Page 18 of Fragmented Illusions
After what Mom put us through, I knew we would both end up damaged from it in unexplainable ways. Being locked in a closet for weeks at a time covered in your own filth with only moldy food and well water is enough to drive any person to insanity.
It affected Spence and I differently. He’s the wild child. Boisterous, slightly immature, and always trying to be the life of the party with his needy, attention seeking ways. And me; cold, quiet, detached. Avoiding everyone every chance I can.
I suppose it’s why we work so well together. I get to scratch the itch I have when I kill someone, and he gets to have his fun by carving their bodies to a bloody pulp.
I know it’s what he wants to do to Fallon. I fuckingfeltthe way he looked at her. I felt it because the same thing happened to me. Her curiosity, her fear, was so fucking palpable, I could taste it on the tip of my tongue—even through my mask.
I could almost hear Spence’s heart start to beat wildly the longer he stared at her. Then she ran. And it was fucking glorious watching her make her way through the trees, dazed and confused. Weak and frightened.
The leather she was wearing hugged every tiny curve she had—which wasn’t much because she was absolutely tiny. I could break her in half so easily, and I don’t say that lightly. Even through her clothing, I could see her bones protruding from her skin in an unhealthy manner, but it didn’t make her any less beautiful.
In fact, I happen to have a weakness for pretty girls that break easily.
Chapter Six
Fallon
Perfect.
I look perfect.
My hair is pin-straight and sleek, hanging down my back, brushing against my tailbone. My eyes are lined with black eyeliner with a small wing flicking upwards, giving my slightly rounded face a small lift. I keep my skin bare aside from some concealer under my eyes to help with the black circles which are almost like permanent bruises etched into my skin.
Today I’m wearing a skin-tight pair of jeans and small heeled booties. My blouse is simple; an almost sheer emerald green button down with brass-colored buttons.
Staring at myself in the full length mirror in front of me, I take a deep, shuddering breath as I square my shoulders.
I can do this.
I’m still the new Fallon. I know what I saw was real. They. Were. Real.
And if my parents don’t want to believe me, then I guess I will just have to prove they are. How I’m going to do it, I’m not sure yet.
Or maybe I keep this to myself…
My phone dings in the back pocket of my jeans. I turn away from the mirror and grab my purse off of my bed. I pull my phone out as I walk out of my room, shutting the door behind me.
Illuminating the screen, I stare down at the text message.
Nat: You doing okay?
I want to roll my eyes because I am so far from okay it’s not even fucking funny, but I don’t. Nat cares and it’s honestly nice having someone checking in on me, even if she doesn’t know a damn thing about what’s happened to me.
I decided to not only keep the masked men to myself after my parents’ obvious refusal to believe me, but I also kept what Trenton did from everyone as well. After what I saw, I decided it wasn’t important enough to rehash. I chalk it up to him being stupid and drunk. And as long as he stays away from me, we won’t have any problems.
He may have rescued me from who knows wherever I ended up Halloween night, but it doesn’t change the fact he’s a scumbag.
Shaking my head, I pull my purse up on my shoulder and text Natalie back as I leave the apartment.
Me: Yeah, I’m good. Running late to class so I’ll chat with ya later! <3
I even add a heart at the end to add to the illusion that all is well in Fallon-land.
I laugh quietly to myself as I step into the elevator and hit the button for the main floor. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
“All tests need to be turned in by the end of class. You can start now,” Professor Lloyd barks out before hammering away on his keyboard, the click-clack of the keys ringing loudly through the mostly silent room.
The guy is an asshole, but he’s smart as hell so he gets away with it. Even if he wasn’t, I’ve learned a lot in this class.
