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Chapter 5 : Torment

Zia Stephanie's POV

A loud crash made me woke up. I opened my eyes as I looked at my surroundings. I gently massaged my temples, still roaming my eyes towards the room.

"What happened?" I mumbled. I blinked. I saw a naked guy beside me, snoring. "What the fork?" My eyes widened in shock. I instantly rose from the bed and walked towards the water dispenser to grab some drink.

I shut my eyes momentarily as a memory stuck into my mind.

The crowd was so wild together with the upbeat loud music which muffled into my ears. As I left the crowded area, I heard stern shouting from the white hallway going up to the bedroom. My eyebrows creased and decided to walk forwards. My head hurts like hell like it was being crumpled by several fists as my cells were being tortured.

That day, Akemi was found in a coma after having a brain concussion together with the different bruises at her body. It was as if I was once again inside a dark and twisted box. I shook my head and walked towards the lobby. 

My eyebrows snapped together as I found Mae's yelling at her drunkard brother trying to get past her and into a door she was guarding. I crossed my arms walking towards them. I jumped, phone in hand, tittering nervously. Mae's cheeks were streaked with her mascara tear trails and he looked like a pretty big wreck himself.

"Mae, I gotta take a pee," he exclaimed, lolling his head back in his drunken state.

The corner of my lips curved into a smile upon seeing his pale skin. "Ethan," I mumbled.

"I know that," Mae expressed, folding his arms leveling his chest. "But this isn't the bathroom nor your room," she said for most likely the twentieth time.

"Y-Yes, it is! Move that ass of y'urs and lemme pee," he slurred, steeping closer to her.

I fought the urge to laugh as I saw his scarred lips, trembling fighting the urge to pee. I narrowed my eyes and stepped in, grabbing him by his shoulder to shove him away from the door.

"You're drunk, Ethan. That's not the comfort room. And you need to back off before you puke all over her. Down the hall on the left," I said, shoving him in the direction I assume the bathroom is at.

"H-Hey! That isn't the – you know what? Nevermind," Mae mumbled, wiping the corner of her lips and with a small sigh she added, "He'll come back after finding out that it's not the bathroom."

They surely were siblings. I somehow miss their laughs and jokes together with Ethan's drunkard ass. I laughed at my own thoughts. I walked inside. The room was eloped by total silence, all I could hear was the soft humming of the air cooler along as my feet padded along the carpeted floor.

"May I ask something, if you don't mind?" She closed the door and walked towards me looking at me intently, giving me a lopsided grin. "So, why did you guys break up?" she added, running her fingers into her hair.

I sat at the white sofa, crossing my arms laughing, almost painfully, brushing the awkwardness off. "One day he loved me, the next day he didn't. Strange isn't it?" I gently shook my head and smiled at her. "How fast someone's feelings can change and then there's nothing you can do but accept it."

Her eyes widened and asked, "Ethan cheated?"

Did he cheated? I smiled at her and said, "I don't know." I walked towards the mirror, removing my braids, leaving big waves in my hair. "But it happens really quick," I added, giving series of mirthless laughs.

"Why don't you save your relationship?" she asked.

I pivoted my feet and looked at her. "I no longer chase anything or anyone, Mae. I do not have the energy to chase for what is not for me," I mumbled. "Life too short to run miles for people who don't take steps for me."

"Y-Yeah," she said, nodding. "It can be difficult to see the good in this situation but well make sense if it when we can," she added as she removed her mascara in her cheeks using her makeup removal.

I chuckled and nodded, walking towards the door as I snatched my keys out of my pockets. "Take care of your brother. I also need to sleep."

I was about to pivot my feet when she yelled, "Wait!" I looked at her. She just grin and quirked a brow as she threw a night gown at my face. "Don't told my brother that you got drunk."

"Of course, I won't," I said as I winked at her. "Goodnight."

I walked towards the next room. I heard a click as I unlocked the door. The room was minimalistic. The ivory color of the room complimented the color scheme of the walls and the bed. The bed was huge covered with fawn and eggshell stripped spread. It was nearly organized.

There was a vase of plastic flowers – anemone – sitting in the corner, all arranged at a specific angle, forty degrees or so and an empty fish tank, adorned with fake seaweed and multicolored pebbles. But its empty and its water was clean. There was a television, almost a meter, I guess.

I walked towards the marble table, beeping the recorder. "Twelve bottles of beers please, -" I said, looking at the white bed, "- room thirteen."

I walked towards the body sized mirror. I smiled as I saw a girl wearing a tube top paired with a denim jacket. I saw my reflection at the mirror as the high waisted denim pants hugged my whole body screaming that I have the perfect curves. I removed the blue butterfly hairpins from my mom and kept it near the marble dark table.

I miss you, Mom. It was as if her warmth ran out again and I have to feed new dry grass into its boughs before I light it with a match. I'm running out of grass as well.

I instantly went towards the bathroom. After I took a quick shower, I wore the night dress that Mae gave. My mind was half awake and my eyes were a bit groggy, so I decided to doze off. But before I could close my eyes, the bell rang. I instantly grabbed my used jacket and opened the door. To my surprise, I saw a man on his twenties, wearing a black and blue themed top.

"Bonsoir," he greeted with a smile on his face. "Here's a bucket of beer, popcorn and m&m. Profitez de votre séjour," he added, pushing the metal cart inside the room.

"I beg your pardon?" I mumbled, creasing my brows.

The server nodded, shaking his head gently and smiled. "Enjoy your stay," he said, placing my orders on the table.

I pursed my lips together and mouthed the word 'thank you' before he went out. I removed my jacket and tossed it at the nearest sofa. I washed my hands first before opening the pack of m&m's as I poured it on the bowl of plain popcorn. What a life, it is. Dark room, soft music but there are no tight hugs.

I grabbed the bucket of beer and the bowl of mixed popcorn and chocolate as I walked past the giant screen art installation virtual waves on the wall, giving an anamorphic illusion. I momentarily placed the bucket of beers at the floor as I unlocked the veranda.

I scanned the area. It was so peaceful that you could only hear the soft onshore waves and the crickets of the animals. I grabbed the body sized towel and placed it as my mat as I opened the beer using a spoon. I halted for a second, looking at the stars as I fiddle with my beer.

It was almost an hour of my deep thoughts, drinking when I started to get dizzy. I blinked several times, trying to hold back my composure.

Without my jacket, its much colder. It cut through my shirt like knife, I cannot stand here for much longer, I conclude, the longer I waited the deeper resignation sunk into my heart. There was a sensation of a widening hole within me hollow and silent.

I tried to fill it with hope when suddenly a voice behind me spoke up. "Zia," he whispered.

His words were warm and wet in my ear as it sent shivers down my spine. I felt somebody's hand finding the grip across my waist which slowly moved on to find its way under the oversized shirt I was wearing. I have not heard the opening of the door which made me froze on my place. My entire body went numb. His fingers brushed my bare skin sending shivers down my spine.

"How did you get here?" I asked, looking at him. "Who are you?"

The warmth of his fingers succeeded in making me even more nervous. His right hand went on to tale a grip on my hair as he shifted my head to the side to plant a series of soft kisses below my ear.

He took a moment and then whispered into my ear, "Zia, I miss you." Then he went back to kiss me down my neckline. I smelled his clothes. His smell was worse. How did a drunkard get here? He was definitely not Ethan.

I was glued at my spot. He was kissing me. His lips were against mine. It took me some time to process that began responding to him. I did not know why I kissed him back. I knew it was wrong, but I could not stop myself.

It made me felt dizzy. I had never been kissed before. This was the best kiss of my life. The moment he kissed me, it was like my feelings burst out and I could not hold myself. I knew this was wrong. Why would I kiss a stranger? My hands travelled up from his waist to his shoulders and I hooked my arms around his neck, pulling him closer to me. My fingers dug into his soft hair. Our lips moved in sync. Slowly, he lifted me going to the bed.

He wore a black printed shirt, faded jeans, and high cut sneakers, I also noticed his earring on his left ear. His defined jaw, almond eyes, proud nose and perfectly proportioned lips and clean-cut hair was here all in front of me. I looked down and giggled when I saw his barney designed boxers.

My mouth went slightly agape as I tasted the aroma of beer on his mouth as his gaze penetrated through my soul as his hand wandered higher up, running lazy circles over my bare hip. I licked my lips, heart pounding fast. He grunted, pushing my legs apart with impatience as he slipped his fingers inside my sex. His strokes moved in and out, making me bit my lips.

"Zia, look at me," he said as his voice was soft in command. "I want to see the desire in your eyes," he added. I could not speak so I nodded. His fingers were magic, his eyes casting a spell on me as if pulling me under midnight of satisfaction.

"You're so wet," he whispered. I let a soft moan lingered through our ears.

He continued his sweet torture for a moment. "Damn it," I moaned, grabbing hold of his head, pushing him closer. He withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his lips.

He unbuckled his belt as he grinned, breathing harsh and ragged. He quickened his strokes as we moved faster nearing to the point of release. My breathing came in short pants. The next thing I knew, I threw up, emptying my stomach. The remainder of his words swallowed up as I fell into a deep slumber.

The loud creak made me back to my senses. I could feel the heat rising from my face. What the fork? Did I just make out with a drunkard stranger last night? What have I done?

I was about to open the door when I noticed that it was not locked, slightly agape. I inspected the dark hallways, glancing side by side. I was about to close the door when I felt a sharp metal steel at my back. Something's not right.

"Who are you?" I asked, trying to recompose myself. I raised both my hands, pivoting my feet slowly. My eyes widen when I saw his face all sewed up.

He gave me a wide grin which sent shivers down from my spine. "Long time no see," he whispered. I did not respond. I averted my gaze momentarily at the guy who was still on his deep sleep. I mentally face palmed.

He swung the knife into my heart but with my quick response, I instantly shoved the knife out of his hand as I kicked his groin. "Sucker," I said as I ran towards the veranda. I looked down and gulped as I tried to calculate the high of my fall...six feet.

"Where are you going, mate?" he asked, laughing reluctantly. I glanced at him as he walked slowly towards me. This is going to be a painful fall. I positioned myself, heart racing fast. I could hear his footsteps at my back as he almost grabbed my hair.

A loud bang lingered into my ears as I jumped over the veranda. I grimaced as I felt the small rock pierced through my bare feet. I bolted away from him... away from the ocean.

"Somebody help!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, panting. I could see the mixed cool autumn leaves from the tall trees laid on the forest floor, turning a brittle brown.

The sound of shattered glass emphasizing the leaves being crunched muffled into my ears, pushing their papery remains deep into the white snow which lined the ground like a fresh white cotton sheet. "Anyone!"

The sun bloomed into the sky with a warm mellow glow. Sending what was left of the dull moon packing until his next stint overlooking the night. The dusky sky was a brilliantly bright baby blue and perched picturesquely on the autumn branches of the trees in the forest below.

"Help me, please," I shouted. As the morning developed the sounds of young birds began to fulfil the air with a delicious spritz. They chirped, tweeted, and warbled incessantly. I almost gagged the moment I stepped on the whispers of the remaining snowflakes which were on top of the tranquil ice; these blew in the breeze over into the depths of the forest.

I halted for a while, panting. I looked up and saw the lake had been hardened by the sharp cold blitz of an icy frost. The translucent water was bound as a smooth solid and the particles of the water reflected a sheer shine of gleam and glitz, that could only be disrupted by the sharp razor blades that ice skates possess.

But before I could make a move, my eyes widened as a hand with a handkerchief covered my nose. I tried to resist but his force was way too strong. Before I could doze off, and fell from the intoxicating chemical, he instantly lifted my paralyzed body. Before my sight became blurry, I saw his dull expression. Quite in the contrary, his eyes were smiling.

I opened my eyes and gazed towards the white ceiling. I growled as I tried to sit, away from the cold concrete floor. My mouth went slightly agape as I felt the cold thing attached into my feet. I looked down and found a metal chain clung into mine.

The ramping of chains and mixture of soft whispers muffled into my ears as I tried to pull the chains. The valerian extract with formaldehyde still filled my lungs making me felt so dizzy, making me stumble on my place. A loud thug made me jump from my place, frozen. A chill ran down from my spine.

What the fork am I doing here? I need to get out from here. All I could see was darkness bounced through the walls. I wrinkled my nose as I smelled the formalin which lingered in my four corners of the room. I have not seen anyone, but I could hear scratching through the wall and small cries.

I stretched my arms, walking towards the metal door. I examined the door and found out a little hole in there. My eyes went bigger when my eyes landed on a light from the next room.

The door was slightly open as I found Ethan, Franz at Akemi with their hands bleeding. Out of my frustration, I called their names, but they just look at me as if I am just a nobody. It was like they did not even know me. What the fork?

I saw a sewed man from the small button from the chamber. I heard his creepy laughs which made me shiver down to my spine. I immediately position myself as if I am ready to fight. I stepped back and went to the darkest side of the room, watching how the chamber slowly opened.

"Zia Stephanie," in a cold voice, he said. The corner of his lips turned up, eyes burned with anger. 

"Please don't do this," I mumbled, pleading. "Let me go!" I yelled, trying to pull the chains out from my feet. He gave me a dirty look, but I kept on observing his face. He was familiar. "Rafael Colombus?" I asked. I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to held back my composure.

"Of course, I thought you wouldn't figure it out."

Sadness overtook my face. "We trusted you! Everyone in the family trusted you!" I yelled. He bolted towards me, pushing me against the mirror. The sound of the shattered glass muffled into my ears.

"This is thy mother's fault. He did this to my family. I shall avenge them and seek death," he mumbled. With his baritone voice, he laughed like a lunatic.

I rose, hands at my back. My brows knitted as I felt a warm liquid dashing out from my back. Blood? Not again. I pursed my lips together, trying to kick him on his face but he instantly moved sideways.

"But why? My mother died a long time ago!" I screamed. I had about punched him on his face when his free hand stabbed my abdomen, making me fall on the concrete floor.

He bent a little, leveling his mouth into my ears. "She died but never her sins." My eyes caught him picking up the large part of the mirror. I was about to move sideways when he quickly stabbed my legs with the broken glass. Series of screams muffled into my ears.

"What do you need? I can give it to you," I said, panting. With my reflexes I instantly kicked his groin and shifted towards the opened door. But I forgot about the chains in my feet. He managed to grab my hair.

"I'm not done yet," he said as the corner of his mouth turned up, grinning. "This is just the start, Stephanie." It was as if he was out of his mind when he continuously aimed for my legs, jabbing the knife in and out. The blood spattered through my face and through the area, making me cried in pain.

"I'm begging. Please, stop!" I stuttered as my eyes started to close. I instantly fight the urge to feel asleep. "Let's talk this out. Please I only have my brother and he only have me!" I pleaded.

"And then what?" he asked, laughing like a lunatic once again.

"I can give everything you want," I said, lowering the tone of my voice.

He laughed, eyebrows snapped in a line. "But you can't bring the dead back, Stephanie."

Now, the turned into a havoc as if there was a storm that passed by. Broken furnitures and appliances were all over the place. It was a total mess.

He was sitting on the floor with blood gnashing out from his temple and his fist. "Prepareth to square! I shall heave the gorge on thy livings, naughty mushrump!" he yelled. "Pray to thy god to saveth thy life," he added, clenching his fists.

My eyebrows ceased when I saw him grabbed something in his pocket. Is that an alcohol? He was insane. I tried to rise but I couldn't move a muscle. My loud screams together with the loud machines, lingered through the four corners of the room. I cussed when he poured the alcohol in my bleeding wound. I could feel that my insides were burning up.

"Any last words?" he mumbled. I gazed at him, pursing my lips. His whole face lit up as if he was seeing a success.

I gave mirthless laughs. "Do you think I'm cute?" I pursed my lips together, trying to see his reaction. I creased my brows when I saw his expressionless face. "Be honest!"

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