Bloody Paintbrush

Chapter 16

School ends, and Eri is at the bus stop as per usual; when Silas spots her.

"Eri," He said. They haven't talked ever since that night.

"Oh, hey," she greeted, awkwardly.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"No, but thank you," she said.

Eri looks away. Silas stood there silent, then took her hands. "I'm sorry," He said.

Eri looked at Silas making eye contact. Deep down she wants to forgive him, but she can't. "Thank you, but too late," Eri said pulling her hand back and looking away.

"You believed Maddie over me."

"Let's go somewhere," Silas suggested. "Not really in the mood to go out, especially with you," Eri said, emotionlessly.

"Damn, that hurt," Silas said, placing his hand over his chest.

"It also hurt when you believed Maddie over me, but whatever," Eri said.

He walked in front of her forcing her to make eye contact. Eri looked away and pouted pettily. Silas took one hand and gently situating his hands under his chin, and turned her head to meet face to face with his.

"Let me make it up to you," He said. Eri could hear the sincerity in his voice, but was still apprehensive about it.

"You know you want to," He giggled.

"Ugh, fine!" Eri let in. "Yes!" Silas celebrated.
Eri let out a giggle.

"So where to?" She asked. "It'll be an adventure!" He declared, "Just trust me," He said, reaching out his arm.

"Oh, what the heck," Eri said rolling her eyes, giggling, taking his hand.

And an adventure it was. Silas took Eri around the most beautiful parts in the city. It was getting late, and Eri had to go.

"Wait! One last thing," He said, covering Eri's eyes. Something jangling came out of Silas's pocket. "Take your hands out like you're getting water," Silas ordered.

And that she did. Silas placed the object in her hand, "Alright, open your eyes," He said.

It was a blood red rose key chain. "Stop," Eri said sniffling. Eri leaned in and embraced Silas. They face each other, eye to eye, mouth to mouth. For a while, they just stared up and down at each other's mouth and eyes. Then finally, Silas leaned in for the kiss.

"Found you, Petto. I told you, no running this time."

Eri leaned in closer to Silas.

Dolas, Eri thought, shivering.

"Come here, beautiful. Back to the business, to me. We miss you, and of course I, as well," Dolas said. "I see you've moved on," Dolas continued.

"Go away, Dolas," Eri said, shaking.

"You don't mean that," He said, "I love you."

"Liar," Eri cried. "Sh, It's okay, I'm here," Silas comforted.

"Oh, you're "here"? Do you even know Eri?" Dolas manipulated.

Silas stayed silent.

"What I thought," Dolas said, "Eri, stop all this nonsense."

"No! I wanna be an artist! That's what i wanna do with my life," Eri defended.

"No, Petto, baby, that's not your destiny. That's not what you were born to do," Dolas explained.

"When I was with you I was miserable. I'm happy now," Eri said.

"You're a weapon! A killer! That's what you are! You own a gun—not some silly paintbrush!" Dolas screamed.

Killer? Silas questioned.

"You're coming back with me, weather you like it or not," Dolas demanded.

"Don't forget, Dolas, I was the most skilled out of everyone," Eri threatened.

"Yes, i'm aware. This is why I brought back up. Not even you can stand a chance against us all," He laughed.

"Silas, on my signal, run. Okay?" Eri explained.

"Wait, what about you?" Silas asked, concerned.

"Don't worry," Eri reassured.

"You're nothing but mere pet," Dolas insulted.

Those words stung, his presence brought back memories Eri did not want to recall.

"Go!" Eri signaled. Silas ran, as fast as he could, and as far as he could.

Eri stood in ready position and fought as many men as she could. Eventually, she got tired. There were just too many.

They got her. They forced her to the ground tying her up. They threw her in the van and drove away.