Bow Down or Break

Chapter Two

It was as if the universe was notifying Winnie of her fate. Throughout the night she tossed and turned, plagued by startling nightmares. Memories of her childhood mixed with nonsensical blackness had taken control of her sleep. Winnie had already been struck awake before her alarm even had time to go off.

Eventually, she managed to wrangle herself out of bed and mentally prepare herself for the day. She whispered quiet affirmations to herself, hoping for a smooth day. Though, she knew deep in her bones that today was just the start of a long, painful school year.

Slight sounds of footsteps and curses came from out Winnie's door. It seemed John woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning as well. Winnie really did not want to see her mother's asshole of a lover this early in the day. Or ever really, regardless of the hour.

Winnie walked on tiptoes down the hall, her clothes were held tightly in her clenched hands. Silence, silence, shit. Winnie saw John turn the corner and he was in front of her in seconds.

John immediately cooed, "Mornin', my pretty thing. How good my luck must be to catch you before school today."

Chills skated down the teen's spine. John's rotten breath seemed to be the only smell filling the air, he was filling her senses. Though he was lanky, he had a very imposing stature. John stood around 6'4 and his presence was very menacing. Winnie knew most could tell he was bad news just from looking at him, except for her mother apparently. Now Winnie had to suffer for her mother's poor life choices.

"Don't look at me with those wide eyes, girl. You'll have me actin' up", John laughed out. He knew the affect he had on her and he loved it.

"Good morning, John. I just need to get ready for school and I'll be out of your hair."

"Now that you mention it. I was thinking it's about time you give me a show. I've been waiting an awfully long time."

"I will scream for Kim if you don't back off, John", Winnie got out with as much strength as she could.

"Your mama doesn't care what happens to you, girl."

"She might not, but I don't think she'd want her man hitting on another girl."

"Kim won't always be here", John grunted out as he walked off.

Winnie rushed to the bathroom and locked the door with as much speed as could with shaky fingers. Resting her head against the door she let out a long breath of relief. John had hurt her before. So many of her mother's visitors have hurt her. No, she wouldn't think about it. She did know she couldn't handle John's hands on her today, not after the nightmares and knowing she could be facing a challenge at school.

A speedy shower left her feeling rejuvenated and she got ready with a hurry. Soon enough she was out the front door and started her trek. She looked good today. Her ebony hair waved down her back and curled at the ends. Most notably, there was no sign on her face showing how her day was going.

She kept her eye out for her possible bullies as she walked through the parking lot towards the school door. Thinking she was safe she relaxed a bit. Her mistake, of course Winnie wasn't safe.

"Hey, ghost! Coming to stalk the halls as usual?", a voice yelled across the lot.

A quick glance told Winnie it was Alex Turner. One of the two lords who helped the queen rule over the school. He was walking towards her with a stealth and swagger many dreamed they could possess. His dark hair was slicked back in his usual style that was reminiscent of Elvis' iconic hair. It was unfortunate he was such a dickhead because the man definitely looked good in his leather jacket. Though, if Winnie was really honest with herself she could admit she found all of the "royalty" attractive.

"Your silence speaks volumes, ghost. Are you not happy to see me?"

"Happiness is not typically the emotion that comes to me when I see you or your friends."

"Aw, I'm wounded. Way to kick a man when he's down", Alex pouted with a hand on his heart.

Winnie immediately responded with noticeably fake sympathy, "Oh, you're down?"

"Yes, I'm down! Phoebe told me yesterday that we were putting our attention on a very pretty girl. That's so sad."

A blush started spreading across her cheeks. Why was the thought of Alex finding her attractive causing butterflies in her stomach?

"Hmm, I'm sure that's awfully hard for you. I can't imagine", Winnie finally managed to say as she noticed they were stopped right in the middle of the pathway.

"It really is. Too bad I hadn't noticed you sooner, then maybe we could of had some fun before all of this. No one seems to notice you though, ghost."

The words stung deep down. She really tried to convince herself that she liked things being the way there were, but maybe that's not fully true. Can anyone be okay with being alone? Doesn't it go against human nature?

The silence seemed to stretch for a moment before Alex shot her a look through his lashes. It was as if he was seeing deep in her soul. Seeing more of her than anyone ever has.

Suddenly, Alex began to grin, "I noticed you didn't address me by my title."

Both of them began walking through the halls. Students gave them a wide berth because of Alex's presence.

"Oh? And how am I supposed to address you? As, Lord Alex?"

"Well, that is how everyone else here does."

"You're not royalty. You're just some high school asshole who doesn't know how to let anyone live in peace."

"I can't believe that's what you think of me. I will have you know that I'm not 'just some high school asshole'. I'm way better than that, because I'm myself."

"God, your ego is massive. I can't believe no one has taken care of that yet."

Winnie looked over at him and saw amusement flashing through his brown eyes. Amusement was not the reaction she wanted from him.

"Are you saying you want to take care of me, Winnie?"

"I'd sooner sell my soul before the thought of taking care of you even crossed my mind."

"I assume the devil has had your soul for a  long time now, ghost."

"Will you quit with this 'ghost' shit."

"Why would I? It gets on your nerves and it fits you oh, so well", Alex said walking off into his class.

He looked back at her with one last smirk. He knew he gotten the last word and that was driving her crazy. She went to class, hurrying to get there before the bell went off. Today was going to be long.