Fight Men Not Love

Chapter Eight

● 2 weeks later ●

There was a knock on the door. Like every other time, I didn't move from the bed, hugging the pillow to my chest.

At this point, I had gone through almost every stage of depression. I was feeling numb. I just ceased to exist.

True to Randall's words, Dominic didn't mistreat me. In fact he was super nice and patient with me. He brought food for me to my new room, which I hardly ate. He didn't raise his voice at me.

He'd taken me to the doctor for a checkup and discovered the hidden bruises. I didn't have any STIs or anything like that and I wasn't pregnant. They gave me supplements which I had no interest in taking.

I cried day and night, waiting for Randall to no avail. Dominic had left a phone, telling me Randall got it for me and he would call. He hasn't called.

It hurts so bad, not knowing how my friend is doing. He was still in the hands of the monster.

What gave me comfort was that I haven't had any headaches or bad dreams that usually indicated something bad was about to happen. f**k, I relied on them to guide me. But even they weren't enough to convince my frantic thoughts otherwise.

"Phoenix, I have someone here for you," Dominic tells me quietly, standing by the door. "She's my, uh, cousin, Yvonne. I asked her to help with getting you new clothes," he waited for about a minute. When he was convinced that I won't be saying anything, he walked out. Soon enough, I heard talking outside my room.

"Dominic, who even is this woman you brought here?" I heard another female.

"I don't really know her that well. I'm just helping a friend, but...she's not responsive," I heard Dominic sigh. "She barely eats anything and she hasn't moved from the bed,"

"Well, that screams depression or something. Shouldn't you be taking her to therapy or something?"

"Yvonne, did you hear what I just said? I can't get her to do something as simple as a walk around the house. How the f**k do you think therapy will work out?" He sounds irritated.

"How long has she been here?"

"About...2 weeks,"

"Oh boy, okay. I'll see what I can do. Where's Inez?" The woman, Yvonne inquired.

"With her grandmother. I sent her away days before she came," Dominic said.

"You ever thought about how a child knows how to get to people?"

"f**k no. I don't know that woman, okay? I'm not risking my daughter's life," I heard Dominic say.

"I was just saying. She did cure your depression after all,"

"Shut up. I wasn't depressed, you i***t," the woman giggled.

"Oh but I think you were. Diana left you to drown in depression," she taunted him.

"I wasn't in love with Diana. You don't know what you're talking about,"

"That's a d**k move, brother," Yvonne pointed out.

"You wouldn't understand, okay? I wasn't the problem here. She's not willing to spend time with her daughter. What am I supposed to do about that? f**k, why am I even explaining myself to you. I called you to help me out, not mock my f*****g life,"

"Okay, geez," the woman said. "I'm on it,"

"Yvonne, wait," I heard Dominic say. "I don't really know the full story, but try and go easy on her," he stressed out.

"I know," she said. I heard clicking of heels and a light knock on the door. "Hello? Can I come in?" She asked softly.

When I didn't say a word, she came in anyway. She walked over to where I was. She crouched down until she was eye level with me. A smile broke into her perfectly makeup-filled face.

"Oh my God, Nick, she's so pretty," she squealed, looking at me. I heard Dominic groaned by the door.

"Yvonne, what happened to being cautious?" He asked in a bored tone. Yvonne rolled her eyes.

"I was just complimenting her, okay? I think I'm in for a challenge here," she said thinking about it.

"What do you mean?" Dominic inquired.

"It's not easy dressing up a redhaired person. Nothing to worry about though. I got this," she nodded to herself. "What's your name sweetheart?" She asked me softly.

I looked at her carefully, taking in her sandy hair and bright blue eyes. She had Dominic's features, indicating they're related.

"Uh, okay. Can I call you Phoenix then? Dominic tells me you go by Phoenix. Would you like to, maybe, go out shopping for some new clothes? Or maybe ice cream, if shopping is too much for you. Do you like ice cream? Coffee is okay too. What do you-" she was interrupted by the phone ringing.

I shot up from my position, startling the woman and reached for the phone. Randall's name flashed on the screen and I've never been happier.

"Randall?" My voice came out crusty, croaking from the lack of speaking for days. Immediately, a tear slid down my face, relieved to know he was okay.

"Hey Evelyn," I wanted to cry outloud so bad. I contained myself, so I can talk to him.

"Are you okay? Where are you?" I heard him chuckle quietly.

"I'm okay, Evelyn. I promise, I'm okay. Avel hasn't suspected a thing," he tells me. That brings about some sort of comfort.

"Are you coming?" I asked him immediately. I heard him hesitate.

"I can't," I bit my quivering lip.

"I don't understand," I sniffled. "You said nothing happened. Why aren't you coming then?"

"I have to be sure that you're safe." He tells me. "I swear I'm not trying to make this hard for you, Evelyn. I just...I fear that he'll come for you, somehow. I have to stop that," a choked sob escaped my lips, shaking my head.

"It doesn't matter, Randall," I sobbed. "You promised me that you'll come with me," I moved to wipe my face frantically.

"I know. I know, but there was no other way to get you out of this place. You're safe now. You can see your family again-"

"I don't have a f-family. I don't know where to go, Randall," I let out exasperated.

"Uhm, okay. I'll figure something out, okay?" He tells me. "Don't worry. I'll make a plan,"

"Or you could come back so we can leave," I pressed. "Come back, Randall, p-please,"

I heard him sniffle and I know he's either crying or about to cry. "Listen. Everything will work out in the end, okay? You'll see. I just need you to be okay a-and live your life the way you've always wanted," he tells me quietly. "You finally have a chance, Evelyn. Don't ruin it. Dominic tells me you won't get out of bed,"

Anger bubbled inside me and I glared at Dominic. His eyes widened a fraction. "So you talk to him, but you won't talk to me?" I asked Randall, hurt. I've been waiting for his calls and he's calling someone else. "I've been waiting for you to call and-"

"I know. I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I just...I hate how I left things. I thought you'd be mad at me-"

"I am," I said sniffling. "I am so mad at you," I said stubbornly. Under any circumstances, he would have laughed at me.

"It'll be okay. I just, I need to know that my plan didn't go in vain, Evelyn. Don't wait for me. Live your life and do what you've always wanted to do. Okay, just...I want you to be happy," I couldn't stop crying by then.

I've never felt so helpless in my entire life. I feel like I'm moving in circles with Randall.

"I'm so sorry, Evelyn," I heard Randall say before he hung up. He hung up on me.

He f*****g disconnected.

The phone dropped to my lap, as I pulled my knees up and clutched my hair, crying. I was aware of the people in my room, but I didn't give a f**k. I was hurting too bad to care what they'd think.

I flinched away from the hand that grazed my shoulder and looked up to see Yvonne, wide eyed with her hand midair. Her eyes were glossy, as she looked at me. I hated the sympathetic look.

It was then that I finally noticed the shaking in my hands. I whimpered, watching them shake before I balled them into fists. I haven't had something to drink in a long time. I can already feel the effects.

Sniffling, I shuffled out of the bed, in one of Randall's tshirt and hurried to the bathroom and locked the door, sliding down. I brought my knees to my chest and buried my face in them, trying to regulate my breathing.

Everything hurts. It hurts so bad. I wanted to feel numb again. The phone call had taken away the numbness and I needed it back.

●

I woke up, in pain and peeled my eyes opened. I groaned, realizing I slept on the bathroom floor. My knees felt cold and painful. I sat up slowly and stretched my legs before me, trying to get the blood to circulate.

I clutched my stomach, whimpering in pain. My hands hadn't stopped shaking. I was in so much pain and if I don't get any alcohol, it's going to get worse.

I crawled to the toilet, feeling the need to throw up. I was retching out but nothing came. My throat burned. I hoisted myself up to wash my mouth in the sink.

For the first time in a while, I dared a look in the mirror. I looked horrible. A very angry nest rested on top my head and I hate thinking about how I'd have to untangle this mess.

There were dark circles under my eyes and I swear I could make out my cheekbones poking through the skin. I stepped back a little and pulled up the tshirt. Weird. I haven't lost any dramatic weight.

I winced when my stomach twisted painfully. I opted to take a shower as a distraction. Stripping off, I got into the warm water and worked my hair up first. I was close to crying when I didn't feel the difference, after untangling it and washing it.

I was determined though and so I tried one more time. Somehow I managed to make myself look decent enough. I washed myself quickly and grabbed a towel to wrap around my head. I grabbed another one for my body and got out.

Pulling the bench close by, I sat down in front of the full length mirror next to sink and placed all the hair products Randall got for me.

About 30 minutes or so later, my hair looked as good as new. A small smile appeared on my face but it was gone as soon as it came.

I proceeded to do the rest, lotioning my body and putting everything. I went to fish out black tights and put them on. Luckily, Randall packed enough clothes for me. I don't know how he got my size, but everything fits.

It took longer than necessary to spot out that this was a different bag. This was bigger than the one I gave him. He'd added more clothes, money and the products that I'd need. The sanitary pads I wasn't surprised. I'd asked him to get me a pack one time I got my period at the club. He didn't even feel embarrassed or anything.

There was also stuff packed in the bathroom cabinets. I didn't touch those things but I might soon, if I run out.

Once I was finished with everything, I sat back down in my bed. The constant ache in my throat made itself known, now that I wasn't distracted.

Maybe if I go down, I'd find some alcohol in this house. It was 7 in the evening. Maybe he's asleep or doing something. If I see Dominic or anyone else, I'll just turn back and try another time.

I opened the door slowly and looked to my left and then right, but the house was so quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if they left me all alone to rot in this place.

I tiptoed around, trying to find my way. I remember coming through this way when we first came. I was still on the first floor, it seemed.

I found the lounge area and looked around to make sure no one was there. I walked further down until I was met with the front door. I remember the kitchen was on the right.

Before I could emerged around the corner, I heard them talk.

"So what are you going to do about that woman?" I heard the familiar voice of Killian and scowled deep. Honestly, he was getting on my nerves.

"What do you mean?" I heard Yvonne inquire.

"I mean, she can't stay here. What are you going to do with her?" He said casually.

"I'm getting tired of this s**t. This is my house. Phoenix doesn't concern you, okay? If she's a nuisance to you, then f*****g leave. I won't tolerate you making her feel unwelcome," I heard Dominic's angry voice. I blinked, noticing that he was clearly defending me.

"Are you f*****g serious? What? One look and you fell for her. You're kicking me out over some...woman you don't know?"

"I'm not kicking you out. But if you don't stop pestering me about s**t that doesn't concern you, we're going to have a problem,"

"Well, I don't see how Phoenix is a problem anyway. I need a friend, okay? Once she recovers, maybe we could, I don't know, bond," she said happily.

"Nick, you don't even know the full story about her. Are you sure you can trust her around Inez?"

"Inez's not here," I heard Dominic say.

"What's the story anyway?" Yvonne inquired after some time.

"Dark Elite Club. She used to work there. I'd assume she was a stripper or something from what I saw, but I have a feeling she was made to do other stuff. Randall called me and explained the situation and asked me to help her," Dominic said.

"f**k. That's f****d up," I heard Yvonne murmur. "You know, that makes sense. I've heard of the club and the Starlight,"

"The what now?"

"The what?"

"Okay, there have been rumours about this club and this woman. Like, obviously, we don't know how she looks like. But she basically upholds the business. She has been the talk of the town for a long time now," Yvonne explained.

"And you assumed it her?" Killian said.

"Well, I mean, look at her. She's hot, okay. That kind of beauty is...fucking intimidating. But that's not the point. She could be. Plus, I'm convinced that Phoenix is her stage name," Yvonne went on.

"I'll believe you because what I saw in that club," Killian said, whistling. "All I'm saying is, if I wasn't gay-"

"If you weren't gay, you'd be dead," Yvonne interjected.

"Geez, no need to be so hostile," I heard Killian grumble under his breath.

"Shouldn't you be shagging up with Jackson anyway?" Yvonne said. I jumped, hearing clicking sounds. "Oh wait, he broke up with your sorry ass," I'd assumed it was Dominic who was laughing so hard.

"Yeah, you deserve that," he said in between his laughter.

"You guys are f*****g idiots," Killian grumbled under his breath. "I'm out of here," before I could escape, Killian rushed out and was out the door. He didn't even see me.

I would lie and say that I wasn't elated that they somehow managed to spoil his mood.

I waited a few minutes until my stomach grumbled, indicating that I haven't eaten something today. I contemplated going in and making myself known.

No matter how angry I am at Randall for leaving me, I owed him to try and live like a normal human being. It was going to take some time, but I was willing to try. For his sake.

And I was going to wait for him. No matter how long it takes. I'll wait.

I stepped out of the hiding spot and looked down, suddenly feeling anxious. I fidgeted with the hem of Randall's shirt, biting my lip nervously. They were still talking and has yet to notice me.

"She's been wanting to go to Disneyland for some time now. I can't travel because of the s**t they're constantly throwing at me in the offi-" Dominic trailed off.

"What?" I heard Yvonne saying, confused. "Oh," I heard chairs scraping and I looked up to see her approaching me slowly. "Hello," she greeted quietly.

I thought about bolting back to the comfort of my bathroom, but I stood my ground and finally looked up at them. My eyes landed on Dominic and I immediately looked away, noticing that he was shirtless.

"Uh, excuse me. I'll just go on and put a shirt on," he said quietly and walked past me, keeping a safe distance.

"Would you like to sit? Are you hungry?" Yvonne asked me. "Come on," she said. I moved forward and she seemed relieved for complying. "I'll dish up for you, okay? Nick just finished cooking," she went on speaking, not even bothered that I wasn't responsive. "He's a really great cook, if you ask me. He learnt from his friend, Jackson. Or at least that's what I know,"

"I think that, even though he's boring and quite old fashioned, you'll love his cooking. You should meet his daughter, Inez. She's only four but she's super intelligent and super cute. I think you two will get along just fine," she said.

I heard footsteps and turned to see Dominic back, in a loose tank top. His arms were covered in tattoos, especially the right one. I looked away and jerked back when I saw Yvonne placing a fork and knife next to the food on the countertop. I stood up, recoiling, as images flashed before my eyes.

Images of the pocketknife.

The knife that ruined me.

●

UNEDITED