Twisted

We stopped in front of a multi-storied, run-down building that looked like it could barely hold itself up. Some of the walls were caving in, and the brick was old and worn-out.

I was seated in-between the two guys, who were absolutely silent the whole way. I tried to keep myself calm for the few minutes we drove, but my legs were trembling despite my efforts. I knew they noticed my shaking but said nothing.

When the car stopped, they opened the doors and exited. I followed behind the blonde-haired male, taking a moment to look around when I stepped on the ground.

I've never been in…this part of town before.

All the buildings looked like the one in front of us. It was like walking in a deserted town during an apocalypse. I half expected to see zombies running around the corner. I took deep, steady breaths as I looked around, noticing there were absolutely no pedestrians. The area was completely deserted. Everything looked…dead.

Well, from what I saw.

I could sense other people there, most likely in the buildings hidden from my view. It was obvious to me that the only people who would come here wanted nothing good.

This was worse than 8-mile.

"Let's go," The brown-haired guy grabbed my shoulder suddenly and pushed me in the direction of the building. He and the blonde guy stared at me expectantly.

I shot them a dirty look and walked across the lifeless grass, getting closer to the building. The air around us didn't even smell fresh.

I stopped when I came to a door and waited for the two guys to step up. The blonde one opened the door and stepped inside. I stepped in behind him and had to strain my eyes to see because of the darkness. Did these guys live in darkness or something?

Were they vampires?

Okay, now I was thinking illogically. I need to get a hold of myself.

I held my breath without knowing, following the footsteps in front of me. The door closed behind me, encasing all of us in sudden, complete blackness. I tried so hard to gain focus on the swarming darkness, but I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face. And the two guys were moving around like it was nothing.

"Come on," The one behind me said, his breath fanning across the back of my neck. "Hurry up. We don't have all day."

"I can't see anything." I insisted feebly, afraid to even move. What was in this darkness?

"Follow Niall," The voice commanded impatiently. "I'm right behind you."

I came to a stop when my fear dominated me. I let out a deep sigh when my lungs began to burn from lack of breathing.

The footsteps stopped in front of me.

"Come on," Blondie—Niall, whispered in the darkness, almost gently. Yeah. The guy who just dragged someone in an alley seemed gentle. "There's nothing in here."

Reluctantly, my stomach churning with nerves, my feet began to move—slowly. I heard Niall shuffle in front of me, and in seconds, I was following behind him at a slow pace, taking small baby steps. I was gradually growing accustomed to the darkness, though I've never seen this kind of darkness before. It seemed abnormal; place of void, like it really did have absolutely nothing in it.

So this is what it feels like to be blind?

"Okay, this is what you're going to do." Niall said in front of me, his voice slowly echoing around us in the emptiness surrounding us. "You're going to walk through this door, okay? We're going to stay out here."

"What's in there?" I asked quietly.

"Just go in the room," The voice behind me snapped. "It's as simple as that."

I had a feeling of what—or who—was in there.

Swallowing heavily, I heard Niall open a door. It let out a little groan as it opened. My heart thudded in my chest as my feet mechanically moved me forward past the door. Just as I passed it, I jumped in the air when it closed behind me. I didn't expect it to make such noise.

By now I was trembling all over. My breath was ragged and coming in short breaths. My eyes searched the overpowering darkness in front of me, trying desperately to see whatever was hiding in it.

This reminded me of the night in the alley, when I couldn't see him except for that lightning bolt. But this was worse. Much worse.

He could kill me.

I waited. I stayed put, my feet implanted to the floor, in fear of falling over.

And then a voice came from a few feet in front of me, "Are you by any chance afraid of the dark?"

It was him. I recognized his voice.

I strained my eyes, looking for any sign of him. But once again all I could see was pitch black. That was it. But I could sense his presence. I can't explain it, but I knew he was there. My arms had goose bumps lining up.

I stiffened when I heard footsteps come closer to me and come to a stop. "Do you know who I am?"

I hesitated. "Yes."

"You asked your friend?"

"Yes."

"I'm curious," To me, he sounded amused, "of what she told you."

When I didn't answer, he said, "Tell me what she told you, Claire."

How the hell did he know my name?

I took a breath—having to remind myself to breath—and answered quickly, "She said you were dangerous."

I heard an inhalation of breath. Did he just laugh? "That's all she told you?"

"She told me you were part of a gang." I continued, stumbling over my words.

"I'm not part of a gang." His voice got low all of a sudden, losing all sense of amusement.

My eyes widened slightly. "You…aren't?"

And then—suddenly, his breath was right in my ear. "I am the leader of the gang." I flinched away from his voice, stepping to my right. My heart felt like it was going to burst through my chest now, and I gasped from his sudden closeness. I didn't even hear him move!

But then his voice was back, only now it was in my other ear. "I'm not just part of the gang, you see. I call the shots. I run the show." His voice took a seductive tone, and when I felt his arm touch my waist I stumbled over my legs and went sprawling to the floor.

I could almost see him standing over me. I could see him moving in the darkness. In fact, it looked like the darkness itself was moving. Was he human, or a dark, eternal being? Trembling in terror, I watched as he stood there. I felt his eyes on me, watching me in the darkness.

"W-what do you want from me?" I choked out, using my arms to move backwards. I had to stay away from him.

"I just wanted my jacket back." He replied with fake innocence. "Did you by any chance bring it?"

My heart sank. I knew I didn't bring it.

"It is common courtesy, you know." He continued. I heard him moving closer. "I did something nice. I lent you my jacket when you needed it, and this is how I get repaid?" He was close enough for me to see him. He crouched in front of me, and I could see the faint lines of his curly hair. "I even sent you a note. Did you receive it?"

"Y-yes."

"I asked you to meet me. I am not a patient man, Claire." His voice had an edge to it now. "When I ask someone to meet me somewhere, they do it or heads will roll." I felt nauseous when he was talking now. Oh no…he was going to kill me.

This was so unfair. I've never been involved with a gang. I've never been drunk or did any illegal drugs. I've never shoplifted or hurt someone out of my own personal gain. I was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"But since you're new in town," I flinched when his hand grazed my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. I moved back, as if his hand was on fire. "I'll cut you some slack."

I said nothing. I only sat there, breathing rapidly, my eyes trained on his form. I was afraid that if I looked away I'd lose his outline. Why couldn't he just turn on the lights or something? Why sit in darkness? It was just too weird.

He straightened up and towered over me again. Before he spoke, I could hear him smirking. "Tomorrow evening I'll retrieve my jacket myself. You will be there. Got it?"

"You're going to come to my house?" I blurted.

"That's where I'm assuming my jacket is. You live in West Side apartments, right? Room 118?"

My face drained. I had to lean my head down or else I'd faint.

He knew where I lived?

"How do you know where I live?" I asked faintly.

His hand found my wrists and forced me into a standing position. I was having too much of a whiplash to even move, for his face was suddenly right in front of mine. I could see his eyes, but it was too dark to see their color.

"I already told you I run this town." He said, his lips forming a smirk. "I know everything. I know every corner of this town. Remember, if you hide from me I will find you. If you run, I'll catch you." I couldn't move as he leaned closer, going as it to kiss me, but he moved his head at the last minute and it lingered over my ear. "Behind you is the door. Niall and Liam will be waiting. I'll see you tomorrow, Claire."

He released me, and I heard him moving away in the dark. I didn't hesitate to turn around and walk forward. The sound of the door didn't make me jump like last time, no. I was still speechless from my talk with Harry Styles.

"Let's go," Niall told me in the darkness. I followed behind him silently, feeling numb. I wasn't even afraid of the dark at the moment, not even when my foot caught on something and I almost fell over.

In a few seconds, we reached the front door. Niall opened it and sunlight poured in front of the room, momentarily blinding my eyes. First I was blind in the darkness, but now I'm blind by the sunlight?

I followed behind Niall, my eyes looking around us. Maybe it would be better off if this place was completely dark, to hide all the burnt-down and/or run-down buildings. Someone should knock these down and replace them, to make it look alive.

I got in the car without a word.




They stopped the car in front of my apartments. I felt close to throwing up now, so I exited quickly and wasted no time in running. However, they were calling my name, so I came to a stop.

"Your purse," Niall said, handing me my purse. Oh. I forgot I left the purse with them. When I had my purse back with me, I tore off running again, my inside heaving.

I barely made it before I fell to my knees over my toilet, unloading whatever I ate for the day in the toilet. I gagged as I coughed up bile, tears forming in my eyes. I felt terrible. Absolutely terrible.

When I was done, I sat there, staring at the floor in shock. I was so shocked that I couldn't cry, even though I wanted to. Who could I call for help? The police wouldn't do anything. Kym was in another country. Maybe I should go back to America, but I doubted there would be any tickets before tomorrow evening. I couldn't be here for tomorrow—I couldn't have Harry Styles come to my house.

I started crying when I thought about how terrible my day went. I had never been so scared before in my entire life. I suppose I wasn't used to it. The only time I ever got scared was if I watched a horror movie, but even then that wasn't true fear. I finally experienced the true essence of fear.

And it was still having its after effects.

I unburied my phone in my purse and ignored the messages and missed calls I had. Instead, I called the first number that came to mind.

Francine.

"Hello? Claire?" She answered on the second ring.

Tears were streaming down my face but I kept my voice calm and steady. "Fran, can you place come over?"

"Sure." She didn't question me, seeing that she already knew what had happened. "I'll be there in 5 minutes." She hung up and I put my phone on my bathroom counter, hoisting myself up.

I looked in the mirror.

I looked absolutely terrible. My eyes were red and puffy from crying, and my cheeks were a deep red as well. My skin was paler than usual and my eyes looked wild and hysterical.

I ran a brush through my long, auburn hair and twisted my hair back in a loose bun in an attempt to make myself look presentable.

I had just made it to the kitchen and began looking for some milk when Francine came in through my front door. I heard her lock it behind her and we stared at each other for a few moments.

Then I bursted out in tears again, nearly dropping the milk carton. Francine rushed forward and took the milk from me, setting it on the counter. She hugged me tightly, repeating how sorry she was over and over again through my weeping.

When I was done, I wiped at my eyes pathetically and whispered, "I-I don't know what to do."

"What happened?" She asked, helping me stand up. I leaned back against the counter, watching as she took a seat at my kitchen table.

"I saw them. You were right, Fran." I said weakly. "They are terrible people. I-I was so mistaken. I thought you were over exaggerating. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine," She soothed, "now tell me what happened. Did he find you?"

I nodded weakly. "I left his jacket here and went to the café." I paused when I saw the look of devastation on Francine's face.

"Go on," She whispered.

I swallowed and continued, "But I saw them drag a man in the alley. I saw it, Fran. And I'm sure other people saw it. But nobody did anything…I didn't do anything. Anyway, I ran out of the store to get here but they caught me and—"

"—oh no." Francine buried her head in her hands. "Please don't tell me."

"No, no, I didn't get hurt."

She looked up, surprised. "You weren't hurt?"

"No. They took me to an abandoned building, I have no idea where it was at. Then they took me inside and was met with Harry Styles. He, uh, talked to me." I could still hear the sound of his voice in my head, haunting me. He wasn't even here and he was still having an effect on me.

"And he didn't hurt you? At all?"

"No. He touched me but that was it." I mumbled.

Francine looked truly puzzled. "That just doesn't make sense. Harry Styles doesn't have anyone—especially a girl—just meet him somewhere and not do something to them."

"Well he said he was coming to my house tomorrow evening." Now that caught Francine's attention. "He wanted his jacket back."

"Shit." Francine stood up suddenly, pacing in front of me. "Shit. That can't be good. He knew where you lived?"

"Yes."

"He has taken an interest in you," She murmured. "This isn't good, Claire. This is terrible."

"I know this is terrible!" I exclaimed, feeling tears come to my eyes again. "And I don't know what to do!"

"You could come to my place and hide in—"

"—no. I'm not bringing you further into this." I held up my hand when she went to protest. "He told me he knew everything about this town. He'll know where I'm at."

"Then what're you going to do?" Francine whispered.

"I have yet to figure that out."

"Well, for starters, do you have a gun?"

"A gun?" I shot her a look. "No, I don't have a gun."

Francine went past me and began searching through my doors. When she found a sharp knife she would pull it out and set it on the counter. When she was done looking through all drawers, there was a pile of sharp knives.

"You have to be prepared." She said aloud. "I don't know what he wants with you, but it surely can't be anything good."

"Are you saying that I may have to use one of these against him?" I asked quietly, gazing at the knives. I've never been this close to violence before. Never.

"It comes to this." She said solemnly. She looked so different, like a completely different person than the Francine I first met. "You must defend yourself, Claire. Do you understand?"

I hesitated. "But what if I don't have to use them?"

"I'm just saying that if he does something, use these."

I sighed. "Okay. I just can't believe this is happening. I've never done anything to him before."

"Well I guess you'll find out tomorrow." Francine went into my living room, and I followed behind. She fell down on my sofa, stretching out her legs in front of her. "Do you want me to be here?"

"No. I won't bring you into this." I said firmly.

She shot me a look. "I can hide somewhere. He won't know it. So if he tries anything, I can help you so you won't be by yourself."

"Please," I begged, hearing my phone let out a noise. I ventured to my bathroom and grabbed it without looking. "Don't bring yourself in this mess. I can take care of myself."

"You know you stand no chance against him," Francine said softly. "Nobody stands a chance against any of them alone. I have no problem staying here, really."

I thought up a response as I saw a new text message.

"I'm just so used to calling the police if I have any trouble." I said sadly, missing America.

"I wish I knew what that felt like." Fran muttered. "I'm sorry you got involved with this. Can't you catch a ride to America?"

"I don't have the money. And I doubt there's anything open in a few hours." I clicked on the message, seeing that it was from a number I did not recognize. It was loading the message. Dumb phone. Working forever.

"Maybe we can look." Francine suggested, looking in deep thought. "There has to be something we can do."

My eyes widened when I read the text message. I felt close to tears again when I looked at Francine, and she immediately knew who it was.

The message said:

Can't wait for tomorrow ;) Oh and I don't want anyone there. If I find that you have smuggled someone in and hid them, I will kill them. I'm glad we understand each other.

-Harry

Notes

Guys, first of all, I want to thank EVERYONE for all the views. Seriously. 140 views for THREE chapters? Gosh. Ya'll are the best. I hope you guys are coming to like this story!

Please let me know what ya'll thought of this chapter! I'll update when I have 15 to 20 Votes :)