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Gasping for air—I’ll take anything—my lungs are contracting and panic is setting in. I’m going to die here.

My eyes feel like they are about to bulge out of my head, and then I feel a sharp sting along my cheek and my head whips to the side from the force.

My hands are still struggling with whatever has me pinned like this. How do I get out of this?

As my hope fades, my coughs become fewer and my lungs continue to beg me to breathe, a deep voice, nothing more than a whisper, speaks next to my ear. “Stupid fucking girl. You have no idea what you’ve done.”

My body goes rigid once the threat settles in.

This is it.

Yet, my life isn’t flashing before me. Instead, all I feel is my racing heart deep within my chest. Why do people lie about what happens before they think it’s all over? I see no memories of my childhood, no reassuring words from my dad saying ‘it’s going to be ok’, these fucking liars.

My chest contracts again, desperately looking for air, and I begin to accept this is my end. The sting of my cheek, nothing more than a memory.

Closing my eyes in preparation, I think it will hurt less if my eyes are closed, whatever it is.

Then, my body falls. Slamming on top of the bed. I cough as air reenters my lungs. Tears are streaming down my face. My body trembles with the shock.

I don’t feel scared, but I also don’t feel right.

I’m so fucking confused.

Bringing my knees up to my chest, holding them close, my brain is desperately racing to catch up with what just occurred.

At this moment, I feel alone.

Daddy, why did you leave me?

Chapter7

Merrick

Daddy, I miss you. Daddy, I need you. Please come back. Why did you leave me?

Once the pity party started, I got out of there. The poor me princess bullshit is pathetic. No one is coming to save you. And you’re not going anywhere.

But fuck, will I have fun trying to push you to run, only to see your face when you realize you’re fucking stuck here. Just like the rest of us.

She had choices. She didn’t need to come. She could have gone anywhere else.

What a fucking waste.

I’m back in my room. I don’t socialize.

You wouldn’t catch me dead or alive in that fucking graveyard with the rest of them.

Sucking back on another joint, my head resting against the wall as I’m sitting on the floor under the windowsill.

All I can think about is what else I’m going to do to that stupid little girl.

The rush when my hand wrapped tightly around her tiny neck was incredible. The crack of her skin when I slapped it, and how her body flung around like a rag doll as I pinned her against the wall was exhilarating. The power is remarkable.

Her pain gives me pleasure. It’s the first thing I’ve felt in a long fucking time.

Chapter8

Fallon