The Curse - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 12: God, The Useless

​The statue of Pluto is gazing at her. Or is she gazing at him? She wishes she could break it and throw it through the window. It's not like his turn ever comes. He is useless. Not doing its job properly. She wishes people would stop being incompetent. Like her. Why did she behave like this today? Why did she help them escape?

​She shouldn't have. She never should've locked her room door to save them from Leeroy. She never should've opened the gate for them to escape his grasp. She should be helping him. He is her family. The only person that knows her and loves her in spite. That loves her, period.

​She lies in bed, on her hip, her back hurting too much to lie on it. It is hard to bandage oneself. But she can't ask help from Leeroy. She betrayed him. She is aware of that. He wouldn't help her. She doesn't deserve his help. She didn't help him. She worked against him.

​Why did I do that? Why?

​She now regrets it. Because it was in vain. It was taking a breath in a closed tank just before it fills up with water. She knows she has to kill them. It's the only way. Leeroy wants them dead, too, and he has always been there for her. She should've shown him some gratitude instead of acting disrespectfully.

Next time, she will stand by his side. Only, she thought that the first time, too.

​What was in them that made her join their side? Is it Chris' bravery? Or the girl's fearful eyes? She knows her real name is not Vanessa. She sensed the lie on her lips as she said it. Besides, she remembers Christopher calling her Victoria at the gas station. Her lie was pointless. Pointless, but smart, nonetheless. She is a smart girl. Chris, on the other hand, is reckless. He told her his full name right away. Does he know how easy it will be for her to find them now? Do they even realize they will hunt them until they are dead?

Will they try to run?

​Deep inside, she wants them to escape. She doesn't want to hurt them. And it makes her confused. But the thought is not worth entertaining. Because even if they do run, it is playing hide and seek. Leeroy will find them no matter where they go. It might take him a few days or a few decades. But he will never stop. They will never stop. He is her father and she will stand by him for better or worse.

​His current disappointment in her is unnerving. He is uncertain in her loyalty now and she knows she will have to do something to regain his trust. Something he will appreciate. Something that will prove her loyalty and love.

​She can't remember the last time he used a whip on her. Usually he uses magic to punish her. But she knows why this time he didn't. He wanted her to remember. And she will. Every time she scrubs her back, she will be reminded of yet another of her misdemeanors. The rugged scars serve their purpose well.

​She doesn't mind them, though. They are a way of saying I'm sorry to Leeroy without having to say it out loud. It brings them to the same level. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. It is how they've always lived. It is what she knows. There is no unconditional love. There is respect and there is fairness. And these are enough for a peaceful life. Everything else exists only in fairy tales. And she has to restore peace in their home. She has to think of something that would please him. ​

​The buzz of her phone wakes her from her thoughts. She glances at the iPhone. It's Ian. Of course.

​"Hey," she says with no special emotion to her voice.

​"Hello, gorgeous," she senses his grin. What is he so happy about?

​"I take it you had a good day," she states, disinterested.

​"Sure did. My mom won't stop talking about you..."

​Sophia's eyes narrow. She props herself up on the elbow, alert. "You have my attention."