The Girl in Black

'Come on now!' I grunted.

I had been waiting for last half an hour but he didn't show up. I was fully aware of the threat to the danger of my spinal cord due to my frog posture but only seeing his face was all that mattered.

Who was I talking about? Well he was Jacob Anderson. He moved new in town just as I moved in and he had a perfect routine of jogging in front of my house about 6:00am but it was 6:30 and he didn't jog.

His handsome features always entice my eyes to see him before I begin my day. I only met him once when I dropped the card boxes while unloading the truck and he helped me pick them up. He was the first person who smiled at me ,not because of sympathy , but because he liked me.

Finally giving up, I got up and a heard a crack. It could either be my back or my phone which fell when I got up. I didn't look down, cause I know if I will, it will give me a Demi Lovato's heart attack.

And I did.

My phone had earned itself the scars I had been preventing it from since last three years.

Yup. I'm that ancient.

Last time I possessed a phone for almost five years but I don't know either it was my dad or a secret lover who placed a new phone on my window. But I never had a chance to meet that secret lover in person.

I picked it up and carefully placed it on my study table.

And now it's time.

I took a long breath, paced around the room wondering how will I do it. I thought of booking tickets to fly away from this country but I didn't have money. I thought of staying at my friend's but I was only alone. Then I thought of asking Dad to take me away only he would slap me rather than that. Then I thought of jumping off the roof.

Yeah, good idea. My inner voice motivated me but I shook my head.

No Elsa, you have to do this.

But it's too dangerous. I told my inner voice.

It's worth it.

I could die! What don't you understand.

But you can't stay at home. You have to go, face it.

I heaved a sigh, losing another argument with my inner voice.

'Fine,' I huffed. 'I'll go to school.' I told myself.

Yes , I was talking about school. Don't judge me but I have mister bully waiting for me and I'm pretty conscious of my studies so I can't skip it.

I dressed in a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. I put my converse on and tied my hair into a pony tail. It's not that I chose to wear this , I had only these.

Just as I was about to pick my bag from the study table , it slid and my phone fell again. I groaned and picked it up. The screen had a huge crack on it yet the phone worked. The last thing I wanted.

I headed downstairs thinking of the breakfast I'd savour, the talk about my upcoming future, my career options and blah blah. The truth is, my imagination remained to its limits or probably as cut down as I had my dad standing at the end of the stair case with a sheepish smile on his already sheepish face. This was not the first time that his face plastered such smile, it had always appeared whenever he wanted me to do something. And I hated it.

My Dad was a father never a girl ever asked for. He was quite nice when we had mom like some seven years ago but after her death in a tragic accident, he changed. Completely.

He became a drug addict, worked the least for a time and had started abusing me. Well yes, he was my father.

I sighed and climbed down the last step. Suddenly my ears lost their hearing as he barked, ' You're fucking late!'

'Great, didn't know it.' I replied cursing him under my breathe .

'Why do you take so much time getting ready eh?' He asked. 'You're still ugly.'

'Says who.' I mumbled.

'What?'

'I said I have your genes so I can't do anything.' I replied. A little louder, a little braver.

'We'll have breakfast together.'He gestured me to follow him completely ignoring my previous comment . I rolled my eyes cause I knew what was going to happen but my instincts hinted me to just obey him.

When I reached the counter of the kitchen, breakfast adorned the counter. A jug of mango juice was set at the corner of the table. Scrambled eggs were splattered in a blue China plate which was my mom's favourite. A basket of muffins and bread, a bowl of baked beans, a dish of boiled eggs and a partitioned dish of tomatoes, onions, chilli and garnished cheese had positioned on table. Plates were set up with proper cutlery, a knife and a fork placed carefully on either side. Even if it was a table for only two, he had set it up quite beautifully. But thinking of the possibilities that can lead me to impossible situations with this use of his quality as a tactic—it failed to surprise me.

I shrugged of the nagged feeling off my shoulders for just a minimal second and poured myself a glass of juice, when he opened his mouth to say something and I cringed at this action . Oh I so hate him.

'How's your life going?'He asked almost too instantly and I almost choked. Where did my life come from?

'Perfect. No mother. A lovely father who never lose a chance to clap me on my face and a dashing player as a bully.' I answered bringing the glass up to my mouth and drank all at once. 'It's so hella perfect.'

His eyes darkened but I avoided his gaze. 'Whatever.' He waved his hand dismissively. 'Come home early.' He ordered.

'I'll be pleased to.' I murmured and placed the glass down not minding the breakfast. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and dashed towards the door.

A strong hand of my father gripped my wrist and he howled. 'Don't be late.' his threatening voice sent shivers down my spine . I tried to ignore the shadow formed on his face.

▪️▪️▪️

Those times, I wanted to run or lock myself away. I was tired of the constant mysterious circumstances that kept happening around me. I'll see familiar faces following me. I'll have things on my window sill. My dad would hit me one day and then will disappear for days.

Since the death of my mom , my life twisted into swirls and curls that I even couldn't figure out. I was a clown for everyone to be laughed at , a target for everyone to be attacked.

I never wanted this.

I don't know what was my fault and why everyone kept their hatred on maximum.

When I step in the school, you'll see people's fake sympathetic gestures and features as if they really care. They'll whisper , spread around false rumours about me and will come to me saying that they care but unfortunately, the veracity of their care always show on their faces. I learnt how fake one could become, how easily they can wear blindfolds to slip away from the humiliating situation that would haunt their whole life but why would they care? It's not like they're my relatives or family members or friends. It's not that they're humans either.

My temptation to run, to hide away from the world kept on increasing since the day my mom died. Sometimes all I wish to be strong. Enough to defend myself.

'OUCH!'

'Hehe ,sorry I didn't mean to hit you so hard.' Said Miley, my almost friend. I looked at her and narrowed my eyes. A amused smile danced on her full pink lips.

'You did !' She giggled. A deep , mesmerising yet grating voice heckled us. I cringed and tried my best not to turn around but I couldn't help.

"Well well , look who we have here , ELSA ROCK" .

I turned around and a tall,muscular figure came into view. He was nonetheless but Leo Black.

Let me explain him in three words: Handsome, bully, player.

Not enough? Alright then.

He was the most famous,coolest guy and the captain of the football team. But these were not the only things that owned him fame.

I looked at him, with my usual routine . No matter how much I hate to admit, he was beautiful;

The fluorescent light from the window added a stroke of wolf grey into his already charcoal grey hair with lowlights of dove grey. Rivulets of sweat made their way down his face to his slightly puffed out muscular chest which was barely visible through his v neck black top and I quickly got the idea that he must've came back from his early morning football practice which is usually done in the park across the road passing my house.

His tea leaves,forest green eyes flickered in the sunlight.

How could one has these good features?

He was the true bad boy of the school who always had three or four boys as his friends. Every girl of this school had a immense crush on him but one girl didn't and yes, it's me. Why would I? I hated him. He would present me like a clown in front of the whole school and you think I'll love him instead? Do you think I have no self respect?

Yes, I have none.

But he never failed to make me think about my choice of choosing crushes. He had always been there.

No, don't think it in good way.

Wherever I go, whatever I do. He was always there. He just think that nosing in my business will own him fame.

Well yes. It does own him fame.

Each and every student love watching me bullied by him. And by each and everyone means sometimes Miley. She became weird sometimes. One day she'll yell at me for being so dumb and nerd and will stay mad at me for days and then she'll come and hug me and ask for my forgiveness.

I did consider breaking up with her but it's not simple at all. I've got none other as a friend and as much as I hate to admit, I just don't have any other option.

'Its Stone ,Leo.' I replied annoyingly.

'Have you ever happened to see yourself in a full length mirror.?' His hands moved with every words that escaped from his amusing tone.

'Yes ...why?' I replied, unsure of what would be happening to me.

'Then look carefully. Your face is a true reflection of the rock you know.' He said while laughing and all the people in the hall way burst into laugh too.

'I hate ugly things!' My eyes widened as I took in the words that just came out of a person's mouth. Miley.

'What the hell are you saying Miley?' I asked at her but she just shrugged.

'Oh. This girl is honest.' Leo said. 'Come here baby.' He spread his arm and surprisingly Miley walked up to him. I held Miley's hand to stop her but she snapped my hand away. Leo draped his arm around her shoulder and side-hugged her.

'Miley! What the fuck?' I asked her again. I can't believe this is happening.

She shrugged again. 'I don't know Elsa but I just can't be with you anymore. I'm tired of you. You're so boring and you're always scared of little things and shut like that. I can't be with you. I'm sorry if it hurts you but we're done.' Miley said and my mouth hung open. Her words stabbed in my heart and my throat tightened around.

'No no no. Hurt? Ha! Baby I was born to get hurt. Doesn't matter if it's you or...' I trailed my eyes to Leo. 'Or someone else but yeah, fuck you!' I spat. I knew she never liked me but what she did , stabbed me straight in my heart. Now I knew , I was officially alone.

I held her gaze for a minute but when tears welled up in my eyes, I considered rather running away than people take their phones out , recording me and then making my fun on social media.

The hallway was deserted as the bell had already rang. Only few of the students were there clearly trying to bunk the classes. I wiped off the tear but involuntarily more continued to slip down my cheek.

I felt a hand on wrist and someone spun me too instantly that I almost crashed into the person's chest. 'Let go!' I struggled an escape from the person's grip but it was too tight. 'Let. Me. Go!' I yelled but nothing affected the grip.

'No!' The person said and I looked up as soon as I recognised the voice. My eyes widened at how I was close to Leo Black.

I backed away but he snaked his hand around my waist and pulled me in. 'What are you doing?!' I yelled.

'I want to talk to you.' He said calmly as I punched his chest feeling the tightness of his muscles underneath . It seemed like I hit a rock. 'Listen to me!' He said and he held my other hand too refraining me to struggle a useless escape.

'What the hell?! I don't want to talk to you! Didn't you have enough?!' I yelled as tears continued to slip down my eyes. 'LET ME GO!' I yelled my lungs out.

'I don't care what just happened.' He said and wiped the tear off my cheek. My eyes widened at his action and my heart fluttered.

'I do! Cause that last minute took everything from me.'

He totally ignored my comment. 'Listen, meet me after school.' He said. 'I'll take you home. Alright?'

'I can go by myself . I don't need your help!' I told him. He clenched his jaw and his grip tightened.

'Don't force me Elsa. It won't end good.'

'But why on earth would I go with you? So you can pull up another prank?'

'What? No. It won't be a prank. For sure.' He assured but in a cold tone.

'I don't trust you.'

'I don't care.' He closed his eyes to overcome the rage . 'You. Will. Go. With. Me.' He poked his finger on my head and let go of my hands. 'Don't even think to ditch me. I'm telling you it won't end good and you'll go with me.' He repeated once again and shoulder-past me.

For a minute , I just stood there. Too overwhelmed to move. My mind functioned each and every word he had just said. Why is he saying that?

At that moment , I forgot that dad had once in a life time asked for me to come home early. I forgot that I would be alone forever and what Miley had done to me. But only Leo's words replayed in my head again and again and again...

Why me? I thought. He'll probably be putting another prank on me.

I thought for another while until, I heard a the loud slam of the bathroom door and that's when I became aware that I had been late for class. Half an hour. Shit!

I ran towards my English class Leo shared with me. Mr . Williams gonna kill me. I know he will. He just need an excuse to. And today's the perfect one.

I attended the class , convincing him through as much lies as I managed to and finally he was convinced on me slipping on the road and hurting my knee.

The whole day was weird.

First my Dad insisted me to come back home early. I never knew he had a bit of love left me to see me so early. Although his attitude didn't seem inviting at all.

Then Miley ditched me so easily as quickly that the time for me to type a letter on my mobile seemed too much.

And then , the weirdest of all ; Leonardo Black asked me to give me a lift to home. At this point, I wanted to pinch myself but let's just say that it painful so I thought against.

I managed to stay away from Leo as much as I could. First because I didn't wanted to become another clown and second, I really didn't want him to remind me to reconsider my decision of going with him.

I had decided. I'm not going.

I can't go. I know he'll put up a prank and then everyone will make me a celebrity by posting the video on the social media. Nope. Not today.

The bell rand throughout the school , alerting my body to ...run. I had already packed my bag when I accidentally dropped my pen. I ran my legs out of the class. I was tired of being a constant victim of his pranks. Tired of everyone's fake selves. I was just done.

I looked over my shoulder, making sure Leo won't be following me but I just crashed into someone's chest. Pain sheeted through my nose up to my head.

'Watch out!' The person growled and fear engulfed me just as I acknowledged who that person was. He looked at me with widen eyes but before he could open his mouth, I ran away. 'Wait!' He yelled behind me but I didn't stop.

Just as I brushed past the crowd of students, I finally saw the gates and I ran more fast. My legs seemed to be giving away. My breath turned heavier. The straps of the bag kept slipping down my shoulders. I almost crashed into two or three students but I still didn't stop.

'Elsa wait!' Leo yelled behind me but I ran as if my life depended on it. I looked over my shoulder again and saw him coming closer to me.

Shit. Shit shit.

'No Elsa! Not there not there!' He shouted and I could hear his footsteps drawing closer but I didn't reply. 'It's dangerous!'

Suddenly two silhouettes came in front of me and I shrieked. They were two men. Tall and brawny. That's all my eyes registered as they were covered in all black. A car skidded to a halt beside me and the next moment I knew was one of the men , picked and threw me into the car while the other settled himself in the passenger seat.

I caught a glimpse of Leo from the window who just brushed past the window. He ran his hand through his hair out of frustration and brought his mobile to his ear.

I soon lost sight of him and took a minute to make out that I just had been kidnapped.

Wow, I've never been that lucky before.

I gulped down a lump formed in my throat . 'Who the-

I halted as one of the man placed a knife on my neck. 'Shut up.' He roared. I dared to complete my question but he stung the point of the knife deeper in my neck. A warm drop of my blood fell on my collar bone and I decide to keep my mouth shut.

Just as the car stopped , one of the man dragged me out of the car. 'Who the hell are you?' I asked again a little louder this time.

"Shut up!" The same man said . Again.

I groaned as their strong hands gripped me so hefty that I knew they'll will leave their handprints on my arms as soon as they're gonna leave me . Another drop of blood fell on my chest . I wanted to run away but thought instead. That'll be big mistake if I will besides they'll catch me anyway.

So , it's a big no from me.

My thoughts revolved in my mind . Did Leo know about this? Maybe he knew and that's why asked me to drop by or maybe it was just to play a prank? I put my thoughts aside and started focusing onto the track they were pushing me to walk , trying to ignore that extreme pain of my neck . "Where the hell are you taking me?" I yelled again and struggled to escape but my little arm was strongly griped into their massive fingers. "Leave me! Who are you? What did I even do?"

"Shut the hell up!" One bellowed and I struggled again. I stopped walking thinking that they would at least give me answers but instead they began dragging me.

The path was leading to a dark building which was painted all black . It was tall and it had no windows . It was surrounded by a thick dense forest all the way . I didn't knew this place neither the forest.

They took me inside into the dark building and it was dark from inside too . They took their torches out held them high. We reached somewhere after a while where a metal door stood ajar. It opened with a heavy sound

As we entered the room I shot a glance at it. It was an office of white walls with a brown wooden bookshelf filled with all the random files . At one wall of the room was a big LED probably a security Camera Tv . At the very centre of the room was a big office table and a chair which was facing the wall . But let's say one question popped in my mind instantly;

Where the hell did he get the electricity from? But I thought of not asking him this.

I was curious to see that person who was responsible for all of this . I waited for him to turned around but he didn't. At last I lost my patience and let my curiosity took the best of me .

"Who are you ? And why did you bring me here?" They were a lot of questions popping my mind but these were suitable for the condition . I started tapping my foot on the ground as he turned around. I held my breathe to finally see that person after 5 minutes with creaks as it was rusted. . The chair finally finished it's rotation and then , all I wanted to say ...

Shit!

But said instead;

"Dad!?"

Yup. That was totally a weird day.