When The Puppet Falls For The Puppeteer

When Fear Smells Like Cologne

"Done."

We stood at the gates of Panache.

"Are you sure?" I asked, staring at the expensive cars and the buzzing entry line.

"Yeah, yeah—come on!" Ash jumped out of the car, practically glowing.

I checked my reflection. Black velvet, knee-length, full sleeves. Not too revealing. But the V-neck is kinda deep. I just hoped he wouldn't see me like this.

"Hey! You coming or not?" Ash knocked on the window.

I stepped out.

"Hey, handsome!" she beamed at Davis.

"Didn't expect to see you here," he grinned, flirting shamelessly.

After an eternity of banter, he finally let us in. Like he would've denied Ash—in that violet wrap top and mini skirt that barely counted as a skirt.

Inside, it was everything I imagined and more. Neon lights. Loud music. A dance floor that pulsed with energy.

We exchanged a glance.

"AWESOME!" we squealed in unison.

Davis brought us drinks, and we danced. He eventually joined us, wrapping an arm around Ash as they moved in sync. I laughed with them—until something shifted.

The air thickened.

I froze.

That scent. That cologne.

He's here.

"Hey, why'd you stop?" Ash asked, concerned.

"We need to go. Now."

I dragged her off the dance floor.

"Myra, what's going on?"

"Nothing. You promised. I'm saying now." I scanned the crowd. I can't see him—but I feel him.

Ash nodded, brushing my arm to calm me. We left. I drove. Fast. Faster than ever.

"Myra, calm down. What happened?"

"He was there," I whispered.

My hands trembled. Tears blurred my vision. I glanced at the clock. Midnight.

I'm dead.

He never let me out after seven.

"What?! Did you see him?"

"No. I just know. My instincts are never wrong about him."

Why did Riverbridge suddenly feel so big? Why wasn't home in sight yet?

And then—sirens.

Perfect. I banged the steering.

"You were speeding," Ash said, like it wasn't obvious.

I shot her a death glare.

"Here" she threw me a mint quickly

The officer knocked. I rolled down the window.

"Sheriff," I forced a smile.

"Girls, first night of summer and already breaking curfew. I expected this from Caitlyn's daughter, but you, Ashley? Your father owns a pharmacy!"

Seriously? Blaming Mom for this?

"Thanks to Caitlyn, I don't fall off moral wagons. Just give us the ticket."

He huffed, handed me the slip, and walked off. I peeled out, flinging dust behind us.

"Girl, you're a badass. Why don't you show this side to our Dark Lord?" Ash laughed, using her usual Marcus nickname.

"Well our Dark Lord has never disrespected my mom," I muttered. I retorted. He might be a jerk and call me names or bully me but he never once called my Mom a slut or a stoner.

I barely parked before bolting inside.

"Will you wait up for me—Myra, maybe it was just your imagination," Ash called after me.

I prayed she was right.

Then—

"Where the fuck were you?"

I froze.

William. At my doorstep.

"You knew the consequences!" William snapped. "I thought you were smarter than this."

"Please don't tell him," I begged.

"It's too late. You should've thought of that."

I turned on Ash. "This is your fault—"

She pulled me into a hug.

"Myra-bear, what does he do to you?" she asked, gently cupping my chin.

I avoided her eyes.

"You tell me," she turned to William. "What does your friend do to her?"

"Don't drag me into their twisted... thing. I just follow orders," he said, backing off. 

"Don't fall into trouble, Myra." he strolled outside slipping the concern for me over his shoulders

"This isn't normal. You're terrified, Myra. Why?" Ash asked, still beside me.

I wanted to tell her everything...

But his voice echoed in my head.

What happens between us stays between us, Red.

"It's just... I'm scared of being bullied," I mumbled, skirting the truth.

"This isn't normal bullying. Did he—did he touch you? Did he rape you?"

"NO!" I snapped. He's touched me. Hit me. Controlled me. But he hasn't raped me.

"He just... gets angry. And his rage—his rage scares me."

"Everyone's scared of his temper. He broke Eddie's nose for a missed pass. He is a short tempered jerk. But you are terrified of him and this seems too much". She said not letting it go

"Yeah, you think. Well I am terrified because I am the only one he bullies in the whole school. In this whole fucking town. He never bullies anyone. He hardly talks to anyone but of all the people he chose to make my life hell" I yelled.

"Okay. Okay. Calm down. Maybe he didn't even see you tonight. I really don't understand what's his issue with you. He is so good with everyone. He helps everyone then why-" "He helps me too" I said laying down. Because that's the truth. He was always there for me whenever I was in trouble.

She stayed the night. We talked, then drifted off. But I couldn't stop thinking of him.

I knew he was there. That scent, his cologne... I was not wrong.

Then my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

The text read:

Looks like you forgot the rules. Good thing I'm back, Red.
P.S. I don't remember allowing you to tie your hair.

I sat up in a panic.

He was there. He saw me.

And now... he's back. He will kill me.