Dynasty Boys

Chapter 2

Elle

One month later

It felt like everything had been in slow motion for the last month, and I couldn't turn my brain off. Memories were the only things that lasted; you couldn't get rid of them no matter how hard you tried. But there were two different kinds of memories. The good ones were the ones people loved to hold on to: their first kiss, their wedding day, the look your boyfriend gave you when you accepted his proposal. But the bad memories didn't work like that.

A good memory might draw a shy smile, but a bad memory brought sadness, tears, and, most of all, nightmares. Sometimes, I wished I could forget everything or just restart my life, knowing that everything was temporary.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I stared at the ceiling of my new room. I had no choice but to live with my grandma. Her house was bigger than my last one.

When she found out about the murder, she was devastated, but she did her best to bring a smile to my face. She was failing, but it wasn't her fault. How could I be happy after what had happened? Life felt tasteless without the happiness my parents used to bring. How was I supposed to handle this?

I knew, deep down, that I had to fight and survive. My parents wouldn't want me to give up. Life was like a game, never fair, but if you played with hope and heart, you could win in the end.

"ELLE! Honey! Can you please come here?" My grandma's voice pierced my thoughts. I sighed, reaching up to rub my temples. I couldn't stay in this room forever.

I got up and started walking toward the door, but I froze mid-step when my eyes met the large mirror on the wall. I studied my reflection: my skin was pale, my blonde hair was dull, and my big blue eyes were puffy. I shook my head and quickly turned away, leaving my room.

"Elle! You should..." My grandma's voice trailed off as she took in my appearance. Her forced smile faded, and I could see the worry in her eyes.

"I'm not hungry, if that's what you're asking," I said, my voice firm but quiet. "I'm sorry. I haven't been good company..."

Grandma nodded, a look of disappointment crossing her wrinkled but kind face. I turned away and noticed an apple pie on the counter.

My favorite.

"Oh my god! I forgot to buy my medicine! Darn it! I have to go to the drugstore... I'm so sorry, Elle!" Grandma Isabella muttered, closing her eyes in frustration. It was getting late, and she shouldn't be going out alone.

"Don't worry. I can go. I remember where the drugstore is," I replied, looking at her.

I didn't know this town by heart, but I still remembered the locations of the supermarket and pharmacy. Grandma had taken me on a tour when I first arrived in Haverhill, and I still remembered the way there.

I had also lived in Haverhill as a child, but when Dad found a new job in New York, we moved away. Grandma had stayed here with Grandpa, who had passed away two years ago. I still remembered the way he smiled at me, like I was the air that kept him breathing.

"You can take Cali with you! You shouldn't be going out alone, especially this late. And you need to sleep. School starts tomorrow," she insisted and I brushed off her concerns and headed for the entry hall.

Yeah, I was starting at a new school tomorrow. I was a little anxious, because I hated being the new kid, and to top it off, the school was St. Williams Knight High. You had to have at least eight zeros in your bank account to get in. I was shocked when they offered me a scholarship. Somehow, they found out what had happened to my family.

Cali, our golden retriever, was quietly sleeping on the big couch. I glanced back at Grandma and told her I didn't need to take Cali. After a moment, she sighed in defeat.

Ten minutes later, I arrived at the drugstore. When I entered, it was eerily quiet. I walked to the counter and handed the pharmacist her prescription. He smiled at me with tired eyes, and I forced myself to smile back. The place was almost empty, but I wasn't surprised; it was late. Still, something about the silence felt off. I was lucky to get there in time, it was closing soon. After paying, I turned to leave but stopped when I heard whispers.

"Fuck! Did you kill..."A male voice muttered and I prayed they couldn't hear the sound of my heart beating loudly against my chest.

I knew I shouldn't be listening. Curiosity kills the cat as we said. I also didn't know if the guy was talking on the phone or was accompanying a friend, I couldn't see him from where I miserably stood.

"We should have killed his brother too... I hate this fucker... he's a piece of shit." I heard another male and rough voice. My eyes widened in surprise after that sentence.

I had to leave before they caught me...

"I have to buy condoms!"A different male voice growled and a laugh followed.

I took a few steps back, carefully, but suddenly my phone started ringing.

I turned my back and started running, not caring anymore about the noise. I could hear footsteps behind me... they were following me!

"Hey! Stop!" Someone shouted while I reduced the distance that separated my car and I.

I glanced back but I regretted it as soon as my eyes met a dark stare. I unlocked my car and speeded, not even bothering to put the seatbelt on.

What the hell ?

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