Crazy In Love | Buggy

e i g h t e e n

I glared at Buggy in pure horror for what felt like a lifetime, waiting desperately for any sign that this was all some sort of sick twisted joke. I waited for that signature Buggy grin, some laughter, anything. It never came. He returned my look with nothing but impatient, then his look turned darker.

When he spoke, his voice was laced with clear irritation.  "I said to bring him back, Betty."

"He's had enough. He can barely stand -" I began to plead, but was cut off.

Buggy advanced towards me, moving so quickly that I didn't have enough time to register it as it was happening. The sight of him approaching like that never got any less terrifying, the fear seemed to hold me onto my spot. He only stopped when he was right in my face, his deep green eyes staring into my soul. Somehow, they appeared darker. Clouded with rage.

"I've had enough of you disobeying me."

"I-I'm not..." I stammered, the words catching in my throat. I knew that I needed to do something. I couldn't allow this child to get hurt. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I blindly followed Buggy's orders. I searched my mind for a solution. Which was tricky, as any solution would have to not upset Buggy, and everything seemed to upset Buggy. It felt like an impossible situation to get out of.

Buggy's eyebrows furrowed together tightly. "Have you got anything to say or are you just going to stand there?"

I said the first time which came to my mind.
"A new volunteer would just be more entertaining, is all."

The annoyance melted away from Buggy's face for a moment, being replaced by a smile. The smile didn't seem obviously cruel, so for a moment I felt a shred of hope that my little suggestion had swayed him.

Then he spoke, crushing my hopes completely. "Well, let's see if anyone else wants to volunteer, shall we?" He asked, mockingly.

My heart dropped in my chest. We both knew that anybody else would volunteer. Even to save a small child.

"Bug - "

"Everyone!" Buggy screamed, anger laced in his voice. The audience visibly pulled back. "We need a new volunteer!"

Absolutely silence. It was almost deafeningly loud.

"Don't all shout out at once," Buggy mumbled sarcastically. He then tilted his head to look at me. "Looks like nobody else is up for the task."

I looked in the direction of the audience, desperately praying that someone, anyone, would be brave enough to speak up. Some people looked conflicted, clearly wanting to save the boy from his fate but not wanting to be the one to have to take his place. I couldn't necessarily blame them. Not even Davi's family raised their hands. His mother cried, hiding her face in her hands.

My heart felt as if it were breaking into a million little pieces. Because I was with Buggy, I was a part of his little crew, I felt oddly responsible for what was about to happen. I wanted to stop it desperately, but if I couldn't, and Davi got seriously hurt, it felt as if it was as much my fault as it would be Buggy's.

"Can't we just skip the last act?" I pleaded, desperately. I felt tears well in my eyes, threatening to escape and spill over.

"But my dear Betty, it's just too good to skip."

Dread bubbled up inside of me. That couldn't be good. With baited breath, I questioned, "What is it?"

"It's called the glass walk. Oh, and yes, it's exactly what you think it is."

My heart officially broke in my chest. I looked down at Davi, into his big brown eyes which were now filled to the brim with tears. He was absolutely petrified. Who wouldn't be? The idea of walking on shards of glass was terrifying for anyone, never mind a little child.