Poison Kiss

Chapter 8:

Poison Kiss

Chapter 8:

Ashlynn's POV:

I shivered as the rain pelted down on my body and easily soaked through my thin sweatshirt. The dark street was barely illuminated by the flickering streetlights.

It was a creepy night to be walking home alone. I almost wished that I had called my mom and asked her to pick me up from Hayley's. The wind blew through the trees, rustling leaves and scattering them over the pavement. I shuddered, brushing off any thoughts of what creatures might be lurking out in the darkness.

I knew I only had a few blocks left to walk before I would be home, but I was still nervous. I had a really bad feeling about this. Nothing good ever came from a late night walk.

Snap!

I jumped as the sound of a cracking twig hit my ears, and whirled around defensively. A dark and menacing figure stood before me, but it was too dark to see his face.

"Well, well, well..." the figure murmured. "What do we have here."

I gasped in shock as it stepped into the glowing light of the street lamp. "B-Brian?" I stuttered, shocked.

He smirked at me. "Correct, Ash. I'm surprised you still remember the name...." his gaze darkened. "You little slut!"

He shoved me roughly, causing me to lose my balance and fall. I cried out as my arm smashed painfully into the sidewalk, a sharp pain resonating from my wrist. He walked towards me until he was standing directly over me.

He leaned down until his lips were next to my ear. I felt his hot breath against my skin and shuddered at the closeness. "No one leaves me humiliated," he whispered threateningly. "Not alive."

My eyes widened in fear and realization. He meant to kill me. He righted himself and gazed down at me as if deciding how to murder me. I trembled, wishing that he would just get it over with.

Just when I had begun to think he had changed his mind, he grabbed the front of my sweatshirt and pulled me to my feet. I gasped at the sudden movement. Before I could even right myself, his fist swung into my face, knocking me down onto the sidewalk again. The back of my head hit the sidewalk with a thump and my back arched in pain. Before I could even get a good breath, he smashed his foot into my ribcage, stealing any air I might have had. I lay on my back, trying to get air back into my system. My head throbbed dully and I felt blood seeping out onto the sidewalk through my hair.

Brian leaned down next to me and slapped me in the face. My cheek stung from the impact. I felt my vision getting blurry and spots filled my eyes.

"Ashlynn." I tried to focus on him, but everything was getting too hazy. "Ash!" he whispered again, only louder. I tried to nod in acknowledgement. "Speak one word of what happened to anyone, and it's not only your grave, but that of your mother and your lovely sister." he chuckled one last time before planting a gentle kiss on my lips.

My mind swirled with confusion for a moment before the darkness swallowed me.

.......

"Ashlynn!"

"Ashlynn!"

A hazy voice broke through the veil of darkness that surrounded me. I opened my eyes slightly and flinched at the brightness.

"Guys! Come quick, she's waking up." said an unfamiliar male voice.

There was a chorus of footsteps and voices as a group of people hurried over.

"Ash! Can you hear me." asked a familiar voice. Mom!

I opened my mouth and groaned. My entire body ached.

"You're okay sweetie." my mom said comfortingly. "You just need to tell us what happened."

What happened.... What happened? Suddenly, it came flooding back to me. Brian's attack, his anger, his... warning.

I opened my eyes and tried to sit up much too quickly. My head throbbed in protest and forced me into a slouching position. Through my disoriented vision I could make out a few familiar faces: Mom, Sadie, Simon, and....

"Who are you?" I asked the tall boy standing next to Simon.

"This is Nico." my mom answered. "He was the one who found you."

He offered his hand for me to shake and I took it numbly. "Pleased to meet you." he greeted pleasantly.

I nodded slowly and looked around the room, quickly recognizing it as my bedroom. I tried to sit up, and winced.

"Don't even think about it." my mom said giving me a warning look. "I having a doctor come look at you. He should be here soon."

As if offering proof, the doorbell rang. My mom jumped up and left the room to answer it.

Nico sat down in the chair next to my bed and glanced at me curiously. "So are you planning on telling us what happened?" he asked after a moment's silence.

I shook my head numbly, my gaze not leaving the wall.

"Come on, Ash!" Sadie pleaded. "I'm your sister. I deserve to know who's ass I have to kick."

Simon put a finger to her lips. "Patience, Sadie." he murmured. "I'm sure she'll tell us when she's ready."

Sadie frowned and quieted down.

Before very long I heard my mother speaking to the doctor outside my door, no doubt explaining the situation. After a short chat, they stepped inside.

The doctor walked over to me and introduced himself as Dr. Farely and began his examination. Within twenty minutes he had finish inspecting me and straightened up. "I believe that Ms. Arden should be alright other than a few bruised ribs and some minor blood loss, possibly a minor concussion." he said. "All I'd recommend is a few days bed rest and that she's kept hydrated."

Mom sighed in relief. "Thank you, doctor. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been willing to come on such short notice."

Doctor Farley smiled gently and patted mom's hand. "Not a problem, ma'am. I'm just glad that your daughter is alright."

Mom nodded and rose to show the doctor out. As soon as she was out of earshot Sadie moved to my bedside and brushed a few strands of hair out my face, her forehead creased in worry. "Ash." she murmured softly. "Please tell me who did this. I have a right to know. You're my sister. I have an obligation to protect you."

I shook my head and turned away from her in an attempt to hide the tears that were forming in my eyes.

She sighed in frustration. "Whatever. I guess I'll just leave you here to rest." she made her way to the door and paused in the doorway. "But you'll have to tell us someday. You can't keep it inside forever."

After everyone had left the room, I lay awake in silence. Did I really deserve everything that had happened to me recently? I felt weighed down by the unfairness of my life. I prayed that no one else would ever have to live a life like mine, but at the same time I knew they would. So many people just like me were left depressed and alone. At least I had my family and friends. Some people didn't even have that much.

I sighed and nestled into my multiple pillows and blankets. I felt my eyes droop from emotional exhaustion. Before long I had fallen into a deep and troubled sleep.

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I am so sorry. I know its been MONTHS! 

I've been really busy and not very motivated. I feel like no one is reading so I have no reason to update. It just takes time out of my already busy life. I'm considering putting this book on hold. Possibly even deleting it. It's up to you to save it from the shredder.

Asylum