Hi

Jerry Dandridge x OC Mini Series part. 3

!!No warnings just yet!! For now enjoy, just cursing if anything :)

The sun had come up and brought them safety for now. Charley had snuck Zoe in, successfully avoiding an awkward interaction and explanation for his mother. He sneakily guided her upstairs and past the bathroom where he could hear his mother up and already in the shower. Zoe smiled as she could hear Jane singing in the shower, she wished she could go back to being oblivious to the world around her. She still couldn’t explain what she experienced in the last couple of hours, but all she needed to do now was rest and reset. She just couldn’t do that at home yet, not until she knew it was safe.

Once they made it into Charley’s bedroom, he quickly shut the door and locked it. Zoe took a minute to look around his room, the brown colored walls were littered with skateboarding posters and photographs. His sheets were still the soft dark blue ones she remembered taking naps on. His dark blue curtains hid away the burning sunlight, she remembered his favorite color was blue. Everything was still pretty much the same. She turned to see game posters and smiled reminiscing on how much him and his friends used to play them out on the grass during the summer.

Charley pulled at his auburn curls as he rubbed at his face in distress. “Jesus.” He whispered as he sat down beside Zoe. She had her hands in her lap as she fiddled with her fingers. “Jesus had nothing to do with this…” She mumbled as she hung her head low. The image of Doris burning up in the sun kept repeating itself in her mind. Charley looked at her with concern. “What did he do to you?” He questioned. Zoe looked up at the window refusing to look at him, she felt shame. “It’s my fault.” She whispered. He shook his head. “What are you talking about? That guy is a… is a fucking monster. There was nothing we could’ve done.” He tried assuring her. Zoe squeezed her eyes shut. “No, it’s my fault I was even there…” Charley quickly grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. “Zoe…I’m lucky that I even found you there… you’ve been missing for two days now.” Zoe’s eyes grew wide.

She quickly got up and paced for a second. “I couldn’t have been in there for longer than 2 hours…” She mumbled as she stopped to lean against his dresser. “Your mom reported you missing Tuesday morning… two days ago.” Zoe couldn’t believe it. “I was losing my mind when I heard about it…” Charley whispered. Zoe whipped her head up to look at him. “What?” She couldn’t help but laugh at how ridiculous that sounded. “And why would that concern you? If I remember correctly, you’re the one who dumped me and got with little miss perfect.” Zoe hissed. She wasn’t jealous, just hurt. Charley licked his lips and smacked the palms of his hands on his thighs before standing up and facing her. “Doesn’t mean I don’t still care about you, Zoe!” He hissed back. He took a moment to really look at her, he couldn’t help but grimace at the state she was in. “Let me help you get cleaned up…” He mumbled as he tried walking towards her. “No, I’m fine!” She hissed as she stepped away from him. This was all happening too fast and she was growing irritated.

Charley gave up to her stubbornness and turned his back. He looked out towards the window facing Jerry’s house. He wished he could just go in there and take care of the problem himself but he was no match to a vampire. Zoe took a deep breath and rolled her eyes. “Look, I’m sorry… I’m sorry, I’m just- I’m just tired…” She whispered as she sat down again. It was quiet for a moment as Charley death stared out the window. Zoe looked at his back as his shoulders heaved up and down, he was angry but not at her. “Did he hurt you?” He spoke suddenly. Zoe shook her head. “No… I still felt just as crappy when I woke up as when he roofied me.” Charley blinked a couple of times as though it would help him hear better. “Wait… what?” He questioned as he turned to look at her. “He roofied me?” Zoe repeated again. “That’s weird…” Charley whispered to himself.

Zoe stood up feeling anxious. “Why… Why is that weird?” Charley shrugged. “I don’t know, but with Doris that same night he drank from her, with you he drugged you and kept you captive for two days without even hurting you…” He explained, trying to piece it together. What made Zoe different from Doris that he didn’t kill her that same night? “Okay, okay what do you mean ‘drink from’? What is going on Charley?” She begged feeling frustrated as she sat back down on the bed. Charley got down on his knees in front of her. He grabbed Zoe by the shoulders while looking at her with wild eyes. “It means… that you’re an important piece to his game now and he’s going to come after us… and I need to find a way to help us both.” Zoe furrowed her eyes as tears pooled at her eyes.

Charley pulled her into an unexpected hug and brushed through her tangled waves. “I’m fine…” She struggled to say as he continued to hold her. He knew that even though she said that she didn’t mean it. Zoe wasn’t scared of Jerry it was just the fear of not knowing what was going to happen. “Charley? Charley why is this door locked?” Jane’s voice spoke from the other side of the door. “Shit!” Charley whispered as they both stood up frantically. Zoe looked around for a place to hide. Charley pointed to the bed but she rolled her eyes before running to his closet. She pulled the door open and smiled before sliding it closed. Charley nodded and ran to his door and Jane began to become desperate.

As soon as Charley unlocked the door, his mother barged in. “Hey! You’re going to be late!” She announced as she stood at the door. Charley nodded as he walked away, finally, peeling off the dirty sweater he wore. Jane watched him as she walked into his room towards the dark curtains that stopped any light from coming into the room. “How many hours did you sleep? Living like a vampire.” She sarcastically spoke pulling the curtains open. Vampire? The word stuck with Zoe. Charley cleaned off his face and threw his sweater to the floor while plucking a flannel off from the floor. Zoe cringed, was the clean? Thinking about that she turned to the shirts and sweaters of his hanging beside her. She took a sniff of the shirt beside her, it smelled like him, and in a good way.

Charley threw the flannel over him, not bothering with anything else. “Mom… that guy, Jerry, next door. Under no circumstances is he invited into our house, alright? He’s dangerous.” He warned as he walked to his dresser while folding his sleeves. “I think I can handle myself.” Jane sassed as she stood at his door again. “Mom, please, I’m serious, don’t-don’ t acknowledge him, don’t… talk to him and at night, stay inside.” He reasoned as he grabbed his backpack from the ground. Jane looked at him quizzically. “Why? Because he’s dangerous.” She sarcastically responded. Charley became frustrated. “Look, I can’t answer a million questions., right now. Will you just trust me?” He spoke throwing a hand up in the air.

Jane wanted to laugh as she walked towards her frantic son. “Charley, stop, I’m your mom, not some RIDICULOUS woman.” She spoke throwing her hands in the air. Charley was too tired for this, he wished his mother could just listen to him, as the man of the house now. “I’m sorry, I-I can’t do this right now, I can’t answer a million things right now.” He sighed as he looked at his mother with a deadpanned expression. “I just don’t understand, Charley.” His mother shrugged and dropping her hands. She took one last look at him before shaking her head and walking out. Charley took a deep breath and rubbed at his tired eyes. Zoe took this as her moment to walk out of the closet. She slowly slithered out and walked to his door to shut it softly.

She pressed her back against it, fighting with herself on saying something or not. Charley looked up at her and smiled weakly. “I’m glad you’re here…” He mumbled as he tugged at the strap of his backpack. Zoe smiled back. Charley remembered how tired she must be as her frail body stood shakily before him. “Hey, um, since you can’t go home yet… you’ll stay here. Take a shower, change, sleep, eat…” Zoe nodded silently. She stepped back as he walked to the door. “I’ll come get you after school, okay?” He whispered. “Sure…” She mumbled as he turned the doorknob to leave. Zoe stood emotionless with her frizzy hair covering half her face. He wanted to say one more thing, but decided against it. He said a quick goodbye as he shut the door closed behind him. Was it just a coincidence that Jerry went after Zoe?

Charley couldn’t help but think about it as he walked out his front door and started down the street. Amy wasn’t available to give him a ride today which was good considering he needed time alone to process what the fuck his life was at the moment. He looked up at his window to see Zoe peeking through, watching him walk down the sidewalk. He wanted to ask her how she ended up in her neighbors house, but Charley didn’t want to make her relive the trauma either. Zoe’s mother had reported her missing two days before, and her car had been found in the school parking lot abandoned. He remembered hearing it on the news and losing sleep over it. Amy had noticed his mood shift the last couple of days but refused to acknowledge it. She was empathetic that his first love and ex girlfriend was missing.

It’s not that Charley didn’t care for Zoe or stop loving her when they broke up, it’s just that he thought that she was too good for him. For the longest time, he let his insecurities get to him. He was so distraught after the break up that he lost interest in everything he once loved. He tried distracting himself by working out, and completely reinventing himself. That’s when Amy came along. He tried going back to Zoe but when he came back to school after summer break, she seemed to pretend like he never existed. He knew that his chance to heal things between them had gone, so he started seeing Amy and it just grew into something more. Charley looked away from the window the further he got. He never stopped loving Zoe, and he felt guilty for what had happened to her and now the situation they were in. She didn’t deserve to get caught up in this mess, his mess. Ed had even warned him that Zoe’s disappearance wasn’t a coincidence, and that Jerry was to blame. Charley just refused to listen.

Besides, Zoe was a resilient and smart girl, always cautious and on top of her game, he loved that about her. Besides, that fact that she was an incredibly rare beauty. Charley just had this idea that she would never let herself fall into the clutches of a stranger, but he had a hard dose of reality. Zoe was just a girl, who needed to be protected, for once in her life. That time was now, and he was the one to do the job. For some reason, Jerry was sparing her. For an emergency snack? Who knew. What Charley did know was that not only was Zoe important to him, but she was also important to Jerry. He was going to come after what he thought was his. Not only to fuck with Charley now, but because he was going to take what was his to make up for the loss of Doris.

Zoe watched as Charley walked out of her view, she couldn’t help but be worried. She wanted to protect him as much as she could because if it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t be in danger. She listened as Jane pulled out of the driveway and the garage door shut. The house was now eerily quiet, although, she could hear a permanent ringing in her ears. She poked at her ear and hit it in frustration but nothing worked. She sighed and laid on the bed. “Ow, fuck!” She groaned as the slightest touch to her shoulder ached in horrific pain. She instinctively sat up and massaged it to try and ease the pain. She decided a hot shower would help with her aching bones. She stood up and walked to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her and starting up the shower.

Zoe walked to the mirror and hesitantly looks up at her reflection. She gasped as she finally looked at herself after days. Her hair was tangled and matted with blood, her face was pale with bloody chapped lips. She whimpered as she turned around and inspected her swollen and purple shoulder. Her fingers lightly touched the skin. She then looked at her arms and elbows seeing them raw and crusty. She then stepped back and looked at her legs to see them bruised and bloody as well. “Oh my god…” She cried covering her mouth. She had never looked so ghostly in her life, it terrified her. She gulped down her anguish and walked to the shower.

Zoe tore off her clothing and threw them to the ground. She carefully walked into the tub and jumped when the hot water touched her cold legs. She sighed in relief when the tension in her muscles released, it hurt for a moment on her cuts and bruises but after a while it just felt numb. She shut her eyes and let her mind wander as she lathered soap over her body. After everything she’d been through the last two days, you’d think she’d be a mess but she was always a resilient girl. Her grandfather had taught her that, especially living out in the desert, he wanted her to be independent.

Her grandfather loved showing her tactical ways of survival every summer she’d spend with him in the Mojave. He lived there all his life, even after her grandmother died. Her mother and father wanted to put him in a home, but he refused and always said he was born in the desert and in the desert he would die. Zoe greatly admired him, he had the strongest mind and the kindest heart. He was her childhood, when he died her life kind of went downhill, she become cold and reserved. It was a surprise to her when Charley confessed to liking her.

Zoe’s grandfathers voice echoed in her head as she traced her fingers over her cut on her leg, it bled, turning the water crimson as it swirled down the drain. “Control the pain, don’t let it control you, mi pequeña.” He whispered. Zoe bit her lip and stopped touching it, instead she continued cleaning off the grim in her hair. She knew her grandfather would have been disappointed in her, had she not been fueled by lust in that moment she would’ve made the smart decision to refuse Jerry’s offer. Never be vulnerable with a man because they will take advantage and that’s exactly what Jerry had done. And had it not been for Charley, she didn’t think she would’ve made it out on her own.

Zoe’s nose flared as she clung to shower wall. She couldn’t have been more disappointed in herself. Not only that but the guilt of not saying something sooner with Doris. She knew the second she saw Jerry standing there watching them that he was plotting something, he was plotting for Doris to die. She could feel it in his eyes. The reasoning as to why he did it, she couldn’t exactly know for sure but she could guess it was to scare them. Unfortunately for him, Zoe wasn’t scared that easily. At the moment it happened, she was sad because Doris seemed kind and undeserving of such a death, but she was also scared because she’d seen it before.

One summer when she was 7 years old, she had gone to her grandfathers for the third time in her life. Her parents never stayed, they’d usually drop her off and be on their way by noon, what they did during that time she never knew. They didn’t trust her grandfather much but they always said the only reason she’d go was to keep her grandfather ‘sane’. Funny thing was, he was more sane than the both of them combined. Besides this, her grandfather would allow her to have her freedom knowing she didn’t have much of it at home. He’d let build things with nails and hammers, set traps for small animals, teach herself what plants were safe to eat and which weren’t and try and build shelters from scratch.

She’d spend hours outside until the sun would set. He trusted her to be safe and that never failed, until one day it did. But not out of her own will. She remembered cutting a cactus tree down and carefully throwing it into a sack to take home. Her grandfather loved to eat it. The sun had already begun setting and by the time she was finished, the horizon had been swallowed up and engulfed in darkness. The moon followed her small body as she treaded through the sand towards the house. Unfortunately, her grandfather hadn’t noticed that she wasn’t home yet. He always scolded her before about being home too late and it would result in her kneeling on salt until her body would give out. It rarely happened but her grandfather knew it was for her safety to never be outside after dark.

She heaved as she carried almost her same weight in the dark night. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her, mirroring her steps. She stopped and hesitantly turned to look behind her. “Hello?” Her small voice mumbled feeling cold all of a sudden. She saw nothing but tall cactus trees illuminated by the moonlight. Ignoring it, she turned back around to get home as fast as she could. Her small feet struggled to keep up with her hurried pace. She tugged the sack over her shoulder as it pulled her down. “Please, please please…” She whispered as she prayed her grandfather wouldn’t call out her name.

Again, she heard footsteps behind, this time they were much closer. She gasped and flipped around, dropping the sack behind her. Once again, there was nothing behind her. She squinted her eyes as she looked out into the desert, the cactus began to transform into inexplicable things. But she knew it was just her mind playing tricks on her. Maybe the things she was hearing was the same thing. She huffed in frustration as she turned around and bent over to grab the sack. Although, she was met with the sight of a pair of shiny black shoes. She stared at them with wide eyes and slowly brought her eyes up their dark blue freshly ironed dress pants and up their neatly bottomed shirt to their ghostly white face.

The being stood tall in front of her with nicely combed blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes, they were lighter in color compared to hers. Although, instead of bringing comfort, they gave her a cold chill and an ache in her small heart. They stood completely still with their hands behind them cooly. His large overcoat sat at his shoulders, he was dressed like one of those gangsters, Al Capone, from the 40s. It was so unsettling. It was even more unsettling when he smiled at her, showing shiny and sharp teeth. “Hello, there.” The man spoke scaring her with his deep voice. Zoe looked up at him, her childish mind couldn’t decide whether he was good or bad. “Why are you out here?” She asked him curiously.

The man looked to his left and right. “Well, my car got stranded and well I needed help.” He responded smiling at her again. Zoe wasn’t convinced. “My grandpa said I shouldn’t talk to strangers…” She mumbled as she quickly picked up the sack and tried passing him. Instead, he stepped in front of her again. “Now hold on there, sweetheart.” He protested. This time he squatted in front of her to be at her level. “Now, listen, I’m just in dire need of help, I’m so very hungry and thirsty and I don’t know where else to go…” He reasoned with the small child. Zoe played with her fingers as she thought it over. He didn’t looked dangerous, it’s not like he was a wild animal or something, she was sure grandpa would be willing to help the man.

Zoe shyly looked back at him and nodded slowly. The man puckered up and smiled wider than before, this time with a certain glint in his eyes. Suddenly, her grandfather ran out the house carrying something behind his back. The man quickly stood up, strangely fast and faced her grandfather. “Honey, step away from that man!” He yelled out to her. Zoe furrowed her brows in confusion. “He just needs help grandpa…” She tried explaining. “Zoe, listen to me, now!” He bellowed, Zoe could tell he meant it. She frowned as she dropped the bag and went to run towards her grandfather, except the man was quick to grab her by the wrist.

She squeaked out in pain as she was tugged back. “Now, hold on there, sweetheart, we’re not finished here.” The man hissed as she struggled against him. “Ow! You’re hurting me!” She pleaded as her small hand was being crushed by his strength. “Now, I’d let her go if you knew what was best for you, demon!” Her grandfather bellowed as he pulled out a shotgun from behind his back and held it up towards the man. The man chuckled darkly. “And what is that going to do to me, old man.” He taunted. Zoe cried in pain, her grandfather couldn’t bare it as it prompted him to run closer to them. “Enough! Let the child go!” He hissed. “Unless you want these wooden slugs with a sprinkle of holy water to pierce every inch of ya.” He warned.

In that instant, the man’s cold smile dropped and he sneered at him. “Tempting.” He hissed. Zoe’s small body shook as tears of fear raked through her body. The man looked down at her and caressed her wet cheek, her small nose was red and runny, her big blue eyes looked at him as though he were a monster. It stung him a little but at the end of the day, she was nothing but a meal to him. “Go on, darlin’, listen to your grandpa.” He assured her with a hidden southern drawl. Zoe nodded hesitantly and ran to her grandpa as soon as the man let her go.

Her grandfather kneeled to the ground while still holding the gun sternly and hugged her tightly. “Are you okay, mi pequeña?” He whispered with frantic eyes looking her over. Zoe hiccuped as she shook her head, she’d never seen her grandfather this scared before. Once making sure she was okay, her grandfather pushed her behind him protectively. “Now listen, If you leave now, I won’t have to kill you but if you choose to stay, I’ll have to.” Her grandfather reasoned with the man. “Now, being as old as I am, I know your kind don’t take too kindly to being told what to do, but I hope you make the right choice.” He warned. Unfortunately, the man stood his ground.

“I’ll take that challenge.” He grinned now with enlarged teeth. Zoe gasped and hid her face with her small hands as the man’s face began to transform into something unearthly. The man began running towards them. Zoe screamed as gunshots began to ring out. She could hear them make impact and suddenly she heard a loud growl followed by a squelching sound. The sound of something heavy hitting the ground and guttural sounds stopped her from looking, she was shaking with fear. Tears silently poured down her face, she didn’t want to make a noise.

Suddenly, rough cold hands grabbed her hands and pulled them away from her eyes. “It’s me, Zoe, it’s grandpa, you can open your eyes.” Zoe reluctantly opened her eyes and was relieved to see him. Although, she was quick to let out a high-pitched cry as she reached out to her grandfather for comfort. Her body trembled, she was only a small child with no understanding yet of what had happened. Her grandfather would usually scold her if she cried because it showed weakness, but in this moment he let her. He pulled her into his arms and carried her as he stood up. He held the back of her head as she struggled to breathe from how hard she was crying. “It’s okay, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He repeated in shame. He scolded himself for putting too much responsibility on such a small child and in that almost losing her.

Her grandfather soothed her until she calmed down and when she finally did, she fell asleep in his arms. When she finally awoke, it was dawn and the sun had begun to come up the sky. Zoe sat up from the wooden bench her grandfather had laid her on that sat on the front porch. It creaked under her weight, the blanket he had wrapped her in slid off her shoulders as she hopped off the bench. She called out to him but got no response. She suddenly heard a guttural groan from the side of the house. She was hesitant but finding that her grandfather was nowhere to be seen, she had to investigate. She took small and quiet steps as she rounded the house. What she came upon stopped her in her tracks.

Zoe stood frozen at the sight of the man tied up to a wooden pole with barb wire. His once nice attire was now torn and dirty as the sharp edges cut into his skin, digging into it and allowing blood to drip from the wounds. In that moment, Zoe couldn’t look away, all she could do was take in the way he looked like one of those renaissance paintings she’d seen at a museum once. Except instead of arrows, there were bullet holes. She unconsciously stepped closer to him and could now see the true anguish as the man came in and out of consciousness. His skin was purple and almost black veins scaled over his body like vines, he looked sick with deep set hollow eyes that were no longer blue but black as coal.

The man began to sniff the air and looked up slowly to see Zoe standing near him. He tried moving but he only hurt himself more. Zoe looked at his chest to see a wooden object sticking out of it, it wasn’t too deep but deep enough to have punctured something. Zoe had never seen anything like it, and unbeknownst to her, it would stick with her the rest of her life. Zoe jumped back when the man’s raspy voice spoke out to her. “Please, let me free…” He begged to her. Unexpectedly, Zoe grew angry. She grimaced at him, her small pink nose scrunching up as her pouty lips sneered at him. “Just because I’m a kid, doesn’t mean I’m stupid.” She hissed one last time to the man as the sun peeked up from the horizon. The man could only smile weakly at her. It made her feel odd as to why he’d smile. “Smart g-girl…” He stuttered as he twisted his neck away from her.

Zoe squinted her eyes towards the sky, her long lashes framing her freckles from the sun. The man began to scream in agony, his skin began to sizzle and heat up as the sun touched him, like holding a magnifying glass to an ant. His screams started off normal but became screechy and high pitched the longer he screamed out, it was supernatural. Zoe winced as it began to pierce her eardrums leaving them ringing. She whimpered as she tried muffling his agony with her small hands. The mans lower half then became engulfed in flames. It started in patches but quickly spread and within a short amount of time his body was completely on fire. He made eye contact with Zoe one last time as his throat gave out. His face had grown back to the monster she had seen before. Teeth bared crookedly and sharp as his jaw extended out inhumanly wide. He looked ike something out of a storybook. She slowly let her hands drop from her ears letting them fall loosely at her sides. She tried to look away but it’s like his eyes held her there. The fire traveled up his neck and painted half his face taking each feature in and turning it black. She watched as he slowly closed his eyes and suddenly burst into a pile of ash with an echoing screech.

Zoe stood frozen in place. There was nothing left of the man but a prominent dark mark on the pole from the flames. She blinked slowly trying to understand why the man had disappeared. And why he was so much pain, she couldn’t help but hope wherever he went he wouldn’t come back and that he’d no longer be in pain. She heard slow footfalls behind her but chose not to turn around knowing it was her grandfather. He stopped beside her and took off his hat to rest it against his chest. Zoe looked up at him as he looked down at her with tired wrinkly green eyes. “Let’s keep this to ourselves, alright, mi pequeña?” He mumbled as Zoe just nodded. “Okay, grandpa.” She whispered, it’s not like anyone would believe her anyway. With that, he grabbed her small hand in his large one and walked back to the house with her, never looking back.

“ZOE! ZOE! WAKE UP!” Charley’s voice echoed in Zoe’s head. His voice started off far away but it only got closer and when it did she woke up with a gasp. She looked around herself disoriented and not able to remember where she was. She looked up at the raining water that hit her face, impairing her vision. She coughed and sputtered as Charley quickly pulled her out of the shower. Charley held her up from under her armpits but was unable to stand up her, so instead he dropped to the ground holding her to his chest. He didn’t dare look at her naked body and instead pulled a towel off from the rack next to him as she laid her head against his chest.

Zoe tried speaking but it only came out as gibberish. Charley quickly threw the towel over her laid out body. He tried to catch his breath as Zoe groaned and moaned. She would’ve been mortified had been anyone else but Charley was her safety. Right now, she couldn’t understand what happened that ended with her laying in the shower. But for now, all she could do was lay there and try to regain her mind and body. Charley held her wet body to his trying to comfort her. “Shhh, it’s okay, I’m here…” He whispered as he stroked her wet hair. They both laid on the floor as the shower kept running engulfing them in steam. Charley looked down at her and vowed that he’d never leave her alone again. And this was last moment of weakness that Zoe would give herself… in Charley’s arms.

Jerry Dandrige X OC Mini Series!!

!!Warnings!! : Foul language

!!Please be respectful!!!!

…………………………………………..

Zoe Banks sat in the passenger seat of her newfound mysteriously hot neighbor. Jerry had started speeding the closer they got to his street, it’s like he couldn’t wait for something. Zoe could tell they were getting closer with how familiar the route to Charley’s neighborhood was to her. Every house practically looked the same, but being a native of Vegas, she could tell the difference of who lived where. With one last turn of a corner, they were on his street. Zoe suddenly sat up straighter as they slowly drove past Charley’s house. She couldn’t help but try and look through the windows to see if anyone was awake. Thankfully, they were dead asleep in the house. All the windows were pitch black with the shades closed. She felt relieved but with just a tinge of disappointment. She couldn’t help it, she hadn’t been on his street since they broke up, so many memories had hit her all at once. Feeling the weight of it, she fell back onto the seat with her arms crossed.

Jerry noticed this, but chose not to ask about it. Trivial teenage problems, he’d rather not concern himself with and neither should she, she he’d greater things in store her her but she’d know that soon enough. He slowed down and turned into his driveway and parked. Zoe winced from the stiffness in her leg as she tried to move it. Jerry unexpectedly put out his arm and grabbed her wrist rather tightly. Zoe held her breath and looked at his hand with wide eyes. She slowly trailed her eyes up his arm from his neck and to his darkened eyes. “Let me.” He whispered with a sultry drip as his tight grasp turned into a relaxing glide of his fingers up her arm. Zoe would have been deeply uncomfortable but with him it proved impossible to not trust him. He softly touched her cheek with the back of his hand. She let her breath out shakily, she had no idea what to think or do.

Jerry stared into her wide eyes, they were like deep pools waiting to suck him in. She was proving to be a challenge for him and he was doubting what he wanted do at this point. He needed to get it together, he had a job to do. She was the one puzzle piece that would bring it all together, he couldn’t risk that. Zoe wondered if he suddenly realized how how imperfect because he had pulled away from her like he couldn’t stand to touch her any longer. Jerry shut the door and walked around to her side, opening the door for her. She couldn’t help but recoil into herself.

He suddenly put his arm under her legs and under her armpit pulling up against his chest. He easily slid her off the chair and carry her like she was weightless. Zoe gasped and snorted unintentionally. She quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment. Jerry smirked. “Was that a snort?” She became so red she thought she’d explode. She tried covering her face with her hair and looking away. “You really don’t have to do this, I could… limp to the door.” She whispered as he slammed the door shut with his elbow, not having any issues. “I prefer it this way.” He retorted as Zoe scoffed. “And if I don’t?” She challenged. “Then that’s too bad.” He finished. Zoe rolled her eyes and held on tighter as he stepped onto the porch.

Jerry pulled the door open and walked through the door. “Wow, I guess you don’t believe in locks.” She laughed nervously as he put her down onto the ground. She felt dizzy and quickly held herself up against a wall. He didn’t reply as he closed the front door shut. That’s when Zoe became worried. They were both engulfed in complete darkness. Not any light coming from a window or nothing. He didn’t leave any light on in the house either. Zoe tried adjusting her eyes to the dark but it was still too dark. She used her hands to feel against the wall trying to find a light switch. She didn’t hear Jerry or any kind of movement either. “Jerry? Jerry?” Zoe called out as she fumbled over herself. She felt completely senseless. She unfortunately lost her footing and fell down onto to her hands and knees for the second time.

Now on the ground, she was completely vulnerable. “Jerry! What’s going on?” She whispered with a trembling voice as she padded against what felt like a carpeted floor. She felt her raw knees burn as they rubbed against the tough carpet and most likely leaving blood on it. Her long red hair fell over her shoulder and got stuck under her hand, unintentionally making her pull her head down to the ground. “Fuck!” She hissed as she sat onto her feet and began rubbing at her aching scalp. Suddenly, she felt something sharp glide against her cheek. Zoe gasped and fell back onto the carpet. She tried getting up but her legs were weak, she ended up hitting her back against a wall behind her.

She cursed and slid up the wall. “Jerry, this isn’t funny anymore.” She hissed into the dark. Just then, she heard a guttural laugh as a light came on. Zoe covered her eyes, not adjusted to the sudden light. She was met with Jerry sitting on a recliner chair with his legs spread open and looking rather comfortable. She glared at him as he appeared nonchalant. “Sorry, I forgot where the switch was, new place and all.” Zoe pushed herself off the wall and stood straight. “Yeah, I bet you enjoyed that.” She hissed with her arms crossed. Jerry laughed and stood up. “You have no idea.” He whispered, out of reach of Zoe’s ears. He walked to the small kitchen and pulled open the fridge. “You want anything to drink?” He hummed. Zoe huffed in defiance, not answering his question.

Good thing she didn’t because there was nothing but beer and rotting meat. Jerry grabbed a beer and slammed it shut. He turned around and leaned against the counter, watching Zoe intently as he pooped it open and took a swig. He looked up from her curious eyes that took in everything in the room to her pink lips that had now turned purple. He looked down at the tight fitting tank top to her belly button that peeked out from under her shirt, the skin appeared soft and toned. Then down from her soft thighs to red knees and the open cut that was still dripping blood profusely. She was younger for his taste, still so innocent. It was off for him but after hundreds of years of living, he came to think that age was nothing but a number.

Besides, she was like nothing he’d met in a while. He knew he needed her, he yearned for her. And she was easy, fell right into his hands, it was too perfect to let go. Zoe’s blue eyes fell onto him, they held something unrecognizable as he came back from his thoughts. “What?” Zoe shrugged. “I’ve just never drank before…” She trailed off, looking at him like a puppy. Jerry smirked and shook his head. “You’re dangerous.” He whispered before walking over to her. He helped her sit down on the recliner and squatted in front of her. Zoe smiled slyly as he held out the bottle to her. Just as she was about to grab it, he pulled it back. She frowned as he took a long sip. “Hey!” She laughed.

Jerry brought his lips away from the bottle and grabbed her face with one hand. He pulled her towards him and brought his down to her chin. His thumb rubbed against her bottom lip coaxing her to open up. Zoe parted her lips inviting his thumb to glide against her bottom teeth. She looked at him with wide eyes as his eyes had once again darkened. His lids drooping with desire. Not knowing what else to do, she bit his thumb softly stopping him from venturing further into her mouth. He looked up from her lips to look into her eyes. They were irresistible. Without hesitating anymore, he brought his lips to hers and softly kissed her. Zoe stopped breathing as she savored the plush feeling of his lips. He forced her mouth open wider with his tongue and massaging against hers.

She jumped when suddenly she felt the rush of liquid into her mouth. She instinctively brought her hands up to his shoulders and tried pushing him away. She relaxed her throat as the alcohol slid down her throat, giving her a nice tingle. It surprisingly tasted better than she thought. She didn’t know if it was because it was good quality beer or… if it was because of him. She struggled to swallow with everything going on and he held onto the kiss for a bit longer. It was gentle and sweet, exactly what Zoe was used to, just not with who. They slowly pulled away but Zoe was quick to clean the little bit of alcohol that had escaped from the corner of her lip. She quickly looked away and refused to look back at him, at first it was nice but now she just felt ashamed.

Jerry took another swig as he bore a hole into the side of her face. “What’s wrong?” Zoe wasn’t the type of girl to make a move with any guy and especially with one that was twice her age. “Aren’t I too young for you?” She questioned. He just chuckled and stood up in front of her. Zoe still didn’t look at him. He sighed and grabbed her chin again, softly rubbing at her skin. Her breath was shaky as she squeezed her eyes shut. It all felt so wrong. Sensing her shift in attitude, Jerry walked away to the bathroom. Zoe could finally feel like she could breathe without suffocating. She took deep breaths to calm herself down. “What the hell am I doing?” She scolded herself. How could she let herself get so easily manipulated. He was an incredibly hot, nothing she was used to, but she never let herself become so vulnerable before. It was like he had her under some kind of spell. She tried calming herself when she heard his footsteps come back into the room.

Jerry squatted down in front of her. He put a glass of water in front of her face. She tried declining but he insisted. She scowled and huffed before taking it from him. She realized just how parched she was as she looked at the cup, giving in she brought it up to her mouth and took a gulp. Zoe then gagged at the odd taste. “Sorry, all I have is from the faucet.” He apologized as she looked at him with a frown. “Just vegas water I guess.” She mumbled as she noticed he had a first aid kit in hand. He opened it up and started taking out the stuff that was needed. “I won’t need stitches?” She questioned. Jerry shook his head, his dark hair falling out of place. It looked so soft, she wanted to touch it, she was tempted to maybe it was the delirium of losing a lot of blood.

Zoe smiled and allowed him to take off her makeshift bandage. He took a second to breathe. “Are you okay?” She whispered in concern as he looked to be in pain or something. “I just don’t do well with blood… a little bit… sensitive.” He gritted. Zoe tried getting up. “Oh! Don’t worry about it, I can try fixing it up myself, just let me know where the bath-” He quirky pulled her back down onto the seat. “It’s really not necessary, stay put.” He objected. Zoe swallowed thickly and just nodded. His grip on her was tight once again.

He held his eyes longer on her making sure she didn’t get up again. He then examined her open wound and began cleaning it with alcohol. Zoe hissed and cursed as he cleaned it. She clung to the chair with eyes squeezed shut. “Fuck.” She hissed as she fisted the leather under her fingers. Jerry couldn’t help but peek at her as she was distracted from the pain. Even when she was in pain, she looked beautiful. Like an angel, so pure. He watched as her chest rose and dropped in hurried breaths. He looked back down at his work with the image of her withering form still imprinted in his mind.

After what seemed like an eternity, Jerry was finally done. He was able to clean it off, disinfect the wound and wrap it up securely. Zoe fell back onto the seat and huffed. “Thank you.” She whispered as she carefully moved her leg a little. The cut was large but the bruising around it was much worse, thankfully it wasn’t something she had to worry about. She could barely move her leg though. She looked around the walls looking for a clock or something. “Jesus, what time is it?” She mumbled as she pulled out her phone. “Do you have a phone?” She called out to him from the kitchen. “I don’t own a phone.” Jerry shrugged as he washed his hands at the sink, but not before sticking his thumb in his mouth and sucking the blood off his finger. Just a taste wouldn’t hurt.

Zoe sighed and rubbed at her puffy eyes, this was the longest night of her life. Even though she had gotten some good rest, the exhaustion from the events suddenly hit her. “I’m so tired…” She whispered as she looked around the room in confusion. Everything started to become increasingly blurry rather quickly. The empty white walls and single tv become unrecognizable. The chair she was sitting on suddenly felt like quicksand that was sucking her in. She had never felt this weak before. “What’s happening to me?” She mumbled one last time as she fell back onto the chair. Before closing her eyes she took one last look at Jerry’s towering form that stood over her. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you.” He winked before she shut them completely engulfing her in darkness.

Zoe’s blue eyes slowly opened as she looked around her trying to focus her eyes. Her cheek was pressed against the cold hard ground as her body laid on its side. She wiggled her fingers trying to get a feeling back into her limbs. She groaned as she slowly tried raising her neck which didn’t work since she was still too weak. She groaned as she laid motionless on the ground, everything ached. Her mouth was drier than the desert and her stomach was growling as she hadn’t eaten anything since before practice. She squinted her eyes and looked around the room, the bright fluorescent light came into focus and finally she was able to see where she was.

It was a small white room like a broom closet with just a light and nothing else. Zoe cried quietly as she flipped herself onto her back using as little movement as possible. All she could see now was the ceiling. Deciding that it was time to man up, she slowly urged herself to sit up. Swallowing the pain, she did so. She supported herself with her shaking arms as she squinted from the pounding in her head. All she was faced with now was a door with a small peep hole at the top. Without thinking about it, she slowly stood up and took a moment to make sure she wouldn’t topple over. She tried taking a step forward but her body wasn’t ready for so much movement yet, so she fell full force against the door causing a loud bang. “Fuck.” She cried as she slid down the door while holding onto her legs. They ached so bad she they were beginning to go numb.

In this moment, Zoe remembered why it was important to never trust strangers. She should’ve listened to herself, but she felt like maybe she was judging this stranger too harshly. Of course a man would prove otherwise. Jerry was new in town, invited her to his house, offered her alcohol and was a total creep for making a move when he was way older than her. All the signs were there, she could’ve at least ran to get help, she wouldn’t have gotten far but she wouldn’t have had to when Charley lived just a couple of feet away. But once again, she had to blame herself, what was she thinking? She should’ve never let herself get in this situation.

All Zoe could hear in her head was her father screaming at her about what an idiot she was just like her incompetent mother. And her grandfather telling her never to trust anything that appears from the dark. Just like Jerry did. “Fuck, fuck, fuck you!” Zoe cried as hot tears streamed down her face. The water he had given her was roofied. But what was the reason in bandaging her up then giving her a roofie if he was just going to murder her anyway? Maybe he liked to play games with victims or get into their heads. Zoe then froze. Or maybe he was going to use her for more personal reasons. “No.” She cried as she stood up and started banging against the door. “FUCK YOU, YOU SICK BASTARD!” She cursed.

Zoe didn’t even bother trying the knob, she knew it would be locked. She tried looking out the peephole but was met with nothing and no one. Just the same walls but multiple other doors. She pulled back wide eyed realizing that there were probably other people here too. “How many does he have?” She mumbled as she held her pounding head in her hands. She began to pace in circles, with the hit of adrenaline she was having she couldn’t feel anymore but the need to get the fuck out of there. She stood for a moment looking at the door with every thought possible hitting her all at once.

Then it hit her. Zoe pressed her hands against the door, feeling it, it was pretty flimsy. She figured she could break it open with the right amount of hits. She hesitated, that only meant sacrificing the already fragile state of her body. But it didn’t matter when the possibility of survival was higher with a broken shoulder than a chopped up body. Zoe stepped back and took a deep breath. “You can do this.” She whispered as she started to doubt herself. She got into position, preparing her shoulder for impact. She looked at the door with hatred. The only thing stopping her from life or death. “Let’s fucking do this.” She hissed before running up and smashing her shoulder against the door. It creaked the first time, the second time it jumped, the third time it cracked, the fourth time it cracked even more, the fifth time a hinge began to pop off but by the sixth time it still hadn’t budged and she was already feeling it.

Zoe yelled in frustration as she held her shoulder in her hand attempting to massage the throbbing. It was definitely sprained, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t care. She screamed out in pain as she fell back onto the wall, sliding down it and hitting the floor roughly. “I’m so tired…” She cried as she sat helplessly. Even though the door had been compromised just a little, it was still holding up good. Zoe hung her head as her heart beat a thousand times per minute. She was engulfed in silence, just the sound of her own labored breaths. “I can’t give up.” She tried encouraging herself. She pleaded with herself but she was losing what little energy she had left.

Suddenly, she heard a door open. Zoe sat up on alert. It was quiet for a second but then slow footsteps echoed as they stepped closer and closer to her door. Zoe stood up and pushed her body as close to the wall as she could. She watched the door intently when the steps came to a stop right in front of her door. She brought her fists up to her face and prepared herself as she heard a key go into the lock. It twisted and turned, unlocking with a click, except her door didn’t swing open with a creak. Zoe sighed in relief and quietly walked up to the peephole. She carefully put her body against the door to look. Her breathing was shaky as her eyes focused on the broad back of Jerry’s body.

He was in a room opposite of hers that looked exactly the same, except this time there was a blonde standing in front of him. She was scared and tried pleading with him as he walked into the room and pulled her towards him by the arm. She couldn’t fight much from the looks of it as she fell right into his arms. Zoe struggled to see as he dipped her body down to the ground with his and held her in his arms. “Please don’t, please.” She begged as he brushed the hair off of her neck. Zoe furrowed her brows. What the hell was he doing? The girl continued to cry and shake in his arms. He appeared to be sniffing her or something as his body shook over her. Suddenly, with a jolt of his body he bit right into her neck with a loud crunch.

Zoe screamed as she fell onto the floor. She covered her ears and squeezed her eyes shut as the girls cries grew louder. She could hear the blood splatter drip onto the cement floor. She couldn’t understand what she had just seen, but whatever it was she didn’t want to be like that girl. After a little bit, the girls cries had died down. Zoe opened her eyes hesitantly but scrambled back when she noticed a puddle of blood began seeping in from under the crack of her door. “Oh god.” She cried into her hand as she slowly stood up to face the wall. The strong smell of copper filled her small room and she couldn’t bare it. “Please, get me out of here.” She begged as she looked up toward the ceiling, hoping the higher power would get her out of this. “Whoever is up there…” Zoe mumbled with quivering lips.

Zoe jumped when she heard Jerry throw the poor girls lifeless body against the wall and slam the door shut. It was quiet for a moment. Zoe held her breath. The floor creaked under his weight. Zoe slowly turned her neck to face the door attempting to not look at the ground and make herself sick. She stared in anticipation that he’d come in here next and do what he did to her as well. She could feel his stare, whether she could see him or not. She just stared back, refusing to move or breathe. After a long minute, she heard him start walking out. She sighed in relief. He paused again at the end of the hall feeling tempted but ultimately decided leaving was best for now, besides he’d like to save the best for last.

Zoe was thankful for a moment but quickly tiptoed back toward her door. Her shoes squelched into the puddle of blood in which she grimaced. “Gross…” She hissed before peeking back out the peephole. He was gone for sure. She heaved as she held her chest. Now it was time to go back to figuring out how to get out of here before she was next, and there was no time to waste after seeing what was in store for her. She could let herself think about what she just saw and heard but filling herself with fear wasn’t going to help her situation. Zoe began pacing again to begin brainstorming on what to do next, but the sound of the door opening up again caught her attention. This time it was different, it was hesitant and quiet, like someone sneaking in. Then cautious footsteps distracted her. She furrowed her brows and stood frozen. It didn’t sound like Jerry. These were slow and much lighter.

She went to check through the peephole again, she focused her eyes to see. And when they did they went wide when they fell upon a familiar face. It was her ex, Charley Brewster. What a surprise that he’d be the one to come to her rescue. How fucked up was this? When Zoe asked for help she didn’t think he’d send her asshole ex boyfriend. God or whoever truly did like to have a good laugh at her. Charley stood before her door cautiously while looking down the hall every few times. He was hesitant before putting his ear against Zoe’s door. Zoe watched as he listened for any sign of life. He had seen Jerry put his hand against the door in a caressing manner. He thought it was just Doris who he had locked up, but with the way Jerry seemed to soften as he stared at the door, Charley figured whatever was in the room was important to him.

Zoe didn’t want to speak and frighten Charley. So, instead she brought her knuckles up to the wood and knocked twice. Charley pulled back in a mixture or fear and surprise. If it was human, it would’ve started begging for help or crying, instead they were just knocking? It was probably another one of him. Although, he wondered why they were locked up. Zoe stepped away from the door and hugged herself as her body shook in anticipation.

Charley controlled himself and decided he’d rather take the risk, he got down on his knees and began messing with the lock. Zoe stood waiting and wondering if he was going to help her. She had thought he left but she began hearing the lock twisting and turning. She ran to the door and looked again through the hole to see the top of his head as he was kneeling in front of her door. Zoe wanted to rejoice and jump up and down but she didn’t want to get too excited, this was only the beginning, this was the easy part. She watched as the doorknob jumped as he struggled to open it, she could hear him getting frustrated but he didn’t give up. Her eyes watered as what she knew were minutes but felt like hours.

Just as she was growing helpless, the lock clicked and popped open. Zoe jumped back and stood there stunned as Charley Brewster looked at her like she wasn’t real. “Zoe?” He whimpered out as his eyes watered. This is not what he would’ve expected, finding his ex girlfriend bloodied and battered standing locked up in the house of a crazed serial killer. Zoe’s eyes fluttered as they began to pool with tears. “Charley.” She whispered. When he heard her voice he finally believed it. He ran up to her and hugged her tightly. In any other context, this would’ve been weird but here, it was reassurance that she’d be okay. Zoe cried into his shoulder as her body shook. He pulled back to look her up and down. “Did he do this to you? What are you doing here? How?” He quivered out as he held her face in his palms. He had so many questions that she couldn’t answer right now. He also couldn’t help but look at her neck to check for blood or bite marks. Zoe shook her head. “I’m hurt, but I’m okay.” She whispered as he brought her into a tight hug again like she’d disappear in his arms.

Zoe wanted to relish in the comfort that Charley was here, but there wasn’t time for that. She pulled away and looked him in his puppy green eyes that she once loved. “We’ve gotta go, Charley.” She whispered. Charley’s usual sweet face became stern with determination but fear was still evident in his eyes. He put Zoe’s arm over his shoulder and helped her limp out of the door and into the hall. They tried avoiding the pool of blood to not leave noticeable footprints on the floor. Just as they were about to walk away, Zoe stopped, holding Charley back. He looked at her as she seemed to fight with herself. They couldn’t leave the girl, she was probably dead, but it was still best to make sure.

Charley shook his head. “We don’t have time for this.” He hissed as he struggled to carry Zoe as it is. Now two? It’d be impossible, he was just one man. “I just want to make sure if she’s still alive, if she is, you can carry her and I’ll walk.” Even though she could already feel the pain of her walking, she didn’t want to live with the thought that they could’ve saved her too. Charley took a moment to think, but ultimately decided it was the right thing to do. Even if he basically saw the life drain from Doris eyes. Zoe pulled herself off him and slowly walked to the door, Charley did the same and kneeled on the ground to start picking at the lock. It was silent in the room but she was probably passed out. It took only a little bit and the door popped open.

Zoe hurriedly pushed it open to find the blonde laying haphazardly on the ground like a lifeless dummy with her eyes still open. Zoe thought she was dead at first but noticed she was still breathing. “She’s still breathing, hurry!” She instructed Charley as she pushed him forward. He quickly grabbed the blonde and helped her stand up. “I got you, I got you.” He comforted her as he took it slow guiding her out of the room. She was fragile and weak. Zoe looked at the dry blood on her neck and obvious puncture wounds where Jerry had chomped into her like a burger. She cringed at it and quickly looked away. “Okay, time to get out of here.” Zoe whispered as Charley helped the girl take careful steps.

Zoe hurriedly walked down the hall ignoring her stinging pain in her leg and ache in her shoulder with every swing of her arm. She ran her hand down the side of the wall and when she found a place to put her hand she quickly pulled the wall open revealing a dark closet. “What the fuck.” She hissed. “You have to open the closet door.” Zoe looked back quizzically as he just nodded his head forward. Zoe took a deep breath and slowly walked into the hanging clothes in front of her, it was all just uniforms like security guards, construction workers, highway patrol and police officers. She swallowed thickly, this guy was a hardened criminal.

She got through the clothing quietly trying not to move anything too much. She then cautiously pulled one side of the closet open. She looked around what looked to be a cluttered office. An orange lamp lit up the room showing odd drawings on the walls, and pictures. She turned to Charley and helped him carry the girl out of the closet. They maneuvered their way through the room and took a moment to cautiously look outside the open door that led to the hallway. They could hear Jerry downstairs switching between channels on the tv. Zoe looked around to take in all the boxes and mess. But a huge scroll on the wall caught her eye. She wondered closer to it, looking at the eerie drawing. It looked so familiar. Unknowingly she brought her hand up to touch it, but Charley was quick to stop her.

He had grabbed her wrist and she jumped looking back at him. “Don’t.” He hissed, his usual pink cheeks were pale as he looked at her with hardened eyes. “We’ve got to go.” He whispered bringing her hand down. Zoe nodded frantically as he pulled her with him to the door. The girl now seemed more aware and stable as she was now able to stand on her own two feet. “Are you okay?” Charley asked her surprised that she was feeling better already. “Yeah, I can walk.” She reassured him. She then looked at Zoe and became frightened at the dirty and bloody red-head. “Oh my god… you’re just a kid.” She whispered with disgust that Jerry had the young girl locked up like her. “What’s your name?” She asked. “Zoe.” Zoe mumbled. “I’m Doris.” She whispered with a weak smile.

Doris felt protective of the girl suddenly, like it was her duty to help her get out of this mess. She walked behind her as Charley stood in front of the both of them. He looked back at Zoe, making sure she was ready. She nodded. He grabbed her hand as he began walking out of the room and into the hall, slowly guiding them. Zoe felt calm at the feeling of his warm skin holding hers. It was odd that they were united again in this situation, him basically saving her life. She also couldn’t help but wonder what the hell he was doing here? Had he seen her that night and came to help when she never came back out? And how long had Doris been here? Was she here the whole time she was downstairs with Jerry? The thought gave her chills. The feeling of feeling so helpless when someone else was just right there.

Charley continued to guide them slowly as they came down the hall and stopped at the top of the stairs. He turned to them with a finger on his lips to make sure they were quiet as they stepped onto the wooden stairs. They had to be extra careful because there was a possibility of the stairs creaking from their weight and giving them away. The downstairs was an open concept, so any wrong move and Jerry would be able to see them and come after them. Doris held onto Zoe as her legs began to ache going down the steps. Zoe reassuringly put her hand over hers as they continued. She was freezing cold to the touch but she imagined the girl had just lost too much blood from the looks of it. Finally, they reached the bottom of the stairs and came to a stop. Zoe could see the tv playing the real housewives, the windows covered in some weird paint, and the one single lamp that dimly lit the room.

The house was cold and empty. Nothing brought it to life and nothing could, the energy was off, everything in it felt wrong. Suddenly, they heard Jerry’s familiar footsteps, heavy and slow. They all turned to look at the chair that sat in front of the tv to see it empty as Jerry had now gotten up and walked to the kitchen. Doris whimpered a little, but Zoe squeezed her hand and shook her head. It was a warning to keep quiet, Doris squeezed her eyes shut and nodded in compliance. Charley looked up at a glass case that stood in front them to see the reflection of the fridge opening, except there was no one in the reflection opening it. Zoe could see his eyes grow wide. She followed his eyes and what she saw made her heart sink as well.

They could hear him rummaging through the fridge but they couldn’t see him at all. It was as though a ghost were playing tricks on them. Zoe slowly turned to look through the stair banister to see Jerry standing right in front of the fridge. But it wasn’t clicking for her, she couldn’t made sense of it. All she knew was that this thing, didn’t have a reflection. Her body began to shake as she turned away and covered her mouth to hide her cry. Her eyes were frantic and scared as Charley quickly turned to her. He grabbed her face and put his lips beside her ear. “Calm down.” He whispered. He pulled back and brought a finger to his quivering lips. He wanted to cry with fear but he had two lives depending on him, he needed to put a brave face for them.

Zoe shut her eyes and opened them back up, sucking up the tears. Hearing Jerry’s steps begin walking back to the tv, Charley quickly pulled them along and around the corner. They duck walked in line toward the back door that led to the backyard. But suddenly, Jerry stopped. They froze with heavy breaths, Zoe could feel the sweat going down the side of her face. He then began to walk back the kitchen and they scrambled to hide at the end of the stairs again. They successfully made it back without being seen. Charley peeked from the corner and watched as Jerry rolled an apple off the counter and playfully catching it before it hit the ground. He then looked up at the top of the stairs. He seemed to be thinking about something or someone as he smirked to himself, rubbing the apple against his shirt to clean it off. Charley knew he what he was thinking about, and that was most likely Zoe.

Images of Zoe laying in Jerry’s arms instead of Doris, as he sucked the life from her, her hand reaching out to Charley for help. He couldn’t bare the image, and if he could he would’ve stood up and beat the crap out of Jerry. But before letting it get to him further, he saved the rage for later, he might need it. Charley watched as Jerry walked out of the kitchen and rounded the corner, with that he guided the two girls with him, quicker than before. As they walked past the living room, Zoe looked back to make sure that Jerry was back in front of the tv. Unfortunately, Jerry wasn’t and instead was standing right there against the wall, watching them escape. He made no attempt to stop them and only watched them like he was entertained. Zoe furrowed her brows in confusion, why was he just standing there? Like he didn’t care. His sinister eyes pierced into hers telling her something. Like they weren’t going to be free of him just yet.

Zoe looked away to warn Charley but he had already gotten the back door open, unsurprisingly it was left unlocked. She knew it wasn’t just out of luck. She knew that Jerry was very calculated, it was no mistake. She remembered when she first got here he had the doors unlocked, he wasn’t afraid. “Wait.” Zoe tried warning Charley as he guided them out the door. She covered her eyes as she walked outside and the sun was rising. “That’s weird.” She whispered. Zoe felt like she was in there for a lot longer. From the time she called her parents it would’ve been 3 and by the time she got to Jerry’s and been bandaged up it would’ve been 4:30. Sunrise is at 5:30. She was sure if she was roofied, she should’ve been out longer than 10 minutes. “How long was I in there?” She mumbled, questioning herself.

Charley slowly shut the door behind them when everyone was safely out. “Thank you!” Doris cried as she held onto Charley’s arm in gratitude. “It’s okay, you’re okay.” He whispered as he also grabbed onto the confused Zoe and rushed out onto the grass to get the hell out of there as quick as possible. He kept reassuring them as they ran, but as soon as they hit the sunlight Doris lit up in flames. There was a loud audible screech from her as she became fire and then ashes and disappearing with breeze. Zoe stood dumbfounded trying to register what had just happened all too fast. Charley looked at where Doris was just standing to see nothing left but her calf on the grass. “Oh my god!” Zoe cried as she covered her mouth.

Charley’s eyes pooled with tears as he mourned the fact that Doris didn’t deserve this, she didn’t deserve any of it. She disappeared into thin air like she never existed, like she didn’t matter. He couldn’t help but feel like it was all his fault. Zoe heaved into her hand as she held her stomach, she slowly looked up towards the house. It was just like any other house but inside it held something so menacing and dark. No one would have ever known. She knew that Jerry let them leave because he knew that would happen. He wanted them to see it, he wanted to fuck with their heads. He wanted to scare them and it worked.

Zoe stood up straight, she knew that he was watching them. Without thinking about it, she picked up her hands and stuck her middle finger out at him. “FUCK. YOU.” She yelled in anguish. All her anger and rage. Charley quickly grabbed her and turned her around to look away from the house. She screamed into his shirt as she tightly fisted the fabric in her palm. “Shhh, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” He tried reassuring her, but he wasn’t so sure himself. Zoe shook her head as tears ran down her cheeks. “H- he’s going to come after me…” She whimpered. Charley squeezed his eyes shut as he caressed her tangled red locks. Even if things ended badly between them and they had their differences, he was glad that she was alive right now and that he could hold her.

Feeling the sun engulf them both completely, Charley slowly pulled away. Zoe opened her bloodshot blue eyes to look at his green puffy ones. He was as exhausted as she was. They took a moment to stare at each other. It had been so long, Zoe forgot what it was like to stare at him this close. His pale skin and high cheek bones, to his small thin straight nose, and thin pouty lips. She then looked back up to his pale sea moss green eyes. They were always so soft and warming. His brows always appeared worried which she thought was the cutest thing about him. He looked back at her with the same admiration. Realizing this, she pulled away completely.

Jerry Dandridge X OC Mini Series

Just a small mini series for my fav right now, please enjoy!!

No warnings yet, mild cursing though. Also age difference and uncomfortable situations, just a mild warning, this will become a dirty! :) Also, I imagine Sadie Sink as my OC because I love her!

Young seventeen-year-old Zoe Banks stood beside her best friend as they watched the black and white ball get kicked around roughly by a couple of raging teenage girls. The air was stale and hot from the unforgiving Las Vegas desert. They fanned their sweaty faces as their hair stuck to their skin. The green grass made squelching sounds as it was still soggy and wet from the sprinklers the night before. The team of young girls hissed and groaned as they continued practicing, putting every bit of power they had left in their bodies into their vigorous training. Another match was coming up and they were determined to be their district best for another year. Although, Zoe was more than just determined, she wanted to be the best.

Zoe bit at her bottom lip leaving it swollen and cracked, a nasty habit she had. Her blue eyes were shielded by her thick and furrowed auburn brows. They quirked at every unexpected move from the goalie, who had quickly thrown her whole body out to deter another attempt of the others from getting the ball in. As captain of the team, she needed to make sure they were ready. With one final kick and flip, the ball made it in and the girls cheered. The coach then blew her whistle and called it for the afternoon. The sun was on it’s way down and she didn’t want to overwork her team too much. And with news of a possible serial killer on the loose? She didn’t want one of her girls to be the next victim. Zoe sighed with annoyance and threw her ponytail over her shoulder, her red locks swishing behind her.

The team huddled and their coach thanked them and reminded them of a couple of things before dismissing them. Zoe stepped back from the huddle and turned to grab her bag off the ground when her coach called out to her. “Zoe, a word?”Zoe halted with an aggravated sigh and begrudgingly turned to jog back to her coach. The perky, blonde, aged women put her hands on her hips. “What is it that l’m not doing right for you?” She inquired, she could feel Zoe’s constant critique of her coaching. Zoe rolled her eyes and sighed. “What do you mean?” She questioned, feigning innocence. The blonde sighed. “Zoe, I can tell, it’s all over your face… you don’t think I’m doing enough.” Zoe kicked her cleats against a mud puddle causing a small splash. “I’m not saying you don’t know what’s best for the team… I just…” Her coach licked her thin lips and sighed one last time. “Listen, Zoe, I made you team captain for a reason, you’re the best on the team… but my job is to make sure the teams well-being comes first.” Zoe shook her head. “I just think a little more practice would do more for us, to be the perf-” “I’m not looking for you guys to be perfect, that’s not what this is about.” Her coach huffed. “If you’re looking for perfection, you’re never going to make it, Zoe. You’ll burn yourself out before you even get close to where you want to go.” Her coach finished. Zoe couldn’t help but squeeze her fists in frustration. “Well, we always have tomorrow. Get some rest, Zoe, you don’t need to be the best to do that.” Her coach advised as she gave Zoe a comforting squeeze on her shoulder before walking past her.

Zoe sighed quietly as she stood in the now empty field lost in thought. Her competitiveness was just too much for some people, she understood that, but what was the point in always discouraging her for it? It was constant from her coach and sometimes her teammates. They thought of her as bitchy and controlling, but her father always taught her that if you’re not number one, being number two didn’t mean a goddamn thing. The words echoed in her mind with a slight slur from the memory of his voice yelling it at her. Shivers ran down her slightly tanned and freckled arms. The hairs on the back of her neck standing up. The memories were hauntingly fresh for her, even after many years.

Zoe came back to herself as she realized she was still standing alone. The voice of her friend then reached her ears. She flipped around to see her small friend, Alia, standing at the edge of the bleachers. Her petite body struggled to hold both of their gear and heavy school bags. Zoe smiled and jogged to her. She felt like she was running on water as the puddles splashed against her exposed legs. “Dude, you didn’t need to do that…” She laughed as she reached her friend. “Well, you were too busy daydreaming…” Zoe’s eyes looked down with a certain glint. Alia furrowed her brows in suspicion. “You’re not thinking about him again are you?” She wondered. Zoe hesitantly looked back up at her, but thankfully, by her friends expression she wasn’t thinking of the same person. Zoe then vigorously shook her head. “Charley? God no.” She rolled her eyes, pretending not to care. “Good because that guy is a dick who didn’t deserve the all-star soccer player in all of the district AND honor roll student!” Alia mused, seeming like a proud mother.

Zoe laughed and threw her bags over her own shoulder. They began to walk from the bleachers to the parking lot as the sun began to set. “Yeah, but that didn’t matter, did it?” She sighed as she looked up at the sky. Small stars began to peek out just a little. She loved it when they did that, even when the sun wasn’t fully down they were most eager to shine, just for her. It’s like they couldn’t wait to show the world just how beautiful they were. “Hey! Don’t go there…” Alia sighed. “Amy Peterson is nothing but easy.” Zoe shook her head, at least guys wanted her, noticed her. “But you, you’ve got it all.” Alia finished while smiling proudly. Zoe just smiled back, she wished she could agree. When they reached her car, she unlocked it with a quick beep. Zoe was exhausted she didn’t want to take longer than needed. She threw her stuff into the backseat and turned to give Alia a tight hug. They said their quick goodbyes and she waited to watch Alia get in and drive away. Zoe liked to be the one to make sure she was okay and on her way before doing the same.

Zoe groaned tiredly and turned to her car. The sun had now gone down fully and the sky was left with a dark blue hue. She hated driving at night, the desert became more active at night as her grandfather always warned her. Her grandmother would always tell her that because of her red locks, Zoe was kissed by the sun and raised by the stars. It made her shine the brightest, but also attract unwanted things from the darkness. Zoe missed them dearly, the older she got the more she seemed to reminisce of them. Especially now that she was under so much stress. With soccer and her boyfriend of two years breaking up with her recently, you could say she was going through it. Zoe closed her eyes shut and took a deep breathe in. She held it for a second before letting her shoulders drop. “Zen, let’s be zen.” She whispered to herself as she reached for the door handle. Although, before she could open the door, she felt a sudden presence behind her. She quickly turned to look behind her. Her eyes adjusting to the dark, but she didn’t see anything or anyone.

Zoe swallowed thickly. With urgency, she quickly pulled the door open and jumped into the drivers seat. She slammed the door shut and quickly locked it. She felt adrenaline beginning to bubble in her chest. She hated how much of a scaredy cat she was sometimes. Zoe took a couple of labored breaths before attempting to start her car. The car made an odd guttural sound as she turned the key letting it click and click, but the car refused to start. “What the hell…” Zoe mumbled. She grabbed onto the wheel and rested her forehead against it. She never had problems with her car and thankfully, her stepdad was always keeping up with the maintenance. She had no idea what could be causing the issue. “Please this can’t be the end of the road for us.” She frowned.

Zoe looked around her, the sun was now completely gone and the street lamps had turned on. Although, the road that led out toward the desert was pitch black and it made her stomach curl inward. Her house was unfortunately that way and a couple of miles of darkness was her worst nightmare. She never drove this late and being alone, her parents never allowed it. Sighing, Zoe pulled out her phone and began to dial her parents landline. She brought it up to her ear as it rung. She cautiously surveyed around her car to make sure no one was creeping up on her. Zoe bit on her nails as the phone continued to ring, unfortunately, no one answered and she was met with the answering machine. “Shit.” She cursed as she hung up and threw her phone on the passenger seat. She would have called Alia but she was most likely picking up her mom from the bus stop. Her mother would work on the strip in one of the fancy hotels, but Alia would use the car for practice and running errands for her mom while she worked.

Alias mother put a lot of responsibility on the young girl, Zoe always felt bad and would try to help them as much as she could when Alia needed it. Sometimes her mother was too prideful on not excepting help, but Alia was always thankful. Zoe struggled with herself in thought, she was stranded, but she’d feel terrible asking for help. Besides what would Alia do? It’s not like she knew anything about cars. Zoe didn’t want to inconvenience them, her mom was most likely exhausted from work and would probably just want to go home to rest. Deciding not to bother them, Zoe grabbed her phone and texted her parents notifying them of the situation. Her dad did work late all the time and her mom would spend afternoons with her grandma who lived alone, so she guessed she still hadn’t gotten home yet. She’d much rather just wait it out and try to reach them again later. Besides, she was in the parking lot on school campus, what could possibly happen to her? She was probably safer here than anywhere else.

Zoe sighed and put her phone down again. So far she was okay, she would just wait it out and probably try to start her car again later. She rested her head back against the headrest and got cozy. “God, I’m so fucking tired.” She groaned as she closed her eyes. She stretched her legs out as much as possible as they began to ache more. “Might as well get some rest…” Zoe whispered to herself as she crossed her arms tight. “Someone will come soon…” She mumbled one last time before drifting to sleep.

Suddenly, Zoe was jolted awake. She jumped out of her seat and looked around in confusion. “Where am I?” She stressed as her memory was foggy. The nap must’ve been really good considering she couldn’t remember where she was. “Oh my god.” She hissed as she rubbed at the raging headache that she began to feel. She then cursed in pain when she turned her neck a little too fast realizing that it was sore. The thought of the time hit her, she carefully grabbed her phone as she held her neck with one hand trying to massage it. Zoe squinted when the bright screen blinded her for a second, when it finally came into focus she beyond shocked to see it was 2:37 Am. Zoe realized she’d been asleep in the school parking lot for almost seven hours. Her parents were going to kill her. “OH FUCK! Fuck fuck fuck!” She cursed. She quickly dialed for her parents ignoring the thousands of calls and messages she had already gotten. It rang only twice and she heard her mother’s worried voice pick up on the other end.

Zoe bit her lip as she was about to get chewed out. “Zoe! Zoe! Where in gods name are you, baby? We’ve been worried SICK! This is completely unacceptable! We understand, you’re a teenager, you want to party and go out and be irresponsible. BUT to do this to your father and I! I cannot believe you’d have us worried sick about you!” Zoe shook her head in confusion. “Mom, mom, slow down! What are you talking about?” She was beyond confused now. “I sent a text message to you guys telling you what happened and where I was.” At least she thought she did. “We didn’t get-” Zoe brought the phone down from her ear to see her screen had gone black, a battery icon switched on signaling it was dead and needed to be charged. “FUCK!” Zoe screamed and threw her phone against the dashboard causing it to bounce off and land on the floor.

Zoe’s chest heaved with anger and frustration. What was her luck today? She was beyond done. She huffed in frustration and sat straight, she then tried starting the car again, but unfortunately, it was the same situation. She was hoping she’d get lucky, just once. She punched her wheel in anger. Zoe sat still for a moment deciding on what her options were. She thought that she had messaged her parents but she was guessing due to her poor cell service it just didn’t go through. “Fuck this hellhole!” She hissed as she looked out to her right to see the faraway twinkling lights of the strip. Zoe shook her head and threw her hands in the air. “Fuck it.” She sighed before grabbing her bag and phone. If she started walking now, she could make it home in two hours.

She looked out into the dark desert. The thought of having to walk out there absolutely killed her. Although, she didn’t want to stay in the car for another second and she could feel her stomach begging for sustenance. “You can do this.” She reassured herself as she got out and locked her car with her keys. It beeped loudly, making her jump slightly. She was being so jumpy, she couldn’t have that, she hadn’t even started walking and already she was being dramatic. If people in the 1800’s could walk into the desert or travel by donkey without any kind of light but the moon, then she could man up and do the same. She bid farewell to her car for now and began to walk. She could see the path of yellow streetlights lighting the street and sidewalk for her, almost like her own yellow brick road. Think happy thoughts, she told herself as the summer breeze tickled at her exposed legs and arms.

Her legs were sore but the walk was kind of helping the knots. She bit her lip anxiously as she walked along the empty road. In this moment she really wished her parents had moved closer to her school. Living in Las Vegas suburbia, the neighborhoods were like all their own colonies spread out in the desert. And each of them were pretty far out from civilization. Her parents just had to choose the farthest from her school. Zoe sighed as she kicked a rock on the ground, maybe if she had still had a boyfriend, she wouldn’t be in this situation. But then she thought about it, even if she was still dating her ex boyfriend Charley, he wouldn’t have been able to help considering he didn’t even have his own car. She remembered having to pick him from school and drop him off like he was her child. She didn’t mind it then but now she realized she did a lot more in the relationship than he ever did for her. At least now she didn’t have to worry about it anymore, now that Amy was his personal chauffeur. What a joke.

Zoe shook her head and laughed to herself. “Stop thinking about him…” She whispered. She wished she had some music to distract her. She looked out and up to the stars as the twinkling helped her take her mind off things. Suddenly, Zoe’s ankle rolled over a piece of car debris and she fell face first onto the ground. She screamed in pain as she hit both her knees. She tried putting her hands out in front of her but it wasn’t enough cushion. She hissed as she slowly lifted herself up and pushed herself back onto her back. She brought her hands up to see they were cut with small rocks digging into her skin. “Oh fuck.” She gasped. They were sharp and still embedded in the wounds, so she’d have to pull them out. Before doing so, she assessed the damage done to her legs, she could feel the immense stinging before looking at it.

Zoe took a deep breath and slowly sat up. She looked down at her legs to see one long gash on one leg and shredded skin on the other. She covered her mouth in surprise, she didn’t think it was that bad. She didn’t know what to do as a lot of blood gushed from the gash. She wondered if she could even walk like this. “What the hell is happening?” She yelled out in frustration. Refusing to feel sorry for herself though, she knew she needed to get up and look for help. “I refuse to be food for the coyotes.” She hissed as she zipped open her backpack and pulled out a dirty sock. “This will do.” She quickly wrapped it around her leg and tied it tight without dwelling on the pain she was feeling. Then she moved to her arms, she pulled out the sharp rocks, thankfully, they were small cuts with no major injury. She threw them back to the desert with hate. “God, I hate it here.” She hissed as she slowly lifted herself off the ground.

It was a struggle, but at least she was able to stand up straight. She began walking slowly, each step was a pain but all she could do was swallow it down. She wondered what time it was now, closer to 4 am probably. At least she got her hours of sleep for the night, so she’d be able to survive school, but that’s if she even made it home in time for school. She limped down the road for a couple of blocks making sure to pay attention to where she stepped. She noticed the sock was now becoming soaked through with blood, maybe the walking wasn’t helping. She couldn’t help but feel worried. “I gotta hurry up…” She mumbled as she began to speed up. Then came the sound of an engine coming down the road behind Zoe. She became hyper aware of her surroundings as the car grew closer and closer.

When the car finally reached her, she expected them to just drive past but it stopped instead. She gulped, she hoped they hadn’t noticed her but that was wishful thinking. Who wouldn’t stop when seeing a limping young girl at 4 AM in the desert. She stopped and hesitantly turned to look at them. It was a light grey pickup truck. No one had gotten out yet and Zoe quirked a brow in suspicion. In that moment, the car door opened and a man hopped out. He was wearing dark wash jeans and a grey short sleeved top. His physique was tall and muscular. His shirt fit nicely, he looked good. Although, that was all she could see, the rest of him was hidden well by the night. His work boots clunked heavily against the asphalt as he walked toward Zoe. He didn’t appear cautious at all, she could’ve been a serial killer for all he knew. But considering their size difference, he probably saw her as no threat. She could barely see his face until he walked into the light of the street lamp.

He had a James Dean look about him, his jet black greasy hair was slicked back but with some loose strands dangling over the corners of his forehead and over his eyes. His heavy bushy brows were naturally furrowed as they framed his dark and almost primal eyes as they looked her up and down. There was something unsettling about him but his visual appeal was distracting. He licked his full bottom lip before he spoke. “Hey, are you okay? What are you doing out here?” He questioned her, his voice low and deep. Zoe stood frozen, its like she wanted to speak but she was scared to. He brought his hands to his waist holding them there as he looked around them carefully. Zoe bit her lip as his biceps flexed. The way his large and veiny hands held onto his leather belt made her mind sway. But realizing she was drooling for an obviously older man right in front of him like a dumb schoolgirl was embarrassing. She wanted him to think that she was mature and not just vulnerable.

Zoe cleared her throat. “I’m stranded.” The man turned back to her and smiled dazzlingly, his teeth were sharp and it gave Zoe an uneasy feeling in her chest. “Is that so?” She nodded hesitantly. He then walked to her rather fast, too fast for her to really react. “What happened here?” He questioned as he grabbed her frail arm exposing the cuts on the underside. Zoe gasped and pulled back her arm, holding it her chest. He stepped back throwing his hands in the air. She looked at him with sharp eyes, warning him to not make another rash move. He looked into her crystal blue eyes that suddenly turned dark, he was intrigued with her. Even in low dimmed yellow of the light post she seemed to glow rather bright. Her reddish copper curls were wild as it trailed down her back. Her pale skin was definitely odd considering she lived in a desert city. Her angelic oval face gave her an innocent look, including her youthful cheeks and small freckles that painted her face. Her small pouty lips pursed as she looked at him. Now her eyes, her eyes were beyond beauty, they were entrancing. Her long blonde lashes seemed to blend in with her crystal blue eyes. Although, he couldn’t help but feel melancholic by the young girl who stood in front of him.

Zoe watched in confusion and slight fear as the man stood there just looking at her. She felt like she was some creature from Area 51 that had escaped. Was there something on her face? Or did her fall really have her looking that much of a mess? She unconsciously looked away to avoid his stare. When he noticed this, he cleared his throat. “How about I help you out here? That cut looks… really bad.” He reasoned while licking his lips again. Zoe looked at her leg and noticed that blood had dripped down her leg and into her shoe. “Oh fuck!” She cursed as she looked up at him with wide eyes. “Should I call 911?? I’ve never bled this much before!” She panicked. The man smiled at this, it brought back memories. “Oh god, I’m feeling kind queasy, I don’t really like seeing THAT MUCH blood.” Zoe cried as she brought a cold hand to her sweaty forehead. “Let me help.” The man tried persuading her.

Zoe was still cautious of the beautiful man, she would think living around here she’d recognize him especially with that face. Maybe he was just driving through or lived on the strip. But considering her situation and if he were a serial killer, she’s not really in the best position to try anything anyway. It’s not like she could fight or run away fast enough, he’d get her anyway. After some consideration, she gave in and hesitantly nodded. The man carefully put her arm over his shoulder and helped her limp over to his car. Zoe couldn’t help but breathe him in as her face was beside his neck. He smelled of freshly mowed grass and cedar, there was also a metallic undertone but she couldn’t tell if that was coming from him or her. She ignored it as she looked down at her waist to see his hand holding her up, he was so big compared to her she could just melt in his arms. Her eyes frantically looked away. Finally, they reached his truck and he opened it smoothly, he helped her step up into the truck and seat her onto the chair. Zoe hissed in pain as she stretched out her bleeding leg. She noticed some had dripped onto his car floor already. “I’m so sorry.” She mumbled in embarrassment.

The man just smiled again. “It’s alright, don’t worry, gorgeous.” He winked before shutting the door and swiftly walking around the car. When he got in he turned to look at her to see she had turned a bright red. He smirked to himself as he started the car. “What’s wrong? Never been called gorgeous before?” Zoe scoffed and laughed. “Just never been complimented before…” She mumbled, slightly sad at the truth, although, she was freaking out on the inside that this man was calling her anything but a rat. “That can’t be true, what about your boyfriend?” He questioned, acting like he didn’t already know. Zoe frowned. “Um… I don’t have one, I mean I did… but it wasn’t like that kind of relationship.” She sighed as she played with her fingers. He shook his head and tightened his grasp on the steering wheel, for some reason, he couldn’t stand the thought that some guy had her and didn’t even bother appreciating her. Zoe looked up at the sound of his leather wristcuff stretching from his wrist flexing. She tried to see what the small emblem on it was. She wondered what it meant.

Pushing aside his annoyance, he released his fist and let his fingers stretch out, relaxing. “What kind of relationship was it then?” He asked. Zoe looked at the side of his face and admiring his profile, his nose was upturned and perfectly pointy at the end. Although, he looked irritated at the moment, with his eyes squinting and his brows furrowed more than usual, his nose flared as he grinded his jaw. Zoe couldn’t think what he was thinking and what he was suddenly upset about. Maybe he was lying about the blood not bothering him, now she just felt bad. “Um… the kind where one obviously liked the other more.” She whispered toward the end. She had liked him since middle school. They were friends for a while and when she confessed to him sophomore year he asked her to be his girlfriend, he then used her for two years and then broke up with her the beginning of senior year. She later found out a week later he was seen with Amy Peterson, the hottest girl in school. She hadn’t really dwelled on it for the last few months now but it was hitting her like a wall all over again. She wished it was just a phase he was going through considering he dropped his closest friends at the same time he dropped her, but she was proven wrong with how fast he moved on.

Zoe’s eyes began to water as she looked away to look out the window, to the dark mountains that casted shadows over the moonlit desert. It was definitely beautiful, she could never deny that. “Well, he was an idiot.” The man hissed as the car sped up. Zoe bit her lip and sniffled. “Yeah, maybe.” She whispered, more to herself. She quickly wiped her nose and looked back at him. “I live a couple of blocks down the road here, on 5th St.” She guided him. “I live the same way, two blocks before that actually.” Zoe furrowed a brow in thought. Now she would’ve definitely recognized him because Charley lived two blocks away from her house. “Wait, did you move into the vacant house that’s on 3rd street and fountain drive?” He nodded. Wow, the world is really too damn small in Vegas. She shifted in her seat attempting to hide her laugh. He looked at her curiously and couldn’t help giving a half-smile at the melodic sound of her laugh.

Zoe shook her head and looked at him. “That’s just so funny. My ex, Charley Brewster is your next door neighbor.” She laughed as she brushed her fingers through her wavy curls. The man couldn’t help but grin, good thing the world truly is small. “That’s just my luck…” Zoe sighed. “By the way, thank you so much for helping me.” She smiled at him. “No problem, if anything meeting you has made my night.” He winked. Zoe softly nodded and looked away, not knowing how to react. “What’s your name anyway?” He questioned. “It’s Zoe.” She responded, rather quickly. He just nodded and softly repeated it to himself. “A-and yours?” She mumbled. “Jerry.” Zoe nodded, she definitely didn’t take him for a Jerry. She expected something like Adam, John, or Colin. Jerry was so… simple and boring for a man who definitely wasn’t boring. He looked like he had fallen from heaven.

Zoe couldn’t help but get lost in thought, his voice bringing her back to reality. “You’re bleeding pretty badly, how about I patch you up at my place and then take you home?” Zoe shyly looked at him. She chewed at her lip harshly in deep thought. Should she trust this stranger or not? He did potentially save her life tonight, but who knew what plans he had for her? But if anything were to happen, Charley lived right next door. Life or death would call for desperate measures, if she needed she could just go to Charley’s for help. She was also bleeding too much and she was starting to feel even more lightheaded than before. She didn’t want to scare her parents by getting home looking like she’d been attacked by something, it would give her mom a heart attack. Zoe looked up at him again and slowly nodded her head. “Okay, sure.” She mumbled. Jerry grinned with pride and sped up the car.

From the moment you turned fourteen and stepped onto those high school steps your freshman year, you had fallen in love. With a boy who had more than just a reputation for himself. Roman Godfrey. His name was perfect for him, he truly was a god in every sense. Not only that but he was also completely untouchable. He did as he pleased and did who he pleased. Whenever and wherever.

Little old you couldn’t imagine being in his league, and unfortunately you never could. After being homeschooled your whole life, what did you expect? You were a sheltered lamb waiting to be slaughtered. You rode through most of high school never really being noticed, not only by him, but by everyone. You had no friends and no one ever took the time to try and care that you existed. It’s not that you were weird or shy, if anything you had the bubbly personality just waiting to spill over. It’s just that everyone would kind of unintentionally forget about you. Every time your name was called in class or you grouped with others they’d all look at you as though they were seeing you for the first time. The amount of times your table partners would forget your name was astounding. By the time you’d gotten to your junior year, you’d given up on the idea of ever being someone in high school.

Despite that, you quickly realized that you had just one great advantage to being invisible to the world. And that was being Roman Godfrey’s shadow. Everywhere he went, you were there, just a couple of feet behind him. Hiding behind a locker, or shielding yourself behind a random couple making out against the wall in the hall. When he’d walk out to the bleachers to smoke or the courtyard, you’d pretend to read a book against a tree while letting your eyes drink in his every move. When he’d finish and saunter away, you’d run to collect his cigarette buds he’d leave behind on the ground. You were his little stalker and you slightly prided yourself on never being noticed. Even if you were the only two people walking down an empty hallway, he was never aware of your silent footsteps right behind him.

There were a couple of times when you were caught admiring the side of his face in class by him. You’d try to recover by pretending to look out the window and it would work everytime. He would just sigh with boredom and move onto ogle some girl in class. You assumed that he never acknowledged it because he was used to it, girls just drooling over him. You understood but it still stung knowing you were just another girl to him.

To you, this whole stalker thing was nothing bad, it was nothing but just a hobby. You’d never take it further than that. Besides, having no friends, you were able to use all your time to obsess over Roman. You took the time to learn everything about The Godfrey name, their history, their money, their company and most importantly Roman. He was truly an enigma. Something about him and his family was dark, and you loved it. You were always a book girl, so it was like having your own mystery/thriller in your own backyard. Their family was just one big dark secret, and the hunger to know more was eating at you. That was until it all changed.

It was three months until graduation and your senior year was coming to an end. You sat up in bed as the light peeked in through your black & white patterned curtains. Your metal bed creaked under your weight as you slid to the edge. Your warm feet touched the cold wooden floorboards beneath you. You expected to feel your slippers somewhere near but they appeared to had gone missing in the night. “What in the hell.” You sighed, already feeling exasperated with the day. You dropped to your hands and knees, using one arm to feel under your bed. They were nowhere to be found.

“Okay, weird, I totally remember having them…” You whispered pulling yourself back out from under the bed. You shook it off and stood up, still feeling groggy. It took you just about thirty minutes to get ready for school. It didn’t take much considering no one really cared if you looked like a zombie. You brushed out your hair and put on some light makeup. You gave yourself affirmations in the mirror before giving your Tom welling poster a wet kiss and walking out your door. Your parents had already left for work, so the house was quiet as you skipped down the stairs and into the kitchen. You were used to being independent so the responsibility of breakfast, lunch and dinner was one of your many being an only child to two workaholics.

You made yourself a simple meal of oatmeal with fresh fruit on top. Before, you preferred not eating breakfast in the mornings but when your stomach sounded like whale calls in zero period study hall, you’d save yourself the embarrassment and just eat something. You began to scroll through your playlist and put on some music as you moved onto your camera roll. You smiled dreamily as you zoomed into the small details of Roman’s face. It was a photo you had taken of him as he flirted with some blonde in the school parking lot. He was smiling, or more like smirking as he whispered sweet nothings to her. You could remember him playing with her hair and lightly touching her forearms, tracing shapes into her skin as he refused to break eye contact. And she fell for every word and touch. When he finally convinced her to leave school, which didn’t take long, they hopped into his red Jaguar convertible and drove off with a screech. You remember biting your lip with so much envy that it bled and you were left with a deep cut for almost a week. They were all so easy. You and everyone else knew what he did with every girl who got into that car… sometimes you wondered why you liked the guy so much if you hated his posh smugness and his extra curricular activities.

Reminiscing on the memory, you became angry and slammed your screen down against the marble counter. It’s not that you were angry at the girls, I mean who wouldn’t want him and take the opportunity if they had his attention for even a second. It’s just that you wondered if you would ever have his eye like that, when would he touch you with need and look at you with lust. Just being acknowledged would be enough, if he bumped into you in the hallway and apologized to you while really looking at you for the first time and not through you. Maybe even that would be enough for you…

“Enough, it’s never going to happen…” You hissed to yourself as you threw your bowl into the kitchen sink. It clanked loudly, echoing in the empty house. You leaned against it and let your music distract you for a second. Mindlessly looking up at the grand clock that hung against the wall, you realized that you had only 4 minutes to reach the school bus… and it was a 15 minute walk. “SHIT!” You cursed. You hurriedly grabbed your bag and ran to the foyer. You grabbed your coat and flats and quickly ran outside while slamming the front door shut. You didn’t even care to check if you had locked it as you began to run down the sidewalk barefoot. You stumbled and almost ate shit as you struggled putting on your shoes. There was no time to stop, even for a second. Your throat became dry and your lungs burned as the freezing cold air filled your cavity with ice with every breath.

Your chest hurt and your legs ached as you ran like your life depended on it. The idea that someone was chasing you was slightly helping as you felt yourself push your body a little more. You rounded corners and ignored red lights at crosswalks like a bat out of hell. Cars skidded and honked as you continued on your way without a glance back. Your parents would kill you if they knew you missed school. They weren’t ideal parents or role models, but they expected at least good grades and attendance for their lack of attention. You wouldn’t hear the end of it…

You were struggling to breathe and you could feel that your legs were going to give up. Fortunately, the school bus came into view at the stop just as you neared. Some students were pushing their way in already and you hoped you had enough time. You just had one more crosswalk in your path, and if you could just keep going without stopping, you’d make it. You used the last bit of stored energy you had in you and power boosted onto the street. Although, you weren’t as lucky as you’d hoped. Unfortunately, a certain familiar red car was your downfall. It skidded to a halt but it was just a little too late as it tapped you on your hip and sent you flying forward a couple of feet.

You got the wind knocked out of you as you were laid out on the asphalt. You didn’t know what to think as you hissed in pain. And you knew you had missed the bus when you heard it begin to leave. Feeling defeated, you just heaved trying to catch your breath. Thankfully, the street was a one way street and the other end was a dead end. You didn’t have to worry about another car running over you as you tried getting yourself together. You heard the car door open and someone’s rushing footsteps come towards you. You laid there utterly embarrassed that you had just got hit by their car. You refused to open your eyes to confront your foolishness in running onto oncoming traffic. “What the fuck? Where did you even come from?” They spoke in disbelief.

As if your body couldn’t get any colder, it did. His familiar voice sent chills down your back. Your eyes fluttered. You wished you could just crawl into a hole and die, out of all the people in town, he just had to be the one to hit you. “Hello?… Are you fucking dead?” He whispered as he dropped down beside your body. You weren’t even breathing anymore from holding in your breath. He shook you a little to get a reaction. You could feel his piercing eyes observing your features, trying to find any sign of life. You knew you were just embarrassing yourself further.

Hesitantly, your eyes slowly opened and you squinted at him. Your eyes struggled to focus and when they finally did, you felt like you died and had gone to heaven. Roman Godfrey’s beautiful murky green eyes stared at you with intrigue. You took a second to appreciate his beauty up close for the first time in your life. He had sharp features, a pointy upturned nose and a killer jawbone with high cheekbones. You couldn’t resist from looking down at his pouty lips that dripped a natural crimson and a noticeable cupids bow. His jaw flexed making it protrude more as he watched you with confusion from your lack of response. You came back to your senses as you watched his eyes grow dark. You recognized that look…

Suddenly, feeling like his touch was a sin, you quickly sat up and put some distance between you both. “G-god, I’m so sorry…” You whispered under your breath. You looked away from his piercing eyes and frantically looked around for your bag to resist his stare. He licked his lips and laughed slyly. He slowly stood up straight while brushing his hair back with his long fingers. “How the fuck are you even conscious right now?” He questioned as you also stood up to brush yourself off. You ignored his question and fumbled with yourself, your school bag must’ve got thrown further than you did because you couldn’t find it anywhere near. “I can’t find my bag…” You hissed to yourself. Roman shook he head in disbelief as he lit himself a cigarette, not really being helpful or concerned, not like he would ever be either of those.

Roman sucked in a couple of puffs and proceeded to blow them out in your face. “Listen, you’re not going to go try and sue me or some shit, right? If that’s the case, I’d think again.” He warned as he leaned against the hood of his car. You took a second from looking for your bag to turn to him with confusion. “If I remember correctly you’re the one who hit ME.” You hissed angrily. Not only had you missed the bus, you had no way of getting to school and none of your school assignments on you, suing him was the last thing on your mind. And it should be the last thing on his too, why wasn’t he more concerned with your health? “If I remember correctly, you were the one who jumped in front of my car.” He shrugged while taking a long drag. You had to stop yourself from swooning as his hair fell over his forehead in the perfect James dean kind of way. You were supposed to stay angry. “Listen, could you please just help me look for my bag, I have a really important assignment due…” You trailed off as you turned to look at some bushes beside the road. He sighed and kicked himself off his car before throwing his cigarette to the side. He groaned with annoyance as he stepped toward the curb and began kicking around some dirt pretending to search for your bag.

You bit your lip as you looked at the discarded cigarette that had just touched his lips. You couldn’t let it go to waste. “You really shouldn’t do that…” You started, catching his attention. He turned to you with a raised brow and a bored look. You hurriedly picked it up. He watched you in confusion and hidden disgust. “What the hell are you doing?” He asked incredulously as you put it in your pocket. “It’s not good for the environment.” You smiled fakely. He looked at you as though you were crazy, you definitely were but you still didn’t appreciate the look. “Keep looking.” You huffed as you turned around again.

Twenty minutes must’ve gone by when you finally found your bag under a fallen tree branch beside the railing of the dead end road. “Oh, thank god!” You cheered to yourself as you quickly grabbed it and slung it over your shoulder. By then, Roman was already sitting in his car awaiting you after giving up his search after just two minutes. “Well, thanks a lot for your help, SUPER helpful.” You called out to him with thick sarcasm. You didn’t waste time waiting for his response as you began walking away. If you started now, you’d be at school in only an hour and 45 minutes, hopefully only missing two periods and break time.

You heard him call out for you with a whistle the only way he knew how to get your attention considering he probably didn’t know your name. He quickly started his car and revved up the engine before speeding toward you. Thankfully, this time you were safe on the sidewalk. You jumped when his car skidded to a stop beside you. “Hey listen, I feel really bad about hitting you and all, how about I give you a ride, huh?” You kept hurriedly walking. You were surprised you lasted this long without fainting being able to talk to him, now being in a small car with him? You’d fear you’d die from cardiac arrest. You also knew your fate was sealed the moment you sat in that chair. You hadn’t even had your first kiss yet? You couldn’t. Although, when would you get this chance again?-

“What was your name again?” You shook your head from your inner monologue and looked at him. He was now standing outside of his parked car and towering over your small frame, at least compared to him, everything was small. He was as tall as an oak tree. He towered over everyone in school, ever since his incredible growth spurt middle school. It’s like he never stopped growing since then. His green eyes slowly drank up every feature on your face down to the undone buttons on your blouse. You became self conscious under his heated gaze. He smirked and swiped at his bottom lip with his thumb, his beautiful antique watch peaking out from under his sleeve, glistening with old money.

You gulped and looked down at your Mary Jane shoes. “I’m sorry, I never told you my name…” “It’s Y/N, right?” He questioned. Your breath hitched and you looked back up at him in disbelief. Your excitement in the fact that he knew your name turned into creeping fear. He knew your name, but how? Was it because he knew?… You stumbled back to try and get some space between you both. He had a mischievous but alluring look in his eye this time. “I’m right.” He whispered. “H-how do you know my n-name?” You stuttered pathetically. This was not how you imagined yourself talking to him. He fixed the sleeves of his coat and shrugged before putting one hand in his jeans. “How about you get in the car and I’ll tell you.” He proposed as he stepped back toward the car. He opened the passenger door and offered his large hand out to you.

Your hair was ruffled by a sudden strong breeze, the trees above you moving violently causing leaves to shower over your shaking body. Your skirt threatened to flip up but you quickly held it down with your fists. Feeling like you were being watched, you instinctively looked to your right to the thick forests that encircled the dead end street. You felt uneasy as you stared into the dark abyss the trees created. Something was either calling to you or warning you, you couldn’t tell. The longer you looked the more you began to see. A pair of golden eyes began to glow back at you. You gasped and without thinking, you grabbed onto Roman’s awaiting hand.

Roman smiled devilishly in triumph, that didn’t take at all. Your hand was small in his as he helped you get into the car, the coldness of his silver ring burning into your skin. He shut it closed and coolly walked around the car to get in himself. He didn’t waste another second turning on the car with a roar. You pushed yourself into the seat as he sped forward. You nervously twiddled with your fingers as you tried to calm your jumping heart. You couldn’t believe anything was real right now. Hesitantly, you looked up at the side-view mirror trying to catch one last glimpse of the forests edge. You swallowed thickly when nothing was looking back at you anymore. Were you losing your mind? You hoped so, because that would mean you weren’t really in this car and this was really all just happening in your head.

That’s all, thank you.

•Miles Fairchild Mini Series•

//Abusive Behavior//Foul language//Please be respectful!¡

•Chapter 5•

A rumble of thunder rolled and shook Madeline awake. She was confused as she looked around her. Was it all a bad dream? It didn’t seem to be as she awoke in the same room she had fallen asleep in. The lights were still on but the room still seemed to feel even colder and darker. Madeline’s face felt sore from being smushed onto the mattress that was hard as rock. She began to sit up and slurped up the slight drool from her lip. “Gross Maddy…” She scolded herself. She looked around herself solemnly hoping it would all just fade away.

Suddenly, something creaked outside her door. She then could heard a door down the hallway shut closed. What time was it? Madeline slid towards the end of the bed and gingerly set her feet on the ground as quietly as she could. Then a rhythmic creaking began as if someone was rocking back and forth. She stepped down and snuck toward the door. She breathed out to make space for bravery. She then pulled the door open and was met with nothing but a dark hallway.

Although, Madeline could’ve sworn she heard something. She looked to her left and right but was still met with nothing. Maybe the lack of food was leaving her with hallucinations. She shook her head and laughed to herself. Her mind could be her worst enemy. She turned to close the door shut but it bounced back as if something was blocking it. Madeline froze. She shakily looked down to what was stopping it to see a black shiny shoe. Where the hell did that come from? “I don’t believe in ghosts, I don’t believe in ghosts.” She whispered to herself as another rumble of thunder shook the windows. “You should.” A voice whispered back. Madeline screamed and jumped away from the door.

The door then creaked open and Miles Fairchild stood at the other end with his hands tucked into the packets of his khakis. He was still in uniform. And Madeline remembered she wasn’t in hers. And nothing else either. She jumped behind the bed mortified and tore the blanket off to cover herself with. Although, half of it was still stuck tucked in. So she was left standing hunched over awkwardly. She huffed and looked up at him with annoyance. Miles just chuckled. “Please, I’ve seen plenty MORE before.” Madeline smiled sarcastically. “None like this, slut.” Miles eyes narrowed as he walked in and kicked the door shut behind him.

Madeline instinctively stepped back as his demeanor changed. His chocolate brown eyes were now dark as charcoal. Madeline wanted to demand answers to her questions but was hesitating considering she was almost naked and vulnerable to him at the moment. “Why am I here, Miles? What was your plan? We don’t even know each other. You’re nothing but an obsessive stalker.” Miles smiled crookedly and looked down at the floor. A perfect curl fell over one of his eyes. When he looked back up at her it was with nothing but anger. He looked like a dark angel. Suddenly, he ran up on Madeline and grabbed her by the throat. Madeline yelped and struggled against his hold as he pinned her back against the wall. She looked at him with anger and disgust. “Let me go.” She warned in between heavy breaths.

Miles tried to intimidate her as he held her down but she wasn’t going to give into him that easily. “Don’t you understand? Why don’t you understand?” He demanded. Madeline furrowed her brows in confusion. His grip on her neck slightly loosened. “What the fuck are you talking about?” She seethed as she pulled back on his thumb, making it bend unnaturally. Miles hissed and instinctively dropped her. Madeline slid down to the floor with a thump. She rubbed at the skin on her throat as she looked up at him with the eyes of a snake. Miles laughed. “You’ll learn to understand. There’s a reason I’ve brought you here, you will get what you deserve because you’ve upset us both-” Miles stopped short and brushed his hair back nervously. Who else had she upset besides the obvious? Madeline thought for a second and then it hit her. She then shook her head and laughed. “Oh? Oh, you’re talking about your little girlfriend? Did I upset your toy, miles?” She seethed. Miles silently watched her as his chest rose furiously. His stare was burning as Madeline gulped almost wishing to take back what she’d said. “Stay in your fucking room until Mrs. Grose comes to get you.” He warned her. He then turned around and stomped to the door, then slamming it shut behind him. There was a jingle of keys and then the click of a lock. Madeline stilled for a second. She jumped up and ran to the door to try and turn the knob. It was locked from the outside. “Miles! Miles, let me the fuck out!” She screamed as she kicked and jiggled the knob. “If you wake up, Flora, I will fucking kill you myself.” He hissed at her. Madeline cried as she dropped back down to the floor and hugged her legs. “You can’t keep me here!” She cried helplessly.

Miles still stood at the other end of the door listening to her and smiled to himself. Proud of himself that he was sneaky enough to convince her idiot of a father to leave her to him. Even playing to be gay to convince the old man he had no intentions of impregnating his daughter over the course of the weekend. He had to admit he was quit the actor. Miles listened to her whimpers and sobs. “You can’t keep me here…” He could hear her repeat to herself. He sighed with satisfaction and began to walk down the dark hallway. He swung the keys with his finger and smiled cruelly. “Oh yes, we can.” He spoke into the night. Although, a deeper menacing second voice layered over his. Another sound of thunder then rolled, seeming to agree with him.

•Miles Fairchild Mini Series•

¡¡//foul language//mental abuse//!!

Hello!! Took a very long break, but thankfully I’m back just in time for summer break! Hope y’all enjoy this new chapter. Forgive me if I don’t quite get it right, I don’t exactly remember what my plot was, but let’s move along! Once again, please be respectful.

•Chapter 4•

The standing trees passed in a blur as the sleek car sped down the highway. The sky above was cloudy and resembled a window through the thick sea of trees. Madeline sighed as she looked out the window in content. The day was done with and her stresses were left in the dust. She bobbed her head to the music that played through her headphones.

The drive was going to take a couple of hours. Her father would’ve let her use the private jet but she liked to keep it the old way, by car. The drive was soothing for her too. The scenery was what was most beautiful about New Hampshire.

The music flowed smoothly and before she knew it, Madeline had fallen into a deep sleep. She didn’t realize that they had driven miles and hours. She was suddenly awoken by a jolt and the car slowing down on a gravely road. Madeline was dazed when she rubbed her eyes are looked around. The windows were too foggy to see, so she wiped it clean with the sleeve of her hoodie.

Madeline quizzically looked outside, it still looked like New Hampshire. What the hell? It was night now, they should’ve been in New York. The car slowly passed a gate with a tall wall on both sides protecting the grounds. Beside them stood dark alluring woods that called to her. She shivered and pulled her eyes away to look at the grandiose mansion that came into view. It looked ancient. Like it held many secrets, it was definitely older than her school.

They passed another gate and got even closer now. Madeline could see the details of it all. The mansion was haunting almost as it reflected against her window. There were many glass windows that went from the ceiling to the floor, lights sparkled from the outside from every room. The structure almost looked like a church. Very gothic. It gave Madeline chills as the car came to a stop pulling around the home. The car stopped at the front door which was small in size compared to the rest of the home. Two planters beside it.

Madeline pulled out her headphones and stuffed everything into her bag. She looked at the rear view mirror. “Where the hell are we?” She questioned.The driver didn’t answer. Great, now his vow of silence didn’t come in handy. Madeline huffed and look at the door handle. She fought herself on opening it, what if her father sent her to a rehabilitation center for troubled teens… that quickly? She didn’t want to doubt it.

Madeline nibbled at her lip when suddenly the front door was opened and out walked an older woman wearing plain grey clothing with a grey wool sweater. Her hair was dark grey and curled in a hairstyle like in a 20’s film. She was eerie to look at even from afar. She stood in the light of the doorway almost like a shadow. “I’ll help you with your bags, Miss, Roth.” The driver spoke suddenly, causing Madeline to jump and look away from the woman. He got out the car and slammed his door shut. It seemed Madeline had no other choice as she heard him rustling around in the back of the car pulling out her Louis Vuitton suitcase. Her dad had packed some extra things for her in the car, how considerate.

Madeline gulped in fear when the driver pulled her door open. The cold air flooded in and tickled her thighs. She looked up at him with confusion as she moved out from her seat. The cold nipped at her cheeks as she stepped out from the car. The driver slammed the door shut behind her as he pulled her case forward and her along with it. This was all happening so fast she didn’t know what was there right thing to do, so she just followed. She hugged herself as their feet crunched against the leaves and gravel. Madeline was hesitant with each stepped and looked around her noticing a lot more windows and another small door across the way from her, good to remember.

The driver stopped in front of the woman awaiting them and nodded at her silently before leaving the things there and walking back to the car quickly. Madeline didn’t even watch as he jumped into the car and hauled ass out of there. All she could hear was the roar of the engine turning and the tires driving him further away. Madeline just kept her head down as tears began to escape. She was scared and alone, not having any idea where she was.

The woman noticed her sniffling and cleared her throat. Madeline sheepishly looked up, the red around her blue pupils causing the woman to raise a brow. She slowly walked to Madeline. Not knowing what to do she stayed still in fear. But she’s of no threat, instead she softly grabs Madeline face. “What peculiar eyes you have, my dear, such a deep blue…” She lingers off with her words and then let’s her go. Madeline sniffles from the cold. The woman feels sympathy for the girl, she’s probably frightened to death. “Please, come in, I am no harm to you, I will explain why you’re here.” Madeline was hopeful now. The woman grabbed her case and began to guide her in. Madeline smiled but turned to look out into the night. She didn’t know why, she just felt like she needed to one last time. There was nothing but the road, the trees and the moonlight. She then turned back around and followed the older woman inside, in which she also gave one last look into the night, seeing something much more sinister.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Madeline followed the woman into the home, a grand foyer, grand chandeliers and light fixtures that stood out and screamed wealth. Everything was extravagant. It definitely wasn’t new wealth either, it was money that had been for generations. They walked down a small hallways for what seemed a while after leaving Madeline’s luggage by the stairs to be left in her room later. Madeline had no time to question why she had a room of her own. She was still so confused she didn’t know where or when to start asking questions. “Let’s fetch you something eat, my dear, you must be famished.” Madeline couldn’t argue with that realizing she hadn’t eaten since this morning before classes.

The woman brought her to the kitchen that seemed more homey compared to the rest of the home. It was painted yellow and drawings stuck to different parts of wall, there were dishes stacked and small trinkets here and there. It smelled of apple pie and onion soup. She was left her standing as the woman grabbed some things for her that had been left from earlier what seemed. She set it on a plate nicely. She quickly heated it up as awkward silence ensued them.

The woman set the plate down carefully on the counter. “Go ahead.” She insisted. Madeline walked towards the counter and leaned against it looking down at the plate of ham, beets and some kind of mashed food. It smelled good at least. She sighed and looked up at the woman. “I need answers… Why am I here? Where am I?” She questioned. The woman weaved her fingers together and sighed. “Welcome to the Fairchild estate. I am Mrs. Grose, I am the caretaker of the grounds and I take care of Miss Flora Fairchild.” Madeline stilled. Fairchild? Are you serious? Madeline thought for a moment and then pushed the plate away quickly and stepped back. “So you’ve kidnapped me!” She accused as she looked around frantically. The woman sighed shaking her head. “I want to speak to my father!” Madeline demanded as the woman watched her. “Your father knows.” Madeline looked at the woman as though she were crazy. He’d never do that would he? He doesn’t even know these people? “How does my father know?” She questioned. “Mr. Fairchild, sent a request to your father to have you spend the weekend here at the estate as a guest.”

Madeline didn’t want to believe it. “My father wouldn’t allow this, he doesn’t even know you crazy people.” Mrs. Grose raised a brow. “I suggest you be careful with how you speak to me young lady.” She warned. Madeline huffed. “Let me speak to my father.” Mrs. Grose pointed a thin finger to a landline that stuck to the wall. “Now when you’re done with your fit, I’ll be waiting in the hallway.” Madeline watched the woman walk out the doorway and close the door behind her.

Madeline ran to the phone and frantically began to type in her fathers number. It rung a couple of times and then relief flooded over Madeline when her fathers voice was heard. “Hello? Hello?” It sounded like he was at a concert or something. “Daddy? Dad? It’s Maddy! Daddy where the hell did you send me??” Madeline cried as she clung to the phone. She was alone and stranded here with her worst enemy as of today. Could it have gotten any worse. “Oh darling! I’m so glad you made it, I was becoming worried!” Madeline groaned. “We’ll you should be worried! You’ve left me stranded with some strangers!” Her father chucked at the end of the line. “Hardly darling! Aren’t you excited to hang out with your best friend? Such a sweet boy for taking you off my hands for the weekend!” Madeline rolled her eyes, of course he’d jump at the opportunity of her not being stuck with him. “But dad! This guy is a total creep and I literally just met him today!” Her father huffed in agitation on how long this call was. “Listen darling, he sent me a cordial invitation to my secretary requesting that I allow you to stay the weekend at his home with his family, and that you both had planned it! So I thought since you’d been having issues making friends that you’d be just as excited as I am!” Madeline tugged at her hair. This dude was crazy? How did he even get the connections to be able to reach her fathers secretary? The bitch doesn’t even answers her phone calls to the office and she’s his own daughter.

Madeline was about to go off again when her father beat her to it. “Listen, we both know you wouldn’t have had fun out here with me anyway, your old man.” Madeline knew it was more just him not wanting to be a father and cheat on his mother in peace. “Just have fun this weekend, I’ll have Evan pick you up Monday morning! Enjoy my dear, call me anytime!” He hung up the phone before Madeline could say anything else. She was left standing in shock as the line went dead. She stuck it back onto the wall and sighed. She was left defeated.

Looking out the window she could see the entirety of the grounds, some stables from afar. Suddenly, the door creaked open and she jumped around to see who was creeping up on her. A tall blonde woman looked at her curiously. “Who-who are you?” Madeline didn’t mean to stutter, how embarrassing. The woman looked at her like she was a wounded puppy. “I heard you on the phone… kind of just walked into it.” Madeline looked at her cautiously. “I’m Kate, Kate Mandell.” She introduced herself. Like was she supposed to know who she was. “I’m the new governess!” Madeline didn’t understand this pilgrim rich people lingo. Kate could tell and laughed. “I’m a live in nanny basically.” Madeline ‘oh’d in response.

There was an awakened silence as they stood there not knowing what else to say. Mrs. Grose walked in just in time. She looked Kate up and down. “Shouldn’t you be going to bed yourself? It’s not safe to be wandering at night.” She warned to Kate with some sincerity to her statement. Madeline raised a brow, why was it unsafe? Kate smiled and said goodnight before walking out.

Mrs. Grose guided Madeline to her new bedroom for the next couple of days. They stepped up that stairs and Madeline halted just as they stopped at the top. The wind flowed through the small crack of the door making a whistling sound. It looked to be a darkened hallway leading to another part of the house she was sure. Madeline walked towards it but Mrs. Grose beat her to it and slammed it shut before her. “Do you always go sniffing around other peoples home where your nose doesn’t belong?” She asked with anger. “I didn’t ask to be your guest.” Madeline sneered. Mrs. Grose leaned towards her. “You should be honored that you were even brought here, child.” Madeline rolled her eyes. Like she knows who she is, all this riches wasn’t new to her, all they had was a title.

Mrs. Grose stepped away and walked down the hallway. Madeline angrily followed after her. She led her to a door beside two others. “The governess is just up the step from yours if you need anything, Flora is beside you, so be silent for her sake. And call for me, I will come.” Madeline recorded everything but remembered one thing. “And miles?” She asked, dreading having to see him again, but so far relieved that she hadn’t yet. “Just down the hall, beside Flora.” Madeline looked down the hall while chewing on her lip. “Such a bad habit, my dear.” The woman tsked. Madeline instantly stopped. “Don’t think about sneaking around. I know what it’s like for a young woman, but I will know.” Madeline almost threw up in her mouth. “With that spoiled brat? I don’t think so.” Mrs. Grose fixed her sweater as she stood straight. “He needs a woman of his status. One that will bring good fortune to his name and reputation.” Madeline almost laughed, this woman was insane. “Yeah, whatever.”

Mrs. Grose was tired of the girls attitude and bid farewell as she watched the girl walk into the room shutting the door behind her. “Brat.” She huffed as she walked away to her own quarters for the night, wondering what Miles was up to dragging this girl here. For what purpose? But she couldn’t him, he was head of the household now. She just had to follow orders.

Madeline sighed as she put her bag on the stool that sat at the end of her bed. The room was so coquette. Pink cotton pillows and a white soft linen that covered the tall bed. Little yellow flowers and purple Lilly’s embroidered on it. The tall wide window gave a view of the open grounds that seemed like it went on forever. White curtains with yellow stitches seemed heavy with dust. The floor had a soft rug that felt good against Madeline’s bare feet as she slipped off her heeled shoes.

She sighed in relief from the pain on her toes. She then walked to the closet and pull it open. There was nothing but hangers. And a small forgotten hat. It was pink with a red rose on it, shaped like a beret. “Interesting, this person definitely liked pink.” Madeline voiced as she picked it up and blew the dust off it, it was still cute. She walked to the gold freckled mirror in the corner of her room and modeled it. Pretending as though she were Aubrey Hepburn posing for vogue.

She then threw it onto the bed and began to tear off her clothing. She was tired of this uniform. She huffed and threw everything on the floor leaving her in her underwear. She sighed and threw herself on the bed. Her stomach rumbled angrily. “Fuckkkkkk” She mumbled, remembering that she refused to eat what Mrs. Grose offered. Well, she was going to sleep hungry tonight. She was beyond exhausted. Before questions and worry flooded her mind, she fell asleep to rumbling of her stomach.

•Miles Fairchild mini series•

Hey y’all I’m throwing these chapters out fast so be prepared! Let me know if you’d like me to change things here and there in the story, open for suggestions! Enjoy for now :)

//NSFW, sexual situations, profanity, violence, abusive behavior/// Please be respectful.

Chapter 3

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It was about 2 hours that had gone by and thankfully they hadn’t found Madeline yet. She was so bored here waiting for the bell to go off signaling lessons were over. She wished she was able to bring something to entertain her. In an emergency they had pay phones in the grand foyer lined up like in a fancy hotel in Europe but right now there was no way she could show her face.

Madeline huffed and fell back onto the wall she was slouched against. The occasional drip from the sink echoed. She looked up at the ceiling and imagined shapes to pass the time. An octagon and two ovals fell onto each other making a heart upside down with a Diamond. Like a necklace she once seen her mother wearing at an event. She sighed, she missed her mother, she’d know how to help right now. Her calm demeanor and comfort would bring hope that everything would be okay.

Madeline bit her lip to keep herself from tearing up, we cannot weaken ourselves right now. She suddenly felt a small tickle in her hand and looked to see a small daddy long legs beginning to gingerly explore her thin fingers. She smiled fondly and it and picked her hand up to eye level. She studied the spider as it crawled, it’s thin legs testing out the area before continuing on its journey. Madeline was in her own world playing with it, not a thought of her situation.

A few minutes had gone by as she watched it, a giggle flowing out from the soft tickles. This little creature was innocent and not biased. They were just there, existing, why couldn’t people just do the same.

The bell blared, school was finally over. Madeline jumped slightly and quickly jumped up. She said farewell to the little thing and let it free near the window. It crawled away slowly. Madeline frowned but walked to the door. She pulled the heavy bin from the door and threw on a sweater with a hoodie that she’d pulled out from her backpack. She flipped the hood up covering her head completely. “Alright, here we go.” Madeline breathed in and pulled the door open.

She looked around the hallway and it was completely abandoned, the footsteps thundering on the level above. Madeline quickly walked down the hallways, past the empty classrooms, spooky paintings and statues. Her footsteps were quiet as a mouse. She somewhat knew her way around the school, it wasn’t that big but it had many levels and many secret entryways. Being a loner, she had plenty of time to explore.

Madeline suddenly hurt something scrap against the floor in one of the rooms. She came to a halt and listened. It was silent for a moment and thought maybe she was just being paranoid, but before she could make another step it sounded again. She cursed under her breath, she did not want to get caught in a haunting right now. But when she began to hear two people speaking with anger she knew someone was there.

Deciding against her own thoughts, she walked towards the voices. Madeline carefully hid behind the open door and looked through the crack to see Miles and some girl. She was milky white and had black curls with hazel eyes that watched Miles with hooded lids. She looked at him with desire. Miles ignored it as he spoke into a small phone, the antenna sticking up in the air. He was pacing.

He also seemed livid. “Listen here Mrs. Grose. You may be the one to look after us but I’m the one who gives the rules now that my parents are gone, I’m the heir to the estate. So, You make it happen. I want her invitation sent out within the next 40 minutes. And we will discuss my expulsion when I’m home, not in front of flora. I don’t want to worry her any further… Just tell her I’m visiting and taking time off from school.” Madeline furrowed her brows, expulsion? When did this happen?

Miles spoke a little more then bid farewell to the person at the end of the line. He seemed frustrated as he pushed his curls back, they just bounced right back. He stood and looked at the girl forgetting she was even there. She smiled seductively and awaited him to pounce on her as he always did. Miles walked towards her and grabbed her chin tightly. “Tell that fucking cunt, Madison is it? To stay the fuck away from Madeline or I’ll personally send her to hell.” Madeline froze, why was Miles threatening her? Was he defending her? So many questions flooded her mind. The girls face instantly twisted into fear and she began to tug back but miles held her firmly in place. “Are we fucking clear Clara?” Clara? That sounds familiar. The girls hazel eyes began to tear up, but she didn’t respond. “Say it! Say it!” Clara shook her head in agreement frantically. “Yes! Yes, I’ll tell her!” The girl was shaking.

Miles watched her squirm for a little before pushing her face away. She began to weep as she rubbed her chin. Her beautiful hazel eyes looked back up at him with sadness. “Why are y-you protecting her?” She questioned. Miles shook his head. “Because she’s mine to deal with.” He responded sternly. The girl looked down and mumbled something to herself with a look of distaste. Madeline couldn’t hear but Miles certainly did. “Stop telling everyone you’re my girlfriend, you were nothing but just a good fuck.” He laughed with malice. “Not even good at that.” He finished shaking his head to himself as he walked towards the door.

Madeline jumped into action looking for somewhere to hide. There was a small door beside her. She quietly opened it and hid inside leaving it slightly cracked so he wouldn’t hear it close. It smelled of mold and dust that tickled her nose but she had to resist sneezing. Miles pulled the door open and walked out the room fixing his tie under his wool sweater. But he suddenly froze. He slowly rose his head up and sniffed around him. Something familiar was in the air. Miles didn’t want her to know he knew she was there. He smiled to himself and walked down the hallway, taking his time with it.

Madeline gulped. What the hell was that? He was like a fucking bloodhound. She couldn’t shake this weird feeling, but ignored it. She walked out the closet and cautiously looked around finding no one there. She looked back at the door to see the girl shakily wiping her tears with sniffles. Madeline felt guilty, she was a beautiful girl who deserved better then who she wanted. She wanted to stay and comfort the girl but it just wasn’t the time. Instead, she found a wrapper in her pocket and quietly began to fold it. She learned a trick within seconds in camp back when she was 12.

The wrapper noises caught the girls attention and she looked up at the door. “Hello? Miles?” She sounded almost hopeful when she asked for miles but also dejected. She carefully stood up from the desk she was sitting at, it creaked under her weight. This part of the school gave her the absolute creeps but she only ever came down here with Miles when he wanted to hook up. Up until now at least.

Clara pushed her black hair over her shoulder and clenched her fists. She slowly walked through the door into golden lit hallways, the setting light coming through the windows making shadows and glimmering reflections. It made it seem less scary. Her shoulders slumped down in relief from the fear of being alone down here. Her foot then stepped on something. She stepped back and found a little heart made from the wrapper of something laying flatly. She smiled and picked it up. It was like someone had left it for her. She knew it couldn’t have been Miles. He didn’t eat peanut M&M’s.

Clara held it to her chest and felt a spark in her. It was like her guardian angel had left it for her. She sighed, maybe they knew that she deserved better than to be treated like trash, but she couldn’t help but think this is the only kind of love she could get. Her and miles had been somewhat of a secret, he liked it that way. In public he was mean and cold but behind closed doors he was kind and sensual. She thought it was love, if you can even call it that. “Thank you…” clara mumbled. She sniffled one last time and clicked down the hallway and up the stairs quickly.

“You’re welcome…” Madeline whispered as she watched the naive girl disappear from the crack of the door. She pulled it open and walked out. Madeline then ran down the hallway and opened an exit door that led to the garden through a door that was hidden behind a bush. Now it was time to figure out how get to the dorms and into her dads car, and questions to be answered later.

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Madeline groaned and treaded through the garden, jumping over a small metal black gate that separated the dorms to the main school grounds. She looked around in fear of getting caught but thankfully no one knew of this hidden path. Besides the kids who were high or came to get drunk. But they kept out of school drama and to themselves. Madeline sometimes hung out with a boy named Kody and two girls who just joked and smoked. But she wouldn’t call them friends, just people who didn’t give a crap who she was and just wanted to have fun.

Madeline sneaked past some unsuspecting girls as they talked on their small phones outside of the dorms gates. School had just finished and already kids were stuck to their phones. She shook her head and was able to push through the students unnoticed. Thankfully she took the stairs to not risk getting in an elevator with students who’d snitch.

Madeline skipped over steps and breathed heavily running up the stairs. None of the students took the stairs so she wasn’t in risk of getting caught. She also didn’t have a dorm mate in her room so she didn’t have to worry about that.

Once she got to the 4th floor she peeked through the small window to see that the halls were completely empty. Weird. She took a second before pushing the door open and running down the hall, she didn’t care that her heavy steps would catch anyone’s attention. She just wanted to be out of here. Once she got to her door, she put in her pin code and the door unlocked. Madeline sighed with relief when her door slammed shut behind her. She fell onto her bed facedown and screamed. She was finally alone with her thoughts and was left spiraling. So much had happened in one day. Miles Fairchild, the most untouchable guy in school acknowledged her existence and ended up hating her. She finally stood up to her bullies and in that getting herself expelled most likely. Finding out more secrets about miles. Helping an unknown girl. And trying to save herself in the process. Her life really was a movie, things that only happen in books. But the most important question being, what does miles want with her?

Madeline wanted to dwell on it but she wasn’t in the position to. She looked at her clock to see that it was 3:25 pm. Her dad would be there to pick her up in 5 minutes. Lucky for her she had packed before leaving for class that morning. She hurriedly grabbed another jacket. Brushed her teeth, her hair and washed her face. All within 2 minutes.

Madeline took a second to look at her face, her dark blue eyes were puffy and slightly red. Her worry lines more prominent and her lips were chapped and bloody from stress. “God, I’m awful..” She sighed. But then her beeper dinged. Her father had messaged her that the car was downstairs. Her father never personally picked her up, to clarify, he always sent his driver. How sentimental. It seemed as though he wanted to spend as little time as possible with her.

Madeline picked up her bag and ran out of her room. This time she didn’t care if anyone saw her, she already had her ticket out of here waiting for her downstairs. A couple of girls gasped and tried to stop her and she slinked past them but Madeline was quick to dodge them with a wave and speedy pace. The sleek black Benz awaited her at the curved driveway.

Madeline sprinted towards the car struggling to carry her bag. Then out of the corner of her eye she noticed one of the dorm governess who kept order in the girls dormitory recognize her. “Miss Roth!” She called. The plump woman began to wave to her and walk towards her. Madeline jumped into the car and slammed the door shut as the woman got closer. The older woman caught up and began to knock at the window. “Miss Roth! Where in heavens do you think you’re going!” She insisted. Madeline told the driver to get on with it and the woman continued to make a scene. “You will only further the consequences of your behavior!” Madeline ignored her as the car began to speed up. “Miss Roth! This is outrageous!” The woman stumbled over her feet as the car left her in the dust.

Madeline looked back and slumped back when the older women became smaller and out of view when they pulled out of the long driveway and onto the highway. Her school was very secluded in dense forests. So right from the gates you were already on the highway and on your way. No looking back now.

Madeline pulled out her MP3 player and some headphones. Some music would help get some things off her mind. Thankfully, her fathers drivers never spoke and never asked questions so she didn’t have to worry about him speaking to her about what had happened. The governess went by the name of Daria Esther. She was an older woman in her 60’s who was on the heavier side from the hips and behind. She always got the girls in trouble for every little thing, from listening to music too loud to wearing tank tops to bed. She was traditional and a snitch. So, Madeline was happy to see her kick rocks.

Madeline looked out the window in anticipation to be with her father and enjoy the weekend. For now, her problems were behind her and until then she wouldn’t open that can of worms. All she needed was some rest and peace.

But she’d be getting way more than she expected…