Hawk Point *ON HOLD*

Chapter Fourteen: Voices

*another unedited chapter, sorry guys *

Dustin walks towards the young couple at Judgement Day, face scrunched up in concentration as he tries not to drop either of his Styrofoam cups.

"Here's your coffee." He sets both cups onto the table. "Sorry but we're out of mugs. Be careful, those things are hot." Turning, he blows on his fingers and scowls, looking around the room. The small café is crowded, even for a Friday; most of the threadbare-looking couches and armchairs are occupied with teenagers enjoying a free weeknight. The smell of coffee and clove cigarettes is overpowering.

Hey Dustin.... the voice is as familiar to Dustin as his own, a soft but dangerous voice that fills his mind like water. It's haunting and eerie and reminds him of the rattling of hollow branches in the wind.

"Don't call me that." Dustin's voice is barely audible and his lips are still. His words are quickly engulfed by the meaningless chatter floating around the room.

Why not? It's your name, isn't it?

"Be quiet before anyone starts thinking I'm crazy."

You got it all wrong. You don't tell me what to do. It's supposed to be the other way around.

With an exasperated sigh, Dustin digs around in his pocket, pulling out his own phone. He sticks it against his ear as he walks over to the counter, pressing his elbows against the surface as he leans back. "What do you want?"

You know, maybe you should try being nice to me for once. Did that thought ever occur to you? I have feelings too you know?

"There is an empty abyss where your heart should be. The only feelings you are physically and mentally capable of having are stupidity and insanity."

Those are not feelings dumbass. The voice snaps in retort. Dustin gives a visible wince as a burning pain stabs the back of his skull.

"Okay, okay, calm down," He says through his teeth. He rubs his temple with his free hand, trying to ease the stinging, "Just tell me what you want."

You know what I want.

Ice replaces the blood in Dustin's veins. His eyes dart around the café, his lips tugging downwards. "I...I don't think I can do---" Before he even finishes his sentence, there is a sharp flare behind his eyes and for a second all he can see is white fire. The air in his lungs turns thick and heavy.

Remember what you promised me? You will keep that promise.

Dustin's nails cut into his palms, leaving four half moons on his skin. "But---"

No buts. You'll do what I tell you to do because if you don't, I'll get angry. And you won't like me when I'm angry.

There is pressure on his skull and his throat seems to be closing up as Dustin finds it harder to breathe. His grip on his phone tightens. "Fine." He mutters. "I'll do it, I'll do it!"

He can hear the satisfied smile in the voice when it says: That's what I thought.

~~~~~~~

The evening had gotten even hotter, and running to Mildred's feels like swimming through boiling soup. Jogging out of the woods and up the street towards the house, Cif sees that the light in Emily's room is on, despite the sun still being out.

Luke is waiting for her on the front porch, sprawled in a broken-springed armchair. He has an old DS balanced on his blue-jeaned knees and is poking away at it industriously with the stylus. He looks up and his eyes find Cif's. He quickly gets to his feet, shoving the blinking rectangle into his pocket.