ImPORTANT NOTE: This chapter does warrant a note. I just want to give you guys a heads up about some not so great mentions later on. Proceed with caution.
Chapter Seven
I heard no sound, no movement, but I knew better than to think that that meant they were sticking around. It had been close this time. Too close. I wasn't sure how much longer they would be able to resist taking me away, and that put an incredible amount of pressure on me.
They'd even brought Esme in on it too, probably in hopes I would listen to her. That just showed that they were hard at work, trying to come up with a solution for me. I shook my head.
About a minute later, Heather came in to get me for dinner. The thought of dinner made me nervous, though. Not only did I doubt my ability to eat anything else, but it meant the day was coming to a close. If the day had been this complicated, how would the night turn out?
I whined as I got up, attempting to stretch.
"What is it, sweetie?" She asked.
"I don't wanna go back down there." I admitted tiredly, looking down. Her expression saddened and she sighed.
"I can't say I blame you much." She replied, gently smoothing my hair in the back as I came to her side. I went to continue on, but she caught my shoulder gently, so I turned to look up at her. She hesitated a moment before closing the door quietly. She obviously had something to say, "Honey, listen to me."
I was listening, so I waited.
"I just want you to know that if Jack leaves you here," She went on, "You'll be coming home with us." I blinked in surprise, "I don't care what he thinks you've done. Leaving you here would be.. A very cruel punishment, and he knows that."
"H-How did you know-"
"Mike has been talking to Jack all afternoon, honey." She answered, "Jack might be smart, but sometimes, he lets a few things slip when he lets his guard down."
That made sense.
"I wish I could take you home anyway," She murmured sadly, "If I had known that my brother had a hold of you this whole time, I never would have left you there." I knew that.
"I wish you could too." I couldn't help letting that slip too.
"All you need to do for that to happen, is just be honest with me." She crouched carefully in front of me.
"I can't." I said, "I wish I could, but I can't."
"Why not?" She asked, and I stayed quiet, biting my lip, "Has he threatened you?" She clearly already knew that answer, so I looked down, "If he's threatened you, honey, that's all you need to tell me."
"He's just mad." I said instead, needing to vent a little bit to someone who would understand, "He's mad because I was talking to somebody I shouldn't have been."
"I see." She murmured calmly, "That explains it. Who were you talking to?" I felt like I could be honest with her, knowing her so well.
"Alice." I answered quietly, "Cullen." She immediately recognized that last name, interested.
"Dr. Cullen's daughter?" She asked, and I nodded.
"I've never really had any friends, so I wanted one."
"Has Dr. Cullen met you?" She asked carefully, and I nodded again, "Recently?"
"Yeah." I replied softly, "The day before we came here. Jack got mad at me because I went over to their house when he said for me to stay home."
"I see." She nodded again, "Jack's trying to keep you away from them?" I nodded again, more hesitantly this time.
"Just please don't tell Jack I told you about it." I mumbled quietly, "He's already pretty mad."
"I won't." She assured me, gently smoothing my hair again, "Don't worry, I promise." I took a breath and looked down. I couldn't help being worried, though. I never meant to let that much slip, but because I trusted her so much from the vision, I couldn't help being so open with her now.
Heather had been such a huge part of my life before. She'd been the one human I looked up to most. My role model, and one of the best friends I'd ever had. She helped me get through the absolute hardest moments of my life. All of that didn't just disappear this time when I woke up. I remembered it all, every kind word and comforting moment.
She was about to speak again, but I looked over sharply, jumping a step to the side as the door came open forcefully. Looking up at Jack standing there, his hand lingering on the door knob. The look in his eyes told me he was very suspicious of us talking. All he had to do was look at me, and I was turning away from Heather. Walking swiftly passed him from the room and heading for the stairs.
I'd been doing okay until he showed up. The extra shock of fear he caused turned my stomach again. Maybe the way my heart pounded more had a lot to do with it, but I almost couldn't hold back the nausea this time.
"Hey there, sleepyhead." Ken greeted me once I finished descending the stairs. He was too calm now, and I was suspicious, but I didn't have it in me to care right then. I made my way straight to the bathroom, and the throwing up process started all over again as soon as I locked the door behind me.
I seemed to have plateaued. The bruising wasn't any worse, and neither was the amount of blood I threw up. The pain wasn't any worse, but it wasn't any better either. I was pretty sure, though, I could hang on a few more days if nothing else happened.
I hadn't even realized I was falling asleep until the knock at the door behind me made me jump.
"Yeah." My voice trembled slightly, "I'll be out in a minute." I didn't care who it was. I was grateful for their knock as it woke me up. I stood up shakily, and finished up in the bathroom. Making sure to rinse out my mouth thoroughly before I walked out.
"Wow." Zack was the first one to comment once I appeared in the kitchen, "Leandra, you look like crap." I looked up, spotting just how many people were actually looking at me. Both Heather and Mike had stopped what they were doing to look at me. Josh had turned in his chair at the small kitchen table, while Zack was half-kneeled in another chair. Ken's slight smile and firm gaze was what made me more uncomfortable.
I hadn't even thought to look at myself in the mirror, so I couldn't confirm or deny Zack's comment.
"I'm fine." I mumbled, mostly to myself as I found my own seat, "Just tired."
"You don't look tired." Zack replied, "You look dead."
"That's enough of that." Heather told him, "Leave her alone." I was grateful for that, but I knew I'd probably have to answer to her later. As soon as I came into the room, though, Jack stood up and walked out the back door. I watched after him, finding the seat next to Zack.
He hadn't said one word to me since I scratched him. I couldn't help wondering if, by doing that, I'd done the opposite of what I wanted to do. I remembered him being distant before, but this was different somehow. This time, he was avoiding me altogether.
He didn't come back in, but I had something else to focus on right then. With a small, sad smile, Heather placed a plate in front of me. Obviously she knew I wasn't feeling that well, as the portions on the plate were small. I appreciated that, because it made eating seem less overwhelming.
"I'll be right back," She told me, "Okay? Just let me know if you need anything." I nodded a little, watching as she turned and left the kitchen. It was nice to have someone on my side, even if she didn't fully understand.
I managed to eat a bit of what Heather placed in front of me. Mostly the salad, though. That seemed to sit better in my stomach than I knew the spaghetti would. Double bonus, the salad wouldn't hurt nearly as bad coming back up later as the spaghetti would.
After about ten minutes, Heather returned. Nothing seemed off, so I didn't wonder too much about where she'd gone. I was just glad she was back.
Just like I always remembered of them, both Josh and Zack were done eating and running off in record time. I was still nibbling on lettuce, but I had entertainment to distract me, which oddly helped. Josh and Zack had both found the couch pillows in the living room, and were flinging them at each other like weapons.
About the third pillow that hit the window blinds, I thought to warn them, but Heather spoke up first.
"Guys," She called from her seat, "Try not to break anything, would you?"
"We won't." They both answered at the same time.
"Yeah they will." I muttered, and Mike, seated next to her, chuckled. I wished for a second I could join them, because I remembered how fun pillow wars were, but I knew I couldn't.
Mike was the next one done eating, sitting back in his seat.
"Is Jack coming back in?" He asked, looking to Ken, "He hasn't eaten, has he?"
"I couldn't say." Ken replied with a sigh, "He's been in such a mood since Leandra attacked him." I looked down. I'd already felt a little guilty about that, but Ken mentioning it just made it worse.
"Let him starve." Heather commented with a small shrug, standing up, "If he wants to act like a toddler, I'm not babying him." She had a point. I stood up as well, grabbing my plate and following her further into the kitchen toward the sink.
"How do you do that?" I asked quietly, and she glanced down at me.
"Do what, sweetie?" She asked in return.
"How do you not care how he acts?" I clarified, and she smiled sadly, "I've tried."
"It comes with practice." She answered honestly, gently taking my plate from me, "Does he do this a lot?"
"Not really." I replied, glancing toward the back door, "I guess it's because I don't really act like that. At least I try not to."
"Why today?" She asked,
"Long story." I eventually admitted, "I just hate him so much sometimes."
"He makes it easy to hate him." She allowed, and I looked down. She sighed, "Honey, whatever he's done, you need to tell me." We were far enough away from the others, and our voices were so quiet, I wasn't really that worried about Ken overhearing, but I was still nervous.
I stayed silent so she spoke softer, "You weren't really hit by a car, were you?" I hesitated a moment longer before I shook my head, "And it's worse than you're telling me." I nodded, "And you're afraid to tell me, because I can help you." I swallowed nervously. It was at least good to know how much she'd observed already. It let me know where I stood.
I debated for a second before I glanced back at the sound of Ken standing up.
"I wish you wouldn't ask me that." I mumbled to her, keeping my eyes down.
"Look at you two." I tensed at Ken's voice coming from right behind me. He chuckled, "Having a nice little chat?"
The second I felt his hand start to place itself on my shoulder, I ducked away. Heather looked down at me as I came to her other side, giving me a look that told me she sadly understood.
Heather replied to him stiffly, "We were, until you rudely interrupted."
"It's what I do." He sounded almost proud of that, "Why don't you go play, sweetheart?" It wasn't an option. I gave a tense nod and turned away.
"We'll talk later." Heather offered as I walked away. Instead of leaving the kitchen, though, I paused. I debated for a moment before I changed directions and headed out the back door. I closed the door behind me, finding Jack sitting there.
I wasn't even sure at first if he wanted to talk, but he spoke up before I could.
"What the fuck was that?" He demanded of me, and I paused in walking closer. I decided to just be honest with him.
"I don't want you to leave me." I admitted quietly, "So I thought if I made you mad at me, you wouldn't." It seemed to surprise him that I was honest.
"That's the stupidest fucking thing I've ever heard." He replied flatly, "What the fuck is your problem?"
"You know what he's like." I answered, "He only wants you to leave me here so you won't have to deal with me when I die. He said so himself."
"Well, I guess I don't have to ask where you got that stupid idea from." He sighed, "He's just trying to scare you."
"No," I shook my head, "He meant what he said. If you don't take me to the hospital, then I won't be going at all." I felt like I had to warn him, "That's why he wants to keep me." He shook his head.
"I think I know him better than you fucking do." He snapped lightly. He still didn't believe me.
"I don't want to die." I couldn't keep the break in my voice back, knowing it wouldn't help my case any.
"Shut the fuck up." He snapped harsher this time, standing up, "You're fine." I shook my head again, letting him know without speaking that I wasn't okay. He ignored that, "You're always finding something to bitch about. God I'm so sick of you."
"Why can't you just care about me?"
"Maybe I would if you weren't so goddamn pathetic." He countered, "Why the fuck would I care about something like you? I care about the dogshit in the parking lot across town more than I care about you, you stupid little bitch. Get the fuck out of my face with that shit before I snap your fucking neck."
I took deep breaths, trying to figure out how to reply.
"I-I thought-"
"There's your first mistake." He told me harshly, "Thinking isn't your strongest suit. You're fucking stupid. You don't fucking think. You don't listen, and you don't do what you're fucking told. You're fucking useless. You're a waste of space, and a worthless little sack of shit that nobody gives a fucking shit about. Never will." I kept my eyes down, unable to look up at him now, "You want someone to care about you? That's never gonna fucking happen. The only reason I kept you around as long as I did was for my own entertainment. You were just something for me to use up, and throw away. That's all you're fucking good for. That's all you'll ever be good for."
No matter how many times he said things like that me, it never stopped hurting. I wasn't even sure why I cared so much. I knew it did no good to take what he said to heart, but sometimes, I really couldn't help it. I didn't cry, but it bothered me.
"Can I ask something?" I mumbled, receiving only a silent glare, "If you really think of me like that.. Then.." I paused for a second, "Why am I here?!"
The second my shout was free, he stood up. He stood up, and I stepped back.
"You're here because I don't want to deal with you anymore." He told me, "Your worthless mom didn't want you either, so it's not just me."
"That's a lie." I glared up at him, "She's not here because she got tired of being drunk all the time. Because you made her that way." His eyes narrowed a bit, "When I was little. You made her that way so she would be out of the way, and it's your fault my dad left. It wasn't because he didn't want me like you said. You were just jealous that I liked him better than I ever liked you."
Of course, all I was saying was based on what my mom and dad had explained to me on different occasions.
"I'm glad she got away." I went on, "I hope she stays away, and I hope she tells everyone what kind of person you are. I hope she gets you in so much trouble for what you did to her and me, and I hope you die in jail."
He took a quick step toward me, and I stumbled back. Catching myself on a porch post, I glared up at him.
"Get out of my sight." He growled, pointing sharply at the house.
"Why?" I asked, "Because you know I'm right?"
"Because I'm about two seconds from fucking strangling you. I'm giving you fair fucking warning that you're about to die right now." He was being honest. I saw it in his eyes. I hesitated, so he stepped closer again and I scurried back again. He kept coming, though, so I scooted inside, "Get, you stupid bitch."
He slammed the door behind me, and I glanced back as he turned sharply from the door, cursing loudly to himself. I knew I'd pissed him off good this time, as he started at a fast walk toward the beach. He was going to walk it off, apparently.
I had to take a moment before I could move any further, leaning on the kitchen table for strength as moving as quickly as I did had knocked the breath out of me. Emotion tried to take me over, but holding my breath, I managed to fight it back.
"Leandra." I jumped at Heather's quiet voice from the other side of the kitchen. I hadn't noticed her standing there, the kitchen window wide open. I forced myself to stand upright, rounding to look at her.
My nervousness exploded at knowing she had heard everything I'd just said. That was as good as any confession I could have given her myself, and for a terrifying moment, I wondered exactly what she was going to do with that information. She could do anything. I tried to remember exactly what all was said, but my scared mind wouldn't move.
"Easy." She murmured, obviously concerned. I only then realized how tense I must have seemed to her. She walked closer, "Sit, sweetie." I took her advice, sitting in the nearest chair and watching her fill a glass with water.
I jumped as I heard Ken's laugh from the next room, but that only told me he was distracted for now. That was a big plus at least.
Heather walked over to me, handing me the glass of water, which I accepted gratefully as she sat down in the seat next to mine. She was silent for a minute, just watching me try to calm down.
"I'm okay." I mumbled, sipping a bit of water.
"Does he always talk to you like that?" She asked, but I knew she already knew that answer, so I didn't bother answering. She leaned closer, "Honey, he's wrong."
"I know." I replied quietly.
"For what it's worth," She said gently, and I glanced up, "I think you're really brave, confronting him like that."
"Nothing I do is helping." I admitted, staring at my glass of water on the table, "No matter what I do, it's not changing his mind."
"I meant what I said, honey." She said, "If he tries to leave you here, I'll take you in a heartbeat."
"I don't know if it would work like that." I replied, "I can't go with you. I want to, but I can't."
"Why not?" She asked quietly, "Don't listen the the lies they've told you."
"It's not that." I shook my head, "It's a really long story."
"Please don't be angry with me, but I spoke to Dr. Cullen. Just a moment ago." I looked up, so she continued, "Honey, he's very concerned about you." I half wondered if she was supposed to be telling me this.
"I know he is." I sighed, "But he shouldn't be. Neither should you. Nobody should be. I'm fine." It was a halfhearted attempt to lie, as she could clearly see that I wasn't okay. I was mainly trying to lie to myself. I needed to believe it if I was going to pull this off.
"Apparently, he's seen some bruising?" I sighed at the reminder.
"Yeah," I muttered, pointing to my face briefly, "So have you."
"That's not what I meant." She replied, "And I know that's not what he meant. He wants your trust so badly, but you're simply refusing to come forward."
"Please stop asking me about it." I mumbled, "Why can't everyone just stop asking about it?"
"Because I know exactly what Jack is capable of." She answered gently, "Knowing what he's capable of, and seeing you in comparison scares me. Honey, it terrifies me."
I sighed, standing up, "I'm tired." I turned to leave, but she caught my hand. I hesitated, looking at her for a silent moment, waiting for her to say what she had to say.
"I know." She murmured, "I know you're scared, but all I'm asking for is just a little bit of trust."
"If you know him so well," I mumbled, knowing I should just shut up, "Then you know I won't say anything, even if there was anything to say." I could see that she knew I was right.
She really didn't look like she wanted to let it go, but thankfully, she listened to me. The sadness in her expression made me turn and walk away.
I chose to spend the rest of the evening in the living room, though. It seemed to be the safest place. Josh had given up in the pillow war, and sat watching TV, so I sat with him and watched too. Both of us ignoring the commotion off to the side as Zack and Mike continued on.
I had a lot on my mind, though. Jack was useless to rely on, and that had really been the only hope I was allowed to have. He was choosing to stay under that blanket of denial, and his stupid pride and need to be right all the time were going to get me killed.
While I sat there, though, I tried again to just accept my fate, and I did a lot of thinking. Heather was obviously onto me, and that was dangerous. At any moment she could have enough, and call someone because she didn't understand. She didn't know why I was trying so hard to stay right where I was and hold out as long as I could.
I sat there through the nervousness and nausea. I sat there through the dizziness and depression. I could feel myself letting go, but there was still that one last shred of hope that no matter how screwed up everything was, I could still do what I came here to do.
It was hard, so many things coming in between my goal and me, but I knew I could do it. Like I told Carlisle. Even if it was the last thing I did, I would keep Jack's attention on me, but more and more, I was feeling like I was losing track and in way over my head.
Despite having almost no sleep the night before, Jack stayed up until Heather and the boys went to bed. Following them shortly after. I stood up, so I could follow him, but he looked right at me, pointing a firm finger in my face.
"No." He said, "You stay." Without offering an explanation or any further instruction, he walked away. I whimpered, but sat back down, watching after him.
Well, shit. What was I supposed to do now?
It was as he was walking away that I fully began to realize. I was losing absolutely everyone from my old life. Heather, Mike, and the boys. The Cullens. All because of the person turning his back on me right then. Once again, this wasn't turning out like I thought it would. Things were going wrong left and right at a pace even I couldn't have anticipated.
It was a feeling I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. To literally have nothing else to look forward to but to suffer and die. To have nothing left in my life worth fighting for. All of that stripped away from me the moment I woke up again, and I knew. This was where I'd chosen to put myself.
Something off to the side caught my attention. Ken was still in the kitchen, cleaning up after a round of dessert, but from where I sat I could see out into the backyard. There on the dark patio, stood Alice. Gesturing for me to come outside. I was surprised to see her at first, but I shook that off. Slowly, I shook my head.
"Go home." I mouthed the words, knowing she would understand me. She placed her hands on her hips, giving me a firm look. Didn't she understand that she was just making this harder on me? I was scared enough, not knowing how the night would go now that Ken and I were the only ones in here.
I looked over as Ken finally finished up in the kitchen. Alice ducked out of sight as he flipped off the kitchen light with a sigh and walked over to me. Every step he took made me want to run even more, but I couldn't budge. Running wouldn't get me far, and it'd just piss him off. I'd done a pretty good job of that today already. I didn't want to add to it.
"Cold shoulder, huh?" He asked me, referring to Jack. At first, I was surprised he was being nice, so I just shrugged a little.
"Yeah." I mumbled quietly, "Has been all day. I don't even think he'll let me in." I looked over as he sat down on the couch beside me, "What'd you say to him? He still thinks you'll take me to the hospital."
"I told him the truth." He replied simply, "I told him how it is. How it has to be. What he's probably doing now is cutting you out. It's the simplest, easiest way."
"Oh." I murmured.
"Come on." He said, "Don't look so sad. I promise I'll make your last days worth it." That's what I was afraid of. By now, though, I wasn't surprised to hear him say that.
"I don't know if I got days." I admitted, and he chuckled.
"If you're still able to keep food down now and then, you've got days." He nodded a little, "Now, I'll bet one good punch to the stomach would probably kill you, but that's a last resort. I won't do that unless I have to. You know that, right?" Silently, I nodded. I did know that. He spoke again, "I'm sorry I was so mean earlier, but you pushed my patience."
"I know." I replied, "I don't know why I did it. It didn't do any good."
"People do strange things when they're told they're going to die." He explained lightly, "Which is why I'm willing to let it slide, if you're good from now on." I stayed quiet, staring at my hands.
"I don't think when I'm scared." I mumbled, "So I dunno if I can be good like you want me to be."
"Honey," He murmured, "If you're looking for mercy, you're not going to find it here. I've been as patient as I possibly can with you, but I can tell you right now that that's not going to last."
"I know." I mumbled again, almost silently. I was trying so hard to just accept my fate, but I couldn't help being afraid.
Once again, I recalled what I remembered being told of Heather and Jack's life when they were kids. How the hell did Heather survive? Her entire life was like this. Worse, even, because her mother only added to it.
In the dimly lit living room, just the TV on, I felt impossibly alone. I tensed hard as Ken reached over with a heavy sigh and pulled me sideways up onto his lap. His arms around me, my legs over one of his legs. My butt centered, unfortunately. I sat as still as I possibly could, my entire body from my feet up to my neck locked.
I did what I could to just bite my lip and deal with it, but this just bothered me far too much to tolerate it. My wide eyes were tearing up, and the last thing I wanted was for him to see me cry. I needed to move.
"Now, now." He murmured to me, "Just relax." Not possible. The tone of his voice pushed me to try to escape.
I grunted as he squeezed me a little, and I squirmed, placing my hand against his chest and pushing away from him slightly like a cat that didn't want to be held. Like a stubborn child determined to hold that cat, he pulled me back to him. Countering each push of my hands with grasping holds of his own. Chuckling, which told me that this was all just a game to him.
With his free hand, he caught my left wrist, bringing it down and across my body until his right hand could capture it. His right arm held me so I couldn't back up or throw myself sideways off his lap. Nearly cradling me.
His free hand explored my face, my neck, my shoulders, just beneath the collar of my shirt. Getting more tense by the second. Despite how his grip wasn't near tight enough to make it hard for me to breathe, it was. I felt like I couldn't breathe, like I was drowning but no matter how I turned my head or twisted, I couldn't find air. It was scary, and I would have given almost anything to get myself out of that situation. Almost, although my fear grew stronger the more tense he got.
His hand went back to holding my face, his palm against my chin, his fingers on one side of my face and his thumb on the other. He first placed one slow kiss against the side of my head, then another against my cheek, just under my eye. He just started to turn my head toward him, when I gasped out.
"Stop." I whimpered, the sound choked in desperation, "Please stop."
Oddly, instead of making it worse, speaking up seemed to help.
He chuckled, "Okay. You're right. I'm sorry." Surprisingly, he did stop. The pressure he'd placed on my face eased as he released his grip on it. He just held me now, allowing me to catch my breath once the heart-pounding fear eased a bit. I was still restrained, but I would tolerate that as long as he stopped trying to suffocate me.
"You'll get used to that." He told me, "Or you won't. I really don't care." His chuckle sounded loud to me.
That wasn't comforting to me. His arm constricted a bit, pulling me closer to his chest and pinning me there. He buried his nose in my hair, breathing in deeply before kissing my head, "What I wouldn't give to keep you." He sighed almost contentedly, resting his cheek on the top of my head.
So what was the difference between this time and last time? What made him stop when I asked him to this time? I didn't care. I was just unbelievably grateful that he did. Out of the corner of my eye, from where I sat, I could see Alice had returned to the door. I did what I could to look at her without alerting Ken, and it worked, but I couldn't tell her anything.
Being smashed like this in his arms, it was hard to calm myself down enough to calm her down.
Even from the dark, and where I sat, I could see how badly she wanted to come in here. I could see the struggle in her eyes, but I kept my expression firm. Despite how I was probably visibly trembling, I shook my head ever so slightly. Enough for her to know that I was okay for now.
Up the stairs, we both clearly heard a door open, and I tore my gaze away from the door. I wasn't sure if I should be relieved, or more worried in case it was Jack.
With a heavy sigh, Ken lifted me again and sat me back on the couch. I crawled away, sitting on the other end of the couch just as the light along the stairs turned on, providing more light for us to see by. I glanced back over at the door, thankful that I no longer saw Alice.
Perhaps thirty seconds later, Heather made it down the stairs. I looked over at her, watching as she seemed to take in the scene in front of her.
"Where's Jack?" She was obviously confused.
"He went to bed already." Ken replied.
"And he didn't take her?" She asked, now concerned.
"He's in a bad mood." Ken answered, "So I think it's best if she spends the night with me."
Heather immediately scoffed, "No. She'll be sleeping in our room tonight." I couldn't help immediately standing, "Go on up, sweetheart. I'll be up in a minute." I nodded, rounding for the stairs shakily.
"Now, just hold on a minute, Leandra." Ken's voice made me stop, hesitating as I nervously watched him stand up. He came closer, and Heather moved back, coming to stand next to me. I looked up at her as she gently took my shoulder.
"You two have been talking all day." He pointed out, "And I'm pretty curious about what."
"You." Heather answered easily, "And Jack."
"I see." He nodded a little, "So you've been filling the kid's head with lies?"
"I haven't told her anything." She replied, "Any opinion she has of you is her own. For example.." She looked down to me, "Sweetie, where would you rather spend the night?" I wasn't sure about answering, looking over at Ken nervously.
"You." I told her quietly.
Ken chuckled, "Well, guess what? You're nine. You'll sleep where I tell you to sleep."
"You don't talk to her like that." Heather snapped before I could reply, but I was getting more nervous by the second.
"You just wait your turn." Ken scolded her, and a look of incredulous disbelief came to her face. He reached for me, and she literally slapped his hand away. She looked down at me, and her hand on my shoulder gently turned me back toward the stairs.
"Go ahead." She murmured, "There's room for you on the love seat." I didn't mind that thought. I took a step, and though Ken didn't seem too happy, he didn't say anything more. Probably due to what he saw in Heather's eyes. I saw it too, so I went on. I ascended the stairs slowly, but I paused at the top, listening to Heather's heated whispers. The walls of the stairway acted like a funnel, scooping up a lot of sound and allowing me to pick it up.
"I know what you're doing." I heard her, "You and Jack. You both are psychotic. Both of you make me sick. This is low, even for you guys."
"Oh?" Ken replied, obviously interested.
"She's not something you two can just play with like this." She answered, her low voice dripping with hatred, "She's a person. She's a terrified child, and if I see you lay a hand on her, for any reason between now and when we leave tomorrow, I'll rip it off at the wrist. You hear me?"
"I can see you're upset." Ken's responding chuckle chilled me, "Are you jealous that I've found a replacement? It's not like you to toss empty threats, baby girl."
"Go to hell." She growled, and I couldn't help descending the stairs a bit to peer around the railing. Ken was moving right for her. I tensed in fear as she backed up, but he kept coming. Eventually, she laid a loud slap against his face. I flinched at the sound.
He narrowed his eyes at her, unphased. He tried to return the favor, but she caught his hand. That didn't stop his other hand from grabbing her around the neck and pushing her back against the wall beneath the stairs with a thud.
"I thought I taught you." He told her as she fought in his grip, "I don't care how old you get. You don't ever raise your hand to me, you fucking bitch. Act tough all you want to, but we both know you're nothing."
I couldn't help being reminded of when I slapped Jack the other day in my room, and the words he spoke to me earlier today. I couldn't help wondering, though, if this was how I would look in several years if I had chosen not to go to school that day. Heather was admirable and worthy of looking up to in every way, and I would consider myself lucky to turn out like her, but would Jack still be thinking he could boss me around like that too?
"You don't scare me." She told him, her voice trembling with effort. I cringed a little as he leaned forward and bit at her neck. Roughly still pinning her. My eyes grew wide at seeing that. I wasn't sure why.
Gathering all her strength, she kicked him back as hard as she could.
"Get one thing straight." She told him as he stood back to watch her, "I meant what I said. Keep your filthy hands off of her, you son-of-a-bitch." He chuckled at her.
"Now you look here." He said in a low growl, "Jack has willingly handed her over to me. It's adorable the way you think you have a say in what I do to her."
"I swear to God I'll find someone that'll listen-"
"And let your family know what kind of a slut you are?" He asked, quieter, "You know for a fucking fact that I own you as much now as I did the day you were born. You speak one word of anything to anyone, and it'll all come out. You know I wouldn't hesitate to go right up there and tell them all about the things you've done-"
"Fuck you."
"Not tonight, sweetheart." He replied.
That's why it bothered me. I must have strangled a gasp a little too loudly. I tensed as Ken spotted me, looking up at the stairs. His smile growing before Heather looked up as well. I stayed there in nervousness, afraid to move after what I'd just seen and heard.
"Don't worry." He smiled calmly, keeping Heather pinned, "We're just talking. Come on back down here." I shook my head, shaking myself out of whatever paralyzing fear I'd been stuck in. Standing up, I walked as fast as I could back up the stairs.
"Leandra." I hated hearing my name as a warning. The raising of his tone toward the end of the word, signifying his rising anger.
I really wasn't sure what shook me so hard about what I'd seen, but I just knew I wasn't going to back down the stairs into that.
I trembled as I found the nearest open room to hide in. It turned out to be a bathroom at the very end of the hall, so I closed the door behind me, dropping the room into pure darkness except for a tiny bit of light coming through the window.
I backed away from the door until I felt hands gently grip my upper arms. I squeaked, jumping roughly and immediately darting forward.
"Leandra." Alice whispered before I even reached the door. I froze, turning back around to try to see her. She pulled me into a gentle but supportive hug, which I returned. Hugging her tightly and whimpering into her side.
"I know." She murmured under her breath, "I know. He's such a horrible man."
"You shouldn't be in here." I couldn't help crying against her.
"No." She said, "We're both leaving. Carlisle's waiting down in the yard-"
"I can't." I sobbed as quietly as I could.
"You can't be serious." She said, pulling back to look at me. She sighed and kneeled in front of me, "Leandra, listen to me. Edward is down there with Carlisle." I whined, trying to turn away. Meaning, he'd heard everything going on in both our minds. She kept me still, though, keeping me facing her.
"This has gone far enough, and I'm terrified for you." She murmured firmly, "What you don't know is what exactly he has planned for you. As soon as he's alone with you, you won't survive the night."
"Jack won't leave." I sobbed, "He won't leave." I had to admit I was in denial.
"He will." She replied, "He's already made up his mind. He's leaving tomorrow without you." I shook my head, but she went on, "If we get you out of here right now, we can still help you. You still have time."
"I-I.." I trailed off, sounding very unsure for the first time this entire time, "B-But, what about-"
"We can figure that all out later." She stressed, "Leandra, please. I'm this close to slaughtering that man myself."
"Don't do that." I shook my head firmly, "Don't say stuff like that."
She sighed hard, "This isn't a game."
"Leandra." I spun to look at the door. Ken had come looking for me, his voice coming from the hallway.
"Come back tomorrow." I whispered quickly to her, tears still falling as I twisted out of her hands, "After Jack leaves. Let him leave without me, and I'll come with you."
"I can't leave you-"
"Go." I shoved her back toward the window, and I turned back to the door just as it opened forcefully.
"Found you." Ken chuckled, reaching in and grabbing my arm. I looked back as he yanked me forward, and thankfully, I couldn't see Alice anymore.
"Where's Heather?" I asked as he dragged me down the hall, my voice bouncing a bit with each jogging footstep to keep up with his pace.
"She's fine." Ken replied, and I tried planting my feet.
"What did you do?"
"She's fine." He repeated firmly, tugging me along easily and leading me into what looked like the master bedroom. The large bed against the far wall seemed to be the main focal point of the room. Dark redwood, four poster bed with matching dresser and chest.
He closed and locked the door behind us as I was looking around.
"One thing you'll learn fast, I'm sure.." His voice was very patient now, "I don't deal well with disobedience."
"I'm sorry." I whimpered and he smiled.
"I know." He replied, "You didn't know. I'll let it slide this one time. Next time I tell you to do something, though, you do it. Understand?" I nodded immediately, "Good. Now.. Where are your pajamas?"
"I'll sleep in my clothes." I muttered, and he sighed.
"Pajamas." He insisted.
"In Jack's room." I mumbled, and he nodded as well.
"Then you can borrow a shirt." He said, already turning for the closet. He found me a t-shirt, and tossed it lightly to me. I took the hint and turned for the bathroom.
I took a moment while I was in there to catch my breath. I really wasn't sure I wanted to be right where I was, but there really weren't many options for me at that point. I had a strong feeling that now was when I would be testing myself. Testing the strength of my resolve, and finding out just how determined I could be.
I was scared. Of course I was scared. I could see it in my reflection staring back at me, I was fully aware of the fact that a psychopath waited for me just on the other side of that door, but I would just do what I could to survive the night. Maybe I would luck out and he would leave me alone.
So I shed my clothes, and I instantly noticed that I didn't have any pajama bottoms. That bothered me. Maybe he would be okay with me just sleeping in my jeans.
He laughed when I brought it up.
"You don't need those." He said, pointing to my jeans, "You're just going to be tossing and turning. Take those off and just leave your clothes there by the door." Reluctantly, I did as he said, dropping the ball of my clothes next to the door. I really hated this.
I waited there, though. Watching as he patted the bed.
"Can I sleep on the floor?" I asked, already knowing the answer, "I-I just thought I'd sleep on the floor." I would rather sleep outside than in here, but I knew that would be even more unacceptable.
"Leandra." He was warning me again, so I stiffly crossed the room. I crawled up onto the bed, but before I could sit or even move out of the way, his hand slapped my butt hard enough to echo in the room. My hands went from supporting my upper body to covering my backside in an instant.
"Ow." I whined as my chest and head fell to the bed.
"That's for stalling." He told me, "Now lay down."
"No." I whimpered, "That really hurt." It was only too easy for him to move my hands to give me two more swats. The second harder than the first. The second of the two slaps jarred my whole body, so I fell forward in an attempt to get away from it. I fought back the urge to cry, even though my hands were released.
He didn't even have to tell me this time. I just rolled over, looking up at him standing there.
"There." He said, "Was that so hard?" A loud knock at the door had him looking over with a heavy sigh, "Get under the blanket. I'll be right back."
This time, I didn't refuse. I rolled back onto my hands and knees, pawing back the blanket and sheet and crawling under with tears drying on my cheeks. I considered being smart and just curling up between the sheet and blanket, but I really didn't want to be smacked again.
I watched as he opened the door just a crack, curling up on my side to watch.
"Where is she?" It was Heather, and Ken sighed.
"Go to bed." He told her, "It's late." I clearly saw the slight struggle as she attempted to push the door open, but Ken held it.
"She's not sleeping in there with you." She said firmly.
"She's fine." He replied even firmer, "Go to bed. We'll see you in the morning." I really didn't want to see her get hurt again, so I spoke up quietly.
"I'm fine." I called, "I just wanna sleep. I don't care where."
"Hear that?" Ken asked, "You're keeping her awake. Good night, Heather." With a bit of effort, he closed the door in her face.
"I'm warning you." She told him from the hall.
"Yeah, yeah." He replied, "Good night."
"I mean it-"
"Fucking go to bed!" I heard Jack call from the other room, "God fucking dammit, let me sleep!" She smacked the door again, but after that, nothing. He waited until he heard her bedroom door close before turning to look at me.
Reaching over, he turned off the overhead light, leaving the light on in the bathroom as he walked into it.
"Go to sleep." He told me, "I'll be out in a minute." Yeah, I wasn't getting any sleep. He closed the door, but I laid awake. Staring at the light-outlined door. After a few minutes, I heard the shower start.
That had always bugged me, knowing someone was taking a shower. It just weirded me out, because then I had to imagine them naked, and that was never a fun thought to have.
"Yuck." I grumbled to myself, trying to force my thoughts in a different direction as I closed my eyes.
I chose to focus instead on what I had told Alice earlier. Once Jack left without me in the morning, I could allow myself to go with them. I just had to make it through the night. It wouldn't be easy, which I already knew, since it just started. I would do it, though.
It set my teeth on edge, though, just thinking about how long the night could really be. Just knowing I was stuck in the same room as Ken. Maybe I could sneak out once he was asleep. Yeah. Maybe once he was asleep, I could at least move to the floor. I could do that.
I was nearly asleep, the sound of the shower actually providing the white noise I needed to start to drift off, when I felt the bed dip behind me. I jumped roughly, sitting up quickly with a yelp. I looked over sharply, sighing as I saw Alice there. Apparently, this was something I wouldn't get used to for a very long time.
I started, "I thought I told you-"
"Leandra," She whispered in the dark, shutting me up, "I'm getting you out of here. Now."
"No you're not." I argued in a firm whisper of my own, "I said tomorrow."
"When I said 'when he's alone with you' earlier, I didn't mean when the house was empty." She whispered back, "You don't know what he has planned for you. Tonight."
Well, that was a bit concerning. I'd misunderstood her earlier. Slowly, I turned around to face her. I couldn't see much else besides an outline of her against the slight glow from the window behind her, but I could just imagine the worry in her eyes.
The dark still scared me, even more so now.
"He's got you right where he wants you." She added, clearly to try to change my mind. I fidgeted a little, hesitating in my reply.
What did this tell me? Well, he was nice earlier. Maybe if I told him to stop again, he would, and just because he had a plan, didn't mean he would actually go through with it.
In my hesitation, she moved. Reaching over, she turned on the bedside lamp, and stood up. I was puzzled for a moment until she took my hand. I allowed her to pull me off the bed, since she was leading me away from the windows.
Across the room, she stood me in front of the mirror on the dresser.
"I've seen myself, Alice." I mumbled, irritated as I avoided looking at my own reflection.
"No." She murmured, "Really look."
I rolled my eyes a bit before I finally found my own gaze in the glass. It took me a moment, but I finally found what she was getting at. It wasn't just my expression, but it was everything about my pale, tired face that worried her.
Hesitantly, I reached down and lifted the edge of the shirt up over my stomach. Her expression hardened in response, but she didn't say anything. Letting me really get a good look at what I was refusing to see before.
It was the same as I saw before, but in this light, it looked pure black. I wasn't sure what that meant, but the fact that it wrapped me up, on top of the welts I already had was a very horrifying sight. I was really seeing myself, just like she wanted me to, but even really seeing myself, it didn't change anything.
I couldn't stomach looking at myself anymore, so I let my shirt fall, and turned away from the mirror. Returning to the bed with a sigh, looking over at her as she followed me. Slowly nearing the bed, expecting me to speak.
"I-I.." I swallowed nervously, "Alice, I can't leave yet. Jack has to know I'm still here before he leaves tomorrow, or it all starts over again. Edward's down there, right? Ask him to tell you what I know."
"I don't care about that anymore." She told me, reaching for my hand, but I yanked it away.
"I do." I whispered, "It means everything to me. More than whatever is wrong with me, more than whatever he's gonna do, more than losing everyone I ever cared about. Don't you get it by now? I don't care what happens to me or what I have to go through. I'm doing this. I knew I was gonna die before we even left Sappho."
"I'm not letting you-"
"It's not up to you." I whispered my shout, "This is why I keep waking up at nine years old. Every move I make to try to keep this from happening always, always messes everything up for you. For Carlisle and for Esme, and for me too. I can't keep this up. If you can't handle that, then.. Well, you shouldn't have come here."
"No, you don't get it-"
"Get out." I told her harshly, pointing at the window, "Get out, go home, and don't come back. I'm sick of you always thinking I'm too weak to do anything. I'm sick of you thinking you all can just boss me around. I'm sick of it. Get out!"
She sighed, shaking her head, "I'm trying to-"
"I don't care!" I hissed, "Get out and don't come back here. I wouldn't even be here at all if it wasn't for you pushing me around. Pushing yourself in where you don't belong. Now I'm here, and now I have to clean up the mess you made of my life. I never asked for your help, and I'm not asking for it now! Leave!"
She looked down, shaking her head again.
"If that's what you really want." She murmured, "But-"
"That is what I want!" I replied, "I wish I'd never met you!" I could see that that had been the final push I needed.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." She whispered sadly, "I'm so sorry, Leandra." I had a feeling that it wasn't only butting in that she was sorry for. I looked down, growling to myself in anger. I was about to really lay into her when I looked back up and noticed she was gone.
I sat for a few seconds looking around, making sure she was really gone before scooting off the bed, walking over to the window and locking it.
"And stay out." I whispered firmly. I made the rounds, making sure every window in the room was locked. I had just fixed the third curtain on the third and last window when I heard the shower turn off.
She was wrong, I told myself as I returned to the bed. He wouldn't be stupid enough to do anything to me while Heather was right down the hall, and definitely not with how possessive Jack was of me. There was no way.
But there was that small spark of doubt twirling in my stomach.
A/N: There's chapter seven. Gah I hate him.
THANK YOU HUGE BUNCHES to my two reviewers of last chapter! YAY! ThAnK YoU! :D You're AWESOME!
I've got a busy weekend coming up, and early start to next week, but I'll be updating as often as I can. (:
Eight should be out tomorrow. Just so you don't have to wait too long on this small cliffy.
Until Eight, my friends! :D