Scarlet
I don’t know how long I stand there, seeking out the deer that’s probably miles away. It was long enough to realise that if I didn’t get moving, Reid’s intention of killing me would be realised shortly.
I certainly can’t have that.
I walk for miles and miles in the rain, and my clothes are soaked. The cold water seeps into my skin until it reaches my very bones. As I walk through nothing but mud and trees, my feet are cut by various twigs, and with each cut, my mouth automatically parts as I grunt with pain, which draws unwanted attention to the raw tenderness in my throat. My throat is an all too poignant reminder of what Reid has just done to me.
I grip my shirt tight to me. The shirt that Reid, in his jealous rage, ripped apart. All the buttons have been pulled off, leaving me no modesty whatsoever.
I have no clue where I am or where and when these woods will end, but there is only one force driving me forward.
Retribution.
I thought mine was over.
I thought Reid was my ally.
But, no.
Then again, I only have myself to blame. I think my subconscious probably picked Reid because he is his father’s son. When I found out, all the jigsaw pieces suddenly fell together, and it all started to make sense.
I was obsessed with my father.
I was obsessed with his son.
Am I still obsessed? I guess so because with each agonising step I take toward the unknown, the only person on my mind is Reid. Not my father, not my family, who betrayed me when I was a child, and not Stuart.
Stuart.
Clutching my chest, an ache constricts my heart causing me to stumble. As I almost fall, anger shudders through my body in a trembling rage. Reid did this to me. Reid killed me and took me away from ever having happiness so pure it made my black heart beat the purest of red when I was with Stuart.
But, of course, Reid knew it was all a lie.
Could I have given Stuart everything? Could I have given him my all with no recompense, no forethought for the life I used to lead? I was a slut seeking out pain, seeking out pleasure, and seeking out cock. I am not ashamed to admit that, but I was ashamed when I was with Stuart.
Maybe he and I were never meant to be.
A part of me thinks that maybe I should move on, seek Stuart out, and allow us to run off into the sunset with each other. Reid thinks he killed me, so he won’t go looking for me anymore.
But a big part of me—the biggest part—wants revenge for everything Reid has done to me. He not only kept secrets from me, but he was also so enraged by my betrayal that he was willing to kill for it. He was willing to kill me.
I’m not sure what drives me forward. Sheer force of will pushes my aching feet forward. No one hurts Scarlet and gets away with it. I am a woman scorned. A black widow spider out to hunt its prey. This thought causes the lyrics to “The Devil Within” by Digital Daggers to flow through my mind. Truly, it must have been written for me, and as I sing along internally, I find inspiration and cement my pledge. I will have my revenge, and I have just decided what form it will take. I’m startled from my reverie by a sudden sound. I stand still, listening for more. When I look into the distance, I see what appear to be headlights.
A road.
Thank fuck!
Knowing this pushes me on. Adrenaline now courses through my veins, making me practically jog towards the lights. I step on a twig that snaps and cuts deep into my foot. I scream out, cursing as I fall to the ground. I grab my foot, inspecting it. I can’t see much, but I know I’m bleeding.
I have to get back up.
I have to keep going.
With all the strength I have left, I pull myself up and limp the rest of the way towards the road. It seems to go on forever.
Finally, I see a clearing in the distance, followed by further lights. I stumble towards the clearing and practically run out into the road. Headlights blind me, causing me to pull my hand up to cover my eyes. Horns blast and tyres screech. I try to scream out, waving the car down, but whoever it is just drives past me. The fucking bastard just drives on.
When the car disappears out of sight, I squint as the light makes my eyes focus on what’s ahead. All I see is road and trees. As I start to walk forward, I notice a sleeping policeman on the road. I’m pretty sure I know where I am, but I need to get to a junction to be sure.
As I near the junction, I notice a road I recognise and hope surges through me. I now know just where I can go.
Hobbling along, I walk the mile or so. It takes me forever to get where I’m going, and the rain certainly hinders my progress. Along the way, I hear the odd car, but try and shield myself as much as possible. I don’t want anyone to see me.
I don’t need their fucking help.
As I near the last corner and see the house I am after come into view, exhaustion I have never felt washes over me. I’m limping, and my foot is still bleeding from the cut as I approach the gate. I can feel myself falling into oblivion, but I can’t die.
I refuse to die.
With the last bit of strength I have, I reach out toward the security gate and press the buzzer, hoping to God that he’s in.
As the rain runs down my face in rivulets, I look toward the dark house willing for life to be there. I watch, but my vision is blurring. I try shaking my head, but the more I do, the more my vision clouds.
The darkness is surrounding me. I feel it taking over, and there is nothing I can do to stop it. As I fall, I swear I notice a light shine in the distance.
That’s the last thing I see before my world turns black.