Rhenna

NINETY-ONE

(Recap: Elin's getting the evidence back from Jae)

Jae was getting some of his energy back. He was moving faster–frantic almost. He looked unwound: hair falling loose, face gaunt under the fluorescent lights. It was making me uneasy. The sooner I could get out of here the better.

"So? Where's the evidence?" I asked slowly.

He shook his head and continued rummaging through the orginized shit on his desk. "Just give me a moment Elin."

I tapped my foot and took in the room. It was a decent size, not as big as Conn's "office" but definitely close. It had a solemn atmosphere; alot of dark colours and burnt woods. Perfect for Jae.

Bieng on edge, I jumped when a phone rang. Instinctively I reached for mine, but it was Jae's that had gone off. He spoke in quick bursts to the person on the other end. By the sounds of it he wasn't all that happy. If anything he looked worried–terrified.

When the call ended I asked, "What was that?"

"Nothing."

Given the circumstances Jae wasn't doing a good job with the lies. I could hear the tremble in his voice. I could see the way his hands were shaking. It was freaking me out. "What are you—"

"I'm going away for a while." He blurted, "I have some business. Out of town stuff." He let out a long breath and leaned on his desk.

Leaving?

Jae was bailing.

"Why?"

"It's complicated." He mumbled. He ran a hand over his face. "Things are messy right now."

"What are you talking about?"

He shook his head and stumbled around the desk. "Elinis..." his voice was soft, softer then I had ever heard him speak. And it got me thinking. Maybe this really was our last encounter.

There was this look of longing when he stopped infront of me. He reached out, hesitating when I leaned away, "I want you to come with me."

I stared at him for a long time. Trying to wrap my head around the words. My brain wasn't catching up.

"We could start a new life." He cupped my face. His eyes bore into mine. "We could get married."

Married? Marriage!

"What the actual hell!" I shoved him back, shocking the both of us.

"Elinis–"

"Why are you...why would I even–why?" I ran my hands through my hair and turned away from him. My thoughts were flying a mile a minute. Telling me too get out; to scream at him; anything. I couldn't get my body to do any of those things.

"Hay. Baby." Jae cooed. He tipped his head trying to catch my eye. When I wouldn't look at him he reached for my face.

And I snapped. "Dont!" I screamed, my voice took on a dangerous low, and I gritted, "dont touch me."

His brows knitted together. Those dark eyes flashing with concern. "What's wrong?"

What's wrong? What's fucking wrong?! "Your insane."

"Because I love you?"

"You dont know what that means." I said through my teeth. I gripped my hair tighter, digging my nails into scalp. The pain was bringing some form of clarity. I found myself able too speak. "You don't love me. You love the idea. You love the power and control and the fantasy." I narrowed my eyes at the floor. "I'm a toy."

Jae was silent for a moment. A moment to long. I glanced at him. Startled by the hurt expression he was giving me. "I've done everything for you." He spoke thickly, "I let you in. I gave you a home when your own mother couldn't. I took care of you. Didnt I?"

He took a swaying step back, catching himself on the desk. All the while holding my gaze. "I love you Elin."

"You raped me!"

Saying it aloud, to the man responsible, was like a sledgehammer to the gut. The situation was real. Jae had done all those awful things. And he still couldn't see the impact.

"You dont hurt what you love." I mumbled.

"I never meant–"

"I want the evidence against Johny and MY friends destroyed. If it gets out I'll tell everyone," I paused, prepping myself for the next line, "I'll tell everyone about you and me."

I sent Jae a devoid glare.

There was no reaction on Jae's part. His face was monotone. Eyes set on the ground. Almost as if he hadn't heard me. But he must have because his response was a quet, "okey."

I stood there, waiting, maybe I was expecting something more? But nothing happened. Finally, after forever, I made myself move towards the door. It wasnt until I had it open that I turned my back on Jae. Hoping this was the last–

"Elin."

I dug my nails into my palms and kept on walking.

Footsteps padded after me. "Elin Ascan."

Hearing my full name coming from Jae made me stop for a second. Giving him a chance to catch up. "I dont want it to end like this. Please."

I turned–full of rage all at once–then nothing when I noticed the gun pointed at my head.

It was trained so steadily. Giving the hint that maybe Jae had done this before. Held a man at gunpoint. He probably pulled the trigger.

"I don't want us to end like this." Jae said.

"With me dead?" My voice was surprisingly calm. I felt, well, nothing. There wasn't any fear.

"Elin."

I took a step forward. And another until the barrel was pressed against my forehead. "Your not going to kill me."

I stared at him. And he did the same.

"No." He took his finger off the trigger and pulled the gun away from my forehead. "I can't."

That was the last thing I remember before the weapon collided with my temple; turning everything black. 

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(Ughhhhhhhhh. 😫 I hate it. But alas, enjoy)