The Game Of Death

6

"What the heck, Gina!?" Max said from behind me, Gina immediately left me and took a step back. I turned around to Max standing there, and Darren behind him, his eyes burned with flames as he glared at Gina. "Oh, I was just greeting our new sister. It's not what you think it is. She was the one who took my hand and placed it on her neck when she heard the door open, I swear."

My eyes widened as she rambled, mindlessly framing me for her actions, "she was chuckling, you heard that right, Darren?" I got nervous when Darren slowly nodded his head. Did he believe her? "Yes, we heard that." He spoke, not glancing at me for once. I shook my head, I could see Max was pissed at Gina, "Gina, please go to your room. And never bother her again." Gina smiled and nodded her head like a small child before turning and disappearing into one of the rooms.

"I didn't do that, Max. She was lying." I turned to Max, hoping at least he would trust me. I didn't know why I wanted them to know I was innocent here. It shouldn't even bother me what they thought of me. But for some reason, I didn't want them to think I was a liar or two-faced person.

"I know, Riley, don't bother yourself too much with Gina. She is someone you should be avoiding most here. More than Mommy sometimes." He sighed softly and smiled. I smiled back, not looking at Darren at all now. He really believed that red-head above me. I was hurt, and I didn't even know why it bothered me so much. He could think whatever he wanted about me for all I cared.

I followed Max inside the room, and I could feel someone's gaze on my back, but I didn't turn. Lizzie was already sleeping on the bed. "Why is there only one bed?" I murmured, catching Max's attention. "You can't expect much luxury at Mommy's house, can you?" He chuckled, making smile. Of course, it was a surprise that there is even one.

Someone grunted and walked in the other corner of the room. I looked at Darren, and he took two folded rags from the corner and placed it on the floor. I assumed he would use it as a pillow. He removed his shoes and placed it in a corner before making his way to the pillows. "He always sleeps there, we insisted that he sleep on bed sometimes, but he always refused." Max said, following my gaze.

"Where do you sleep?" I asked Max, although it was pretty clear that he slept with Lizzie on bed. "Well, I sleep on bed. But you ladies can sleep there. I'll sleep on the floor." I smiled, rejecting his offer. I know he loves Lizzie, and he is more comfortable with her beside him. I don't want to snatch that comfort from him. Besides, I should not be comfortable here, I can't get used to this place.

"No, please sleep on the bed. I don't want to be comfortable here. I'll be more alert if I sleep on the floor." He seemed hesitant but agreed when I insisted more. Soon, he slept beside Lizzie, who was sleeping peacefully. I looked around to find anything as a pillow, but the only other rag was beside Darren. I made my way towards him, slightly bent down to pull the rag, but he caught it. "I need to use this as a pillow." I said softly. He is probably pissed at me for how he thinks I behaved with Gina. But I didn't mind.

"You can have it." He said, looking at me. I sighed in relief and pulled the rag again, only for him to pull it back with more force that I had kneeled down. I looked at him confused, "The rag stays here." He spoke again, gripping the rag.

I huffed out in annoyance, "Fine, keep it with you." I muttered, getting irritated with his behavior. I stood up and went further away from him. I crouched down on the cold floor and lay down. He was clearly messing with my head. First, he was so protective and kind. He made me feel safe and comforted me. Then he was cold and avoided my existence completely.

And that weird moment in the bathroom. He was so close to me. Those intense grey eyes stared at me with something I couldn't tell. It was all so overwhelming but then he believed that bitch over me and now is acting like a jerk. My scalp hurt more with the contact of rough, hard floor. I winced as I tried sleeping with my head on my arms, but my arms became numb after some time. I wanted to cry so hard right now. I just want to go home. I missed my friends and family. My cozy room. Soft bed and delicious, edible food. I sniffled softly, wiping my tears away. Soon, I became tired and dozed off.

I woke up feeling something soft pressing to my cheek. It was warm and cozy. It reminded me of my pillow in my room, only that this pillow was a little bit hard. I snuggled more but felt someone's breath fanning over my head. And the realization came down on me, and I remembered where I was. Mommy's house.

I opened my eyes a little, squinting in the dark. I looked up and saw Darren's face inches from mine. My eyes widened. I was sleeping on him. On his chest. Oh god. When did I come here. I panicked and got up immediately. I remember sleeping far away from him.

My movements woke him up as he rubbed his eyes and opened them, looking at me. I moved away from him. He looked hurt for a second but masked it quickly. He sat up, "I'm sorry, but it looked like you were uncomfortable sleeping there. So I made you sleep here." He must have noticed my worried expression and quickly added, "I swear I didn't touch you. Other than picking you up and making you lay down here, I didn't touch you inappropriately." I know he didn't touch me like that. I trust him.

He mistook my worried face for discomfort. I was feeling awkward for sleeping on his chest. "I know, I trust you. But the fact that I was sleeping on you." I was certain my face was red. He smirked slightly, "That wasn't me. You couldn't control yourself in your sleep." Heat crawled up my cheeks at his words. He chuckled at my expression.

"Come here." He gestured me to come closer. I don't know why, but I did as he asked. My stupid heart doesn't know how to react in front of this boy. I scooted closer, and he made me sit between his legs, my back resting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me. The moment felt unreal. It was so mesmerizing that I almost forgot how he hurt me earlier. "Who is Gina to you?" I heard him sigh. I turned to look at him, "who do you think she is?" He asked instead. I don't know what to answer to that. What do I think she is to him? She always sat beside him during supper and always obeyed his words without questioning back. She even called him hers. I winced at that thought.

"Do you like her?" I asked again. He looked amused at my question. I gulped slightly, waiting for his reply, but he didn't say anything. He didn't deny me. I almost pulled away from him when his grip tightened around me, "If I liked her in that way, you wouldn't be sitting in my arms right now." He whispered against my ears, making me close my eyes and inhale a sharp breath.

I slowly turned around and faced him, "Then why did you believe her when she framed me?" I asked the question which was bugging since so long. "She asked me if I heard you chuckle, and I said yes because I did. That doesn't mean I believe the story she made."

I was relieved after hearing that from him. "But I heard you say that," he leaned forward and whispered in my ears, "I'm yours." A strong chill ran down my spine at his words. It was the way he said that. Like he was not repeating my words but marking his own statement.

I shut my eyes closed, he was too close, too warm, too comforting, I never wanted to leave this moment. So I did something which I wanted to do for so long. I wrapped arms around his neck and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. He was taken aback by my sudden move, but nonetheless pecked my forehead in return. I smiled at him. Butterflies danced in my stomach. And just like that, he pulled me to sleep on his chest again. I drift off to sleep, not aware of all the inevitable things I will be facing too soon.

I had the feeling in my gut. Something very bad was going to happen very soon, too soon. Mommy doesn't like children breaking her rules.

Rule : Always refer other children as sisters or brothers.