Skulls and Bones

Chapter twenty three

"What could you possibly want?" I asked Lori and watched as the smile never left her face.

I couldn't fathom the idea that Lori, the person that I have heard so much about, was standing a few feet away. She didn't look evil, she looked like a normal person. But I had to remember that she was drained, she had no power. She was also discarded. No matter her appearance, she was a bad person.

When she remained quiet I continued. "We're stuck in a cage. There's nothing I could give you."

"I don't want material things." She waved her hand as if dismissing the idea. "What I want comes in two parts."

"Well spit it out," Rick snapped. He was impatient. "We don't have time for your riddles."

Lori chuckled. "You're still as impatient as ever Rick," she said. "I want you-" She looked directly at me. "To listen to my story. My whole story, from the mouth of the one who experienced it."

"You've got to be kidding me," Rick muttered. "She's already heard your story from multiple people. We don't-"

"Fine," I said interrupting him. It couldn't hurt listening to her story one more time. It was an easy task and I just wanted the book back. "I'll listen to your story. What's the second part?"

"That comes after the first part," she said and her smile widened. "It also comes with information that you want to know."

Rick leaned against the bar. "Fine. Tell your tale Lori. I'll be here to fix the things you try to screw up, like always."

"Rick," I warned. When his eyes met mine I could clearly see the hate in them. But we were completely at her mercy and I needed that book. I could understand his resentment toward her- she put him through so much and she ruined a lot of things for everyone. But right now, even though her intentions weren't pure, she was willing to help us. Which was saying a lot because she resented him too. He was part of the reason she was here in the first place, completely powerless. Something I knew she hated. And doing this gave her power and I would let her have it. As long as she gave me that book.

"Funny," Lori said with a tap of her chin. "Marc should have been the better choice, he always will be. You'll learn that soon enough won't she Rick?"

Rick clenched his teeth and his green eyes shown brightly but said nothing. He let out a deep breath before giving his back to her. I frowned but didn't question what she said- I didn't want Rick to get any angrier.

"Just tell your story," I said to her and made sure my voice was devoid of any emotion. "Before Gabriel comes for me."

Lori chuckled and flipped her blond hair over her shoulder. "Fine."

And she did tell her story and I tried my hardest to listen to every detail. Stories always sounded different coming from different people on the same situations. This story was from Lori's point of view and I was surprised she didn't try to make herself look any better. She told me about her childhood fun with Marc and Rick and I couldn't help but smile as I listened to the happy stories of them getting into trouble. Even knowing that horrible things were about to happen, the stories were nice to hear. I glanced at Rick but he wouldn't turn around.

Then she talked about her being queen and how terrified she was at first. She wanted to do everything to please the Skulls because she wanted to be loved. Obviously she didn't succeed. People still hated her and she figured that if they already thought she was a bad person no matter how hard she tried, then she'll fit the persona. That's what made her turn evil, the thoughts of others. Rick turned around at this point and frowned at her.

"Not everyone thought that way about you," he said softly. His whole demeanor changed. "Someone people really cared about you. Really loved you." I couldn't stop the spark of jealousy that came over me.