My Sisters Best Friend

Chapter One

    I lay there in the bathtub watching as my blood dripped down my arm mixing with the water,making it turn a reddish color. The sharp sting of the cool metal razor felt good against my feverish skin, making me feel more alive than I had in weeks. It didn't sting anymore. It was always just a fleeting relief from the constant pain I felt. The numbness I felt left me, and the shame I suddenly felt was like a bucket of cold water being poured over my head, snapping me back to reality. You're worthless, nobody wants you. Why don't you just go all the way with it now? a little voice said in my head. I shook my head, stopping the path my thoughts were once again taking without my permission. Beep Beep. My phone goes off. I take it and look at the message that flashed on the screen of my iPhone.

From Mikhail:
Get off your ass and go to class! I don't pay thousands of dollars to keep you at that stupid private school so you can skip class to whore around, get high or drunk! If I get another call saying you're missing classes, I'll cut your allowance until you start acting right again. DO NOT MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE.

Jesus, who pissed in his cornflakes today...
I guess I have to get up now. It will not be good if Mikhail is forced to come here but I was very tempted to make him come; if anything just to see him again. I tried to remember what he looked like and for the life of me, I couldn't conjure up an image of him from my memories. Guess it's time to google him. I stood up from the bathtub and watched as the pink tinted water flows down the drain. I let the water drip from my body as I stepped out of the tub and onto the plush burgundy bath mat protecting the cherry oak wood floors from my wet feet. I wrap my hair in a black microfiber towel and head to the sink. I unlock the bottom drawer and get out my first aid kit. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I clean my cuts with antiseptic and bandage my new cuts. I throw away the trash and notice that my first aid kit is dwindling in supplies. I have to make a supply run tomorrow. I shudder, remembering the last time I was without first aid supplies. I put my first aid kit back in the bottom drawer and lock it. I took the towel off my hair and put my wet hair into a ponytail and turnedto look at myself in the mirror. I was not surprised at my reflection, yet I still cringed. I had dark purple-like bags undermy eyes and wondered when was the last time I had a good night's sleep. My oncebeautiful cream like complexion was gone; I looked so unhealthy pale I could pass of as theundead. I frowned, this shirt used to look so great on me, emphasizing all mycurves, curves that were now gone. I had lost some weight yet I felt as itwasn't enough. I turned away disgusted with myself.  I twisted my torso and pinched at the nonexistent love handles on my hips. "10 more pounds to lose, Ellie," I murmured to myself. 

I left the bathroom in search of night clothes. I stepped into to room and shrieked, "Vik!"
"Ellie," he started to say. Once he realized I was naked his hands shot up and covered his eyes.
"Can't give a girl a warning?" I asked, going back to the bathroom to grab a towel. Once I secured the towel around myself, I headed back out to search again for my night clothes.
"How was I supposed to know you were coming out naked?" He asks exasperated throwing up his hands in the air.
"Well, it is my room," I reply dryly.
"Still," he stresses. I rummage through my closet to find a bra and panties that cover more than I'm used to.
"Aha!" I say. Finding the perfect full coverage black bra and black hipster panties, "Turn around"
"What? It's not I just didn't see you naked, and besides I bat for the other team remember?" he complained.
"Whatever" I change into my undergarments and walk out of the closet and head toward Vik.  He grabs my arms and inspects the bandages.
"I wish you wouldn't do this, doll," he says with pain evident in his voice.
"It's a stress reliever when I don't have weed, alcohol or cigarettes, you know that. And after your brother had them check my room, I had to get rid of everything." I remind him. I know he doesn't like it but neither do I. Well that's a lie. I'm a little addicted to sting of the razor on my skin. Sometimes I'll do it just to feel the momentary sting of the razor ripping my skin open and watching the blood ooze from the wound.
"I know, doll, but what about your painting?" He asks.
"You know full well that it's no longer an option thanks to Mikhail," I remind him again. I pace and start to rant, "He's a lot tougher on me than you guys and it's not fair! I am a straight A student! So what if I let off a little steam every once in while with weed or tequila?  It's not as I'm addicted! What if I don't want to be the heir to Houston Enterprises? What if I want to make a living out of my art? It's not like I'm pressed for money and it's not like I'm accustomed to luxury like you. I can live off the bare minimums long as I have my art."
"Ellie, you are the heir to Houston Enterprises, the biggest company in Technology. You are now destined to take over the company. Mikhail has only been the head of the company temporarily. You're going to have to take over soon and you need to get your business degree first," Vik rationalized with me.
"I know but it's not fair that he isn't so tough with you!" I whined.
"Well, doll, I'm the black sheep of the family. I'm the gay one, the one no one expects great things from. I'm sorry but all of those expectations went to Mikhail," he shrugged.
"Lucky bastard," I muttered.
"Let's go to bed, you can talk my ear off tomorrow" Vik grabbed my hand and pulled me to the bed.
"Thank you for staying with me," I said, trying to cover up a yawn that overtook me," the nightmares are back and I really don't want to go back to see Dr. Dick"
"Night, Ellie"
"Night, Vik"