Chapter 6: No Joke

Jerry exhibited a deadly sneer, then casually fitted the microphone to its stand. "What's your name, Cruella—I mean Cinderella?" he scoffed, then grabbed a glass of water, taking a much-needed sip. I realised this was to quench his lethal tongue, his eyes looked determined, readying himself for the verbal battle ahead.

"Amber," she shouted with the utmost pride.

"Do you suffer from any medical conditions?"

"No, why?"

"You drunk, princess?" Jerry asked with a straight face, as the audience murmured a laugh.

"She's not, go fuck yourself," shouted a pissed-off voice I did not want to hear.

"Now that you interrupted me, I presume you're the boyfriend?" Jerry asked displaying a calm and relaxed demeanour.

"Yeah," Michael shouted proudly, placing his arm around Amber protectively.

"I would suggest you take her on dates where she can process her surroundings better. She seems a bit slow," Jerry said, showing a scornful expression. Some people laughed while others clapped.

"That's the asshole who dumped Laura," shouted a voice in the audience, but I knew that was one of Michael's buddies trying to piss him off just for a laugh. Shit, my anxiety started to consume me, and I desperately wanted to disappear.

"Oh really, is that so?" Jerry asked with an intrigued smug plastered on his lips. He took the microphone off the stand and walked to the centre of the stage with his hand in his pocket completely relaxed. "Someone works fast," he lampooned coolly. The crowd laughed and booed Michael at the same time.

"Hey, we are nice people, we don't boo here," Jerry laughed. Then he averted his gaze towards me and continued, "Besides, he did me a favour."

As funny as some people found it and laughed, it felt somewhat unsettling. Jerry definitely looked at me with a lecherous gaze, but I am sure it was part of his act. Still, I didn’t like it. Michael and Amber got up and made their way for the exit, while people cheered, accompanied by two or three boos.

Once they left, the crowd settled and I was able to breathe again. Jerry continued with the show; for the next half hour. It was great; I was not mentioned again, and I laughed so much that I momentarily forgot about my troubles. As soon as Jerry greeted the crowd and left, Adrian appeared and escorted me backstage to where Jerry’s dressing room was. Adrian knocked on the door, then opened it straight away.

"Sweetheart! Come in, make yourself comfortable," Jerry welcomed. He stood by a table containing a tray of snacks, munching on a few crackers, then offered, "Have some. I'm almost finished packing, then we can go home."

"Thanks, but I'm good. Adrian made sure I had plenty to eat and drink," I reassured.

"That's good, I'm glad. Did you enjoy the night, sweetheart?" Jerry asked as he made his way to his bag.

"Yeah, thank you! I had a blast. I haven't laughed so much in like ever. You are really good," I said honestly.

“Aww, thanks cupcake. I hope I didn't upset you when I brought up your story?” he asked, then returned to the table to swipe a piece of cheese.

"I'll be honest, I was at first shitting myself thinking you were going to make fun of me, but you ended up making me laugh over my troubles. You were very sweet and made my day. Thank you," I beamed gratefully.

"Oh, sweetheart, I'd never make fun of you! Though I was serious when I asked you out," he said as he neared me and reached out to cup my face. I instantly blushed and retreated.

"Oh, um, Jerry, you are super sweet and all, but I am not ready for another relationship. I am sorry," I said looking down as I subconsciously squeezed my left arm, lifting my sleeve in the process.

Jerry glared at my sleeve. In an instant, he looked like a different person but then resumed his normal self. He dramatically sighed in defeat, then looked at me with a cordial smile. He went to the platter and seized a red cracker with a cheese topping. "No worries, sweetheart, things will work out for how fate intends it to,” he said while looking at the cracker then averted his gaze back at me. “Before we go, you've got to try this. I promise you'll love it."

I let out a small laugh. It was so random; I wanted to say no but then thought against it. I already declined him a few times. I reached to take it, but Jerry insisted on feeding me. I released a nervous giggle due to the awkwardness but ate the cracker nonetheless. After a few chews, I nearly died! It was super spicy. I was fanning my tongue, and Jerry could only laugh at me.

"I'll get you something," he said, still chuckling, then rushed off to the mini bar fridge. It felt as though he took forever, but finally returned with a soda. "Sorry this is all I have," he laughed as he handed the opened drink to me.

I eagerly grabbed it and drank almost all of the can's contents. "You jerk, you knew that thing was pungent," I pouted then took another sip.

He looked at me with an apologetic smile and said, "Hey, you broke my heart; now we’re almost even."

I burst out laughing and swatted at him. "You're unbelievable!"

"You have no idea," he teased, then held out his arm, which I accepted as I took my final sip. We walked out together to his car, and Jerry drove us home. The theatre was a good half an hour away, and I started feeling sleepy. It was weird; I never fall asleep in a moving vehicle. As I shortly started drifting off, I welcomed it. Thinking it's because everything that has happened between me and Michael has finally caught up with me.

It did not feel as though I slept long when a strange presence woke me. As I opened my eyes, I saw Jerry eerily close to my face, his knuckles grazing my cheek. I was still somewhat torpid, as though I was in a dream. I wanted to speak, but Jerry hushed, "Don't be scared, sweetheart. It's just me; you are safe at home." He then tenderly grazed my cheek with his knuckles again. As I completely woke up, I realized he was laying down next to me.

"Jerry? What are you—"

"Shh, you fell asleep in the car. I didn't have it in my heart to just dump you on the couch, so I took care of you and tucked you in my bed instead," he said dotingly.

"Uh, thanks, but what is this? Why are you so close to me?"

"I'm just observing and wondering."

"Wondering what?" I asked, muddled. I tried to get up but became extremely dizzy.

"How could any man abandon such a rare treasure?" he breathed salaciously.

"You are seriously creeping me out, dude," I whispered in complete fear.

"I'm sorry, I can’t help myself," he murmured and neared me with each word. "I'll keep you forever if you’d let me."

My heart was racing; this man was now scaring me. I tried to move, but I was completely uncoordinated. "Please, Jerry, I am feeling very uncomf—" Jerry kissed me on the cheek, cutting me off.

"Sleep well, my gem," he crooned as he brushed my hair away from my face, then got off the bed and walked out of the room like an eerie ghost.

"Jerry, wait," I said nervously.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I can't sleep here; this is your bed. Besides, I need to shower and get changed anyway," I said in a desperate attempt to get up, but my body was not listening to me. What the fuck was going on?!

He looked at me with a sly smirk, then responded sweetly, "I told you, I took care of you, sweetheart. Now rest; you seem completely out of it. Your phone is there on the bedside table if you need to set your alarm." He winked, then left.

I was confused, I looked at my top, then realized I was wearing my pyjamas. Tears formed in my eyes as dread rushed through my being. I felt violated, and I started to hyperventilate as I understood what happened. Did he drug me? Oh shit is he a fucking psychopath?! I need to get out of here! I weakly examined myself. My body felt tender at my touch, mostly by my neck and chest. I released a gasping sob while trembling. I need to go to the clinic first thing in the morning.

I did not get any sleep at all. I was crying the whole time, and I kept staring at my phone until it was after four a.m. I couldn't take it anymore; I needed to get out of here. I'm sure by now he’s fast asleep. I speedily turned off my alarm and carefully approached the living room. I saw my bag open and messed up. He must have gone through my items; my pyjamas were not packed in such a way that he needed to throw everything out. I froze as I saw his large body sprawled over the couch. I viewed this man in a new light—a monster. I carefully crept to my bag, grabbed some clothes, and then sprinted for the bathroom as though my life depended on it. I locked the door instantly for fear that, that brute would try something funny.

I took off my pyjama top and beheld the chaos displayed on my body through the bathroom mirror. The first that caught my attention were the hickeys on my collarbone, I fucking quaked as it cannot be denied anymore. My breasts and stomach looked like I was beaten with a blunt object, or bitten by a large animal. I knew for sure later it was going to turn black and blue. I hurriedly changed, before I lost all rationality. I did not even bother to brush my teeth. Once dressed, I, stealthily exited the bathroom only to find Jerry standing outside. His towel hanging around his neck, dangling over his bare shoulders. His demented orbs staring at me and his lips exploited an unnerving grin.

"Morning, my gem," he greeted with a toothy smirk.

"Morning," I whispered uneasily. I wanted to ask him what the fuck he did to me, but I was too scared.

He neared me, visibly breathing in my smell, and husked, "Off to work so early?"

"Y-yes, I n-need to be there to help to p-rep t-the food," I stammered. I was cussing myself, usually, in any upsetting situation, I can keep a decent mask on; but this fucker might have done the inevitable.

"Have a lovely day then," he hummed creepily before proceeding to the bathroom. I shivered and bolted for the door. Luckily, the apartment is close to many necessary amenities. I ran to the nearest clinic to get an exam done. I had to know what the fuck happened. As I entered, I spoke to a nurse standing at the information desk. I told her what transpired, and she swiftly guided me to the correct section of the clinic. There were a few people already waiting in line. I looked at the time it was quarter to five, though it was still very early, I decided to message Liam and let him know I would be late for work. I was surprised at how quickly he replied, what’s more, it was as if he knew something was up. He asked what happened, but I told him it would be difficult to explain via text and will tell him everything once I got to work.

I spent four hours at the clinic; it was exhausting and mentally draining. As soon as I stepped out of the building, I tried calling Jacob, but his phone just kept on ringing. I texted him that I would be at work later, but I needed to speak to him. My main intention was to find out if that psycho was still lingering about at the apartment. I desperately needed a shower. I felt my phone vibrate; I looked to see Jacob's reply.

I'm busy, I'll see you when I see you.