Chapter 3

Charlottes POV

The remainder of the school day went by agonisingly slow as I sat with a plan that bubbled in the back of my mind.

Mr Ross (my English teacher) waffled on about our first reading assignment, as I couldn’t help but zone out and create a number of fake scenarios of ‘what ifs’…

My wild plans of revenge continued to fester, always leading back to the small sharp knife that I now had stashed in the side pocket of my backpack…

If only I was brave enough to pursue the thoughts.

Jason, Tommy, and Holden seemed to be elsewhere today (most likely already ditching class) since I hadn’t seen any of them at all since this morning – not that I was complaining!

Maybe they were just too busy targeting other victims for a change? Not that I would wish their treatment on anyone!

When the final bell rang, I released a shaky sigh…

Well I guess I’ll admit that my first day back wasn’t all bad!

I slowly gathered up my things, deciding to wait back an extra twenty minutes, wanting to ensure that mostly everyone had gone home before I left the school building – a tactic I felt would help avoid any conflicts on my way home.

I had always taken the same route home, but today I decided to take the long way after my mothers cruel warning this morning-

“Don’t come back until after 6pm…”

I cringed at the thought of coming back too early to find my mother and her new police officer toy doing the unspeakable.

I continued to walk at a slow pace for some time, allowing for the day to drift by as much as possible as the crisp sun shone down on me.

I sighed, checking the time to now read 4:35pm. I still had over an hour to kill…

I walked down a different road, noticing that the street was hauntingly deserted. I assumed everyone that lived here must have been at work still.

I gasp when the silence of my surroundings is ripped apart, hearing a sudden screeching of tyres followed by a blaring stereo approaching from behind me.

I turn quickly only to see Jason, Tommy, and Holden pulling up swiftly onto the curb in the familiar blue pickup truck (no doubt that they stole without his fathers permission).

How did they manage to find me!

Before I could even react much further, Jason and Tommy had exited the vehicle as I stood there in shock at how quickly things seemed to be happening. My breathing hitches in my throat as I stupidly stand there instead of attempting to run – which would have been the better option.

They waste no time in taking an arm each, as I snap out of my trance and begin to attempt to shake them off – hearing their amused filled laughter as I do so knowing I had been too late to respond.

“Come on Char, we will drop you home!” Holden sneers from the drivers seat as he waves me over from his rolled down window.

Their nickname makes me sick, a constant reminder of my father who used to be the only one who ever called me ‘Char’ as a kid.

They effortlessly tug at my arms, before dragging me into the car – caging me between them both in the backseat to diminish any chance I had of escape.

“Where do you think you’re going eh? Wondering the streets until we found you Is that it?!” Jason mocks, as he holds my left arm uncomfortably behind my back in a vice like grip.

“Our little damsel in distress lads!” Tommy roars out a laugh, as I sweat profusely unable to speak or move between the two.

Holden presses down on the gas – causing the car to screech off down the street. I don’t even think he knows how to drive… and if I’m lucky they will hopefully crash and save me from their torture.

My chest began to rise and fall, as the tears sprung to my eyes… they could beat me up, or even kill me and ditch me anywhere at this point. A chill crept up my spine, suddenly understanding that I was now in serious danger…

We drove for what felt like hours, all the while they taunted me and made crude disgusting remarks. Every so often, Jason would even squeeze down on my injured legs harshly – earning a deafening scream from me which would seem to entertain the others.

I tried to stay strong, but I was terrified. I didn’t know what they were going to do to me, and there was no possible way for me to escape.

Finally, they decide to turn off down a bumpy dirt road, moments later pulling up to an abandoned building on the outskirts of town.

I was at least a twenty minute walk from here to the nearest streets or stores…

“We’ve been so excited to bring you here haven’t we lads?” Tommy laughs, as Holden parks up before they open the doors and drag me out and towards the creepy looking building.

“S-Stop!” I all but manage to choke out, as they laugh harder.

I don’t know why I ever beg… it’s what they enjoy.

“Maybe you should both keep watch first yeah? Don’t want us to get caught!” Tommy states to the other two, keeping a tight hold of me, as they obey his orders and wait out on the front lawn.

Once inside, Tommy wastes no time before pushing me on to the dirty floor and without hesitation begins kicking me repeatedly as I cling to the straps of my backpack in attempts to use it as cover.

I instinctively curl myself up in a ball, trying to protect myself from the hard kicks, but the blows just kept coming.

“I f**king love being able to take my anger out on you… you’re whole ‘innocent’ act f**king pisses me off!” Tommy spits at me, eventually stopping his kicks as I cough – tasting the familiar metallic blood on my tongue.

“P-Please… you don’t have to… do this anymore!” I speak between coughs and wheezes, as I shuffle across the floor in an attempt to put some distance between us.

“Oh but I do… it’s too f**king exciting I can’t stop!” He laughs sadistically, as he takes slow strides towards me, flashing me a wicked grin.

But then something inside me snaps. The look on his twisted face sent a bolt of rage up my spine. I suddenly remembered the small knife I had stolen this morning… the knife which was still tucked neatly in the side of my backpack… the backpack that I still thankfully wore.

I need to wait… let him get closer… I can do this!

He deserves this!

“Have you given up begging already? I like when you beg!” He tuts out in a mocking tone, as I eye him silently – my breathing rapid as I ignore the pain.

He’s getting closer…

I move my hand slowly, masking it to look as though I am still trying to escape from him, before I reach in the deep pocket and feel the thick handle.

“You know… I’ve always wondered what it would be like to f**k you…” He eventually bends down, reaching my eye level, as I take a moment to see the emptiness held behind his eyes. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I forced myself to ignore his sick words, not allowing for them to affect me in this crucial moment…

“Maybe we could all f**k you… before we leave you here for dead!” His statement is the last I hear before I crack.

A deafening roar is heard, and within a flash I plunge the small blade into his side before pulling it out and plunging it in lower for a second time.

He instantly drops to the floor, wailing and rolling around in sheer agony, as my adrenaline sky rockets and I stagger backwards in horror.

I just f**king stabbed him!

I waste no time, before turning and heading to find the back door of the house – knowing all too well I was a goner as soon as Jason and Holden find me.

I find the door, fumbling with its handle, before eventually opening it and darting out into the wooded surroundings.

I ignored the bruising in my ribs from his kicks, as I run as fast as my feet will go – putting as much distance between myself and the three hell hounds as possible.

I’ll go to prison for that…

I run faster, choking back a sob, as I look down to see the bloody knife still held in my hand. I stop running, gasping for air, before I stuff the small knife back into my backpack.

I take a moment, looking at my surroundings, before I notice lights in the distance suggesting a main road. I take off in a jog again, thankful that my adrenaline was masking the majority of my pain.

I can’t go home… not after this… I have to get out of here…

I nod in silent approval of the thought.

I need to leave this town… I need to start over…