Thanatos : The Red Dawn

(9)Rusted in Resistance

None. 

What scared me most was the fact that from just one night, alone with him, I knew all I needed to. He was deranged and he was wicked. He had nothing to live for, except death. Except himself. 

And aren't those the worst kinds of people? People that live for nothing but themselves? People who couldn't care less about the lives they've damaged?

Sonya and Trita remained silent. I kept my eyes low.

It was clear to me that they were deeply concerned and soon the interrogating would start. I'll crack... 

I just know it.

Unless we keep busy.

Unless I act normal.

"Aurora?"

We'd stopped walking. I didn't even notice. Shit! Shit... You let him distract you again!

Trita carefully wiped my left cheek with her thumb.

Shit.

"I'm fine." It was an involuntary reply.

I swiftly pushed away all the falling tears and cast my blue eyes down to the sandy beach. Trita lifted up my chin and a sob cracked through my throat as I watched the empathy in her eyes burn. I let my act fall, but not completely.

I had more to lose. 

Surprisingly.

If I hadn't had as much self-control and will power, I would've been face first in the white sand. Instead I let my heavy head fall onto the concerned brunette's shoulder. She was shocked by my sudden outburst, but I could feel the relief as she began to stroke my hair. She thought it was going to be harder to get me to open up. Sonya squeezed my shoulder, her small hand giving me more hope than I should be allowed.

I regret crying in the middle of a crowded beach.

Though, most of all, I regret crying in the first place. Nice...

"Shh... It's okay." Sonya whispered as she stroked my arm; her hands soft and comforting. I wish they knew what I was going through, but at the same time I was so grateful they had no idea. I don't want them involved.

He won't get them. I refuse. I'd do anything he wanted if it meant they would be fine and safe.

If there was one thing I hated it was feeling helpless. I've never needed anyone's help.

Cool, calm and collected Aurora, crying in public. 'Shame, didn't you hear? She burst out crying on the crowed beach! Like a baby! How pathetic...'

My mind was getting crueler in its methods to torture me as I thought of all the nasty things people would say.

I shouldn't care, but I did. I had reputation. I was Aurora Venerelli. The girl no one could fluster. 'Miss Stone'- that's what they use to call me. The 'Ice Queen'. I didn't encourage it, but I didn't feel like it was an insult. It made me feel strong and intimidating. In my world that was a good thing. Most of the time.

"Guys..." I laughed a bit and tried to wave them off me before we started a scene, "I'm fine. Really."

"Come on." Trita began to pull me towards a more secluded area of the beach, clearly not  buying my bullshit. I followed, scared that they might not believe any excuse I would feed them.

The laughter and happy chirping of beach-goers began to subside and fade. Trita's strong arms led me to a familiar looking alcove; it was partly hidden by big moss-covered rocks. I could tell that acting normal was not an option anymore; seeing as Sonya's expression was paved with concern. Trita was simply determined to uncover the cause of my tears.