Tainted

Chapter 11

"Remember to study the painting's symbolism and over all message ."the professor nods at the class before pulling down the large print of the 'Starry Night' by Vincent Van Gogh.

I slam my notebook shut and immediately shove all my books into my backpack in a rush to get to my dorm room , knowing theres a deranged murderer going through my underwear drawer.

The moment I set foot out the class , a tight grip around my wrist pulls me to a stop , jerking my body and causing a sharp pain to shoot up from my wrist . I look back and see a girl in my class , Francis I think is her name . Her blonde curls tickle her shirts collar , getting tangled with the long shiny earrings sticking through her earlobes . Her face pulls into a scowl as her eyes rake up my body .
"How does it feel being a famous whore ?"she spits with venom on her tongue.

My eyebrows furrow in confusion as I try and piece together the meaning of her words . "I beg your pardon?" I ask softly , slowly pulling my wrist back from her . The thought about Vincent in my room leaves my mind as I'm forced to deal with the current situation I'm in.

"You heard me . We all know why Vincent chose you out of a whole school of girls . You slept with him. "A breathy laugh leaves her throat as a smug expression etched itself onto her pale face .

This is ridiculous. I don't have time for these games . "Think what you what . "My eyes roll over to look at at the door leading outside the building.
"Either way , he chose me and not you . Be thankful you dont have to put up with what I have to." My voice becomes softer as I speak , wishing I wasn't chosen for this position.

Once I realize that she has nothing more to say but glare at me , I rush out the building , not wasting any second .

Would he kill one of the students here ? That's too obvious. He'll get caught so theres no way he'll pull a risky move like that.

I climb up the staircase of my dorm building , huffing and gasping for air as the need for a break screams through my muscles. With a loud groan I finally make it to my floor and burst into my dorm room .

"Why hello Love . "Vincent greets with mischief drenching his tongue . "How was school ?" He sets down the teddy bear in his hands and gestures to the suitcase that looks as if it's about to burst any second .
"I packed your bag ."

"What did you do?"I immediately ask and drop my backpack on the ground and begin opening all my drawers and cupboards , looking for anything odd that might be missing or recently placed .

"Nothing! All I did was pack your clothing and essentials into this suitcase I found under your bed . I thought it would save us some time to get to my paint maker early. "He explains innocently.

I glare at him before reaching to grab my suitcase but his hand gently catches my wrist , forcing me to look at him . His gaze is hazy as he stares at my hand , his thumb rubbing over the smooth skin . "How was your day ?"he asks softly, his voice fragile and careful .

I wonder what has him in a mood like this...

"It was ...fine . "I slowly drop beside him , his hand still wrapped around mine as he seems to like the close proximity . "Girls would stop me to tell me how jealous they are that you picked me instead of them."I say with a playful tone , trying to lighten the mood.

"Oh did they now?" He chuckles and rises to his feet. "They probably begged you to let them meet me. "He pulls on his white glove and smirks down at. "Dont you feel special?"

I raise and eyebrow at his question and decided to ignore it , finding that the answer would increase his ego even more than it is .

I grab my suitcase with trust that he had packed everything I need and drag the heavy case out of my dorm room before turning around to look at Vincent as he strides out . "When do you think I'll be able to come back?" I ask and lock the door after he exits the room.

I hope we'll at least be able to stay at the same place for more than one night. I'm not good with changes in environments .

"Oh ...maybe a week or two. "He shrugs and begins walking down the corridor without a care in the world.

"A week or two?" I gasp and rush after him. "What about school?"

"I've arranged for your assignments and work to be mailed to one of my houses . You'll practice and finish your tasks with my guidance . "He explains and helps me carry my suitcase down the stairs .

"I wont be working with -" I pause and look around to make sure no one will hear me "-blood . Right?" I ask and lift the handle to raise the suitcase up so that it doesn't catch on the steps as Vincent holds the bottom for support.

"Oh heavens no !"he laughs and shakes his head as if what I said was the funniest thing to ever be said.
"Paint that valuable and hard to get could never be wasted on you ."

I'm not sure if I should take offense to his words or be relieved that I dont have to paint with blood. It appears I'm...both?

"You'll eat your words once you see what I can do ."I counter and glare at him as we leave the dorm building.

"Oh I've seen your works and theres a lot to work on. "He laughs and dusts his suit jacket.

"Lorain ?"

I look up and see Beth staring at Vincent and I with wide eyes. She is dressed in her dancing attire , telling me that she has just come back from practice.

"Beth what-"

I get cut off by her running and jumping against me ,wrapping her arms quite securely around my neck.
The warmth of her body brings a smile to my face as I let go of my suitcase and wrap my arms around her waist .

"I was worried about you."She whispers in my ear and gently let's go of me.

I frown at her once I notice the glares she'd shoot Vincent who does nothing but stare at her with a blank expression on his face.

"Be careful."she warns me as her eyes connect with mine.

"I will. "I smile and wave her off as she makes her way into the building.

Beth has always cared for me ...shes been the only one I can trust for a really long time.

"Was that Elizabeth?" Vincent finally speaks up from next to me.

"Yes how do you know ..."my eyes widen and I take a step away from him."did you read my diary ?" I gasp in disbelief. The first time I saw him with my diary when he first appeared in my dorm room I thought he was just joking but now...

"Yes."he states simply and disregards my shock . "I don't think shed be a suitable partner for you . Your feelings for her should come to an end."

"You don't...its not like tha-"

With a soft motion he grabs me and puts his hands on either side of my face as he stares into my eyes ."Don't try and bullshit me . You have a little crush on her . I don't like it."

Don't get him mad. Don't get him mad. Don't get him mad.

"Okay."I whisper and purse my lips as his hold on my face goes tighter. "What ...should I do about it ?"I ask .

His face relaxes and a smile spreads across his lips. "Dont worry Love. I'll take care of it . You sit tight and continue looking pretty. "He chuckles and let's me go before turning around and walking towards the exit of the campus. "From now on the only person you'll see is me. "