Delphine's Family

Chapter 13- Back Door

Delphine's POV

Watching the crime documentary Mina put on. I see Nico flinch as the detective describes how the killer brutally beat the young girl to death.

"How can you guys watch this?" 

"It's interesting," Mina explains never taking her eyes off the screen. 

"How?"

"I don't know." She shrugs as he stares at her. 

"I'm getting a drink you want anything?" I get up as they both shake their heads no. Dom called an hour ago about how the bar had a problem so they would all be home late. 

Walking into the kitchen, I reach up and, grab a cup and go over to the fridge. I was able to convince myself that the rose was maybe a prank or mistake. I put my cup against the fridge waiting for it to fill up. 

I look behind my shoulder feeling the shiver go up my spine. I take my water and take a sip. I walk over to the back door moving the curtain slightly. Looking out I see nothing. 

"What are you doing?" I jump as I turn around to find Nico looking weirdly at me. 

"Thought I heard a noise outside." 

"Like what?"

"Oh like leaves rustling I think it was just an animal. Nothing to really worry about." I wave him off and walk over to the door as he moves closer to the door. He himself looks out the window not seeing anything he follows me out to the living room. 

"Your back. I was worried about you." Mina looks at me with sarcasm leaking from her tone. 

"Har har." I sit back down going back to the tv. 

We all sit down until we finished watching the documentary. When it finished I move back to the kitchen to put away my glass. I hear Mina and Nico go upstairs. I look one more time out the back door window seeing nothing. I check the lock and move the curtain back to its spot. 

Walking out I go to my room checking the front door window for anything. 

When I get to my room I check my window lock and lock my door. I text my dad. 

Me: When are you coming home

Dad: Sorry I should be home in a few hours

Me: Ok

Dad: Love you

Me: Love you

 Getting changed for bed I get under the covers. I close my eyes and feel my breath even out. 

Thump. Thump. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears as the five men surround me. It's dark I can't see their faces but one has a tattoo on his neck. I can't what it is though. 

I'm in an alleyway. I can see the dumpsters around me along with the dirty ground. The men blocked the only exit. 

I was walking home from work when they started following me and chased me into an alleyway. 

My breathing picks up as they close in on me. One moves to my left and another grabs my right arm. They both kick the back of my knees causing me to drop to the ground. I feel the wet ground dampen my pants. 

The first thing I feel is the sharp sting on my cheek. It whips my head to the side, I move my head back over to feel another slap on the other side. 

The man in front of me gives the men instructions to start hitting me harder. 

"Leave her bloody" his voice echos in my head as they beat me harder and harder. One of the men who is holding my arms grabs my hair to hold my head still. My eyes are getting heavier. 

The men drop me letting me fall to the ground. I feel a harsh kick to my ribs I wheeze out a breath as they continue to kick me. When I can't feel the air in my lungs anymore they all step back. 

I see the man that gives them instructions step forward he has the tattoo. A flower on fire. 

"Tell your mom that we said thank you for her payment." He stands back up fully. 

The last thing I see is his boot coming down on my face. 

 I shot awake with sweat dripping down my forehead. I look around to see I'm in my bedroom. Feeling my face nothing hurts so that's good. I grab my phone to see that it's 3 in the morning. 

I get up and leave my room. I walk up the stairs to my dad's room. Finding it I open his door slowly. 

I walk over to his bed and get under the covers curling up against his side.

"Delphine." His voice is raspy as I nod my head against his side. He pulls me closer and gives me a kiss on my head. 

I fall asleep feeling the safest I have ever been.