By Your Side ; Garmau ( On Hold )

Chapter Four

" What do I want ?" My dad chuckles. " Jess, you don't  know how lucky you are do you ? My boss wanted to kill you. Kill you. But because of me," he pauses, " you aren't going to be killed. That is, if you participate in my activities. " He rubs his hands together, looking straight at me. " All I ask is that you join my boss and I in making the world a better place."

I examine him a little before scoffing. " First of all, why would I join you ? You've always treated me like a servant, making me run errands, or forcing me to do something I don't want. I was always some kind of dirt to you. And when mom died what did you do ? YOU DIDNT DO ANYTHING ! YOU PRETENDED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED ! YOU DIDNT EVEN ATTEND HER FUNERAL ! " Tears are running down my face. " I used to be in awe of you, dad, " I say softly, " I really did. I would've done anything for you. But dad, I'm not the little girl I used to be. And ever since she died, I've clean thugs myself. I bet you haven't realized that I'd been helping the maids, or that I've been helping Cadenza because she had blisters on her hands, I helped her. And unlike you, I can do things myself ! I don't need someone to do everything ! And scratch everything I just said, because you're not my dad. Dads wouldn't freaking do this to their children ! So don't call me Jess. Just don't. Because you aren't my dad, and I'm not your daughter." 

" Jess -"

" Call me Aphmau, and I'll call you by your first name - Xander," I snap.

" Aphmau, if this is how you want it fine," Xander says haughtily, " but then I'll have no option, but to kill you." 

" Fine ! I'd rather give you my life than my trust !" 

" Very well, then," Xander replies, " Even you're friend ?"

That's when I remember Garroth is there. Oh Irene, I'd give my life, just let him be safe. 

" Well then," Xander smirks, " I'll let the boss handle you two."

No ! Don't let them hurt Garroth ! Why do I care so goddam much ? Because you like him. No I don't ! Yes, you do ! Now shut up and concentrate at the task at hand ! 

But it's too late as the same two guards knock me unconcious before dragging me through the long, long corridors.