CHAPTER 8
So it's been what now? A whole 5 days since meeting Eliza? And the poor girl was so hurt. Her whole body was practically bruised and swollen. I felt sorry for her. Especially now since my wounds were healing. Everything was mostly white scars now. The 'Emma,' only visible if you were looking for it closely. My bullet wound and my hand were still a little puffy, but they were pretty much healed. So these past few days have been a drag. I'm not sure why either. I was pretty much alone. Except the occasional visit from one of the Joker's henchmen who talked of the latest heist he pulled. I could care less. But I hated being alone. It felt almost worse than the hurt and loss. Almost. But I could deal.
And every now and then, I would go to a downstairs room and be with Alexa and Eliza. Alexa was a talker. She would talk of her past and her future plans. It was hard to believe that she had such big plans for herself, even though she currently worked for the Joker. She talked so much. Although she seemed to come off as friendly, she actually had some really snobby remarks. She didn't care at all about what you had to say, unless it was about her. Mainly she would tell me to shut up. I talked too much. And poor Eliza would just sit there. Never really saying a thing. Sometimes though, she'd talk about how easy it would be to jump from this floor and kill herself. Or to steal a gun and end it all. And Alexa usually said, "Then do it already.' But she never did. She was too scared.
Until just this morning.
I had went downstairs to visit and entered to find Alexa filing her nails on the couch. The television was turned to the news. Which was stating the disappearance of mafia boss, 'Big Willie,' as he was called. I could care less. And the Joker had left to go take care of some business. I didn't go now a days, I guess I wasn't invited anymore. Which I was happy about. So I sat there watching Alexa file her nails and listening to her ramble. She was telling me how when she was little she took ballet. And one time, she had the lead part in one of their acts. She seemed so happy about this. And Eliza was sitting on the floor, mumbling to herself. Which was very annoying at the time. I felt so angry and so sad for her. The girl was so young, she didn't deserve any of this. And yet, she didn't do a thing to try and protect her self anymore. That made me angry. But I can't blame her for being too frightened to try to. Anyways, Alexa was going on and on about this recital. She was front and center, her solo approximately 1 minute and 14 seconds. The recital itself, 3 minutes and 53 seconds. Everyone in the back blended together doing some kind of French ballet move. And Eliza just kept mumbling. Alexa hated interruptions. 'What are you babbling about pansy?' Eliza was sobbing now, but took her time to turn around and face Alexa. 'If I could just jump then…' Alexa sighed really loud then. 'Listen Eliza. If you're going to kill yourself, do it now. Me and Em are tired of your crap!' I wanted to rip out Alexa's throat right then. Eliza looked ready to break. And she had no right to give me pet names.
That's when Eliza disappeared into the other room. You see, she did this all the time. To be by herself and away from Alexa. She disappeared on us. Cried. And then eventually came back. So we had expected this is what she was doing. It was about the time when Alexa got to the part, about her grand finale, did we hear a gun shot. It was deafening, because it was so close. I froze in horror. Alexa froze in curiosity. At the time, we both expected for there to be some intruder in the house. Someone after her or after me. Alexa got up first and rushed into the other room. Which I found out was actually a small, suffocating bedroom. With no door. And there laid Eliza's dead body. Blood gushing from her head, a gun in her hand. Alexa looked a little sad and yet relieved. And I hoped it was because poor Eliza wouldn't have to suffer anymore. That's why I felt relieved. But seeing her lifeless form; it scared me. For once I knew that death didn't come when it wasn't wanted. She did this herself. And although I cried for her, knowing she was so young, and the Joker drove her to this, I felt sick. How could anyone take away their own life? They must really be desperate.
I stood there for a while, looking at her now peaceful face. Then, after so long, I pulled a sheet from the bed, and draped it across her body. She was gone now. And then soon after, the Joker and his henchmen returned, ready to dispose of the body. I think the Joker made eye contact with me once. I could've sworn I'd seen something different in his eyes. Did he feel the same sickness from the thought of someone taking their own life away that I felt? I'm not sure. But after they left, I left too. I went to my bedroom, escorted by a huge tattooed guy. And I laid in my bed. Thinking of how Eliza actually killed herself. I thought she was stronger. Which brings me back to Eliza's death. The moment Alexa and I realized the reality of the situation. Alexa said, 'I knew it. She was weak, Emma. She's not strong like us.'
It was difficult to fall asleep at first, but after a while, I managed to. Sleeping felt like a relief. I think I started dreaming to. Of Eliza but somewhere else. It looked like the main lobby of my college. And Amanda wasn't there, but Lizzy was. Which was strange, the two definitely didn't know each other. I didn't exactly remember this dream, but I do remember it turned dramatically into a nightmare. Something horrible happened. And I heard screams. And then I woke up.
~Now~
I felt scared. My heart was racing as I started to remember things. Alexa, ballet, Eliza, blood, that sick feeling. It made me shudder. And then I felt a weight on my side. I twitched a little, moving my stiff muscles. Trying to take in what I was feeling. My hand moved up my side and I felt a arm, draped across my side. I stiffened, not knowing yet who it was. I didn't feel the familiar glove or jacket sleeve. Slowly, and carefully, I turned around. My eyes working hard to focus in the dark. The weight of this arm still on me. I turned carefully until I was finally on my other side. It took me a moment and then, a feeling of relief and horror. I was petrified to find myself in the same bed as the Joker. And relieved that it wasn't some henchmen of his trying to molest me in my sleep. He looked asleep. And so here is my chance to free myself from his grip. Maybe even sleep on the floor afterwards. I slowly grasped his arm, lifting it off of my hip and slowly pushed it back. Only to find his hand grasp around my arm. Damn it.
His eyes fluttered open, and a smile formed. "What are you doing?" I asked. I scooted away from him, but his hand was still on my arm. "Well, cupcake, I was sleeping." I stared a death stare at him. He laughed silently to himself. "Why in here?" He pretended to ponder this question for a moment then, " Because you're here Emma!" He laughed a little louder now. "Omigod! What did you do?" I screeched. His laughing stopped and just looked at me. "What?" My arms raced across my body. All my clothes were in tact. And nothing seemed o be harmed. "I'm not a whore Emma!" He giggled to himself again. "I'm sleeping on the floor!" I said, and then began to crawl away from him but his hand still held my arm down. "Nonsense Emma. This bed is big enough for the both us!" He laughed, wrapping his arm around the small of my back and pulling me against him. I winced when my face collided with his shirt. And felt him hold me against him, all the while laughing. My hands rejected him and tried to push me away from him, but his grip was too tight. And I was still too tired. I did all I could to resist. But finally, I fell asleep again. Pretty sure that I'd have nightmares.
~~~~Morning~~~~
My eyes slowly fluttered open. The sun was quite bright and it took a moment for my thoughts to gather. And my feelings. Like my legs, which were oddly placed. And my arms. And something solid against my face. Then it hit me. I blushed, my whole face was hot. I remembered having to sleep with the Joker. And I realized now, how careless I am in my sleep. My leg just happened to be wrapped around the Joker's waist. And an arm too. In a too fast reaction, I flung myself away from him. And with too much force, came crashing down onto the floor. Above me, I heard a roar of laughter. He was awake too. How embarrassing! The blankets still wrapped around me, I carefully ducked my head under them, trying to make this all go away. I could feel the new headache forming. There was a moment of silence, followed by foot steps. Followed by a sinister voice. "It's about time you woke up! I couldn't wait all day." I guess he's been awake a while now. Which only made me feel worse. I couldn't even sleep in peace now.
"I thought you could use a little excitement." the Joker said. Laughing while he walked about the room. I just kept the blankets over my head. "I have plans today. Me and you are going to have some fun." I closed my eyes. Just go away. Sleep, Emma. Sleep! Black out! Do something! Become a vegetable. Then there was a tug. And the blankets were off of me. The Joker walked over to the desk. I shut my eyes. I heard the drawers being opened and shut. Papers being passed about. A laugh or two. And then silence again. I peeked open an eye, enough for it to still look closed and yet enough to notice the Joker peering down at me, smiling. "If you fall asleep on me Emma…" he trailed off. And after a moment he said, "I'd love to hear from Ally." I opened my eyes quickly and sat up. "I knew that one would get ya!" He yelled, laughing. And then more thoughts began to flow in. Eliza's dead body. The gun. I wouldn't allow myself to process that she may have killed herself. I began to pretend that she was murdered. At least then it didn't seem so sick.
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. Why can't Eliza have learned that?
Anyways, before I knew it, I was being forced to follow the Joker downstairs. And down the hall to a room I was certain I never have been in. But it looked just like the rest. It was black and grey, with a black couch and a white chair. And in the room was Alexa and two other men. One was the huge tattooed guy, the other was a short guy. He was little, not much taller than me. But he had scars visibly everywhere. And one eye. The other just sewn shut. It was quite creepy. I was petrified every time he looked over at me. And I knew we were all headed together somewhere. Oh joy. The Joker walked to the center of the room. He stood center, with his usual hunched posture. "Okay boys" and I heard Alexa clear her throat, " And girls. Today is a very special day." He paced across the floor, his hands behind his back, looking toward the floor. "A very special day." He repeated. What day is it anyway? That's a great question. Then he stopped and looked up at me. But not exactly at me, more like through me. He was concentrating on something. Then he licked his lips and faced the others. "How about making it an even 6 tonight boys?" The others smiled sharply. 6 what? And then the Joker clapped his hands together, walked past me and grabbed onto my wrist, pulling me out to the hallway again. The others were right behind us.
We went downstairs to the garage and waited for a moment. And then finally someone entered the garage in the Joker's usual van. He banged his hand on the hood and then opened the front door. Easily pulling out the driver, who landed with a thud. Everyone else piled in. I just stood there. I was definitely missing something. I heard the Joker honk the horn. "Get in Emma!" He screamed. Being the dumb mindless freak I am, I hopped right in. I mean of course I couldn't not get in. I would probably just get hurt for that. Or locked away in that dungeon of a room. And I couldn't run. I wasn't fast enough. So I just hopped in and the Joker seemed pleased. If one thing, I was glad to be leaving this awful place. Very glad.
We just drove in silence. Which was very odd. No one talked in the back. Which was hard to believe since Alexa was back there. And the Joker didn't laugh once. We just drove. I'm not sure where either. I know every mile we covered, got more and more deserted. I was quite worried. Six what? That's what I wanted to know. Finally we pulled into a rocky driveway that went a few hundred yards back before a rundown building began to show up. There were a few cars parked outside. All cheap and broken. And there seemed to be no lights on. But when the joker finally parked and cut off the engine, I could hear music playing. Loud, nasty rock music. Then I heard noise from the back of the van: guns being loaded. Things being tossed around. I gripped the edge of my seat. I was in no mood to witness someone else die. Then there was silence again. No one said a word. Just the sound of the faint music could be heard. "Let's have some fun." The Joker finally said, opening his door and sliding out. Then the back van doors opened and everyone else followed. And of course I just sat there. The Joker was standing by my window now, tapping on the glass. A huge smile plastered on his face. "Come one Emma. This'll be exciting!" He laughed against the glass and opened the door. I climbed out. The first thing that went through my head was, if I said anything or didn't come like he asked, he may make me participate. And I just didn't have that much left in me.
I walked behind the Joker. Afraid someone might attack. I was like his shadow and was probably well hidden when we finally entered the old house. The music was very loud and the room was lit in red lighting. A huge table was in the center, where about 10 guys were sitting. And about 4 girls, basically naked, were dancing on top. This is so degrading. But instead of the huge firepower attack I imagined, the guy at the head of the table smiled and through his cigar he shouted, "Hey J. What can I do for you?" It seemed as if everyone was having a good time. I hated how these guys were enjoying these girls. Which was when I noticed, only one was smiling. The others looked oddly afraid and very disgusted. The Joker made his way to the guy who spoke, me right behind him. He looked casually at the guy next to him and then ripped him from his seat. Everyone but the guy on the floor laughed. "It's great to see ya here buddy!" croaked the guy. "Same here, Slim." said the Joker. It was obviously a nickname. The guy was huge, had short, balding hair and yellow teeth. Probably from the cigar. "I didn't call you in, what brings ya here?" the man named Slim asked. "Just here for a little fun," The Joker added. Then Slim looked over at me, his eyes scanning my body. I could've puked.
"Can I have her?" asked Slim. The Joker smiled at him, "No." he said. "I'll give you a grand." he added, his eyes still on me. The Joker shook his head. "How about 5 then?" The Joker's smile had now faded and through his teeth he said, "She's not for sale." Slim reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me toward him. He was too strong to pull away from but very slow. "Get off of her Slim." the Joker said, in a more sinister tone. "She's a pretty one! You know how I like 'em J." But his damn hand remained on my arm. "How about a dance honey?" he asked me. I must've looked horrified because he then said, "There's nothing to be afraid of." I noticed now how the music was a little quieter. And the need to shout was unnecessary. "Get off of me!" I croaked. Using my other hand to tear at his. "Oh and she's feisty!" screeched Slim. Nasty pervert! He wouldn't let go! "Let go of her," the Joker said calmly. But if looks could kill, Slim would be dead. The Joker glared at him, but Slim shook it off as some joke.
He did let go. Thank god, and I shrunk back away from him. The Joker grabbed my waist and pulled me into his lap. I didn't dare move, but the heat of embarrassment washed over. I am not a toy. I sat on one leg while he leaned around me to face Slim. "So J, do you need me to take care of someone for ya? Cuz I don't need any help at the moment." The Joker shook his head, "Nope." Why were we here? Why was I here? Slim looked at me and then back at the Joker. "Is she a present?" he asked. "Not for you," replied the Joker. Slim finally put out his cigar. This whole place was smoky, it made my eyes sting. The music was over now, switching to another song. And the girls stopped dancing. One of which hung on the Joker's shoulder. With lust in her eyes. Skank. Whore. Prostitute. She was here because she wanted to be. Not because she had to. The other three girls were standing against the wall now, their heads down.
"So why ya here J?" Slim asked. The Joker closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then said, "Honest Slim?" Slim looked from me to him. Me, him, me, girl, him, me. "Honest J." said Slim. With that, the Joker stood up, while I landed roughly on to the floor. He walked to the center of the room, Alexa, and the other two right behind him. I quickly came to my feet and dusted myself off. And then a stubby, sweaty hand grabbed my wrist again. Slim no longer looked friendly. The Joker's eyes rush back and forth between me, Slim, and his hand. "Stop playing games, J." The Joker smiled. "Stop touching Emma, Slim." he said coldly. But Slim refused and instead he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into him. He wreaked of cigars and sweat. "Why ya here J?" But there wasn't time for an answer. A gunshot rang out, and until I saw the blood dripping from Slim's head, I thought they had shot me. I ducked down and crawled under the table. Everyone was standing now, but it seemed Slim's henchmen weren't equipped to fight. And gun shots filled the air, like the music had only minutes earlier. I heard the shrieks of the girls and feet scrambling. I just remained under the table.
Covering my ears, I tried to ignore it all. If that were possible.
And then it got quiet. Too quiet. "That was easier than I had expected," said Alexa's little voice. "What to do with all this spare time?" the Joker said, as he pulled me out from my hiding place. I looked at the Joker's purple glove the whole time. I didn't dare sneak a peek around me. He was holding my hand. He walked and so I stumbled behind him. Then everyone stopped when they hard someone moan. It was the whore of course. I looked now to see her walk towards the Joker. Not even noticing me. Her hand rubbed up his chest, "That' was really sexy." she said, seductively. The Joker laughed, "Thanks." And pulled a knife out, that ripped across her throat. I knew I shouldn't have looked up. Why must I look up? The Joker pulled me outside, "It's always the whores." He said, laughing. In a way that I wasn't sure if he knew he was laughing at all. And then we headed back to his van.
Once we were on the road again, Alexa said, "6 down, 5 to go." I was guessing this had to do with the mafia we just destroyed. A little one at that. We were only there maybe an hour. My eyes and lungs were happy to be out of that house. The Joker had something in his hand while he was driving. It was small, and black. "Okay," he said, then slowed to a stop and turned to look at me. "This is for you Emma!" Then he stepped outside. Everyone did. I did. I heard a click and then, heard a boom. And above the trees was a black mushroom cloud of smoke. And random spots of fire. "Exciting isn't it?" he asked me, laughing. Then he grabbed my hand again, and we went…. back to his place.