Author's Note: I cannot believe how long it has been since I have updated! Finals are worse than any toxin known to man. Well I am back from the grave and hope to update frequently. The excerpt from the book Crane is reading is called The Psychology of Fear Considered in its Relation to Human Conduct. If not Crane threatened to make me a specimen in one of his other grisly experiments…
Crane leaned against the gnarled trunk of the oak tree outside the school, with only an apple and a book to provide company. His body burned and itched as the grass scratched against his long, thin legs. Adjusting his thin, wired glasses he continued to read, " Fear is the great force that prompts to acts of preservation and operates as effectively in the brute as in the human animal. Even in plant life we can trace evidences that indicate the presence of a natural law operating very much as fear does upon brute instinct and the human mind…" Jonathan's pupils dilated at the sheer thought. This primal, base emotion had the power to control everything. If he could harness it, control it then steroid-filled apes like Jeremy would be on their knees, begging for HIS mercy. Tentatively rubbing the cut on his lower lip he contemplated this theory.
Yes! Make them scream, Johnny boy. a rasping laugh vibrated against Crane's skull causing him to jump.
"Are you ok Johnny? I've been looking everywhere for you! Why do you always insist on sitting by yourself?" Catherine smiled, her metal lunch box clanging gently against her tiny legs. Warm brown eyes glistening, she set her stuff down and scooted next to the rigid body beside her. "What are you reading?" she asked curiously as she opened her box and began to nibble on a carrot. Crane could feel his cheeks begin to flush in embarrassment and quickly shoved the enticing book into his worn, moth-eaten bag.
"N-n-nothing. You should leave now. Jeremy can not find out." Jonathan attempted to swallow the fear wallowing inside of his fluttering chest. Catherine's bright smile dimmed as she observed the boy's sullen face. It was pale, almost gaunt. His black hair was plastered onto his forehead and his cheekbones and facial features jutted to create a very odd appearance. Jeremy stated it was like one of the scarecrows they on their parent's farm with the straw removed by crows.
"I've tried talking to my brother, I really don't understand why he is so mean to you," she stated twirling her brown hair, "I just like to spend time with you."
Crane froze as he felt her arm slowly wrap around his shoulders, he could feel his scars pulsing at her touch. Attempting to compose himself, he slowly pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose and slowly removed her arm. "I have to go." Heart throbbing with an unknown emotion he ran off with his book, running away from her, civilization, and his own happiness.
*Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?*
Lynda hated feeling the warm blush of disgust plastered on her face. How dare that pervert say anything like that to her! Realizing a security guard was blocking her means of escape, she shoved herself as far as possible from the inmate, in a dark corner of the room. She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself by looking at the dots of light flashing underneath her eyelids. Don't act weak, don't act weak, don't act weak…She jolted as she felt a rough hand gently clasp against her shoulders.
"Just breathe. Don't do anything just breathe." Lynda realized it was Crane and attempted to push him away. He quickly retaliated by placing her wrists up against the wall. Lynda could feel the heat radiate from his slim frame. and she looked into his cooly assessing eyes she began to lose her focus.
"Get the hell-" Crane hissed in annoyance and placed one of his slender fingers onto her lips.
" I suggest you be quiet for once, unless you wish to cause a spectacle, or at least a bigger one than you have made already." he stated bluntly, removing his hands from Lynda when she began to shake in embarrassment. "Well, it appears you are done eating. Perhaps you would be interested in looking at my lab. I'm performing some experiments that I think you would be interested in."
Finally some entertainment! You're boring me with all the wrist grabbing and crap just gas her and have her!
Luckily, she's feeling so weak right now she actually cooperating…
I always make the women weak.
Not. Yet.
Lynda could feel the jeering and curiosity consuming the room. Wanting to escape ,he nodded quickly, straightening her posture and regaining composure. She allowed the gently, smiling Crane to usher her passed the security doors, pulling away when she felt the many stares leave behind her. Crane could feel Scarecrow smile in glee. Finally they could let loose.