Notorious Hope

20. Sweet But Psycho

Goolies Headquarters, South Side Gymnasium-12:22 am

''The gymnasium? Fuck...their budget really is low, ain it?''

Her footsteps penetrate softly across the vinyl flooring.  The crisp midnight breeze tingles across her delicate skin.

''Well, well, well, if it isn't Riley Jones?''

The gymnasium filled with familiar faces. Although one face, in particular, is like a stab in the throat.

Snake.

That really is a stab in the heart.

''How could you do this to me?! I thought we had each other's backs!? How the fuck did you think I was going to react to this?''

She understands why her mother would join the Goolies. But Snake?! He's like her best friend and honorary big brother, why would he do this?!

''Riley I can explain''

Eric remembers the day they met.

 Riley was entering the school grounds and knew nobody. Next thing she knows, a young boy throws several dodgeballs in her back. This enraged the 7-year-old brunette who tackled the boy to the ground. Sending both of them to the principals' office. Although, thanks to him, she was respected but also feared by her fellow classmates. 

She can't sit there and listen to his neverending excuses. She's had enough of keeping him away from the cops. He can go and be locked up for the next 15 years for all she cares. But as long as Lucas is kept out of the situation, she'll be okay.

''Don't touch me and don't ever talk to me ever again.''

Two men twice her size block her path. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees 3 more gather behind her. Sensing a knife behind her back grazing against her torso. The tip of the nail, digging into her leather jacket.

''You're not going anywhere sweetheart''

The two men grasp her arms, dragging her towards a shady alleyway. 

''You think being a bitch to the hierarchy will get you anywhere? Well, it won't, Princess and this is what we do to naughty princesses.''

The men thrust her arms, lunging her to the ground. Her phone is caught in the crossfire. Shattering into pieces before her eyes. 

''That's what you get for disobeying your orders.''

Punting the brunette repeatedly. Gripping her face, accelerating her torso against the wall. Bashing her in the shins and slapping her in the face. Reddening her cheek.

''And that is what you get for defying family.''

Hurling her body onto the concrete. Aches begin to accelerate through her ribcage.

''Hope you learnt your lesson, sweetheart.''

Pain shoots through her stomach, falling her to her knees. A rock scrapes a cut across her cheek, cutting her lip open.

''Au revoir, Princess''

She knows only one place that'll make her feel better. Slowly rising to her feet, she's a woman on a mission.

There's a part of her that she feels like she lost after what happened to her family. Her first love was always dancing. But as soon as she got tied up with the Serpents, she lost that passion. Afraid that her passion would be considered weak and feeble to others. 

''I can't believe after all these years, I'm back here''

Taking a moment to stare at her reflection. 

''Hey''

Her boyfriend stands there with his back pressed against the wall. His classic 'schoolboy' smirk sends tingles up her spine. 

''That was beautiful''

Wrapping his arms around her shoulders. Burying his face in the crook of her neck. Inhaling her scent.

''You went to see the Goolies, I deliberately told you not to for a good reason.''

Masking her agonized wincing. Melting into her loving boyfriend's embrace. 

''They threatened to kill you if I didn't show my face tonight.''

Her whisper has a hollow vibe in it. Pressing his lips onto her bare shoulder, the winces become more noticeable.

''Who did this to you?!''

Harsh whispers with concerned undertones vibrate into her eardrums. 

''I don't know, I couldn't see their faces but I need you to take me to a hospital, I think something's wrong with the baby.''