Maybe

Chapter 7

After class, I lingered a little longer putting my stuff away. I could not believe the count was my teacher. I did not know how to react, or how to think for that matter.
"Hey, umm I was wondering if you maybe wanted to hang out some day? If you're not too busy or anything like that." It was one of the quarterbacks, an asshole too,
and he were talking to Anastasia. She was outside the classroom, close enough that I could hear her soft, melodic voice say, "I'm sorry, but I'm going to pass on that. I'm afraid I have a very busy schedule and don't have much time for anything else."
The cocky bastard's grin was wiped off his face. He just nodded and walked away. Quite comical if you ask me.
"Are you interested in her?" His deep voice asked. I turned around and was surprised by the intensity he was staring at me. As if he couldn't decipher something and was upset about it.
"I don't know, I cannot say. It's strange, but I have never felt like this." I couldn't quite express the way I was feeling, it was all so surreal. My body has never reacted like so before.
"Ok."
But even then I could see that everything was not ok. It seemed he was also going through emotional changes. It was easy to know when you already knew what to look for.
"Also, Lucas, I forgot to give you something yesterday. He took an envelope from his messenger bag, handing it over to me he continued gravely, "you know, I hope you realize you're not alone. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to contact me. You and Linda will always be safe."
I nodded. I could not trust my voice.
"Good, now I don't want you to be late, your bus should be here at any moment."
I quickly snapped out of my daze but I had a burning question, "why did you send me that link?"
"You clearly needed it when you came inside the classroom. I was wondering who caused for you to have a reaction."
Did I really get aroused? I hadn't even realized. I felt my face becoming hot. So I quickly averted my gaze to the floor. I had not expected this to happen. And even less when he uttered very silently, almost as if the words were never to be said out loud, "perfection."
"Well, Mr. Edwards, I shall get going now. You'll contact me later?" At those words, I felt my heart skip a beat. I didn't know what was going on with myself, but nonetheless I had to keep cool and calm.
"Yes, and please, just call me Andrew. At least in private."
I liked his name, it suited him.
"Can I ask why they call you the Count?"
"One day you'll know. But never say that out loud. Never repeat that name to others unless they know about me, got it?"
"Yes, Andrew. I understand."
Loving the way his name slipped from my lips, I smiled to myself.
"Also, please do communicate with Linda soon."
"I will."
And with that I stepped out of the empty classroom. I was having a different outlook in life now. I didn't feel so alone anymore.
And then I started thinking about Emma. Maybe one day, the two of us will finally interact. She was a beacon of light in my life.
You lie, you have another reason also, Lucas.
And so with that thought I made my way home. Choosing to walk, than to take the bus.
I had to clear my mind for what was to come.
From the corner of my eye I saw a black car, I hurried my steps, feeling the burn in my calves. But I was getting an off vibe. As if I was being followed.
Looking back, I was very naive, even after everything I had gone through. I just hopped I was strong enough. Looking back, I was very naive, even after everything I had gone through. I just hopped I was strong enough.
Receiving a text, I take the phone out of my pocket. It was from the count.

Always be aware of your surroundings, Lucas. And don't be afraid. I have you now, and I will not let you go.

I oddly felt safe after reading the message for in my mind I thought he was always watching.
I was going crazy. First with Anastasia and now with the Count. I felt odd.
This was a first for me. I didn't know what my body was telling me, but I wouldn't question it. I had never felt like this before. Reaching my house, I step in. It was empty aside from Agnes.
"Hello, child! How was school?"
It was always refreshing being asked how my day was. Even if it was completely shitty, at least one person cared enough to ask about my crappy life.
"It was good, Agnes. Thank you for asking."
"I made sure to set you a plate of dinner. Your parents won't be home until late tonight so you have an even bigger portion than usual." She looked down at the last part. Mother dearest always made her buy just enough food for two adults. I was always fed the scraps. Barely enough to keep going. But what bitch face didn't know was I had my own angel in the form of Agnes who would regularly sneak food my way. Usually in the form of saying she had brought too much lunch from home, or hiding snacks in my backpack.
"I really appreciate it, thank you for everything you do for me."
She gave me one of her sweet smiles and nodded. Not saying anything.
I didn't know where they were but a couple of hours for myself wasn't a bad thing.
Feeling the phone vibrate, I check it and it's Linda. She was asking if it was possible to talk on the phone.
Instead of responding, i press the call button and hear the rings. After the third one she picks up.
"Lucas, what the fuck is going on? Why do I have this phone and why did it have a text to ask you?"
She was breathing hard. She must have been borderline panic attack.
"Linda, I need you to calm down. Breath in and breath out. And I ask that you listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you. Ok?"
I hear her breathing exercises and once I hear her ok I start talking.
"Someone knows about us. About the hell we are going through. I don't know how or when. But all I can say is that shit is going down. He wants to help. I don't know much about him, but he seems genuine," but I stop since I can hear her hyperventilating, her muffled cries so she won't make much noise.
"Linda, I need you to calm down. I'm right here. Im not going anywhere. We are in this together. Please calm down."
I didn't know what to do, she was really upset.
"Lucas, I should have died a long time ago," were the words she managed to croak out in between her heaving.
My blood ran cold. I had a feeling she was going to do something drastic. "Linda, we are in this together. Listen to me. Linda, listen. We're not alone. We're good. We're gonna get out of this together. Hand in hand."
She mumbled an ok. "Lucas, can you come over? I don't want to be alone right now. I'm scared of the monsters in my closet."
And I knew instantly what that meant. We had created a code which would tell us when John was home with her or he was going to be there.
"Is the big bad monster under your bed?" Was he near you?
"He's going to be here at around seven. What do I do?" Looking at the clock I see it is 5:45 p.m.
I had to hurry. When he was away for a long time and if he went to where Linda was, it meant it was going to be rough. He had easier access to her than me. But he would rather it be me for the most part.
We had been unable to put a stop to our suffering but we had lessened the burden of it.
In a sick twisted way, we shared it equally. Like little submissive whores bowing down to its master.
"Linda, we are not doing anything we don't want to anymore, believe me. I will be there soon."
"I believe you, Lucas. Always."
And that's when we put an end to the call.
I didn't know how shit can be hurled your way without a means to stop it. But I would try. And with that, I called my hero. The Count.