His Ruthless Revenge (A Dark Bully Romance)

Chapter Forty

Sixteen years ago...

I sneak out my front door and down our long driveway, desperate to escape the confines of my house. I really hate it when mum goes away and  know she won't be home for another couple of hours. My dad is looking after me but I don't like it when it's just the two of us. I don't know why but I just don't.
Clutching my pink heart locket, I squeeze it as tightly as I can and start running as quickly as possible. I'm eager to put as much distance as I can between me and my house.
I managed to sneak out when dad wasn't looking but don't have long as he'll come looking for me soon. All I want is some time away from him, wanting to be alone while I count down the minutes for mum to come back.
I end up sitting on a nearby wall down a country lane by my house. I know that no one will find me here and seek comfort in the fact that I can finally relax now I'm by myself.
I've still got hold of my pink locket and clasp it tightly. Mum bought my favourite magazine for me a few weeks ago and the locket came with it as a special prize.
I loved it as soon as I saw it and begged mum to get it for me. She eventually gave in and I've been wearing it ever since. I always make sure to hide it from dad in case he takes it from me. He might do it on purpose and make me do something to get it back. I don't know what he might ask me but know it won't be something nice.

That's why I have to keep it safe.

I stroke it with my thumb, knowing so long as I have this locket, I'll be safe. Nothing can harm me so long as I have it with me.
"What's wrong?" A sudden voice startles me, making me scream as I tumble off the wall in surprise.
I end up landing on my knee and it hurts so badly. It stings so much I want to scream as loud as I can but don't say a word; biting down on my lip instead.
"Nothing." I mumble quietly, clenching both my fists to keep myself from crying.
There's no way I can act like a baby in front of this boy I don't know. He looks about ten which is the same age as me but he might be older.
"Did you hurt yourself?" He asks solemnly, a concerned expression on his face as he starts to approach me.
"I'm fine." I reply defensively, forcing myself to stand up.
"You're pretty brave then." He tells me, a look of admiration in his eyes. "Most girls would have cried if they'd fell like that."
"Girls can be tough too." I inform him boldly, folding my arms across my chest in defiance.
I want to sound more confident than I feel because I'm slowly starting to realise that I recognise the boy standing in front of me. He's much taller than me and what the girls at school would call "good looking." Not me of course as I'm not interested in boys and never will be.
This one seems different though. There's something about him that makes him stand out but I've no idea what it is yet.
"What are you doing out here anyway?" He enquires boldly, jumping up onto the wall I was just sitting on. "Why are you out here by yourself?"
"I... I wanted to get away from my dad." I admit softly, staring at the ground beneath my feet. "I'm mad at him."
"How come?" The boy asks, patting the empty space beside him for me to join him. "What's he done?"
I hesitate for a moment before sitting next to him, hauling myself up with all of my strength so he doesn't think I might need his help.
"He keeps telling me off all the time and I'm scared he'll take my locket off me if I don't do what he says." I blurt out recklessly, almost close to tears.
"What locket?" He probes inquisitively, moving a little closer.
"This one." I say proudly, holding it out to show him.
"That's just a toy." He laughs, shaking his head at me as though I'm dumb.
"It is not." I reply obstinately, shaking my head in annoyance. "I got it from a magazine."
"Exactly." He chuckles playfully, nudging me with his elbow. "It's still pretty though."
My heart swells with pride and it's hard to keep myself from smiling. I like the fact that he gave me a compliment and feel proud to have something that impressed him.
"I don't want my dad to take it from me." I whisper, lowering my head. "And I'm scared he might."
"Do you really think he will?"
"Yes." I answer truthfully, feeling sick at the thought of going back there.
"Shall I look after it for you then?" He offers, holding out his hand.
"No!" I exclaim loudly, jumping off the wall in case he tries to snatch it from me.
"It's ok. I'll keep it safe for you." He says calmly, eager to convince me. "I promise."
"Really? You would do that for me?"
"Sure. I can give it back to you at school."
All of a sudden, I remember where I know him from and realise that we do go to the same school as each other. I can't believe how much he's changed over the school holidays and can't help wondering how many girls are going to notice when we go back in September.
"Do you pinky promise?" I ask him, still a little uncertain.
"I pinky promise." He smiles, linking his little finger with mine. "I'll take care of it for you."
I reluctantly take off my locket and squeeze it one last time, placing it in his hand as I say a silent goodbye to it.
"Thanks." I say sincerely, my voice full of gratitude.
"You're welcome, April."
"You know my name?" I blurt out, surprised he even knows who I am.
"Of course I do." He grins. "Don't you know mine?"
"I best go now as my tea will be ready." I reply hastily, not wanting to admit that I can't remember it.
"Ok, well I'll keep it safe for you. I swear." He assures me kindly, slipping my necklace into his pocket.
"I believe you."
I give him one final wave before heading off, running as fast as my skinny little legs will carry me.
"It's Chase!" He yells out after me, raising his voice so I can hear him.
"What is?" I shout back, confused and out of breath.
"My name!" He answers cheerfully. "And don't you forget it!"