Define 'psychopath'.
I frown. The word 'psychopath' is written in red, bold letters. It jumps out at me like a sore thumb, throbbing and painful. I slump back in my seat, knowing it's too much of a coincidence to not be a set up.I capture the attention of my desk mate, Emma. The girl with mousy brown hair cropped to her chin, and thick rimmed glasses peers over to read what my slip says. I sat next to her last semester, and I've never met anyone as nosy as her- that's a lie, though. The entire town of Bethany is nosy. Especially when it comes to me, the daughter of the infamous ‘preaching murderer’.Glaring, I pull it away from her view, nearly crushing it between my fingers. Her gaze raises to look at me, eyes widening into brown saucers before returning to her own slip of paper. "God damn, nosy bitch," I whisper, lips pursing in distaste. She squeaks, shifting further away from me.That's right, move away, I think, ignoring the small pinch in my chest. I wasn't always like this, a girl who was fond of cursing. I wasn't the mean girl, or the badass, or even the Queen-Bee. I was just a regular, old me; normal. However, the world is adamant about showing me that I can't stay in my comfort zone forever. God forbid I ever do that.Staring down at the word once more, I somehow find myself blaming it. Afterall, it's the entire reason my world is turning upside down. I lift my head, eyes drifting to the blonde, barbie doll named Kensey, sitting across the opposite wall of me, and I'm surprised to find her ocean blue eyes glued to me. The tilt of a smirk forms on her plump, filler lips, and she raises the red sharpie she holds between her slim fingers.My eyes narrow, because of course it would be her to put me in such a position. It isn't a wonder that someone picked this specifically for me. I'd be stupid if I thought this is a coincidence. The blonde witch will thrive, seeing me humiliated. She doesn't have to gain anything from it, just as long as the daughter of a murderer suffers, everything will be peachy.She turns away, and I follow her gaze to find Lucas Melfick staring at me. He sneers, brown eyes burning holes into my head and lips pursed in disgust. My grip tightens around my pencil, slippery from how clammy my hand is. His thick brows narrow at me, and I can't hide the way I shrink back in my seat. At that, he smiles, a dark quirk of his lips that promises pain and humiliation.Tearing my gaze away from him, I unfold my slip of paper.The correct definition of a psychopath -according to g****e- is a person suffering from chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent behavior. But I know that our English teacher, Mr. Williams, wouldn't accept that answer. He wants us to define it based on our personal experience.Everyone in the class thinks I have plenty of experience.I glance around, no one else seems to be focused on me. They are either scribbling they're answer to their own question or trying to come up with one. I stare back down at the single strip of paper and the pencil between my fingers as I tap the eraser against my chin.In my own experience, the word psychopath means I’m cursed. One that has no escape. When I first saw the word, my thoughts immediately went to my father. A man who mastered the art of disguise, becoming a wolf in sheep's clothing. Tears prick at my eyes, and I quickly blink them away.I can't show weakness; not here, not now. It will only fuel them more.Mr. Williams sits at his desk, typing away on his laptop. There's just over thirty students in this class, what are the odds he'll want every single one to stand and answer? Will he go by last name? Or will he pick and choose at random? I stare down at my wooden desk, debating if I should smack my head against it. What are the chances that I can knock myself out doing that?I sigh."Alright, time is up. Pencils down." Mr. Williams gets up from his desk and walks to stand in front of it. He crosses his arms over his olive green dress shirt before leaning back and saying, "Ariella, why don't you go first."He hates me. I know he does, and it’s confirmed by the way he narrows his eyes at me. He knows I'm ripe for the picking. I mean what teacher doesn't think; Hey, this girl is going through some major fucking trauma, let's put her on the spot with a question that will completely ruin her further?I suck in a deep breath, my chest suddenly tight. My hands begin to shake, and I hide them behind my back."What was your word?" Mr. Williams presses.Kensey starts to giggle, blue eyes glued to my red face. My mouth opens but nothing comes out. Clearing my throat, I force it out."Psychopath," I answer.He raises an eyebrow, and my fingers twitch. Oh, cut the innocent bullshit out. You know damn well you gave that to me on purpose. His raised brow is an indication to speak and not just stand there like an idiot."Well," I breathe out. "You won't let us use g****e, so..." I shrug."It would be boring if you used it." He smiles back."Psychopath is... always there, but not to the visible eye." I think about my fathers kind smile before it morphs into something much more sinister."It definitely passed yours." I recognize the hateful voice that belongs to Henry Brackintaw. I glance to the left, clashing with his emerald green gaze. The whites of his eyes are red, and his lids are dark with circles. Blond strands of hair fall onto his forehead, shaded by the hood he has pulled up. I couldn’t guess what drug he’s on today; weed, xanax, aderalle. You name it, he’s on it. It doesn't matter that he's on the football team or that Coach Merlin doesn't allow his players to use any drugs. For a fraction of a moment, I want to threaten him by telling his coach that maybe, just maybe, he should drug test him. The want doesn’t last very long, despite being a christian town, like everywhere else, snitches get stitches.With a stiff neck, I turn away. I focus on the dumbass ABC's strip that lines the top of the wall. I know we have some special students, but does Mr. Williams really think it's necessary? Then again, here I am talking about psychopaths.Of course he thinks we're stupid enough not to know the alphabet without having to sing the song."It's a mental illness that not only affects the host, but also the people around them. They become victims to the rotten thoughts that plague the psycho’s mind, driving them to do insane things," I force myself to continue."I read that being a psychopath is hereditary," Kensey says while raising her hand. Her wide innocent eyes turn to me, and she smiles. Why the hell is everyone smiling?Maybe because their parent isn't a serial killer? "What are the chances that you're a crazy murderer too?" she asks.The image of walking into my fathers office after hours comes to mind. He was late to dinner, and I was worried he would over work himself along with th
I pull open the church's door, and cringe. The main lights were turned off, leaving only the dimmed bulbs on the walls. I always thought the place looked creepy with the lights turned off. Like a haunting waiting to happen. I make my way to the kitchen in the back, reserved for the Sunday bread splitting and the holiday potlucks. I’m surprised to find the lights on, but the room is abandoned. Butter knives were left on the counters, and some sandwiches left unmade.With a sigh, I walk over and put the lids back on the peanut butter and jelly. I guess they just forgot to clean up after themselves. Mrs. Nolt has alsheimers, yet despite that she still helps out every Wednesday. When the room was back in order, I make my way back to the main hall. I know no one has left yet because their cars were still in the car park when I arrived, so they have to be around somewhere. Maybe Dad convinced them to stay for some other task, it wouldn't have surprised me if he did. Assuming they were prob
Stone leans back against the trunk, one tattooed arm crossed over his chest while the other brings the cigarette to his lips. That boy is Satan's spawn with a mouth of broken glass that spit words meant to make people bleed. Being his neighbour doesn't stop me from being intimidated. Hearing him yell at his father, the crash of glass breaking… it only solidifies just how toxic he is. His dark, blue-tinted hair is shaved on the sides, leaving a messy tuff on top. Strands fall into his dark, onyx eyes. They pierce into me, sharp and unyielding. Before I was at the bottom of the food chain, I once witnessed him cutting a boy's cheek with the pocket knife he always has on him. I later found out he did it all because he was bored, and the boy was in the wrong place at the wrong time.Swallowing thickly, my gaze moves to the guy standing next to him, Haeden. Although mellow compared to Stone, he is just as scary. He glares at me with hooded, red strained eyes. His blue irises glow in the su
A scream tears from my throat, and I shoot up into a sitting position. The air is cold against my sweaty skin, and I frantically search my surroundings. My chest heaves as I struggle to control my breathing. It was just a nightmare, one that will plague my mind forever. I cry, the image of Mrs. Nolt imprinted into my brain. Her corpse sitting peacefully on the church pew. I run my hand through my brown hair, pulling at it as tears stream down my face. Around this time, grandma would have come in with some chamomile tea and a piece of chocolate. She's not here this time, having gone out with a friend to the casino in the city.It was just a nightmare. However, the thought doesn't calm my racing heart and shaking hands. I flip on the light switch, chasing away the dark shadows that taunt me, but it doesn't do anything about the ones inside my head. I sit back down on my bed and force myself to take a deep breath.One.Two.Three.I count all the way to ten until I hear loud banging com
I’m relieved that the halls are empty. After getting my late pass from the secretary in the front office, I make my way to my locker. I slow when I see the red spray paint. Stopping in front of it, I glare at the word written across the space of my locker. Merderer.I’ve never killed anyone. The only crime I’ve made related to taking someone's life was against mosquitoes, flies, and spiders. But just by association, by being his daughter, I’m unfairly marked. His crime becomes mine. “At least fucking spell it right,” I grumble under my breath as I try to wipe the first ‘E’ away. Part of it smudges, but the letter remains. “Damn idiots.” I push away the urge to cry. No more tears, not today. I’ve done enough of that this morning.I remember Stone staring at my egged figure and cringe. I’ll never be able to look at him again. Never be able to make eye contact. Never be able to be in the same room. I twist the number lock and open my locker up. I pull out the text book for my class, a
She stares at Kingston with flushed cheeks, and I roll my eyes. She’s had a crush on him for years, and only after making friends with the others did she grow the vagina to talk to him. I don’t say balls because facts are, vaginas push out babies. Balls cry at the flick of a finger. An image of Mrs. Nolt kicking my dad in the nuts before his murder weapon could reach her comes to mind. Who knows if she actually attempted it, but I tell myself she did. I tell myself that she fought for her life because she wanted to live. Right? Who wants to die?Kingston gives her a casual nod, eyes taking in her figure. No longer seeing the point in being here, because clearly they're done harassing me, I side step them. “As fun as this has been, I’m gonna go,” I mutter. “See ya later, Psycho!” Kensey calls after me. ***Crumpled balls of paper were thrown at the back of my head all throughout the next two classes. And despite the number of them piling up on the ground, the teachers said nothing
I can’t believe Haeden asked me to join. He knows I’m a social pariah, the daughter of a psychopath. Then again he slept with Lacey Parks, even after she got caught getting gang banged by half the football team. He’d fuck anything as long as it had a pussy. With a sigh I lay back and stare up at the bottom of the bleachers. The sight of gum stuck from years ago makes me gag. Not a pretty sight.A yawn escapes me, I’ll just take a nap and catch up on the sleep I missed. ***I sit up from my desk and put away my homework. My back is stiff, butt numb from sitting on it for an hour and a half. I turn around and freeze in my spot. Dad is there, his button up shirt and black slacks are stained a dark red. The smell of iron fills my nose, and blood drips from his collar. “Dad?” I ask, voice trembling. I glance down at the knife held tightly in his hand. It’s sharp, and the blade glistens like liquid rubies. “Dad,
The first time I talked to Kingston Acheves, I was nine and at church. He wore a black button up shirt with matching black slacks. And as he stood next to his father, I couldn't help but notice how pretty this boy was. I stood there, next to my father, the Pastor, as he talked with his dad. I swished my blue summer dress around my thighs, suddenly desperate to get this pretty boy's attention. "Are you always this pretty?" The question is out of my lips, my impulse control severely lacking. "Ariella," I struggle to tear my gaze away from Kingston, the boy who now glowers at me like I said something wrong. But how could I be wrong? Being pretty wasn't a bad thing, it was a good thing. Dad didn't seem to get that though. "Ariella, apologize please. That was very rude." My father tugged my hand, forcing my attention to him, and my brows furrow. I wasn't trying to be rude though."But mommy always said it was nice
It's hard to hide my smile when I walk into the halls. I notice a group of girls whispering to each other, crowding around one who has her phone out.Across from them, leaning against some lockers, a couple guys smirk down at their phones. No one seems to notice me, no one glares my way or sneers insults at me. I suddenly feel invisible, and its a nice feeling. I'd rather be that than have all the negativity thrown at me again. However I know it will only be a short reprieve. They'll quickly forget about Melanie in her little pink thong, and will focus back on me. But right now, I can't find it in myself to care.I'll just enjoy it while I can.I love not being the focus of their conversations anymore. With an extra bounce in my step, I make my way towards my locker. I have a good feeling that today will be a great day.When I open my locker a sticky note flutters out. My smile is replaced with a frown as I just stare down at it. Another one? I glance around the hall, try to find an
She's a beautiful woman, with long blonde hair and green eyes. All the time, I wish I had gotten her good looks, but all my traits are from dad. My brown hair, and matching eyes. Sometimes I wonder, if I had siblings, would they look like her? "Do you think so?" I ask, genuinely concerned by her opinion. She runs her palm down the length of her pink tight dress. It hugs her curves in all the right places, the formal collar doing nothing to put off her beauty."I know so, Ariella." She beams at me. She walks up behind me and puts her hands on my shoulders. "You always look beautiful." My heart warms and I glance down to hide my blush. If my beautiful mother thinks I'm pretty, then maybe I really am? I bite my lip, it's hard to feel confident when dad is always so strict with boys. "Do you think Kingston will-" I glance back up as I ask, except she's not standing behind me anymore. With furrowed brows, I turn around, she's not in the room at all. Where did she go? "Mom?" I ask, but
AriellaI curl my fingers around Stone's, finding comfort in his warmth - although a part of me wants to lurch back and get rid of his touch, I force myself not to.He is not Lucas. He will not hurt me."You don't have to stay." I murmur, eyes glued to the ceiling above us.After I got ready for bed, I found Stone crouching on the roof outside my window. Now he lays in my bed in the dark, our shoulders and arms pressed together.I hold in my struggle, resist the urge to press myself against the wall, because this is Stone, and although he doesn't talk much, he hasn't done anything to hurt me."I want to stay." He replies, his voice deep and loud in the quiet room. My eyes blurr with unwanted tears, and I quickly blink them away. "Plus, if I'm here with you, I'm not at home listening to my dad bitch like there's no tomorrow." I let out a soft laugh, sniffing. "Yeah, we both won't have to hear that." Stone curses, "I forget that you can hear us fight." I shrug, "It's fine." It's a sm
!trigger warning!He wheezes out, tries to pull his hand to cover his neck but he's already tied up.This would be so much easier if Stone and Kingston had come with me, but Stone needed to stay with Ariella, which I didn't fight. My little killer needs someone with her right now. She's too fragile, too broken. And it's all Lucas' fault. Meanwhile, Kingston is out with Ivy, taking care of her own business.So it's all on me to take care of this loose end. This dumb fuck who can't follow basic directions. The dumb fuck who screwed everything up. I bite my lip, I can't say it out loud, but maybe this is going to be her breaking point. Maybe this is going to be what makes her snap. And fuck I'm going to hell because that makes me happy.I smile, "I just hate that it had to happen that way." I murmur."What?" Lucas croaks out. I ignore him and tie his ankles together. I shove Lucas on his back and crack my neck. Then I step back and smirks, "There. So much better." "Let me go you fuckin
Haeden My jaw clenched so hard my teeth ached. When Lucas saw Ivy, his eyes widened in panic. When his eyes drifted over Kingston and then me, his hands began to shake. He knew he fucked up. "Shit," He scrambled to his feet, his junk hard and swinging. There was no remorse on his face. No sign or regret. Well, probably regret for getting caught.And then he ran. The mother fucker ran like he thought he could get away with it.While Ariella ended up in the hospital with an officer full of skepticism to take her statement, Lucas only got an ankle braclet slapped on him. It wasn't fair.So now here I am, crouched behind some fucking bushes so I can make it fair. So I can show him just how fucking bad he fucked up. I let out a breath of excitement when Lucas' dad finally exits the house. The police uniform on him is nothing but a joke. This man doesn't protect the innocent. He doesn't serve justice. When he drives away, I clutch my duffle bag and beeline to the house.I toss the ba
Kingston is about to go after him, but he must think twice about it because he stays where he is. "When the phone when quiet, I was so scared you died." She whispers, her voice hoarse. "And then," She breaks into a sob, "I'm sorry, I can't go through it again." She stands up and leaves too. "Ivy," My voice cracks as I watch her go. I turn to stone and Kingston, "I need to know." I whisper, eyes red and puffy. "God damn it." Kingston mutters. He steps forward and then stops himself from getting any closer. I can't thank him enough for that, don't know if I can handle a guy touching me. It doesn't matter that they did nothing wrong. I just find myself cowering away. "We heard him. He started saying awful things about you, about your body. I don't really remember what it was he said, but they were vile." "I stepped so hard on my gas peddle, Ella. You have to believe me." Stone whispers, his voice hoarse. I stare at his red rimmed eyes, noticing the first time that he's crying. "I be
After another day of staying in the hospital, the doctor got a sample from my coochie for 'evidence', I'm allowed to go back home. Grandma treats me like I'm fragile glass. She opens doors for me and hovers over me like a pesky bee. I don't say anything, I find it gives us both comfort. She leads me to my room and stands near the doorway."Get some rest and tonight we can have popcorn chicken bowls." She says, and the thought of my favorite comfort food has my mouth watering. I don't tell her that I think I rested enough at the hospital, but I keep it to myself.When she does finally leave me alone, I let out a sigh. I sit on the edge of my bed, going through everything that happened. Luca really did it, tears prick at my eyes. What happened to him hating my guts? What happened to me being a crazy psycho that he wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole?Shivers wrack through me as I whimper. I drag myself to the bathroom and turn on the hot water. I can feel his phantom touches still on
After a while, my sobs turn into hiccups. I wipe at my bleary eyes and sniff. I take the time to look around the room, notice Ivy and Kingston standing a few feet away from my bed. Grandma sits on the chair on my right side, hand clasped tight in her lap. On the other side is a woman on a white coat.The monitor beeps beside me, filling the silence.When Ivy meets my eyes, she gives me a watery smile. She came for me. I remember dialing the first number on my call log, her name flashing in my memory. "Thank you." I burst into tears again. Grandma reaches to hold my hand, but pulls away when she sees me flinch."Don't." Ivy says, her voice hoarse as if she's been crying for a while too. She looks away from me, "We didn't make it in time." I break down again, knowing it couldn't have been avoided. All Luca had to do was get me unconscious. He didn't need me awake to rape me. He just needed a limp body to do what he wanted. And he did. The pain between my thighs is a throbbing reminde
TRIGGER WARNING PLEASE READ WITH CAUTION***I gasp for air, my hands clawing at his neck. "I'm going to ease off, okay?" He stares at me, his eyes dark. "If you scream again, I'll just knock you out and take you that way." He must see the horror on my face because he smiles. "You wouldn't want that, would you?" I shake my head, a sob escaping me. I don't want him touching me at all, but the thought of him doing that to me, limp and unconscious, sends cold ice through me."Good." His hand slowly releases my neck, as if testing to see if I would scream again. Satisfied with my silence, he lets go fully and trails his hand over my chest. "God damn rats, can't believe you let them defile you." He shakes his head at me like he's disappointed. His nose is on my neck again, his hands trailing over my waist and hips. With shaky breaths, I slowly lift my hand and reach into my back pocket.