"The thing that you refuse to uproot will ruin you. The thing that you refuse to fight against will kill you." ― Sunday Adelaja
Rey's carelessness leads her down a dark path.
Rey shuddered in her bed. Her hair spilled over her face, covering her vision.
Your negligence is a product of unburied resentment.
She groaned as she tossed around.
Leia brought her back to her apartment after driving into that alleyway. Once Rey went back inside, the only thing that remained of the man in her home was blood stains.
Her mouth went dry at the thought of what could have happened if she didn't spare him.
She would have shot him. Her eyes glazed over. The man would have been just another victim of life like her.
That's not entirely true, the voice purred, chuckling.
How can you be a victim?
She bit the inside of her cheek, her heart pumping. The voice in her head rang some truth.
How can I be a victim when I'm being watched?
Rey brushed a hand into her hair, throwing it out of her sight. Holding a hand up, she turned away from the scar. She recoiled at the sight of it.
You'll get used to it.
BB8 jumped onto her bed, purring. Rey appreciated the warmth, although it didn't douse her heart. Her heart rate sped up, and goosebumps covered her head to toe.
The man in the tavern popped in her mind from time to time as the night drew on. Her sunken eyes opened up, feeling the sun rays sink into her skin.
She repeated her monotonous routine to get ready for the day. The final day of working for Plutt had finally come. Swinging her arms around, Rey's heart decelerated as she fed BB8.
She pet the kitten, making sure they were comfortable. She grabbed her bag, walking towards the door.
Stepping out of her apartment, she raked her eyes onto the kitten clock. Her vision darkened as the annoying music started playing. She held her stare, her mood dampened.
Rey locked her apartment, the hairs on her neck raising. She hurried away down the steps to the local coffee shop nearby.
Entering it, she glimpsed around the place. The café had a low number of patrons who were typing away at their laptops. The shiny floors and intricate design contrasted Maz's rustic feel and aging boards.
Gulping, Rey took a step into the shop, her palms sweating.
"What would you like to order?"
The various options jumped out at Rey, flooding her sight. Coffees, lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos made her head throb. Furrowing her eyebrows, Rey slightly stammered.
"A peppermint latte."
"Will that be all?"
Rey nods, giving the cashier the money. She glanced over her shoulder a few times. None of the customers in the shop gave her a sideways glance, focusing on their work.
Once she got her receipt, she sat down, waiting for her number to be called. Drumming her fingers against the table, Rey bit the inside of her cheek.
"Number 2187."
They must have a lot of customers. They probably think they're so fancy with those prices.
The voice's biting tone wasn't lost on her.
Rey went over to front, grabbing her drink. Inspecting the cup, she noticed a red and black symbol with initials 'FO' under it.
Standing up, Rey stumbled from her chair. Her cup bumped into someone's hard chest, its contents spilled onto them. Rey's eyes grew wide and avoided eye contact with the person.
"A-are you okay?"
She stuttered, her gaze downward as she drew napkins out. The person snorted, their arms.
"I've got something resembling vomit on me. What do you think?"
He growled at her.
If only I could just curl into a ball again and pretend like the world didn't exist.
She wiped as hard as she could. After some harsh rubbing, she stepped. Her mouth opened, forming an O.
Shit!
She clenched her jaw, her eyes squinted.
"I'm so sorry."
"You better be."
The man snorts again. Rey shrunk back, hanging her head down. Clenching her fists, Rey inhaled and exhaled, determined. Her face rose, and she froze.
No! No! No! No! Fuck.
She cursed in her mind, trying to weigh her options.
I guess this is what staying low entails.
The voice cackles, teasing in its tone.
Imagine spilling coffee on someone. Now, imagine that person being one of your worst nightmares.
The voice rambled on, chortling. Rey's face burned as she looked at the man. The same smouldering gaze from slanted onyx eyes bored on her. This time, however, they were bloodshot.
The other people in the cafe stared at them, snickers and smiles on their faces. They goaded at her, her cheeks burning. The man pulled her to him.
"Once we get out of here, you'll be sorry."
His lips glide against her earlobe, tickling it. Rey shivered. His heartbeat droned, its rhythms syncing with hers. His long hands placed firmly on her shoulders, propelling her forward to outside.
Blood rushed to her veins, her vision grew cloudy. She turned to him, his gaze still on her. She sent a jab to his stomach with her elbow. He faltered slightly before pushing her against a car, his arm on her throat.
She glowered at him, a scowl on her face. He smirked, his cold fingers tracing her skin. The smile didn't reach his soulless eyes.
Pressing a hand to his ear, he monitored her.
"We'll be leaving."
Rey's eyes narrowed, her scowl remained.
"I'm sure as hell not leaving with you."
The man pinched the bridge of his nose. He stopped, using a finger to tip Rey's face up to his.
"You're not in a position to make demands."
He's right you know, the voice remarked.
Whose side are you on?
Nobody's. I enjoy seeing you squirm.
Rey huffs as a black vehicle pulls up by the sidewalk. A red haired man in a military uniform walks out, his hands behind his back.
"Take her."
The man holding her curtly says, pushing her to the other man. Rey grits her teeth as the man quirks an eyebrow.
"This is the beauty you've been looking for, Ren?"
"She's more of an uncouth child."
Ren smoothly said, opening the door.
"Put her in the back seat, Armitage."
Rey socked Armitage in the jaw. Blood dribbled from his mouth. He pulled a white handkerchief, dabbing at it.
"She has no poise nor grace. Do you expect the Supreme Leader to not look down on you?"
Armitage barked at Ren, sneering. Ren didn't change his facial expression, still raking his eyes on Rey.
"Put her in the backseat."
Ren stepped forward, his beady eyes narrowing.
"Or else, you'll face the consequences."
Rey proceeded to be thrown into the car. Armitage wiped his gloves, entering the driver seat and Ren sat in the back with her.
Rey peered over, noticing an imposing woman with sun-kissed blonde hair. The woman's eyes twinkled as her pink lips curled up.
"I didn't know we were here for your plaything, Ren," the woman purred, chuckling.
Ren's vein popped, a sneer marred his face.
"Drive," he grunts to Armitage, who steps on the gas.