7. Rebecca
Chapter seven
Rebecca
Villain
E xhaustion weighs heavily on me as I trudge through the echoing halls of school. My body aches with weariness and my eyes struggle to stay open. All I need is a quiet place to rest for a few minutes.
The library beckons to me, its doors welcoming and inviting. I make my way up to the second floor, knowing that the back corner will be the most secluded and peaceful spot. As I settle down at a table and lay my head on my arms, a deep sigh escapes my lips.
Last night was a nightmare. A creepy trucker followed me around the store and diner, refusing to leave me alone even when I locked myself in the bathroom. I had to call Jim and stay on the phone with him all night just to feel safe. He promised to spread the word and keep me protected tonight.
But I can't rely on someone else every single night. I have to find a way to get some sleep.
As my mind starts to drift off, a loud thud jolts me awake. My heart races as I look up to see Danny looming over me, his stack of books crashing onto the table just inches from where my head rested.
"Wake up," Danny's harsh voice cuts through my grogginess. "We have fucking work to do and you're not running out on me this time."
I sneer up at him, the bags under his eyes matching my exhaustion. I grab my bag and make a half-hearted attempt to leave. "I'm not in the mood, Danny. We can meet up later to work on this."
He rolls his eyes and plops down in the chair across from me. "Then get in the mood. We do this now or never." His words are forceful, but I can see the underlying worry in his eyes.
Sighing, I give in and put my bag back down. I grab my notebooks and stack them in front of me. "Fine. Where are we on this project?"
Danny leans forward eagerly, his energy infectious. "The land. They want to donate it to us."
My heart flutters with excitement. "Wow, that's awesome! Okay, so then we need to figure out building supplies. We obviously need a huge greenhouse. Do we want to add to that? I mean, we talked about farm-to-table and classes."
Danny nods, along with my ideas. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I like the idea of it all being attached. Fewer issues that way."
"Okay," I lean in closer, "so let's work on that. Quote building supplies, things like that. We should talk to an architect first."
"Cool," Danny says, with a determined glint in his eye. "I'll make some calls. I bet we can get it done for free."
He continues talking about potential resources and contacts, but my mind starts to drift off as fatigue weighs heavily on me. My eyelids feel like lead and my thoughts become muddled.
Suddenly, I feel a sharp shove against my shoulder, jolting me awake. "What the fuck is your problem?" Danny's voice is accusing and angry.
I rub my eyes, trying to stay focused. "I told you, I'm just exhausted. Haven't you ever had a shitty night of sleep?"
"Nah," he sneers, his tone mocking. "Cause I don't sleep in my car."
My stomach drops as I realize how much he knows about me. I've been so careful to hide my living situation from him, but it seems like he's caught on. Panic sets in as I try to play it cool and cover up my vulnerability.
“I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about,” I mutter, my voice trembling with frustration.
Danny’s eyes narrow as he leans forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Gonna play dumb?”
I huff, grabbing my bag, storming out of the library. I don’t need to deal with Danny’s shit. I don’t owe him a goddamn thing.
“We weren’t done talking, Becca.” His voice echoes down the hallway as I quicken my pace, desperate to get away from him.
But Danny is too fast. He grabs my bag, shoving me against the wall with a force that takes my breath away. “Don’t you ever fucking walk away from me again.”
I sneer, pushing against his chest to create some distance between us. “Get fucked.”
He smirks, his grip on my bag tightening. “So, why are you sleeping in your car? Who sold the house?”
Panic rushes through me, and I rush to cover his mouth with my hand before anyone else can hear his questions. “Jesus Christ, shut up.”
Looking around frantically, I pull Danny into one of the empty classrooms nearby. He walks closer to me as I sit on a desk, his intense gaze making me feel small and vulnerable.
“So?” he presses, his voice low and insistent.
My heart pounds in my chest as I take a deep breath and finally reveal the truth. “Yes. I’m technically homeless. But you have to fucking promise not to tell a goddamn soul. If the school finds out, child services are called and I’m kicked out.”
Danny’s hands rest on either side of my thighs as he leans in even closer. “What happened?”
My jaw tightens as I shake my head stubbornly. “Nothing.”
He sighs and steps back, frustration etched on his features. “Stop lying to me, Becca.”
I look away, not wanting to see the disappointment in his eyes. “That’s all you’re getting out of me. We’re not friends. You don’t need to know shit. All you have to do is keep your mouth shut.”
“And if I don’t?” he challenges, a hint of arrogance in his tone.
I lean back, crossing my ankles defensively. “You want to take that risk?”
Danny turns and glares at me, but there’s something else behind his intense gaze... something that makes my stomach churn with uncertainty.
He walks closer to me until he’s just inches away, his breath hot against my skin as he speaks. “Maybe I do.”
My heart races as I resist the urge to lean closer to him. This is wrong, I remind myself firmly.
“ Danny... ” My voice trails off weakly as I try to come up with some logical argument for why we shouldn’t pursue this dangerous game.
But he cuts me off with a smirk. “Fine.”
“Fine? That’s it?” I demand, feeling a surge of anger rise within me.
Danny grins wickedly as he gets even closer, daring me to push him away. “Yup. But now, you’re all mine . One slip up, and I may spill your precious little secret.”
I shove him away roughly, my frustration and confusion bubbling over into rage. “Fuck you, Danny.”
He chuckles darkly and meets my gaze with a challenging stare. “Maybe if you get lucky.”
The shrill sound of the bell echoes through the empty hallway and I break into a sprint, desperate to escape spending another minute in Danny's presence. There's an unexplainable tension between us, like two opposing magnets constantly repelling each other, yet trying to cling to each other.
I enter my next class, going through the motions as I try to push away my worries.
AP American Lit, AP Calc, Women's studies, Botany, Latin.
The words blend together as my mind races with fear. This secret is too massive to keep hidden. Not only will I face punishment from the school's disciplinary board for lying, but also from my dad and my mom.
My mother... the thought sends shivers down my spine as I remember all the pain she has inflicted upon me. The mere thought of facing her wrath again makes me want to crawl into the safety of my own mind.
Finally, the bell rings to signal the end of the school day and I practically sprint out of the building, avoiding any chance encounter with Danny. I can’t be that close to him again...
Climbing into my car, I head towards the nearby truck stop. It's become a refuge for me - a place where I feel accepted and welcomed without judgment. The staff doesn't care about my past or where I come from - they just see me as another customer in need of a warm meal and some human connection. And for that, I am grateful.
Liz flashes a knowing smile as I enter the diner and take a seat at the counter. Her warm, comforting voice greets me as she asks what I want to eat.
“BLT?” I suggest, feeling a bit uneasy under her probing gaze.
She winks. “You got it. So, how was school today?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “It was okay.”
“Just okay?” Liz raises an eyebrow.
“Yeah... my partner in community class found out about my situation,” I explain, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders.
Liz doesn’t seem too concerned. “And?”
“He holds my entire life in his hands now. The school won’t let me continue unless I live with my sponsors - aka my parents. It's some outdated rule. Plus, I would have to face my mom and dad... it's just a whole mess now.”
“And this partner of yours, is he trustworthy?”
I fiddle with my butterfly ring nervously, unsure of how to answer. “Danny... I don't know. There's a part of me that wants to trust him, but there are also red flags screaming for me to run away.”
“Is Danny at least good-looking?” Liz asks playfully.
My cheeks flush at the thought of Danny's handsome features. “I wish I could say no, but damn... he's hot. He's part of this group called the Elite Five - they pretty much run our school. Top students all play lacrosse and come from wealthy families. And yes, they're all ridiculously attractive.”
“Ugh, typical,” Liz scoffs as she slides a plate in front of me with a BLT and apple pie.
“I know, right? And he's such an asshole... but like a charming asshole,” I groan.
“That's the worst kind,” Liz chimes in.
“What color are his eyes?”
“Gorgeous green,” I admit, thinking of the olive hue with a golden ring around the iris.
Liz whistles and fans herself dramatically. “Girl, you've got it bad for him.”
“No way,” My face heating up even more.
“Uh huh... what kind of car does he drive?” Liz asks slyly.
I sigh. “A blacked out BMW E30. It's lowered and looks like something out of a movie.”
“Yep, there it is. Are you on birth control yet?”
“Liz!” I exclaim, feeling flustered and embarrassed by her blunt questioning.
She simply laughs and hands me a second plate - this one holding a generous slice of chocolate pie. “Let’s be real here, Becca. That boy will rock your world in both the best and worst ways.”
“No way,” I insist, though part of me secretly wants to believe her.
“Oh yes,” Liz nods sagely. “He's going to be toxic for you... but in the best damn way.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I mumble as we both laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
The muffled sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air as a steady stream of customers enter the cozy cafe. I finish up my BLT, savoring each bite of crispy bacon and juicy tomato. My homework lies forgotten on the table as I watch Liz expertly navigate between tables, taking orders and delivering meals with ease. It is the perfect balance of chaos and calm.
Feeling guilty for neglecting my schoolwork, I pull out my notebook and jot down ideas for our upcoming community project. I can’t let Danny take on most of the work; it went against my nature to sit back and let someone else do all the heavy lifting. Especially when Danny has already used my biggest secret as leverage against me.
With a heavy sigh, I turn to my Xpad and begin searching for potential greenhouse options. The screen illuminates with various links, which I quickly save into a document and send off to Danny.
Suddenly, Liz appears at my side with a plate of steaming turkey dinner. "Girl, you've been working for hours. You need to refuel."
"Thanks," I reply gratefully, realizing how hungry I actually am. "I didn't even realize how much time had passed. I got caught up in these project ideas."
Liz chuckles as she makes her way to another customer. "Is this for that boy?"
I can’t hide my blush. "Yeah, it's the one."
She playfully rolls her eyes before giving me a knowing smile. "Well, don't let him do all the work!"
I grin back at her confidently. "Don't worry, I never planned on it."
A s the clock strikes ten pm, I reluctantly decide to call it a night. The dim light from my phone illuminates the room as I gather some snacks and make my way to my car. The parking lot is eerily quiet at this hour, and I can't shake off the feeling of being watched. With a quick glance around, I hurry into my car and lock the doors behind me. Taking a deep breath, I settle in for the night and hastily set up my makeshift bed in the backseat.
But as soon as I lay down, all the emotions come flooding back and tears spill out uncontrollably. I try to calm myself down, but it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by my current situation - homeless and on the verge of getting kicked out of school.
Edgewood Prep, known for its exclusivity and prestige, is one of the most elite prep schools in the country. You need a referral just to get an interview with them, followed by rigorous tests to assess your intelligence and personality. And even if you pass all that, you still need a wealthy sponsor to cover the exorbitant tuition fees.
And that's where my problem lies. Without my parents, who were both employed in high-society circles, I have no sponsor. And in this cutthroat environment, one wrong move or withdrawal of sponsorship means immediate expulsion.
The school prides itself on maintaining a perfect image and only accepts two "scholarship" students each year - typically incoming freshmen - as a way to claim some sort of non-profit tax break.
It's a harsh reality that I have no choice but to accept.
I let out a heavy sigh, my thoughts drifting back to Danny. Why do I have this twisted, unexplainable attraction to him? He is the epitome of everything I hate - an arrogant jerk, a bully, and the biggest asshole I've ever met. Yet, here I am, my mind consumed with fantasies of his hands on me. It makes no sense, but then I remember all those intense gazes he gives me. There's something in his eyes that changes when his hand is around my throat, or when he pushes me against a wall.
Liz is right, he's toxic, but that only seems to heighten the intensity of my desire for him. And to make things even more complicated, he holds my entire life in his goddamn hands.
With a frustrated grunt, I turn to grab my phone when suddenly there's a knock on my window. I curse under my breath as I cautiously peel back a small corner of the window cover.
There stands Danny, the yellow light casting sinister shadows across his features. Despite everything, he still manages to look damn good.
I frantically fumble for the car door handle, trying to push Danny away. But his grip is strong, and he easily pushes me onto the seat before closing the door behind him.
He looms over me, kneeling on the seat as I sit back. “So this is where you’re staying, huh?” His voice is low and menacing.
“How did you find me?” I demand, anger and fear bubbling in my chest.
Danny shrugs casually. “Followed you.”
“So now you’re stalking me?” I accuse, my heart racing with apprehension.
”I prefer to call it keeping tabs on what’s mine,” he replies smugly.
I cross my arms defensively, turning away from him as he settles into the passenger seat. “I’m not yours.”
“So why aren’t you in a fancy hotel? Did Daddy cut you off?" Danny taunts.
"It's none of your business," I snap back, feeling violated by his prying questions.
But Danny reaches out, cupping my chin in his hand and forcing me to face him. "Oh, but it is," he insists before moving closer until our lips are almost touching. " Tell me, Becca ."
I push him away harshly. "Get off of me." My heart is pounding so hard I can barely breathe.
Danny ignores my protests and continues. "Why not use some of that money for a hotel?"
"For starters, hotels in this area are expensive, and I'm not old enough to rent a room alone," I retort through gritted teeth. "The ones that do give discounts are usually shady and dangerous. I'd rather stay alive than risk being attacked by some creep."
Danny surveys the small space of my car before turning back to me with a sly grin. "What about friends?"
"Let's not pretend that I have any," I retort bitterly. "You and I both know that I pushed everyone away a long time ago."
"Maybe you shouldn't have," Danny's tone is mocking, and it only adds fuel to my anger.
I glare at him, done with this conversation. This is exactly why I can never let anything happen between us; he's arrogant and selfish.
"Thanks for the unwelcome visit. You can get the hell out now."
As I go to open the door, a pair of bright headlights sneak through the only crack in my cover on the windshield window. We both freeze as footsteps echo outside my car, followed by a sharp knock.
Quickly, I put my hand over Danny's mouth and scoot closer to him, making sure he can't make any moves. My heart races as I hear the familiar voice on the other side of the door.
"I'm back, beautiful. You gonna let me in tonight? Let a real man show you a good time."
Tears prick at my eyes as fear and anger bubble inside me. "Go the fuck away. Jim already told you to stay away."
"That motherfucker ain't gonna do shit. He's thousands of miles away. Now open your damn door. You can't ignore me forever."
"Get away from my car! I'm calling Jim right now." My voice trembles as I reach under my seat and grab the handgun, cocking it back with a loud click.
"You hear that, motherfucker? Da ya tebya zakopaio! " I shout, my finger ready on the trigger.
"You fucking crazy bitch! Don't think this is the last you'll see of me!" The man's footsteps retreat further and further until the lights are finally gone.
I let out a shaky breath, leaning back in my seat as I put the safety back on and place the gun under my seat once again.
Danny stares at me in shock, his eyes wide as he looks from the front of the car to me. "What the fuck just happened, Becca?"
"Nothing. You need to leave."
"Are you serious? You just threatened to kill a man with a gun. I didn't even know you had! And don't think I'm just glossing over the fact that you just yelled at him in Russian. And I’m guessing it wasn’t kind words."
I wipe a lone tear away as I try to compose myself. "Exactly. Do you want to be an accessory to murder, Danny?"
"Becca..."
"No. Forget everything you saw tonight. Everything." I cut him off before he can say anything else. I don't need his pity or his judgment. I can handle this on my own.
I open the car door and make sure the coast is clear before stepping out. Then I go to the passenger side and pull Danny out of the car with me.
"I swear to god, Danny. If you so much as whisper a single word about this, I will end your life. Do you understand me?"
" Becca... " He starts to protest, but stops when he sees the fire in my eyes.
"Stop saying my fucking name. Now go home." My voice is cold and hard as I push him away and turn to walk back to my car, leaving him standing there in shock and confusion.
With a heavy heart, I climb back into my car and close the door behind me. The sound of Danny's car starting up and driving away echoes in my ears. I take a deep breath and wrap my blanket tightly around me, my trusty stuffed bunny clutched in my other hand.
I feel completely overwhelmed. This is more than I can handle. Tears stream down my cheeks and I let them fall, not even attempting to wipe them away. All I want to do is curl up and disappear.
At this moment, I pray for the wintry nights to take me away peacefully in my sleep. It all feels like too much…