The Dark Knight [Part One]

by L. F. Piper

  Let’s not talk about sleeping with Anya’s boyfriend, okay? That was a lapse in judgement, not out of spite.

  ***

  Just as I'm emptying my locker at final bell, Holden Ross corners me. He's on his own and that makes me feel more uncomfortable than it should; I know he’s friends with Lance on the football team. He's an attractive guy, probably someone I could see myself fancying given some time. He's tall with broad shoulders, dark hair and blue eyes. Quite the pretty boy, I muse. He’s definitely no Dark Knight, though. Sigh.

  “What's up, Holden?” I ask with a frown as I close the door to my locker. Holden has never shown an interest in me. He gave me funny looks my first day here, but I was never sure what they meant, if anything. I know he's in with the popular crowd, but he hasn't been horrible to me, so far.

  “Hey, Emilia. I just wondered if you'd like to go for some food tomorrow night with me? I know you've had it rough here the last few days, and I thought we could hang out. It might cheer you up a little.” He ends on a shoulder shrug with a cheeky smile and I'm not sure what to make of it.

  And a rough last few days?

  He's joking, isn't he?

  It's been rough for me the instant I stepped foot in this godforsaken place. A more appropriate word for this school would be torturous.

  “You want to take me out on a date?” I feel like I'm suddenly in the twilight zone. Either that or the bump to my head Christina caused in gym class this morning is more serious than I originally thought.

  “Sure, why not? I think we could have some fun.” Holden edges closer to me and it's like he's coming on to me or something. I spend a few seconds just looking at him, trying to see if he's messing with me or being serious.

  What the hell? I'll take the bait. “Sounds nice. Do you want my number?” We switch numbers and I start another lonesome walk home.

  On my stroll, I begin to question why I said I would go out with Holden. We’ve never even spoken before today, but I suppose he hasn't ruined my life or anything, so why shouldn't I give him a chance? For all I know, he might be getting shit from his friends right now about asking me out, and I don't think that's fair.

  If he took a risk, then why can't I?

  ***

  I take my bag upstairs, say hi to my family when I get back down, clip Pearl's lead to her collar and leave the house again. I picked up her favourite soft ball, so we could play fetch at the park down the street.

  As I toss the pink polka dot ball and watch as she sprints off, my phone vibrates in the back pocket of my shorts and I pull it out.

  Holden: Can't wait until tomorrow night. Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to eat?

  I frown. I wasn't expecting Holden to text me so soon, I literally only agreed to this date less than an hour ago. Maybe he does like me? I brush it off and reply.

  Emilia: Hey. There's a Mexican place in town that is supposed to be really yummy?

  I notice the three little dots dancing across the screen before I even put my phone back in my pocket. This dude is fast. Keen.

  Holden: Yeah, I know the place. My car is playing up so shall I just meet you out the front, say 7.00?

  I never assumed he would give me a ride, but it's kind of nice that he thought of it.

  Emilia: That sounds great. I'll see you at school tomorrow.

  I put my phone away that time and continue to throw Pearl's ball for another thirty minutes. She had better be tired after this because I’m already pooped. She starts to get bored and decides to walk herself around the green, staying close to me and chasing an orange butterfly above her head. I laugh at her and lay down on the soft grass with a sigh. It might not be much, but at least I finally have one person at school that is willing to talk to me.

  When I finally get Pearl home, I put some food and water in her bowls, but get stopped before I can go upstairs for a shower. “Sweetie, dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. You got back just in time.” Oh crap. Think fast!

  “That's alright, mum. I was starving while I was out with Pearl. I couldn't wait so I stopped at that shop on the corner for a snack. I'm not really hungry anymore.” She tells me that's fine and continues stirring whatever it is in the pot on the stove. I love my family more than anything, but the last thing I want to do is sit around the dinner table, talking about how great my crappy day was. The only person I want or can talk to, isn't even a person.

  She's a dog.

  Don't judge me.

  Life has become somewhat, difficult lately.

  I walk into my bathroom and turn the shower taps on, letting the water heat up to scorching temperatures while I remove my makeup and clothes. Today didn't start too well, but it feels like it's gotten a little bit better since.

  I pull the shower curtain to the side and get in. The water is soothing, and I sag with relief when the first drop kisses my skin. When I feel like I've relaxed enough, I hop out and wrap towels around my body and hair. I dry off and look at my naked body in the mirror. I look pale, although slightly flushed from my shower, my tanned skin washed out. Apart from being pale, my skin is black and blue; a clear wraparound handprint is visible on the side of my neck.

  Looks like I'll be wearing turtles necks the rest of the week.

  I don’t even own a fucking turtle neck!

  Makeup.

  I shove some clothes on and have a look inside my wardrobe for something suitable for school tomorrow. I pluck some high waisted black skinny ripped jeans from their hanger and a long sleeved white crop top. I can wear my new ankle boots again. Then I search through a second time for something nice to wear for my date tomorrow night.

  My date tomorrow night.

  Shit, that sounds weird.

  I choose a burgundy velvet skater dress with long sleeves that will look great with my chunky platform sandals.

  I fall onto my bed, careful not to land on Pearl, plug in my iPod and slowly drift off to sleep, running her short fur slowly through my slender fingers. It’s so calming.

  ***

  I wake up with a start. It's pitch-black and I'm sweating under the duvet. Mum or dad must've tucked me in and let Pearl out of my room, I can’t feel her anymore. I guess my body is slowly shutting down from lack of energy, because naps really aren’t my thing. I check my phone and it's three in the morning. I also have five new messages.

  Holden: Sure, see you tomorrow.

  That's from hours ago.

  Caleb: You messed up the other night, Emilia.

  That's from ignoring him.

  Caleb: You should just do what I say. It would make your life much easier.

  Never going to happen. Hasn’t he guessed yet that I enjoy torturing myself?

  Caleb: Come over tonight.

  Again, never going to happen.

  Caleb: Don't fuck me off again, Emilia. You better be here in ten minutes.

  Oh, crap. Well, I guess he won't believe me when I tell him I fell asleep early and that's why I didn't come over. That's only part lie. I wouldn't have gone over anyway, but I did fall asleep.

  He is going to murder me tomorrow.

  I think I might have the flu...

  Caleb

  It's three in the fucking morning and I can't sleep. I sent her four messages earlier on and she didn't reply to any of them and she didn't come over like I told her to, either. I'm going to make sure she regrets it. I know I've upped the games now, making sure she always sees me being intimate with Anya, and Kaydee is with us now.

  Ellis is still fucking her whenever he can lay his hands on her body, and then fucking Christina when Kaydee can’t escape her overbearing mother, but he can’t wait. I don't understand girls. If I found out Emilia was even talking to another dude behind my back, I'd flip the fuck out and quite possibly murder him. Fuck! What if she was with someone tonight and that's why she ignored me?

  This is what I'm talking about – I'm all for getting angry at her because she might have been fucking some other guy, but she isn't technically mine, no
matter what I might tell her. What makes me think I can stop her from doing whatever she wants?

  Fuck that, she belongs to me.

  I seriously don't know what to do with myself. My head looks like a yard sale; little piles of crap everywhere that no one wants to sift through, including me. And I'm back to fucking Anya. Now that is truly is a fucking tragedy.

  What would you fucking do? The ass you want in your bed is messing with your mind and you don't know whether to stick your dick in her cunt or punch her in it. Do you then go and fuck her? Hell no, you don't. That shit would just mess you up even more.

  You fuck her arch enemy instead.

  Yeah, because that makes everyone happy as shit. There is something wrong with me. I've heard people say it to me a million times before, but I think I'm starting to finally believe them.

  I need a new shrink!

  I've been sat here on my sofa, since I first text Emilia at nine earlier tonight. I've drunk a whole bottle of cheap Jack and I can’t see past the end of my nose anymore. I've smoked so much weed, my throat is raw, and my chest is tight. I've been thinking for hours, going around and around in fucking circles.

  I've managed conclude that Emilia will be the death of me.

  I can imagine it being quite the epic ending to our story.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Emilia

  I let him show me the damn stars instead

  I got to school on time this morning and so far, things have been fine. As fine as they can be, anyway. One of Anya's posse purposefully tripped me in the hallway between periods, but I didn't fall over so I count it as a win. Period three passed by quickly; we had a substitute teacher that just played a movie for us to watch for an hour. Which is quite frustrating, because now I'll never know what happens to Jack, Komarov and John.

  Just kidding!

  I've seen all the Die Hard movies a million times, no joke! Although, I'm struggling to find the link between a Die Hard movie and English class? I don't get to dwell on it for too long, lucky me. Out of nowhere, Caleb steps in front of me, blocking my path with his gigantic body. I’m only just quick enough to stop myself before I face plant his toned chest. I keep meaning to ask him how he has the time to keep in such good shape, between school and kicking my ass every day, but now clearly isn't the time for it.

  He easily drags me all the way outside and into the student carpark, slamming my body into the side of his car before leaning down and into me. He's so close, the tips of our noses are lightly touching. “Why do you keep going against me, Doll? Don't you want an easy life?” He emphasises the word want, and my body starts to tingle all over, my pussy screaming that she wants him this very second. I can feel his warm breath on my cheek and I can't help but look down slightly to where it's coming from.

  That fucking mouth.

  What is wrong with me?

  “I can't keep doing this, Caleb. You and Anya are ruining me. Please, just leave me alone.” I think I sound rather strong, but inside I'm a fucking crumbling disaster.

  He unlocks the car and pushes me inside. I'd try to escape, make a mad mash across the playing field opposite, but he locks the bloody doors remotely. He doesn't unlock them again until he makes it around to the driver side, again engaging the locks when he’s seated behind the wheel. “What are you doing? We're going to miss class. Can’t this wait? I promise I'll come over tonight. Right after school if that's what you want.” I went from faking cool and calm to obvious freaked out and panicked, in five seconds flat.

  “Too little too late, Doll. I told you and you didn't listen. Why is that?” He sounds so chilled, but I've learned in my time spent with him that he is very rarely calm or relaxed around me. The vein pulsing in his neck is also a dead giveaway.

  “Caleb, please let me out. Can we talk about this inside?” Where there are teachers that will make sure you don't kill me.

  “Just stop talking, Emilia,” he growls at me and I watch his fists clenching against his thighs, his eyes as dark as the night.

  Shit, shit, shit!

  Dear God, I promise to be a better person if you get me out of this situation in one piece. I don't know if I've upset you and this asshole is your form of punishment, but...

  Oh, who am I kidding? I just swore in my prayer! There’s no way the big guy is helping me now.

  I spot a packet of cigarettes on the dash and grab one out, trying my hardest to light it up with shaking hands and not accidently set my hair on fire in the process. I've broken my promise to God in two seconds flat, whether I finished my plea or not. I doubt he approves of smoking. Does he? I'll have to ask mum tonight. She'll probably just say no, in the hope her answer will make me stop. I'll Google it instead.

  Stop rambling, Emilia. Breathe dammit!

  I get there eventually, and Caleb pops open a tiny ashtray in the centre console for me to flick my ash, only unwinding his window ever so slightly. I guess he thinks I'll try and climb out of mine if he opens it. I hadn't thought about it until right this second, but it seems like it could work.

  Maybe.

  Probably not.

  Knowing my track record with luck and Caleb, I'd get half way through and he'd start to do it up, trapping me in between the glass and metal, crushing my weak bones until my blood and guts poured out all over the leather interior. I groan.

  Caleb pushes his hand against my knee making me yelp and I nearly miss my mouth with the cigarette filter at the unexpected touch. “Just fucking sit still.” I have no idea what he is talking about and raise an eyebrow at him. My heart is currently hammering too hard, preventing me from forming and words. He arches one right back at me. “Your damn leg is bouncing and shaking the whole fucking car. Stop.” I didn't even realise I was moving, I'm guessing it’s due to my inner voice and her morbid theories regarding my death. My nerves are burning out.

  “Sorry. Can you put this out the window please?” I mumble, trying to pass Caleb my cigarette end but he doesn't take it.

  “No. You can.” I turn away from him and face my window, expecting to see it start crawling downwards any moment now. It doesn't. “Not your side, my side. You can put it out of my window.”

  I close my eyes and take a deep breath, releasing it as I turn my body to face him again. “You're in the way, though. Can't you just do it?” I already know he won't take it before I've even finished asking, but I stupidly thought it was worth a shot. “Fine, asshole,” I spit at him. It wasn’t quiet and this time I’m hoping Caleb heard it, loud and fucking clear.

  I’m officially pissed.

  I see his jaw clench and his eye twitch as I push off my seat and start to lean across his body. The cigarette is still burning amber between my fingers and I wish I could just toss it towards him, in the hope it catches him, and he bursts in to an array of colourful, burning flames.

  Actually, don’t evil spirits immediately turn to a pile of ash and dust as soon as a flame touches them?

  It’s a stake to the heart, Emilia. You’ve seen way too many Buffy episodes…

  Fucking hell, I’m really regretting this cigarette.

  Oh God, did I actually just smoke a joint by mistake?

  My head hurts.

  I slowly inch closer and closer, but then Caleb nips at my neck with his sharp teeth as he palms my ass cheek. After all of my early thoughts, I nearly drop the fucking thing on myself.

  I try to hold myself together, but I'm really struggling now. I'm practically lying across his solid thighs when I eventually push the end through the small gap. Caleb doesn't let me move back, though. He grabs my body and shifts me so I'm straddling him.

  Oh, boy. This is not good.

  “Caleb, plea...” His mouth hits mine quickly before I can finish whatever it was I was going to say. He's rough and brutal, just like always, but it's exactly how I seem to like it with him. He knows it too. I can't seem to help myself when I’m around him.

  I trail my hands up his hard stomach and wrap my delicate fingers tightly in his se
x crazed hair, tugging forcefully. I don’t even want to know what he did to the person that made it look this sexy. I can feel his chest vibrate as he growls into my mouth. Our tongues are hot and wet, sliding over each other’s in perfect sync. Caleb's hands have dipped into the back of my jeans and I can feel the tips of his long callused fingers touching the top of my ass crack. He pulls one hand away and shifts it to my front, popping open the button and zipper in stealth mode.

  I have completely lost my mind. I'm in a car with a guy, whose feelings of hate towards me are reciprocated equally by my own, I'm straddling his lap and we're probably going to have sex any second now. Oh yeah, we're also in a car parked on school grounds and should be in classes right now.

  Bloody wonderful!

  “Lift up a little, Doll,” Caleb whispers into my mouth, desperately trying not to break our connection. I do as he says, and he manages to slide my bottoms and underwear down, just so he has enough room to fuck me with his fingers. He starts with one finger, confirming I'm wet and ready for him, then adding a second into the mix.

  “Ah, Caleb. Shit,” I moan against his swollen lips.

  “That's it, baby. Ride my hand. Just do it like it's my cock inside you. Mm, so fucking hot.” If Caleb keeps pumping, pushing and twisting, I'm going to explode any second. “You like it, Doll? You feel so good around me. You want it deeper? I can hit that magic spot for you and make you see the stars, you want that?” Holy crap. His words alone will send me over the edge if I don't get there soon.