SMILE

Eli, the psycho

"Hi, I'm Eli. I know it might seem insane. But I promise, this is for your own good." He said, smiling at Riley. Riley blinked. He can't be serious. Riley looked at the other woman who was eating. They avoided looking in her direction. "Don't worry. They won't hurt you. And if they do, don't be afraid to tell me. I'll correct their behavior." Eli said, reaching forward to grab a strand of hair. Riley moved back. Correct their behavior. What the fuck? "Hmm...you must be hungry. Come. Let's eat." Eli said, pulling her up by her arm. His eyes challenged her. He looked ready to take her down if by any means necessary.

Riley got up. If there's anything she learned from the movies and documentaries was that disobeying some psycho only gets you hurt or worse, killed. Eli smiled. Oh my god. Am I dreaming. She's so adorable and so obedient. She's perfect. I knew it.

Riley sat beside Alice. Alice glanced at her. What's wrong with her? Why didn't she hit him with her fists? Why is she so calm? Eli grinned down at them. My girls are so cute.

Riley began to eat. I need all the energy to escape. Alice put her fork down. "I lost my appetite." She said, getting up from the table. Eli turned away from Riley and nearly snapped his head by how fast he turned to look at Alice. "You. lost. your. appetite. Since when." Eli said, walking up to her. Alice stood beside Riley who ignored them. Rose, who had been eating quietly, turned to look up at Alice. She mouthed towards Alice, "Are you insane?" She should know better than anyone that Eli hates them leaving the table without being dismissed. Everyone leaves together. No one gets left behind. Rose knows because she did it when she first came and the scars on her back remind her from leaving the table without Eli's permission.

Eli clicked his tongue. He shook his head. "Is this the example that you're trying to set for my Riley? Sit. Back. Down." Eli said, staring down at her with his hazel eyes. Alice scoffed. My Riley. My god. He's lost it. "Riley doesn't belong to you. You psycho. We don't belong here. You think someone as sane as us would willingly be by your side. Think again, psycho. You belong in an asylum. I get up when I want. I eat when I want to." Riley looked at Alice. Wow. She's a brave one. But he has the upper hand. Words might hurt him. But he's unpredictable. His knuckles are covered in scars. Fuck.

"Riley, sweetie, look away. Rose, keep looking. I want you to remember what happens when you disobey me." Eli said, swiftly walking up to Alice. Alice stood her ground. "Go ahead. Hit me. You coward. Deep down you know Riley is going to hate you just as much if not more than all of us combined. Deep down you know Riley is disgusted at the mere sight of you. Ha. You have no —" Alice ranted, rage dripping from each word she spat at Eli. Eli smacked her across her face. Alice had fallen on the floor. Riley closed her eyes, trying to block out the pain noises that came from Alice. Rose looked away. Alice angrily spat the blood from her mouth. She looked up at Eli. "Is that all you got?" She said, challenging him. Eli tilted his head and threw his head back, laughing. "Alright, if I'm so weak. Then perhaps, Jason should take over. I mean, you do remember Jason, the other psycho." Eli told her, his dark eyes fixated on her face. He was trying to see the fear. Alice's face paled. Jason. No...no. Anyone, but Jason.
Bingo. He cheered in his mind.

Jason was Eli's best friend. Jason would come over when Eli felt like he needed backup or felt like he was going to kill one of his girls, again. Jason is no saint. Just like Eli if not worst, he was sadistic and laughed at the pain of others.

"Oh, don't give me that look. I almost feel sorry. Come on. Let's go upstairs." Eli said, grabbing her by the arm. Alice shook her head and horrified mumbled, "No. No. No. No. I'll behave. I promise." "No, Alice. This coward. This psycho is going to give you what you wanted. Someone who can take you up for a challenge. Doesn't it feel exciting. You're going to see your friend." Eli said, laughing. He dragged her up the stairs. "Rose. Riley. I hope you enjoyed breakfast. I know I did. Wait for me. I just have to deliver this package. Rose, behave. I'll be back." Eli called back to them. Alice screamed fill the basement and before they knew it. They couldn't hear her anymore.

Riley looked down at her plate. Pancakes used to be her favorite. She sat back in the chair. He's far worse than I thought. He's a team player. Is he gonna... "I don't think we're going to see her anymore. She disrespected him in front of you. He gives three chances and she had already used them all." Rose said, picking at her food. Riley nodded. She looked back at the stairs. I hope she manages to escape. Silence filled the basement. "You should eat your food. Even if you're not hungry. It's best if you eat. Don't ask why. Just trust me on this. Rose said, breaking the silence.

Got it. Eat and don't get up from the table.