I will show them just how much I matter.
*
The Baron
The baron hacked his way through the town
Leaving destruction in his wake
Until every house was reduced to rubble
And the streets ran with the blood of the conquered,
But he was never satisfied
Until he hacked into his mother’s chest
And saw that it had always been empty.
twenty-five
Harper Apple
BadApple: I know it’s not Friday but I have good news
BadApple: I got what u wanted. Got down to the basement u were talking about, where ur Swans club meets
MrD: It’s the Midnight Swans.
BadApple: Got a look at it. So can deliver wut u asked. Wut do u want 2 no?
MrD: What were you doing down there?
I knew this was coming, that he’d want to know. I’ve already decided to tell him. After all, this pays my debts, and I’m ready to be done with these little chats. I got into the basement, and I got something on the Dolces, something bad enough for him to use it as blackmail or whatever he needs. Because some of the things they said, and Gloria said, let me know I’m far from the first girl they’ve forced onto her knees for them.
And yeah, maybe I found a way to take control of it in some small way, at least. Maybe I made it consensual by asking for and accepting payment. But not every girl has.
I start typing, my fingers slow and numb on the keys as I fill in every gory detail.
When I finish, my heart is pounding, and I have to jump up and pace the room so I don’t get sick. But I did it. I told him. I paid my debt to him, and I got the video erased. I’m free. Free of those psychos, free to leave them alone and stay the hell away like they want.
The app chimes, and I sink back into the chair.
MrD: Good work.
I stare at the words, at the little green cursor blinking. A shiver goes through me, and I wrap my arms around myself and rub them to keep myself warm. He’s not my friend, I remind myself. He’s a creepy old guy, and I already know how cold he can be. Still, I just shared a humiliating, traumatizing experience with him, and all he can say is that I did a good job.
BadApple: Nice knowing u. Thx 4 scholarship n everything.
MrD: You’re welcome.
MrD: But don’t act like this is over.
BadApple: I got u what u wanted. I got down in the basement, I got u info on wut the guys who run the school are doing down there. My debt is paid.
MrD: Lol
MrD: Your debt is paid when I say it is.