The Monster Inside. [SHORT STORY] ✔

Chapter 4.

The following day, my mom dropped me off at the salon, her tone sharp. "What if someone sees you like this? My reputation will be ruined. Go and fix it."

Her concern was touching, but not in the way I needed. "Fine!" I snapped back, my frustration evident.

The beautician worked her magic, and to my surprise, the pixie cut actually looked quite stylish. I thanked her and headed to school, my mind preoccupied with avoiding Jack. To my relief, he didn't show up all day. But that relief quickly gave way to unease. The thought of him possibly harming himself was too unsettling.

I rushed to the cliff, my heart pounding. There he was, standing at the edge, as if he'd been waiting for me. His eyes met mine with a knowing look.

"You came," he said, his voice unusually raspy.

"I promised," I replied, my tone flat.

A grin spread across his face. "The new look suits you."

"I don't like it," I said, deadpan.

His grin faded, though a faint smile lingered. "You should. It really does suit you." He took a step closer, but I didn't back away. He was mere inches from me now, but I refused to flinch. I wouldn't give him that satisfaction.

His eyes narrowed as he took in my unresponsive demeanor. He lifted his hand as if to touch me, but just then, my phone beeped. It seemed to snap him out of his trance. He blinked, lowered his hand, and pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back, but the comfort was gone. There was nothing soothing about his embrace anymore.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. For the past two days, Jack had been absent, and surprisingly, I was enjoying the break. I realized how much I had been holding myself back, never knowing what I was missing.

As I laughed at something Jess had said, I heard Casey gasp beside me. Still smiling, I followed her gaze, and in an instant, my smile vanished.