The Monster Inside. [SHORT STORY] ✔

Chapter 2.

"Hey Rose, we're heading to the mall after school. You coming?" Jess asked with a cheerful tone.

"Sure thing, Jess!" I responded, but I noticed Jack's gaze narrowing at me. His displeasure was palpable.

"Sorry, Jess. Looks like my girlfriend and I have plans for today, don't we, BABE?" Jack's voice was commanding, leaving no room for disagreement.

I wanted to protest, but I knew better. "Yes," I replied weakly, lowering my eyes.

"Huh, okay then. Just make sure you use protection," Jess said, her tone teasing.

The table erupted in laughter, Jack included. I managed a smile, but inside I was already bracing myself for the evening. What I needed protection from was not the mall but Jack himself. I sighed quietly, dreading what was to come.

"So, you were planning to go to the mall?" Jack's voice was sharp as I sat on the couch at home. My parents were working late, leaving us alone.

"Y...yes. I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had other plans," I stammered, trying to stay calm.

"STOP STUTTERING. Do you have any idea how many guys would be there? And you were ready to go without me, letting them ogle at you?" He slammed his fist against the wall, making me jump. His possessiveness, which used to seem endearing, now felt like a trap.

I remembered when Jack first asked me out:

"Wow! So Jack finally asked you out?" Case squealed with excitement.

"Wait, he did what?" Kyle's face showed shock and anger.

Kyle moved toward me. "Did you say yes?"

"K...Kyle, what are you doing?" I backed away, feeling cornered. Kyle's frustration was evident. "You said yes to him? I thought WE had something, Rose!"

Without warning, he kissed me roughly. I tried to push him away, but he wouldn't relent. Relief washed over me when Jack pulled him off by the throat.

Jack's face was fierce as he started hitting Kyle.

"Jack, stop! He's your friend!" I cried out.

"BUT YOU ARE MINE! AND THIS SHIT NEEDS TO LEARN THAT!" Jack shouted.

"P...please, Jack. Let him go." I reached out, trying to calm him. Jack finally let Kyle go and pulled me close, burying his face in my hair.

"You are mine, Rose. Only mine," he murmured.

I leaned into him, trying to push away the pain.

Now, facing Jack's darkened gaze, my heart sank. His eyes held a menacing gleam, and I knew things were about to get worse. Would I defend myself? No. Would I tell anyone? Never. All for him.

Jack grabbed a pair of scissors and took a fistful of my hair. I cried out in pain.

"NO, JACK, PLEASE DON'T!" I sobbed, but he continued. In one swift motion, he cut my hair from waist-length to uneven, jagged strands at my shoulders.

I looked at the mess of my hair in stunned silence. Anger and betrayal swirled inside me.

"Get out!" I screamed, my eyes blazing with fury.

Jack's eyes widened as he realized he had gone too far.

What do you guys think she should do?? Tell someone? Dump him? Leave your suggestions!!
&.&