Princess Of Darkness (Editing)

Two: The Gateway to Hell (Edited)

The next morning, I had the longest shower I could remember ever having. I washed my hair for the first time in a long time. Blood ran down the drain with the water from the bump on my head. It still hurt, but it felt good to have clean hair again.

I stayed under the water until it turned cold, then got out and dressed. I only owned a few clothes, all of them black. I hated wearing bright colours.

I stared at myself in the mirror for a long time. My cheeks were hollow, dark shadows under my eyes, the swelling had gone down ever so slightly, but the bruises were darker than ever.

I'd lost so much weight. I didn't eat very much anymore. There had never been food in the house, but if I was to be honest, I'd rarely noticed. I'd used the drugs nearly as often as Brett had.

Carefully, I covered the worst of the bruising with concealer, and applied my usual heavy eyeliner. The darker the better. It made the bruises look less angry and profound.

I ran my fingers through my long black hair, smoothing it out. I was surprised at how silky it still was, now that I had just washed it. It fell down, way past my shoulders, almost to my waist. My fringe had grown out and parted with the rest of my hair on either side of my face.

I tried a smile. It didn't look right, more like a grimace than anything. I sighed and tried again, thinking of my escape and my freedom. This time, it nearly reached my eyes and was almost convincing.

Good enough, it would have to do.

I went back into my room and contemplated what to do next.

I definitely couldn't stay here. This town was too small, only a day's trip from the city I'd come from. Someone would see me here for sure; Brett had a lot of connections.

On the other hand, the lady at the reception had let me stay here for free. I didn't have very much money, and I didn't know how long I needed it to last me. And the best part was, she hadn't ask me any questions.

There was a sudden tapping at the door and I jumped in fright.

Hesitantly, I went to the door, peering through the keyhole to see who was there.

I recognised the the woman from reception, and sighed in relief. I eased the door open just a crack, the chaining pulling taut, holding it almost closed.

"Good morning, love," she said brightly.

I took the chain off the door, opening it enough to peer past her, making sure there was no one else there in the hallway, waiting for me.

"No one knows you're here, sweetheart," she said softly. "Only you and me. Here, I bought you some breakfast."

She handed me a foam cup of coffee and a warm paper bag, the smell of fresh croissants filling the room. My stomach cramped and I realised how hungry I was.

"Thank you," I told her, a combination of fear and gratitude causing my voice to shake.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you need," she told me. "And if you need anything, you just ask for Lisa, and I'll be right there, alright?"

I nodded.

"I'll be at the front desk if you need me," Lisa said, then turned and left.

I went back into the room, locking the door once again.

Once I'd finished eating, I made the bed and tidied the bathroom, packing my meager belongings away into my back pack.

I wandered through the hallways, headed for the front desk. Lisa was there, reading the morning news paper. I slid the key across the desk to her.