Page 25 of Slaughtered Firefly
“You fought well.” Mia chuckled towards me.
I wanted to respond That was hardly a fight, that he didn’t even stand a chance but the secretary shushed her. She rolled her eyes.
“He was asking for the fight the way he manhandled you. I just finished it.” I shrugged, not ready to face Uncle’s rage. She had begun to clean the blood away from her face while holding the bridge of her nose; the aggressive scrub of her blouse was hard to miss.
“Where did you—” Mia’s words were cut off by the opening of the uncle’s door.
“Mia why am I not surprised to see you back so soon?” Uncle James stood in the doorway, his fake principal attitude firmly in place.
“Scott come on, we’ll have to call your mom.” He sighed.
It was a threat. I knew he wasn’t going to be pleased with his football player being punched the week of the big game, but I didn’t care. If he was threatening to pull Mom’s funds, he won’t get another cent from me.
The door closed, and I lashed out.
“If you call my mother, I will tell everyone what really goes on behind Principal Moores private life, I’d rather end up in jail then spend a single moment making you more money!” I shouted; rage was forming within me.
I had done nothing wrong in the past year and a half as I worked my ass off to pay off my debts. I would be damned if he threatened to call the hospital Mom was in and pull her plug.
“Listen here Scott, you have embarrassed me for the last time, I want you out.” He yelled finally.
“Wow must of been a serious offense if you are kicking me out.” I retorted angrily about the circumstances.
“I’ve got some very important people showing up tonight so you better be gone by then.” He turned away from me, looking out the school window.
I stormed out bitterly. As an, afterthought I announced, “Fuck your party, I’ll clear out my shit by four.”
With my bag slung over my shoulder and my head swarming in rage, I jerked the door open; it banged against a filing cabinet as I left. Mia pulled at my arm as I passed, but I brushed it off, my breath coming too hot as I tried not to make more of a scene. Despite being kicked out, it would do me no good to have the cops come investigating.
“Miss Williams.” The secretary announced as I was walking through the front office door, I could feel her eyes on the back of my head but didn’t stop turning the corner and rushing out.
14
BETTER TO DISAPPEAR
Thirteen years ago
“What are you still doing here?” I asked her, pulling my bike out from where it was stashed behind the bushes.
“Detention.” She announced in a cheery voice. I stopped rolling the bike and looked at her sideways.
“You do know that detention ended like half and hour ago right?” I was still trying to picture why she would be on campus any longer than necessary.
“Principal Moore had recruiters for the Ivy League schools set up to meet tonight. I’m supposed to be going back with him.” She shrugged, going back to writing.
“Oh.” My heart sank for her as I realized who the recruiters were that were coming.
That was why he wanted me out of the house, so he could entrap another rich high schooler into his debauchery.
I looked at her as she continued to write her English paper. I wasn’t sure of the words to describe what would happen if she did go with Uncle. It was like a frog caught in my throat, and all I could do was swallow the mucus that had gone astray.
“Don’t go.” I managed to choke out my voice, though not as strong.
“I have to,” she smiled bitterly.
I nodded, not saying anything else as I got on my bicycle and headed away. Dread filled me with each passing moment.
There waslaughter and music emanating from the house as I snuck up to the side door. It was already getting cold outside. The wind whipped around my neck, forcing me to speed up with my lock picking. I didn’t know what to expect as these partieswere always held on fight nights. Uncle didn’t bother showing up for fights anymore. It was all automated now that I was a top contender, and of course he didn’t want blood money here—always clean it before you come back. I knew he had a string of adolescent girls here. I usually would just get in by the time the maids showed up, well after sunrise, but it didn’t stop me from seeing the blood, booze and juices throughout the household. I was disgusted that a man could do such a thing, not even married and worse yet these girls probably didn’t realize that they were being held hostage for the entire night, used and abused.
