The Cries of the Dead (A Moon Knight Inspired Fan-fiction)

Chapter Eleven: Haunted Betrayals

(TRIGGER WARNING! This chapter contains emotional, physical and sexual assult. As well as strong themes, suicidal thoughts, strong language, sex and violence. Caution is advised.)      

        There was something gratifying about the idea of being someone's first choice. Ophelia thought about this as she walked to her next class, hoping that she'd get that satisfaction; but knowing that it was a long shot. 

    She hadn't been herself lately, and honestly wasn't sure she liked the person she had become. Trying to compete against her friend for a boy, it all seemed rather frivolous. From Lia's understanding, most high school relationships didn't last. Hell, her friend had already dated the guy that they were both trying to win. 

    Daniel Jones. 

    What a prize indeed. He was the best looking guy in school - to most at least. A grade above them, so had that older guy appeal. Everyone seems to want a piece of him. 

    Rumour was that most people had gotten a piece. But that didn't phase Lia, because she could feel that they had a connection. Though there were times she wondered if she was imagining it. 

    During History - usually her favourite subject - Lia had barely been able to concentrate. Practically jumping out of her seat as the lunch bell had rung. Dashing across the lawn, to where her group of friends always sat. 

    He was already there. Sandy blond hair slicked back, revealling those beautiful blue eyes. Lia had been struck by them the moment she'd met him - not just seen him from a distance. The moment she'd realised that he wasn't available, because he was dating Jenna. 

    When he and Jenna broke up before the summer holidays, Daniel started talking to Lia online. Then face-to-face when they returned to school. 

    Daniel had confessed that even when he was with Jenna, he wanted to be with Lia instead. That he wished he'd met her first. Lia had explained that dating wasn't easy for her, since her dad was super strict. She never even got to go to parties. Her father was the only thing holding her back - and perhaps a little bit of her religious upbringing too. Damned, purity culture was a hard thing to shake, when it had been drilled into her from a young age.

    However, Daniel was once again caught in the same situation he'd claimed had broken he and Jenna up. Being torn between the two girls and having to choose one.  

    "Lia," he smiled at her. "I'll talk to you first." 

    She felt her body explode with nerves as she followed him around the side of the school building. Daniel stopped and turned to her, stepping forwards, her body hitting the brick wall behind. 

    Excitement at their sudden closeness made her start to speak. It was all nervous rambling, but it seemed to amuse him. 

    "Can I speak?" He asked smoothly. She nodded. "Lia, I thought about this for a long time, and I don't see how we can make a relationship work." 

    Those words had haunted her, along with his excuse that he needed the relationship to be public. Because her dad wouldn't approve, Daniel had chosen Jenna again. 

    Lia wasn't sure how long she'd stood there, trying not to cry. She had become so good at not crying over the years; but this was threatening to break her.

        A week later, Ophelia found herself face to face with Daniel, after he'd pulled her into an empty classroom. 

    "You've been avoiding me." He sounded angry.