Blood rushed through her veins as she exhaled a sigh of relief. Pulling out her key, she opened the door, looking around the desolate and miserable apartment she proudly called home. Nothing was disturbed and everything was in place.
The walls were tinged slightly yellow with cracks forming at the bottom. With every careful step, the floorboards creaked shamelessly. The ambient silver from the moonlight shone through the windows. Dust bunnies, scavenged antiques, and gears lay strewn around the living room table.
The only form of luxury was the couch with oil stains. A putrid smell remained, the only evidence of its use. She collapses onto the sofa, her face smashed right onto the pillow.
"Fuck," Rey grumbles into the pillow. Exhaustion clouded her vision with her ankles aching.
At least, it was near the end of the week. Just one more day with putting up with Plutt and then, she'd finally be free.
She would never see that obsolete junkyard again. No more leering from narrow-minded people or the constant barking from Plutt.
Don't act like you don't appreciate those jabs. They're the only bit of attention you get.
Rey sits up on her couch, her hair tousled, as she inhales through her nose. Her hands shook with a tremor.
She sighed as she peered over at the calendar. Today was the day. Tears started to leak out from her eyes. A day of celebration turned into a day of mourning.
You're pathetic. Those callous words echoed in her head. She bit her lip nervously as she held the pillow.
Get up already, coward. You're burning daylight.
The mocking tone of the voice didn't bother her. In all honesty, it was the sense of familiarity she had.
Grumbling as she got up, Rey went over to her tiny kitchen, rummaging through her fridge. Her friend, Merlot, was inside it. Merlot was a vice, but she didn't mind savoring it. Rey pulled out the Merlot, placing on her countertop. A card stood alone on the barren tabletop.
Rey looked at the card, opening it. Instantly, she became unraveled by small chuckles.
Happy birthday, Rey! You're one of the best friends I could ever have. Even though you're the devil incarnate! I wish I could be there with you. - Finn
She rolled her eyes, slightly scoffing at the notion of her being "the devil". The sneer took hold on her face, but she could barely contain her laughter. Her features softened as she brushed her fingers against her hair.
"Finn," Rey fondly mutters, clutching the note to her chest. It was as if she expected to feel some warmth, but it never existed.
The pearl shaped tears reappeared as she slid down. Quiet sobs escaped her lips as the salty tears painted them. Her chest rumbled, teeth clenched. She leaned up, grabbing a glass and the Merlot, pouring it inside.
Rey gripped the glass, admiring the ruby liquid that sloshed around inside it.
No matter how much she tried, the fragmented memories and emotions kept pouring on. If that's what the universe wants to use as punishment for her, then so be it.
She raises the glass to her lips, sipping the succulent wine. Its coldness was a form of comfort for her. Her throat burned, her eyes darting, and her chest kept expanding and compressing.
The sobs came barreling out. No amount of Taylor Swift or Paramore could fix this.
What even is this?
For once in her lifetime, she found herself agreeing with the voice. What was her problem? She was on the floor of her barren apartment, sobbing with her glass of wine. How pitiful could she be?
A burning sensation that coursed through her body could not be easily expunged. Rather, it continued. Her nose wrinkled and a sneer took hold of her face again. Rey's eyes slowly closed as her sobbing slowed.
She was edging closer and closer to inebriation. Just another sip and she would step over the line.
A distinct purr cut through the air. Her breath hitched as her eyes fluttered open. The orange American Bobtail cat looked up at her with its wide green eyes. Rey sighs as she smiled at the kitten.
The cat scurried away after receiving its dinner for the night.
She had almost forgotten that she was pet sitting for Poe.
Don't forget about Finn. After all, you're the only one still here. How unfortunate.
Her eyes slightly darkened. The voice rang true from time to time. The feeling she tried to push down kept rising. Her throat continued to constrict as she grits her teeth.
Jessika, Rose, Finn, Poe, and Kaydel were all gone, probably living it up on that trip to the Bahamas. She had declined, giving work as an excuse.
She hadn't exactly lied, but it wasn't entirely true.
If they knew the truth, they'd shun you.
The malicious nature of the voice sent a shiver down her spine.
You're not as pure as they think you are. You're even worse.
Her cracked nails were stained in scarlet. The thick liquid flowed as she took a sharp inhale. The coagulation had started to take form.
It feels warm, doesn't it?
Yes, it did. There was a lack of repulsion from Rey as she just let the scarlet liquid drip. She welcomed it back home.
She found the pain exhilarating as she lay in the darkness, planning her next move.
Unbeknownst to her, a camera was perfectly perched on top of her refrigerator with high-resolution images already being sent.