The Most Powerful (The Unforgiven)

Chapter 15 (Life Or Death)

I stared at my reflection, as though somehow I could strain a facial expression to make my appearance any better. I looked into the full-body mirror in the basement bedroom of my parent's house, observing how overweight I must look in the outfit. Plaster that fake smile, and everything will look normal.

I was sick of feeling like there was a sinkhole to hell, and my soul was constantly in the process of being sucked into it.

The only form of happiness I received in this world was my friends. They made everything go away in the moments they last. Hazel and I had much history, and we're almost as close as it gets. She knew things no one else did. Alex understood my dark side, and accepted it. (Unlike everyone else.) Leah makes me feel joy, always makes me laugh. Cody's like my little brother that I just can't shake. And Coleman... is complicated.

Suddenly, my dog (Molly) started madly barking in her outside pen. Blackie, the cat, turned to me, her green eyes as big as saucers. She jumped off the couch, and went into my parents room (that only my father used) to hide under the bed. I glanced out the huge living room windows, seeing nothing but the usual Pine trees surrounding our driveway. I nodded to myself, accepting my fate. I really am paranoid... and stupid.

My parents came up from the basement after talking. They both gave me their own best fake smiles, so I flashed mine for another go. Everything will always be okay, I thought to myself bitterly.

"Going to hang out with that delinquent, Coleman?" My dad questioned playfully.

"He's not a delinquent." I grew affended. "Kind of. Anyway, I fit right in with him," I half-joked.

"I'll say," he chuckled. I tried my best not to get annoyed, glancing at my mom, hoping that she'll bring distraction.

"Remember," my mom pointed to me. "Always use a condom." I gasped, getting a view of my father's not-so-happy expression.

"Are you trying to say something?"

"Look, just don't drink, or do drugs." My mother eyed me.

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes, swinging out the door, offically leaving. Of course they expect me to do all that stuff. What else is new?

My numbness of emotions became more vague after stepping into the sunlight, feeling the warmth beat through my thin sweatshirt. Suddenly, a hand slapped over my mouth, pulling me into the woods. I squealed loudly, scrambling in a panic for rocks or sticks to stab or throw at them.

They were shushing in my ear, and somehow, I envisioned him. I knew. I guess today is the day I'm meeting my hell... Ethan.

His meaty hand pressed my lips to my teeth, and I realize that it truly wasn't possible to bite someone's hand when covering your mouth. He was trying to make me feel safe, but was truly making my mind spin with anxiety.

I hoped Cody's car would come down the driveway in time, but there was no sign of him yet. Looks like I'll be facing Ethan head on.

He turned my body, getting lost in my eyes and expression. I stopped squealing once he removed his hand. I stared numbly into his eyes. He looks exactly like he's supposed to....

"Katherine," he spoke breathlessly. "I know you're frightened. I just had to see you again."

"Again?" I sputtered, confusion striking my trembling body like a lightning bolt.

"May I?" He leaned in for a kiss, and moved in before I answered.

"No, you may not," I said, shoving his face away. He stopped, looking hurt at my loss of affections. I stared into his eyes, my mind witnessing a backtrack. My face stung suddenly with the past slap of Ethan's powerful hand. But then they jumped ahead, to the mirror. I gasped, stumbling from Ethan. He caught me one-handed, looking concerned.