𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐃

46

HER PREDATOR

Casei and I walk up the stairs of the basement of the height of the argument between my parents and their new little problem, Dylandra. Hand in hand, me and Casei stand, but I'm still so confused. This was supposed to be the moment where she went running away because I lied to her about so much and I'm a fucking freak.

But she's here and real.

Casei sees me and she loves me.

I should be glowing right now, but I somehow feel like this is too good to be true. I feel like this is a trap. Like this is my sick karma for putting so much bad out into the world and taking so many lives.

Has predator switched with prey?

Ally has certainly turned companion.

"You dare do it in our house, too!" my mother screamed, throwing a wine glass just past my father's ear. "You're a fuckin' mistake, Nelly!" My father scoffed, holding Dylandra tightly by his side as she tried to dodge my mother's attacks across the kitchen counter.

"You keep bringin' up mistakes, woman, if you've made so many, maybe it's time to do a self evaluation!"

"Get out!" she screamed.

"Fine! And I'll be back to get my shit!" he shouted.

With Dylandra on his arm, he left.

"I knew I didn't trust that hoe," my mother whispered to herself, her eyes suddenly locked on mine. "Why did you bring that creature into my house, Lowen? Huh?" she demanded. "You brought her here!" she screamed.

"C'mon," Casei said into my ear, "Let's go. Give her some time. This is a lot to take in right now."

"I'll be back in the morning," I told her my mom quietly, "I called you 'cause I felt that you should know." I paused, "I'm sorry if you...feel differently."

She came up to me, wrapping her arms round me.

"I'm sorry, Lowen. I'm sorry that we had to put you through all of this, love."

"I'm so dangerous now, mommy," I whispered.

Casei stepped back from us a bit, giving us our moment.

"She accepts me for me, mommy," I whispered, "I think I can be loved."

My mom squeezed me tight, letting me go.

I nodded my head to the door, so Casei started heading that way. I was following her out when I heard my mother whisper my name. I turned and stopped as Casei kept going.

"Nobody's gonna ever love the true you," my mom gestured around the house, "They'll only love the parts of you that can benefit them. Like your father."

I blinked, "But Casei truly loves me. I can feel it."

My mom laughed a little, rubbing under her eyes, "I don't wanna be the one to break it to you, but you're a killer, Lowen. And well...nobody's gonna love you."

I stepped towards her, feeling my heart squeeze.

"But-But you love me right, mommy?" I asked timidly, my hands clasped hopefully as I waited for her answer.

She stared at me, closing her eyes and running her nails along her hand. Opening her eyes she said, "If I can find it in me, then I'll try to."

Casei and I sat in my Jeep in front of her apartment.

"I wasn't going to kill you," I said again, as I unlocked the doors for her to get out. "I just didn't want you to scream down there. I haven't ever wanted to kill anybody."