Page 30 of Freestyle
”I needyou to be nice and still for me. Can you do that, Row Boat?”
“Can we just go back to playin’ ponies?” I whisper, my voice trembling with fear.
Albie straddles my waist quickly and puts his hand around my throat, tightening it until I can’t breathe. My hands furiously scratch at his hands, trying to get him to let me go but he doesn’t. He just sits there staring at me with a wicked look in his eyes. He grabs my pony and slides it along my cheek where tears have begun to fall.
“I picked this game and we are going to play it. Even Pinkie says it’s okay.” He releases my neck and I gasp for air. He puts the pony in my hand then crawls down my trembling body. I stay as still as I can so he won’t choke me again.
“I don’t want to die. Someone please help me” is what my brain is screaming to anyone that can hear me, but even I know it’s a lost cause. No one will come. No one ever does. Tears are streaming freely down my cheeks now, and I’ve never been more scared of someone in my life.
By the time he’s finished my check up, I know I’ve never felt so much pain in my life.
He pats my head. “Such a good little patient. You’ll be my favorite little sister ever.”
Once he walks out of the room, I pull myself together, wiping away the tears. I never want to play ponies again.
That was the first time…not the only.
I shake my head violently, forcing the visions away. All those years ago and that’s still a memory that resurfaces from time to time. I was only in that foster home for a year before I was placed in another. Thirteen homes total before I turned eighteen and I was free to come here. I never played with the ponies again after that house. I didn’t even want to look at them.
That was a long time ago, and I need to let it go. I am stronger now, but it all came crashing back when Gray grasped my neck and again now after finding these things in my pocket. Alberto was the only person who knew I loved those damn ponies. He was my first friend and my first nightmare. I was only eight at the time, and I felt like it was wrong, what we were doing, but I didn’t know any better. I was a kid, and he was older.I trusted him.
I turn on the shower as hot as it will go, needing the burn. I step in and stand under the spray of the scalding water, letting it wash away the filth from the memory. I’m not sure how long I’m standing there, but when the water turns cold, I finally get out. I wrap a towel around me, shivering from the frigid air. I quickly get dressed in a soft pink shirt that hangs off my shoulder and some jeans.
I feel the weight of the world pressing down on me. Unpacking becomes my distraction; I hang pictures, set up knick-knacks, and decorate my new space with an enthusiasm that feels falsely cheerful against the storm raging inside.
Hours pass, and before I know it, it’s time to get ready for the party.
Standing in front of the mirror, I fight to channel my confidence. I slip into a black lace dress that hugs my curves in a way that is supposed to feel empowering. I pair it with red heels, letting my blonde curls fall freely over my shoulders. I adorn myself with hoop earrings and matching jewelry, culminating in a smoky eye that I hope will distract from the chaos bubbling beneath the surface.
As I step into the living area, Lyndsy and Rebekah take my nerves down a notch.
“Wow, you look amazing!” Lyndsy declares, her eyes practically sparkling.
In her green tight mini dress that sculpts her figure perfectly, she will easily draw attention away from me. Her auburn hair is perfectly curled and pinned, and her vibrant makeup stands out against her pale skin.
Rebekah complements the look in dark skinny jeans and a shimmery black tank, layered with a thin white sweater, draping just right.
“Ready, ladies?” Lynds asks, twirling her finger around in circles.
“Yeah!” Rebekah chirps, her excitement contagious. We walk to the door, Lyndsy throwing her arm around Rebekah’s shoulders while I bring up the rear, the strange weight of the day still tugging at the corners of my mind.
As we step outside, the cool night air wraps around us, igniting a sense of adventure against my palpable anxiety. The moon hangs high above, casting silvery light over us as we walk towards the team’s mansion.
I hope tonight doesn’t end the same way as the last party, don’t I? I truly hope they’ve moved on from tormenting me to another. Then I remember the damn picture Nix took. I shudder at the thought of it being released.How would I explain that to Lynds?
As we approach the imposing mansion, unease flutters through me. The house looms before us, a monolith of grandeur and excess. I swallow hard, steeling myself for whatever awaits inside. Laughter and music spill out from within, mingling with the scent of spilled beer and sweat. I hesitate at the threshold, feeling the night’s promise of trouble.
“Come on, guys! It’ll be fine,” Lynds assures, tugging us toward the entrance. With a deep breath, I follow them.
Four
Phoenix
Theairthrumswithanticipation, the crowd’s hum vibrating through the humid natatorium. The sharp tang of chlorine fills my nose, mingling with the faint scent of rubber from my swim cap. Teammates cheer from the sidelines, their voices blending into a chaotic symphony with the occasional clang of cowbells. The starting blocks gleam under the unforgiving fluorescent lights, their slick metal a reminder of the challenge ahead.
I step onto the block, my toes curling around the edge, and stare down at the shimmering surface of the pool.The turquoise water ripples, a mirror to my inner turmoil. I should be focused. Remy drilled that into us.
Clear your head.
