3 Love's Bitter Price

Love is a fairytale, let's be real. We convince ourselves we've found the one but...not everyone with a halo is an angel. That's what Lily taught me and no one can prove to me otherwise. 

I once believed in love. The kind of love where no one was allowed to come between Lily and I, the kind of love where I would do anything just to be by her side...but that's just a fantasy that people with a messed up head like me love to entertain. I know I'm a terrible guy, I went from girl to girl then I went from room to room but I really wanted Lily.

I truly regret the day I took her life.

But now that I know she's out there somewhere waiting to take her revenge on me, I don't know if I should accept my fate or end it before she does. But isn't that what led me here in the first place? 

Maybe this time I'm the one who won't make it out alive.

Now where was I? Oh right...Zion.

Zion had this ridiculous grin that made me want to punch his face so badly. Besides, violence wasn't the answer, it was the solution.

"C'mon what's up with you cupcake? " he asked, "You never run out of class like there's a serial killer on the loose."

How ironic.

He proceeded to poke my cheek with his finger and I shook my head aggressively to move his hand away. I guess he didn't know about my secret after all.

I scoffed. "Your mother didn't tell you to keep your hands to yourself?"

"I don't have a mom," Zion beamed.

Usually orphans get emotional about not having a mother or a father yet this guy was rejoicing...should I be alarmed?

He then grabbed my face and pulled him so close to him that I was scared I would accidently kiss him.

"Did someone hurt you?"

Ring! Saved by the bell. 

I awkwardly zoomed away from Zion and into the cafeteria. 

The cafeteria was a lot more lively, students were talking loudly, some were running around having fun and there was the popular kids were huddled in their friend groups laugh loudly.

One of the popular kids waved at me and called Lily's name but I pretended as if I didn't hear her.

 I couldn't care about them, at least right now. I didn't care about listening to some petty drama.

I settled myself far away in the cafeteria, away from half the students like the weirdo I was. This was just how I liked it, alone from people, away where my only friend was regret.

Everything was going perfect, everyone was focused on enjoying themselves but then he had to show up among all the fricking times.

For a split second, our eyes locked but I quickly looked away.

What the hell was wrong with me? Why was I letting a nerd walk all over me?

I tried to focus on my food, I'm not sure if I could even call it food though. It looks as though someone threw up in my food and just sprinkled some salt and put a squeeze of lemon and called it a day.

"Hey blondie," Zion greeted, as if we were friends, "Mind if I join you?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Yes, I do mind."

Zion chuckled, he was clearly amused by me.

"Too bad, this is a free country and also this whole running away thing makes me feel like I'm Tom and you're Jerry but a blonde doesn't fit Jerry's description at all."

I stopped eating my lunch and got dead silent. Among all the people this world, universe, dimension or perhaps an abomination...why was this fucker bothering me?

Keep calm Caleb...keep calm. My eyes twitched as my lips curved into a fake smile.

"You must be smart enough to sit by me," I said sarcastically.

Zion shrugged. "And you're too adorable to get worked up over me...are you obssessed with meeee?"

I gritted my teeth. He was so lucky murder was illegal. "Please leave."

"But I like talking to you," he leaned back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head.

I snorted with disgust, stabbing at whatever was left of my so-called lunch. "Oh how you flatter me! Now leave."

"Nah." He grinned again. "I think I'll stay."

This guy. This fucking guy. I have to stay calm...I have to stay fucking calm...you're in public Caleb...keep calm.

Just as I was to snap, a girl with brunette hair approached our table.

Her long, chocolate brown hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back. She wore a fitted, cropped top that hugged her curves and the slightest bounce of her chest was enough to make me forget I was physically Lily. My face reddened when she leaned close to Zion's lips.

"Z-Zion why are you with her?" She whined.

Surprisingly, Zion face darkened.

"It's none of your business Audrey. We broke up months ago."

"But Zion look what I'm wearing for you," she pouted as she folded her arms to give us a better look at her cleavage.

"Pretty sure it's not apart of the dress code," Zion replied.

"You piece of shit," Audrey scoffed and stomped out of the cafeteria to change.

Zion then turned to me and wiggled his eyebrows.

"I didn't know you were into girls Lily. No wonder you're pissed I'm talking to you."

That's when I felt a cold chill run down my spine.

"You're ruining who I was."

The chair beneath me screeched as I abruptly stood up, Zion just looked at me confused.

The cold air of the hallway was a slap to my face. The air was filled with the scent of cleaning supplies and students talking in classrooms. I pressed my back against the cold metal lockers, trying to steady my breathing. I glanced at my arm, the bruise was getting darker and it began to sting a lot.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tears poured down my face. "Why was this happening to me?" 

Being in this hell alone was heartbreaking. Could I trust Zion? Could he possibly help me?

I trembled in silence, using my hands to cover my flushed face. If anyone saw me like this they would be worried or maybe...maybe they won't care at all. 

That's when I felt it. A soft hand pressing against my shoulder. 

"Caleb...save me please."