Page 12 of Alamort

After 45 minutes of trying to tie a damn school tie, and three seconds of River tiring of my attitude. Like when I’m putting my hair up in a bun and can’t get it quite right and I get so pissed off my blood boils? That’s where I’m at. At that point, she stepped in and seven movements later, she was tightening the black and green plaid tie.

I check myself out in the mirror that came with the room, and the collar of my fresh white button-up that completely hides my bite mark. Accompanied by a black high waisted skirt, the hideous tie, and my black Mary Jane chunky heels to complete the look. It’s ingrained in me to dress up and play a part. River dresses comfortably. I glare at her outfit longingly on the way to the door. I make sure to grab my black bag this time. Wishing we could switch places. My look isn’t as sneaky as I thought.

“You’re a new student and knowing who your family is, I’m assuming being the show pony isn’t far off. So, while you’re uncomfortable…” She trails off when we reach to the elevator to get to the first floor. She clicks the ground level button as she continues, “I will be suffering in my pajamas. I’m doing this for you, otherwise, I would be laid up comfortably in bed binge watching ‘That 70s Show’ high off my ass on edibles.” I tsk as the elevator door dings and we step off into the common area. Before I can come up with a smart-ass retort, we’re stopped by my pleasant tour guide, Amber Astor.

It’s too early for the snotty look on her face and the words about to come out of her mouth. She is the type of girl who refuses to leave anywhere without makeup on. Not a hair out of place on her head as if it was hair sprayed that way. Her makeup is flawless. The “fuck me” red lipstick she wears is difficult to miss.

“Already cozy with the lesbian of the school, I see.” Amber gives River a once over before dismissing her and angling her body to me. Anger heats my body at the cold shoulder River receives. River looks ready to fold in on herself. I have to say it doesn’t suit her bubbly personality and that pisses me off more.

“Good morning to you too, Amber. Glad to see you woke up on the right side of the bed this morning.” River shoots back at her.

“I was talking to Priya,” she sneers.

“Be careful. Your face will get stuck like that.” God, I sound like my mother. I grab River’s hand and walk around the eerie carbon copies to move on with our day, knowing I’m damn well not going to be late over anyone’s cattiness. Before we breeze past her, Amber’s arm shoots out, jerking River to a halt. My eyes widen. Who the fuck does she think she is?

“Make sure she knows the rules, dykopath or neither of you will like the consequences.” The threat is obvious. River shakes her off, pulling me to the door that leads outside as if nothing ever happened.

She’s going to let her talk to her that way? I stare at River. Really take a look at her as we’re walking. She puts on a brave front, but at times she seems timid. Outgoing when she needs to be. I’m not one for confrontation unless it’s someone I care about. She’s a gentle soul.

“I understand if you don’t want to hang out with me.” She won’t look at me, opting to stare off into the distance. Her sadness encompasses me like it’s my own and maybe it is.

“What are you talking about? Because you’re into girls? What does that have to do with me? You were a lesbian before me. I don’t swing that way, but I’m not going to treat you differently. You did more for me than anyone has last night. Actions speak louder than words and yours were deafening.” I give her a reassuring smile. Comforting people isn’t a strong point for me. I slip my arm into the crook of hers and continue to the dean’s office.

“Now, what was she talking about ‘rules’ and ‘consequences’?” I mock Amber in a deep, ominous voice.

MEMORIES! - 347aidan

My mind wanders away from the irritability with my brother as the permanent marker in my hand sketches away my worries.

I remember the first week I was separated from my ‘older’ brother, by 4 minutes, but “every minute counts”. Cue the eye roll.

I’d always been his shadow. It’s never bothered me because that’s where I was comfortable, safe, and protected. The hopelessness that accompanied being ripped away from my literal other half, my protector. That was damaging.

That’s when I had to learn to survive. I clench my fist around the marker, my knuckles ache, thinking of our abusers. Some people survive to grow from it, and others survive and silently fight their inner demons. The latter has worked for me. Well, personally, I like physically fighting it out with my demons.

Mostly, I take it out on Crew. They say, “You’re the most hurtful to the people who you know will love you unconditionally”. I know he was a victim of the same circumstance as I was. It wasn’t his fault, not really. Wheneverything I knew was ripped away from me, I did whatever it took to make it through.

The door clicks shut and the room’s energy shifts. Nervousness pollutes the air. Taking a deep inhale, relishing the smell of fear. Like a shark drawn to blood in the water. The school’s dean clears his throat.

“Mr. Demonio! To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?” Barely refraining from rolling my eyes. He’s always given me a bad vibe. Crew swears he’s good for our cause. That he’ll be helpful to us as long as we can use him.

“Brian!” I clap my hands together with false enthusiasm. “Have a seat.” I point to the uncomfortable student’s chair across from me. Quite the cozy setup he has here. The leather winged back chair is more than comfortable. Under different circumstances, I might relax in it.

That’s a lie. I’m not good at staying still.

A single floor to ceiling window is the only outside source of light. It seems more opulent than it really is. He’s even added a little chandelier.

My eyes flick up to meet his. Sweat covers his upper lip and forehead. Why would he be sweating if he’s done nothing wrong? Sitting back, my eyes narrow in suspicion. I scan his office, looking for anything that appears out of place.

“I’m here to remind you of our agreement regarding our new student.” Relief flashes through his eyes and his posture relaxes. My lips purse, interesting. “All discipline will be approved through us. Her whereabouts reported to us. Her medical records and her class schedule need to be sent to Saint.” I continue to use his desk as a canvas. “Anything other than doing so will cause a rather unfortunate outcome.” Not that unfortunate. Killing him might be what I need.

I give him my charismatic smile, one that comes across as easygoing, but this isn’t an option or even a suggestion. Thisis a delicate operation. I’m not about to let this idiot fuck up everything we’ve worked for. The number of favors that had to be called in. The strings that had to be pulled. “It would be a shame if your wife found out you were bending the nurse over your desk every Thursday during your weekly ‘meetings’.” I stopped fucking her when I caught wind of Brian’s interest in her, which helped in our favor with blackmail to ruin his primary source of income.

His wife, Maria, is a beautiful Mexican woman. Crew said she’s in with the Mexican Mafia. But he wouldn’t give me any more details than that. I doubt Maria’s crazy ass would be happy to hear about his extramarital activities.

He gulps loudly in the otherwise silent room. The sweating has begun again. Applying the finishing touches to my drawing, I sit back and admire my work. Satisfied with an explicit depiction of his sweaty ass nailing the nurse over a desk in a 1950s nurse outfit for all to see. In case they weren’t sure who it was supposed to be. I stand to leave with the mental list of Crew’s tasks for the party tonight.

“I don’t need a reminder of what’s at stake.” He seethes. The anger quickly concealed. He’s going to be a problem. I’m calling it now. One that will be fun to get rid of.

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