Alternations

Apprehension

     I stared nervously at my dad. He was still raging. I glanced over at my mom. Her head was in her hands, she was still grieving. I glanced down at my feet. So many thoughts were in my head. I felt..disgusted, yet freed at the same time now that I opened my heart. Chris was WAY older then me. But why did he look like he was BUILT to be a 15 year old JUST LIKE ME! I sighed, glaring down at my bright pink converse. Suddenly, the car came to an abrupt stop. We all jolted forward before pushing ourselves upright. "84th Street, Desportins. No tip required. I'm SO sorry for your loss. I stared at the driver, incredulous. Were we really suppose to thank this cheapskate clown who had just decided to grace us  with his OH SO HUMBLE WORDS! I opened my mouth to speak but dad cut me off, saying gruffly: "C'mon guys. We gotta get a head start if we're gonna get our pick." We all climbed out, and started walking." Suddenly, the cab driver made a loud clonk. We turned to see Chris slamming his fist into the drivers' temple.

     "It won't kill him. It'll just make him forget the last hour. He shouldn't be an exception to the limited list of people who know your whereabouts. And hold on, everyone keep walking to the Manor. I'll meet you there. First I gotta drive this gent a reasonable amount away from this joint." My mom grumbled something, pushing a lock of dark brown hair back, resenting that Chris had to knock the driver unconscious.  I drew a breath and turned, deciding that the best way to get OVER Chris was to ignore him. But this was gonna be hard. Chris honked the horn, taking the drivers' hat and tipping it in a mockery. My dad shot Chris a warning glare before turning and shuffling off. My mom hurriedlu followed. "Argh, too bad you hate me. We could take over the world together, you know." He grinned and laughed at his own joke. I finally gave in, chuckling. "Well, I better go before this guy that I knocked unconcious wakes up. See ya in a bit Sweetheart." This time, his eyes were softer, only a tiny hint of amusement in his eyes. I nodded, reprimanding myself silently for not ignoring him.

     I turned and ran off, dust flying from the bottom of my shoes as I caught up with my parents. I dragged my feet across the dusty trail, glancing up every couple minutes. Eventually, I spotted a rickey pole that a sign attached to it that read: Trekabull. The neighborhood sign that Chris told us was Trekabull, I thought. Good, we're finally here. Suddenly, my phone beeped. I glanced down at it, reading all the worried messages from Bella and Maia. I paused before slowly typing "I'm fine now. Just exhausted, grieving for Ivan, and..confused. Remember that Chris guy? He's real uh..flirty. And I might.. might like him a little..?" I cautiously hit the SEND button. After a few seconds, Bella replied: Ari, I love you, but thats disgusting! He's way to old for you! I gritted my teeth as I read the text. A minite later, Maia said: ..Plus, doesn't like, all of your family HATE him? I clenched my phone before typing: Yeah yeah.. I gotta go, we decided to settle into Chris's place so the Deceits or the newscrew cant get us. I impatiently waited until Maia replied O.K. Text us, and occasionally give us a selfie so we know your still Ari. I smiled gently at the text before texting, Kay. Ily guys! ( I love you ) But after a moment, Bella linked me to The Truth's facebook. I glanced down at Truth's recent posts. I clenched my phone when I read "Deceits strike the Desportin family! Random Attack, or Revenge?" "M-m-MOM!" I hollered, my voice cracking. Soon, my mom hurried over to my side.

    I showed her the phone. She gasped as she read how The Truth wrote all about Moms' time in the Deceits. We were REALLY trapped now. I went back to Kik, the app I was texting Maia and Bella on. Wow..I'm ruined. Screw this TRUTH GUY.  No reply. They didn't know what to say.. I turned off my phone and trudged to Chris' Manor. I shuffled in, finding a beautiful and clean shower and ridding myself of my clothes. I jumped in, taking a long, hot shower ; scrubbing all the dirt and blood off. I threw on a white towel, drying myself and heading upstairs. The door bell rang, a quick and catchy tune ringing throughout the house. Must be Chris, I thought. After a few minutes of trying to find something fashionable, Chris burst into the room, half a dozen hangers with pieces of clothing attached in his meaty clutches. He tossed them on the bed and turned, walking out silently. I wrinkled my brow, confused. This guy.. ugh. I couldn't stand myself, being irrevocably in love with him. Was he mad? I picked one out, trying to shrug off the disappointing look of blankness on Chris' face.

      I blinked, slightly shocked at Chris' style. He could be a fashion designar, he had good choices. I threw on a baggy yet cute sweatshirt, and pulled on some white jean cut-off short-shorts. I yanked the brush through my hair, happily finding a hair straightener and creating a gorgeous hair style. After dying the tips of my ebony hair blonde and applying makeup, I ran downstairs and met with my family and Chris, who were all eating Chili bowls, soup, and a Caesar Salad. I pulled a Chili Bowl from the end of the table and wolfed it down, famished. After, I clugged down a bowl of soup before taking a small bite out of Dads' salad. He smiled down at me gently, draping his arm around my shoulder and whispering the words: "I love you." Into my ear. Mom smiled watching before she rose and pressed her lips against fathers head. Chris glowered before streaking out of the room silently. I gritted my teeth, trying to ignore him. What was it this time? Jealousy? Anger? I pulled away from the hug awkwardly, wiping my mouth with a napkin and burping. My mom laughed good-naturedly, and blood ruahed to my cheeks, coloring them red. I glanced at the clock. 8:16 P.M. It was real early, I'd expect it to be midnight. I was exhausted. I trailed up to my room, no sign of Chris along the way.

    Once I was in, I ripped open the covers and leapt in, easily falling asleep. Sleep lapped at me like waves on a beach. Soon, everything melted into a quiet and beautiful darkness. I blinked open my eyes. I was on the beach. The sun was shining in my eyes. I was confused, the last time I was awake I was in Chris' Manor.. Suddenly,  I felt a large and meaty hand wrap around my mouth. I tried to fight back, but my arms were restrained.  Suddenly the color of the sky shifted into a dull grey, the brilliant blue colored waves morphed into a bright crimson. The scene familiarized ; it changed to the setting of my house. My eyes widened with terror as I relived the gruesome scene of Ivan's death. I tried to close my eyes and block it out, but every time I did, the figure holding me thrashed me. I screamed for what seemed to be hours on end. I squinted, a burden lifted as the person who was holding me hostage let go of me, moving into the dim light. My wide eyes narrowed into slits as I focused on trying to see. The person had dirty blonde hair that was spiked up at the front. There were streaks of ebony black here and there. He had a broad, bulky frame. He wore a dark grey jacket and a toothy grin. I gasped as I realized who it was.  "C-c-chris?" I said in a hoarse voice. "You got that right, Sweetheart. You know whats my FAVORITE part about being in love? The face that my innocent lover makes when she realizes she has been emotionally ABUSED." Chris pointed and laughed uncontrollably before slamming his foot into my face, knocking me against the wall and making me wince.