The Monster Inside. [SHORT STORY] ✔

Chapter 6

I turned on the hot water tap in the kitchen sink, letting the steam rise. I hesitated for a moment before dipping my hands into the scalding water. I winced at the intense heat. Just as I was about to pull them out, I felt Jack behind me.

"I don't think that's enough," he said, gripping both of my wrists. He pushed my hands deeper into the steaming water. I cried out, trying to pull away, but he was too strong. The pain was overwhelming, my head spun, and my hands felt numb.

The burns left me unable to write, cook, or even comb my hair without agony. It was Monday again, and I wore a baggy shirt with sleeves long enough to cover my damaged palms.

"Yuck! What are you wearing?" Casey sneered as she approached.

I sighed. "I was feeling cold today, Casey."

"Are you planning on taking it off?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

"No."

"Well, you look hideous. Have fun walking to class alone." She turned away, leaving me feeling like I'd been kicked in the gut. If only you knew, Casey. If only you knew.

I was at my locker when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I tensed, expecting Jack. Since I'd kicked him out of my house, I hadn't spoken to him again.

Turning around, I saw Jordan. "What?" I snapped.

"Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine," he said, rolling his eyes. "Jack wants to meet you after school today. Wait near the parking lot."

I shivered at the thought of facing him. Jordan noticed and his eyes softened. "I actually liked you, Rose. Too bad, too sad." He walked away before I could question him.

Later, I found myself in Jack's car as he drove us to a small cabin in the woods. Just as he began to speak, I cut him off.

"We're breaking up."

His face showed utter shock. "W-we can't!"

"Let me rephrase," I said coldly. "I am breaking up with you, and there's nothing you can do to change my mind."

As I turned to leave, I heard him behind me. "What about your promise?"

I growled in frustration. "Oh, you and your stupid promise can go to hell!"

Suddenly, something struck my head, and everything went black. As I lost consciousness, I heard him say, "I have a better idea, Rose. Why don't you go to hell instead?"