THREE

NORA

Fuck.

How gruesomely enchanted was I back there? I wasn’t sure I gave it even a second thought before agreeing, just like that!

I grimaced as I jerked my feet, frustrated with myself for my mistake. I mentally facepalmed as I packed my books and stuffed them into my backpack, berating myself for being so careless and entranced. I couldn’t help but wonder what would unfold later this evening with him.

The thought of being in bed with him filled me with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He did as promised though, even though Cassidy’s apology was the lamest one have ever heard.

Holy cow. A shiver ran down my spine as I stared down at the address he forwarded to me, so shamelessly.

“Hey.” A voice whispered from behind me and I jumped in fright, my heart racing as I spuned around.

With a roll of eyes, I sighed in relief at the sight of who had led me to class yesterday. “I must have scared you. Never meant to.” He smiled down at me. It was the kind of smile that made me almost want to smile back.

“I was obviously scared out of nothing.” As much as I’d love to vanish into thin air and head down to Jordan’s to get down to business, walking out on him wasn’t also an option.

“Lucan, by name.” He said and his voice so confident and smooth, he stretched forth his hand, offering a handshake.

I looked at his outstretched hand for a moment, unsure of what to do. It feels so strange now that am no longer used to it. Gone were days when I had tons of friends. Ever since my birthday in which all of them flee due to my hypersexuality diagnosis, they’ve all been avoiding me like a total plague.

So why is he trying to get closer? Shouldn’t he take to his heels, also? Oh, right. He’s unaware.

“Nora.” With a lopsided smile, I hesitated then reached out and shook his hand.

I soon pulled away and he also stepped back. Time is running out and I wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible.

"Sorry, but I have to go," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Hope to see you around." he said, before turning and walking away. I watched him go, a mixture of relief and dread swirling in my stomach. He seemed so pleasant, but there was something about him that made me feel uneasy. I wasn't sure what it was, but I hoped I wouldn't have to find out.

As I was walking out of class, I felt someone grab my hair and yank me backward. I was slammed into the wall, and the wind was knocked out of me. I saw a flash of her blonde hair and amber eyes, and I realized the person attacking was none other than Cassidy. She looked furious and out of control, and I knew she’s here to take her anger out on me. Well, apparently.

“Now, what else do you want?” I spat between grounded teeth, and wrenched her hand away from my hair. I scoffed when I looked around to find her crews scurrying over, just when Cassidy was about to respond, causing me to roll my eyes.

And that was when I noticed her friends weren’t actually heading here but practically running after a nerd, whose shoulder slammed against mine as she raced away, in terror. I almost stumbled by the impact but managed to hold myself still.

“Catch that rascal!” Cassidy howled. And like a miracle, her fury was no longer directed at me. She stomped after them and I couldn’t be more grateful to bolt out of the school gate. What a bully.

~

I reached the address, my heart pounding in my chest. I took a deep breath and turned to look back at the rusty gate. It seemed to loom ominously behind me, as if daring me to go through. I hesitated, my hand hovering in the air, as if I could stop time just by refusing to knock.

But then the door jerked open and I let out a yelp, my whole body tensing as if I were about to leap out of my skin. That’s how much terrifying the person looming at the doorway has got me.

“Who are you?!”

I looked the woman up and down, taking in her wild hair, her pale skin, and the dark circles under her eyes. Her clothes were disheveled and torn, as if she'd been through some kind of ordeal. She looked like a character out of a horror movie, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

I wasn't sure what to say or do - shouldn’t Jordan be the one to open the door? I guess am at the wrong house. I’d better turn back now that it ain’t too late.

“Sorry, ma’am. I seem to have lost my way.” I said and cracked a smile, immediately turning around to walk away, her glare burning holes into my back.

This is a saving grace. I couldn’t imagine sharing a space with someone who looked like that till her son arrives. I knew I was never lost and it was that Jordan was probably not around, but I had to find an excuse. The thought of being alone with her made my stomach twist into knots.

Whereas, just when I thought I was almost out of her abode, the worst happened.

“Hey, you!” The woman called out, her voice harsh and cold. I slowly turned around and before I could even say a word, her hand came over my face and the last thing I could remember was slumping into her arms as I lose consciousness.

~

I thrashed against the ropes binding me to the chair, but it was no use - I was completely trapped.

I felt the ropes tightening around my wrists and ankles, pinning me to the chair. The woman sat in front of me, smoking a cigarette and watching me with a devilish smirk. I struggled against the bonds, my rage burning hot inside me.

"You’re still not going to release me?" I asked, my voice shaking with anger.

"Yes, am not going to." she replied, her voice calm and cold. "I've got all the time in the world."

A dead silence fell upon the room. My fingers curling up into fists from beside me, itching so badly it would stop if only I could get a chance to smash them against her face. What have I ever done to her? If I haven’t lost count, I’ve been here, in this position, for over three hours now.

Yet, all she could yelp about was how I have to leave her son. Something that has me wondering how she knew.

“He won’t be home anytime soon. Until then, receive a suffering of a lifetime. I promise, never in your whole existence would you think of coming back here, again.” She said, inching close to me that I wished there was a door for me to jump out.

Which didn’t feel necessary anymore because immediately she spoke, the door opened and in came the bad boy in leather jacket. Whose walk came to a brief halt to take in the scenario. “What’s going on here?”

He bellowed and the woman quickly trampled upon her cigarette before standing up from her chair in one quick motion as Jordan snapped his face to her direction. At first, I would have thought she was scared of him until she marched off towards him and at the same time ripping out a pocket knife from where only heaven knows.

“Don’t come any closer, Sawyer.” He warned, his voice low and menacing. I catch onto how bluntly he mentioned her name but had no time to give it a thinking, especially since he’s already standing before me.

His hand reached out to the rope and just as he loosened it, my heart flipped when my eyes lurched up to meet with his mother about to thrust the knife directly at him.

I scrambled to my feet, desperate to stop the woman from hurting Jordan. I lunged forward, my hands outstretched when suddenly, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder, pushing me back. I turned, my eyes widening in shock as I realized it was Jordan who had shoved.

"Don't you dare!" He growled and I gasped, my eyes widening in shock as I realized it was Jordan who had shoved me. He sent me reeling backward, my head hits the floor with a sickening thud but I quickly struggled to sit up.

I could have killed the woman, but I sat there and I watched her raise her arm and stab him. He fell on his knees while I sat there, watching him bleed as she torments him further.

Asshole. Won’t you stand up and give this ridiculous woman a taste of her own medicine? I pressed my hand to my face in exasperation. Fine, I’ll watch you suffer.