“We’re going for a swim.”
“I…I’ve got to go.” She starts to stand but falls right back down again.
“Easy.” I stroke her cheek. “You’re still under the influence of drugs. I don’t want you drowning.”
Tears shine in her mesmerising eyes as the realisation starts to trickle in. “Helen?”
“Yes, darling? Although I’d rather you call me Master.” I frown. “My other doll was never really able to do that, but you’re better than her, aren’t you?”
Her lips part — those beautiful lips like a rosebud — and her hand shakes in mine. “W-what are you doing?”
“Your parents are trying to break us apart. Aren’t you sad? Because I am. No one can break us apart.”
She tries to push back, her fear rising and suffocating the air like grey smoke. I grab her harshly, and when she falls again, her head bumps against the tiles with a thud.
Silver shrieks as blood oozes bright red from the back of her head and on to the tiles. Just like William’s that day.
Blood is beautiful. It’s the truest human form.
“Silver,” I scold. “Look at what you’ve done.”
“Helen, please.” Her voice is wobbly as she grabs my hands while tears stream down her cheeks. “D-don’t do this. Think of Cole.”
“Why should I think of him? He should get his own doll and not share mine.”
“P-please…stop…”
I never thought I would love this expression — the way her lips tremble and how she’s pleading with me, how she’s calling me her master without saying the words — but I do.
So very much.
What can I do to deepen it?
Oh, I know.
I push her into the pool. She screams before her voice is swallowed by the water. The blood from her head engulfs the blue as she flails around.
I crouch on the edge, waiting for her to surface. Like William.
He begged me to save him. Then Cole came and I had to hide behind the tree.
Now, my doll will come out and beg me.
My doll will tell me please, Master.
Love me, Master.
Own me, Master.
And then she’ll smile at me.
44
Cole
By the time Sebastian and I arrive at my old house, my chest is so heavy I can barely breathe properly.
A hand squeezes my shoulder. Sebastian. I told him the entire story on the way.