Flutter

Flutter: Neuf (2/2)

Nora was rolling around in sheets and feathers, unable to fall asleep. She was trying to ignore the nagging feeling of hurt that was laying soundly within her chest. She had spied Quinton going into Charlene's guest bedroom don the hall. It agonized her. Nora couldn't get it out of her head and in a fit of anger she'd torn to pieces a couple of pillows on her bed. The action shocked Nora, for that wasn't like her. Come to think of it, before coming to live here, Nora hardly got angry at all. This place was changing her in a manner that she didn't like.

Nora was so engrossed in her thoughts that the knocking at her door made her jump a bit. She thought she was imagining things, for who would be at her door this late in the hour? However, there were more insistent knocks at her door and Nora sprang up out of her bed. She dashed to the door, thinking that there must be some sort of emergency. Pulling the door open, Nora was surprised to see who was standing before her.

 "...T-Todd...?" Nora said slowly, unsure as to why Todd of all people was at her door. He stood in a shirt and pajama bottoms, obviously coming from bed himself.

"Nora. I'm sorry to bother you at this hour. I just couldn't get to sleep." He murmured.

"You and me both. I-I'm sorry but I don't know what to do for you." She said, crossing her arms over herself. The night gown she wore was low cut enough to make her feel too exposed.

"Nora, you misunderstand. I couldn't get to sleep because of you." He said urgently.

"Me? D-did I do something to offend you earlier?"

"No. Not at all. It's just that, I couldn't stop thinking about how gorgeous you looked earlier." He said, stepping slightly closer to Nora, making her step back in turn. Warning signals were going off in her mind, telling her that something was not right.

"It's obvious that your mate does not appreciate you as much as he should. You don't deserve that kind of treatment."

"Todd, thanks for the concern but I don't think it's appropriate for you to be talking like this. Quinton is in the other room!"

"Has he made you so afraid? You told me earlier that you don't even want his hands on you."  He said gruffly, cupping Nora's face.

Nora jumped back instantly, farther into her room.

"That was a mistake. I shouldn't have said anything."

"Don't be frightened. I'm not going to hurt you." He followed her into the bedroom. Nora was alarmed now because he didn't seem to be listening to her pleas.

"Ok, enough. This has gone on for long enough. I need you to leave right now!" Nora said panicky, no longer trying to placate Todd.

"We can be so good together. You haven't even given me a chance."

"I don't need to give you a chance. You're freaking me out. Now could you please just leave?"

"My God, are you this brainwashed? I'm offering you a chance to get away from all of this."

"I don't need your help. I need you to leave."

"If you can't help yourself, I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands."

With that he lunged towards her, grabbing her arms and lifting her up easily over his shoulders. Nora, utterly terrified, let out a piercing scream.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o    

Charlene was cut off by a scream that permeated the air, getting both her and Quinton's attention.

 "What the hell?" He stated, pushing past Charlene and wrenching the door open. He looked down the hallway and he was stunned. Todd was standing there with a kicking and screaming Nora over his shoulders. The momentary shock was soon replaced by outrage.