Page 54 of A Dark Duet

He looks panicked, reaching for my hand.

“To be alone, I want you to leave me alone.” I step away, walking down the hallway to the guest bedroom and I lock the door once inside.

Getting in bed, I close my eyes, but the tears don’t come. I don’t have any. I’m empty. When my eyes close, the demons are waiting to consume me.

Giselle

Iwake up not being able to breathe, bolting upright in the bed. I place my hands over my mouth so he doesn’t hear me scream. My soul screams in silence as I shake uncontrollably, alone in the dark bedroom.

I lie there awake, afraid to close my eyes, wishing I was dead like my parents. The sun streams through the window and I lie awake the rest of the day. I don’t have lessons with the girls, so I stay in bed, not wanting to see Nate. I hear a knock on the door a short while later.

“Giselle?”

I stay silent.

“Giselle, I’m heading out. Just tell me you’re okay and I’ll go.”

“I’m okay. You can leave now.”

He stands there. I can see the shadow of his sneakers under the door for a while. Suddenly, he walks away, and I hear his retreating footsteps and the closing sound of the front door. I hear the garage door open, then the engine of his motorcycle roaring and speeding down the highway.

I try to get some sleep, but the nightmares come back. This time I can hear Brie screaming for them to stop. I hear the beating of my heart and the smell of Jack’s rancid breath on my face, telling me that my pussy is so tight.

I run to the toilet in the en suite bathroom and dry heave. I notice it’s ten a.m., and I haven’t eaten breakfast or drank any water. I quickly shower, scrubbing my skin hard with a washcloth, feeling relief from the pain.

My skin is raw, probably with a burn rash, but I’m past caring. The bruises on my neck are completely gone. I decide to wear a long-sleeve crop top and low-waist skinny jeans. I tie my Doc Marten boots and my hair in a messy bun and apply makeup to cover the dark circles under my eyes.

Saying to myself in the mirror, “Fuck it,” I decide to doll myself up with heavy makeup, spray some perfume, and head to the kitchen. There is a note from Nate saying to open a manila folder. I open it, finding a key fob and papers with the title of a brand-new Bentley in my name. I stand there shocked, not believing he bought me an expensive car.

Opening the front door, I walk outside to the Versace styled driveway. There is a shiny brand-new black Bentley SUV with red brake calipers and black rims. I walk to the front of the car, admiring the beautiful black paint. I have never owned a car before.

I notice the front license plate with a Grim Reaper on the front. I inwardly smile, opening the car door and sliding in the driver’s seat, smelling the rich leather permeating the interior of the car. The leather feels so soft underneath me. I look at the rearview mirror glinting in the sunlight, and hanging from it, there is a necklace with a ballerina wearing a tutu covered in glittering stones. I touch it, feeling excited about having a car. I pull out my phone and there is a text from Brie.

Brie: You must have received your gift as I did, I’m waiting for you with Charlie at the valet entrance to the dance store.

I smile, texting her back.

Me: Yes! I will be right over.

I decide to text Nate and thank him.

Me: You didn’t have to buy me a car. I would have taken a cab or an Uber. I’m not being ungrateful, it’s beautiful. Thank you for understanding.

Nate: You are welcome. Any issues, call me.

Me: Okay.

I lock up his house, grab my purse, and head toward the dance store. I get to the front, seeing Brie and Charlie waiting for me to arrive by the valet where the stores are located. It’s an exclusive store for dancer apparel I found online and I can’t wait to get inside.

“Wow, I thought the Porsche I got was nice, but holy shit, is that a Bentley?” Brie says.

I give the keys to the young valet driver, and he can’t stop staring at me. “You’re The Reaper’s girl? Giselle?”

My eyes go wide. I almost deny it, but I would just look stupid. Nate will make it look like a breakup after, anyway.“I guess, for now,” I tell him.

“Well, if he doesn’t want you, then there are plenty of guys waiting for him to fuck it up. You’re gorgeous, and the way you dance is awesome,” he says, turning red.

“Thank you, I think.” I get the ticket he gives me and walk toward Brie and Charlie.

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