water off, and faced him smiling. "So what do you want to do today?"
He didn't look at her, and traced circles on the table with the drops of coffee. For some reason, this made her extremely sad, and she automatically wished she were in school. "Dad?" she asked, after he said nothing.
He cleared his throat, "Remember when you once put on your mother's evening down, and her perfume?"
She flinched, remembering how sad it made him. "I'm sorry," she whispered, and he laughed. "Oh don't be silly, that was long ago!"
But his laugh wasn't cheery. His tone was bitter and morbid. "What about it?" she asked, moments later.
"I wonder if it fits you…" he said softly. Even still he wouldn't look at her.
"I don't… I don't understand," she helplessly said.
He turned to her, and he tried to smile again. "Oh Raven, please? For me?"
Nodding, she sighed. "Well, where is it then? And why do you want me to-,"
"Closet, by the bathroom," He didn't explain, and she decided not to ask.
She walked over and took it out. It was a beautiful black silk, with a slim shape and V-neck. It didn't fit her at all, but she put it on. She put a smile on for comfort and walked into the living room. "How do I look?" she asked.
"Delicious!" a rumbling voice said from behind her and she shrieked as he grabbed her and began to tickle her. She laughed endlessly, and tried to escape, but he held tight. He continued the torture until he planted a kiss on her mouth. She pulled away after a while, figuring it had lasted a bit longer than usual.
"Mmm, Arella," he hummed. She stared at him, worried. "Da-," she began, but he clamped a hand over her mouth tightly. So tight, it hurt.
He stared straight into her violet orbs. "Be Arella for me…"
He dropped his hand and he tried to smile again. "You know you have her eyes? Those beautiful violet gems you could stare into forever?"
Shuddering, she stared down. "I don't think I-,"
"Please," he whispered, and she was surprised at how desperate he sounded. "If you love me, you'll be her for me…"
"I do love you," she murmured.
"I know," he answered, and picked her up. "I promise I'll always be there for you…" he whispered, and she smiled.
"Arella…"
Her smile disappeared on his last word, and she began to speak again-but he caught her mouth with his lips. Shocked, she froze until he pulled away.
"Dad-," There was a sharp crack and she fell across the floor, her cheek stinging.
'He's sick, he needs help!' she thought, and tried to crawl away. But with a surprisingly quick movement, he scooped her up and carried her into her bedroom.
"Dad!" she cried in protest, but his face was straight. As much as she loved him and wanted his approval, even she knew this was wrong.
"FATHER! STOP!" She screamed more shrilly. Before she could even think, he wrapped her purple bandana around her mouth painfully tight. She tried to cry out and scream, but it was all blocked.
He placed her on her white bed, with its lavender quilt and grabbed her arms roughly, tying them to her ivory steel bed posts. "You won't leave me now, will you Arella?" he murmured, the horrible smile growing on his face.
Raven whimpered, trying desperately to kick at him, but he straddled her legs. With a victorious grunt, he ran his fingers across her abdomen, across her breasts, and up to her neck. "My, my, what lovely pale skin…why hide it?"
Her eyes widened and she shook her head violently. He ignored her and unzipped the back of her dress easily. Softly, he sang, "Hush little baby, don't say a word. Papa's gonna buy you a mocking bird…"
He leaned in and kissed her neck, and bit at it gently. "Mmm, I missed you darling," he whispered. She was naked now, only in her underwear, and she shivered from chill and fear.
'Please daddy, please father, don't do this!' she thought desperately.
A single tear rolled down her cheek, and he stared at her. His eyes clouded and his face grew furious. "No…don't cry," he growled.
"DON'T YOU DARE CRY!" He shrieked.
He slapped her hard and sharp, and more tears fell. He stared at them, his mouth twisted into a horrifying 'O'
"YOU LEFT ME, BITCH! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT CRYING!" He screamed.
Suddenly, his face cleared. He stood up in an instant, eyes wide. "Oh god…" he whimpered.
He stared at her, "Oh god, Raven… Oh shit, I'm so sorry,"
Forgiveness was something she was good at, back then. She tried to smile with a gag, but she nodded. 'I know you are… it was just… an accident.'
He staggered out of the room, and she sighed, relieved. 'It'll never happen again,'
Raven opened her eyes, and sat up. "I need… a cigarette…" she groaned, and fumbled through her car compartment and pulled out a pack of Pall Malls, and took one out. She lit it quickly with her lighter, and breathed in deeply.
Relief washed over her body, and it felt sooo good. Feeling more relaxed; she climbed back to the front seat and drove off to her dorm.
Maybe you'll get lucky and she'll be there, apologizing and upset.
Raven closed her eyes lightly, and opened them slowly. Her pale skin looked gray in the review mirror, and her hair looked dirty and limp. I swear I won't even be angry, even if she's laughing and hugging me-I swear, I won't be upset. Just let her be there. Please.
And she drove a bit faster.
(A/N: In chapter three, it says that Raven's mom had left her dad and her. She lied. Okay? Don't get confused.)
Five hours later… 6:47 PM
"Okay, now I really need to go this time, Vic!" Bee exclaimed, pulling herself away from her boyfriend. He growled in annoyance, lifting his arms in protest.
"Oh come on, five more minutes?" he whined, sitting up from his bed. Gar was out for lunch and his biology class, and wouldn't be back for an hour-and Robin would be gone for another forty minutes until his criminal justice seminar was finished.
Therefore, this should be the time when Bethany and I spend some bonding make out time together! Victor thought, saddened when Bee slipped her yellow sweater back on over her white camisole.
"Why you want to leave me?" he whined, sticking out his lower lip in a cute pout. She laughed, and leaned back over to kiss his nose.
"I'm not leaving you-I just have to go!"
"At least tell me where you're going, then," He answered, pulling her back onto his lap. She settled into his arms while he kissed her neck softly.
"I told you, Arts and Dramatics seminar," Bee explained, tilting her head back as he kissed farther and farther down her neck, heading towards her chest.
He grunted in reply, and she giggled. "Just be patient! I'll be back soon," He gently pulled her back down, so she was lying on his bed and continued to kiss her all over. She laughed and kissed him back, getting shivers from the feeling of his well muscled chest pressed against hers.
Finally she pushed him away, and grabbed her purse, looking at her watch in dismay. "Vic, I really need to go!"
"Oh come on!" He groaned, and she smiled, walking out. He got up and rushed to the door, sticking his head out. He cried in anguish, "JUST FIVE MORE MINUTES! YOU CAN KEEP YOUR TOP ON! …MAYBE…" But she was already gone.
He turned, "…Oh… heh… hey there Coach King…" (XD)
Terra walked out of the dorm building happier, swinging her arms happily, a huge smile on her face. Talking with Brad and Thomas made her feel so delighted and carefree, why did she have to be so far from them?
She yanked her blue elastic pony tail holder out of her hair, and let her blonde hair fly free. Terra tightened her green and pink striped scarf around her neck, and slipped her chilled fingers into her white winter vest pockets. She also wore blue jeans and a white V-neck long sleeved shirt. She looked up at Starbucks and grinned.
"Praise the lord," she murmured, getting ready to dart into the streets. A sudden hand on her shoulder stopped her and made her jump. She looked up, and sighed in relief.
"Conner you scared me!" she gasped, laughing nervously.
He smiled slightly and furrowed his eye brows. "Well you looked about ready to dash into traffic,"
She frowned, "I was not!" she protested, though she felt her cheeks redden in guilt. "What brings you here anyway; don't you live over on the South side of campus?"
Conner shrugged, pushing his glasses up onto his nose. "You actually, where've you been?"
Her huge blue eyes widened in shock, "Really? I'm flattered!" She looked across the street quickly, and grabbed his arm. "Come on, let's talk in Starbucks,"
He didn't say anything, but allowed her to pull him across the street and into the tiny restaurant. The aroma of fresh ground coffee and vanilla hit them like burst of wind, and Terra breathed it in deeply. "Ahh… don't you just love that smell?" she asked, as they both walked up to the line before the cashier.
Conner nodded, causing his glasses to fall down his nose again. Terra looked at them curiously, and pushed them up with her finger, and giggled. "I love your glasses, you look so smart," she said sweetly.
He blushed deeply, and looked down.
He is so cay-ute! Terra thought to herself, grinning widely. She turned back to the menu, and barely heard Conner's quiet voice.
"You never answered my question,"
Startled, she turned back to him. "What question?"
"Where've you been? It's the third day you've skipped class,"
Surprised, Terra opened her mouth. Has it really been that long?
"I… I just have had a lot on my mind, sorry…?" she apologized sheepishly. "I just forgot I guess,"
Conner looked at her curiously, but didn't say anything. Instead, he reached into his jean coat pocket and pulled out a bundle of folded notebook paper. "I took some notes for you, just so you could keep up,"
"No way!" Terra shrieked, her mouth pulled into a bewildered 'O'. "You are the best, Conner! Thank you so much, I owe you big time!" She hugged him tightly, and laughed.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she repeated, and he smiled.
"I didn't think you wanted to fall behind," he answered sheepishly, but grinned. She just noticed something.
"Hey… you got your braces off!" she gasped. Conner looked up and nodded excitedly. "I know! I'll never have to wear those demon things from hell again!"
A cough both startled them and Terra looked up. It was the cashier, and the line had suddenly disappeared. "Oh, uh… sorry," Conner apologized, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
They both ordered, and stepped out of the coffee house with their hot caffeinated drinks. Walking towards the bench, Conner's brown eyes widened as Terra unexpectedly threw her arms around him in a hug. "I don't know what I'd do without a friend like you, Conner, thanks so much for the notes,"
A sweat dropped slipped from the side of his forehead as he awkwardly looked around him. "Do you always give random hugs when your friends do you a favor?" he asked, and she released him, not a bit embarrassed. That seemed to gain some respect from him, and he marveled her carefree style.
"Nope! You're special," she answered, looking down at her blue metallic watch. "Ahh, got to run, but thanks again, see you tomorrow?"
His curly brown hair swung into his eyes as he shook his head. "We don't have class tomorrow Terra… remember?"
Her mouth dropped open in surprise and she nodded, "Oh… right! Well… see you later!" She waved briefly and turned around, running back to her dorm building.
He watched her go, a worried expression on his face, but let it drop after a moment. She can take care of herself, why should I worry?
Terra turned to see if he was still there, and grinned, waving her arms and blew kisses to him overly dramatically. He chuckled and waved, and then watched as she crashed into two girls. He burst out laughing, as she recovered, red and embarrassed. She looked back at Conner, who was nearly on the ground, laughing. With a smile, she laughed too and walked back to her dorm.
Conner watched her go, recovering from his burst of laughter. God she's such a happy girl, how does she manage? He wondered, turning to walk away. She's got a nice effect on me though… he thought, chuckling as he remembered her tumble into the girls.
Bee slammed her car door shut in annoyance. The sound made a loud 'SMACK' as it closed tightly, over her shirt. She took no notice, tucking a spare strand of hair behind her ear as she felt the rain pour onto her soft chocolate skin.
How could they cancel a seminar all just because of a damn thunderstorm? She thought, scowling.
Riiipppp…
With a gasp, she looked down. Her brand new yellow sweater, closed in the car door, had been torn when she had walked off. "DAMN IT!" she cried, yanking the piece of sweater from the car door, and walked on.
Well at least I can still see Victor or Terra… maybe a movie?
She smiled a little, feeling a faint spark of hope glow inside her. Maybe tonight wouldn't be such a waste after all. Or I could grab both of them, a couple movies, and watch them all with Faith at the hospital. Yeah, I'll do that-we'll get Gar and Rob too.
Bee's smile grew. How long had it been since they had all been together, doing something fun?
Too long. The warm heat brushed into her face as she walked into the dorm building. She walked faster as she walked up the stairs, and headed onto her floor. As she approached Vic's dorm, she slowed as she heard… noises.
Paling, but smirking, she recognized those noises.
They were noises.
Someone's having fun! She thought, muffling a shriek. She raced back to her dorm and grabbed a camera. Terra wasn't in the room…
Bee looked inside Faith and Raven's dorm. Neither were inside. "Oh my gawd! Raven!" she murmured, enjoying herself immensely. "This'll make great blackmail…"
She was at the door now, and the voices had grown louder, more passionate. Oh my, my, my… Raven you dirty girl! She muffled her laughter at the sudden thought.
Holding her camera to her eye, she flung the door open and took the picture, the flash going off instantly. Bee laughed and exclaimed, "Having FU-…"
The camera dropped, her laughter ceased.
Her smile slowly disappeared.
Gray eyes met her liquid honey ones. Victor's confused expression met her shocked ones.
"…Bee?"
THRITY MINUTES EARLIER…
Victor nodded his head casually to 50 cent's, 'Disco Inferno', as he chewed on the tip of his pencil. Which of the following inventors was the first to build a car?
By car, we mean a self-powered road vehicle.
The words stared at him, and he scowled. He knew this! It was at the tip of his tongue, teasing his mind irritatingly. Nicholas Joseph… something! It was only an extra credit assignment on Nicholas Joseph (blank)'s biography, and why he could inspire him-but how the hell could he write the essay if he couldn't even remember the guy's own name?
With a growl, Victor turned on his computer, giving up completely. The internet should know… he thought, defeated.
A sudden knock at the door made him jump, and he switched off his radio. "…Come in?" he called, uncertainly. Not Robin or Gar, they'd just walk in. Same with Terra and Bee- Faith? Naah, she's at the hospital… Raven maybe?
The door opened, and to his surprise and dismay, Jenny Curse walked in, alias: Jinx. She wore a rather suggestive black mini-dress, with a pink ribbon tied around her waist. She also wore black fishnet tights and pink shoes that laced around her leg. She wore her hair in two simple braids, and a small, polite smile on her face. "Sorry to barge in," she said almost sorrowfully. "Could I just talk to you for a moment?"
He smiled uncertainly, but kindly, "No problem, something wrong?" he asked, detecting her sad tone.
She sat on the edge of his bed, and the image instantly caused his male instincts to kick in. He threw them out, before his perverted side could even start up. She licked her lips cautiously, "I don't know how to tell you this Vic… can I call you Vic?" she asked, sweetly.
Victor shrugged, "Go ahead, and you don't need to ask. But what is it you need to tell me?" she sounded, and looked, distressed. Unhappy and he knew that she was defiantly not bringing exactly… good news.
Jinx closed her soft pink eyes. "It's not about you… it's just…" she sighed, and without warning, burst into tears. Jumping back in surprise, Victor allowed the girl to throw her arms around him, and explain between sobs.
"It's just, hic, my roommates are gone, hic, I have no one to talk to, hic, and you're the only, hic, only one I know!" she cried convincingly. He nodded, bewildered, and sat down on his bed.
Jinx stood, walking back and forth across the room. Her pink braids flew back and forth as she paced. She took out a piece of gum and began to chew fiercely, and offered him a piece. He took one, and began to chew slowly, as she explained.
"First I failed my first interior designing exam, and then I nearly got mauled by these sick perverts, and then my dad called to say that he was cutting off my credit card account!" Her pink eyes flashed with emotion, and her face showed no other sentiment but despair. But Victor didn't seem to realize anything… anything at all, but her.
The walls were… melting… the air was…. swirling…
And Jinx was there.
She was
There… everything smelled like spearmint. Everything was… different.
Victor blinked and tried to regain focus. He sat up; realizing Jinx was no longer talking. She was… on him! He pushed her away, "Bee…?" he called, but Jinx giggled and pushed him back down. "No silly, say it with me… Jinx…"
Her dress was off, no where to be seen. His hands fell on her lacey pink bra.
This is WRONG! A voice shouted. Tell her to GET OUT! But it was faint. And it was gone the moment it had appeared.
"-Say it with me… Jinx…"
Victor blinked, and then closed his eyes, allowing himself to be spellbound by her movements, her body, and fall into delusion. "Jinx…"
o.o
I'm done.
It took me forever… but I'm done! YES!
Again, I apologize for the long wait. School has taken its firm grasp on me, updating might be a bit longer. But I'll try not to make it that long…
THANK YOU TO ALL MY LOVELY REVIEWERS! YOU REALLY HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOU ALL MEAN TO ME!
And I'm not just saying that-to say it.
Seriously, thanks for your support.
Besides Seethet… -Rolls eyes- But of course, none of that really matters. Thanks again you guys!
Please review, please be happy!
Love
Miss Rosie ReaL