The Degenerates - Under Edit

s i x

The town of Alsbury shifted that evening. Neijla had only been a part of it for a week, and what seemed like a sleepy, rainy town was now something a lot more sinister. She was grappling with the choice of whether to stay the night in a complete stranger's home, or, risk a rather poor adventure through heavy rain and darkness back to her room.

It was now 8pm. Neijla had asked cautiously, "Who is Theo?"

Trey was in his kitchen, where he was finding things to keep his hands occupied so they stayed out of each other's way. He shook his head, "He comes from a bad part of town."

Neijla frowned, "What does that mean?"

"It means what it means," he said in annoyance.

"That doesn't answer my question."

Trey sighed, his back to her. "Theo likes power. He likes to use people, in any way he can to get what he wants. He isn't afraid of taking without asking."

"Okay," she said, "What's a guy like that doing in a place like this?"

"Like what?" Trey asked.

Neijla shrugged, "You know...a small town in the middle of nowhere."

Trey turned to face her again, an icy glint in his eye as he said: "It's hidden."

Neijla shifted uncomfortably. She should have known the answer to that question, it was the reason she was in Alsbury in the first place. No one from her neck of the woods would find her here. Neijla stayed silent as he threw down the towel he was holding and came to sit on the edge of the lounge again.

"I told you already, everybody has a past." Trey said, not making eye contact.

"I get it," Neijla said, wishing she could have another glass of spirit to hold on to.

"I'll tell you how I met Theo," said Trey, resting his elbows on his thighs, hands clasped together. "I met Theo in a holding cell. He was released before I was, and the prick waited for five hours until I came out."

Neijla let her eyes focus on the floor as he spoke. If this is what Sasha and Lila were warning her about, it didn't seem that bad.

"We...go way back."

Neijla spoke, "Do what did you do? To end up in a cell?"

Trey's eyed hardened, "Too many things."

Neijla took that as an answer, and she sank back into the lounge.

"You can use the bathroom; I've got a jumper if you want it." Trey said, standing suddenly. "Take the bed, I can stay out here."

She pursed her lips, she hadn't even decided she was staying here yet. Her eyes flickered out the window again. She sighed, standing coyly as he reappeared with a black hooded jumper and a towel. She thanked him and found the bathroom, and slowly closed the door.

The bathroom was small; it fit a shower, toilet, and sink, but he kept it tidy, only having soap on the sink and shower, and his towel hung behind the door. She felt slightly awkward using his bathroom, but once the hot water hit her skin, she was grateful he had offered.

By the time Neijla had finished and reappeared in the living room, it was late. They both agreed if they were to talk to each other for the rest of the night, it was only yes or no questions. The later the night got, the heavier the emotion was about the grim discovery in the forest.

Neijla was itching for a drink, and Trey kept clenching and unclenching his fists whilst glaring out the window. Eventually she excused herself to go and sleep, and she closed the door softly behind her in Trey's room.