Passion's Killing Floor

Chapter Three.

"Can I ride with you? Don't really feel like walking." Charlie's soft voice startled Chrissy as she put her books in her locker.

She looked at him for a moment, taking him in. His long brown hair, plump pink lips... And those eyes. Those stupid blue eyes. How could he have done such terrible things? He was quite literally an Angel on earth.

"I mean, yeah, but I wanted to go home and shower first." They made their way down the hall towards the parking lot where Chrissy's black pickup was parked. She stared only at the dirty gray vans on her feet.

"That's cool I can wait in your room or something. Why are you acting so weird? I've done it countless times."

He was right. He always made himself at home in her bed and waited patiently.

"I don't know, Charlie. Long past 24 hours I guess." She hopped into the driver's seat, popping in the first CD she could find, All's Well That Ends Well; Chiodos.

"I fuckin' love this album."

"I know, Charlie. You bought it for me." Usually Chrissy would laugh at this. But she couldn't. She felt strange around him. Reasonably so, but she still didn't like it.

Charlie was her best friend. Him and Kirby had been her number ones for as long as she could remember. She hated this weird atmosphere he had created.

The rest of the drive was silent. What was usually filled with laughter and theatrical singing was now empty.

She felt her chest fill with air when she finally parked her truck. She fumbled with her keys at the door, gasping in surprise when her mother swung it open.

"Oh! Sorry sweetheart! Kinda in a rush here!" Her mom kissed her head quickly before running out to her minivan, dragging a suitcase behind her.

"I'll be back on Sunday, babydoll! 5 days, ok? Watch the house. Call me if you need anything. Sheriff Riley left his personal cell on the fridge for you." After loading her luggage into the van she made her way back to the porch. She wrapped her daughter in a tight hug placing a garden of kisses atop her long black hair. "Oh I hate leaving you at a time like this." She looked almost pained. She knew what had happened last night. "I have to go. I have to pay the bills baby." She sounded as if she was convincing herself.

"Mama, I'll be okay. I'll probably be with Kirby most nights anyway." Chrissy squeezed her mothers hands in reassurance. She didn't want her to go, but she knew she had to.

Her mothers attention moved to Charlie. He was only about an inch taller than her. She gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"You take care of her." Her voice was stern, almost a little pleading as well.

She placed a hand on either teens cheek. "I love you both. Be good." And with that she was gone.

Chrissy looked up at Charlie (he may be short but at 5 foot even, Chrissy was the shortest in the group.) Take care of her. She scoffed to herself and made her way inside.

Her rambunctious rescue dog came tumbling down the stairs to greet her. He ran so fast his bottom almost folded to touch his head.

"Aww hi there Voorhees! Who's a good boy?" She scratched his ears and kissed his furry head. He looked at her with a slobbery smile, nothing but love in his puppy dog eyes.

"Hey buddy." Charlie smiled and scratched the dogs head.

"I'm gonna go shower, make some food or something, I don't know." Chrissy waved Charlie off and headed up the stairs.

The water was boiling just how she liked it. She let it roll off her back, taking in a deep breath. She traced over the wound on her chest. C. For Charlie. Wow, obsessive much?

She wrapped up in a towel, making her way to her bedroom. Her wet feet left tiny puddles along the hallway behind her.

"Hey Chris." Charlie called nonchalantly. He didn't look up at her, just continued reading the back of her Twilight book. "How was your shower?"

"Um? Good? Like usual?" Chrissy began rummaging through her dresser until she decided on a pair of skellanimal pajama pants and a cropped, torn, and dye stained Escape the Fate shirt.

Charlie looked up from the book, catching a glimpse of her bare chest. His eyes lingered for a moment before he began digging under her bedside table for another book.

"What happened to your chest?" He settled on Interview with a Vampire.

She wanted to scream. Wanted to get in his face and tell him exactly how she felt. Are you fucking stupid?! I know you know I know. I'm not dumb, Charlie.

"The attack. I don't know what it means." She wiped the smeared leftover eyeliner from under her eyes in the mirror. "Are we leaving or not?" She snapped.

Charlie lifted his hands in surrender. "Sorry, Pumpkin, just thought I'd ask."