Monday, March 31, 2014

Standoff


“Freeze, mother fucker!”

“Asa. I expected you sooner.”

“Fuck you, Alex. Where’s Luna.”

“She’s sleeping. Leave her alone.”

“Get out of my way.”

“Go home, Asa.”

“I’ll shoot you mother fucker!”

“Your balls aren’t big enough.”

*BANG!*

“You missed.”

“I’m not going to warn you again. Get the fuck, out of my way.”

“Hey! You guys stop it.”

“Luna! Go back to bed.”

“There you are, Luna. Do what Alex said. Go back to bed you look like shit. I’ll be there in a minute. I just need to take care of some business here, some unfortunate, fucking business.”

“I’m not going anywhere while you’re pointing a gun at Alex.”

“There. Are you happy?”

“No. I don’t trust you.”

“Oh, look Alex. Luna has decided to be your body guard, ain’t that fucking cute.”

“Luna, listen dear. Thank-you but I got this.”

“Dammit Luna. I’m not going to tell you again, go lay down. You look like shit!”

“Whoa! I got her. She’s passed out again.”

“Good. Now we can settle this situation between you and I, without interference.”

“Tell you what Asa, I’ll be back in five minutes. If you still want to go toe-to-toe with me, put down your shiny friend and we’ll settle this, like men.”

“You’re on.”

“I’ll fuck you up, the same way I did your guard.”

“That was a big mistake, Alex.”

“No. Challenging me to a fight was a mistake. Prick.”

“Five minutes… and counting.”

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Alex


Luna: 

“Where am I?”

“At home where you should be, in a guest room.”

“Where’s Asa?”

“Don’t worry about him.”

“Ow. Everything hurts.”

“I bet it does. Lie still, okay?”

“No. Take me back to Asa’s.”

“I will do no such thing.”

“Where’s papa?”

“Michael’s not here but Im sure he’s on his way.”

“Okay. I just need to tell him that I don’t want to go to the beach anymore, like ever again.”

“You’re delirious, sweetheart.”

“Ow, god dammit! Where is Asa?”

“Stop saying his name!”

“No! I want to see him.”

“You, my lady are really starting to piss me off.”

“Ow, fuck. It hurts too much.”

“See, you’re in no condition to move. Relax.”

“This sucks and you’re an asshole.”

“How am I an asshole? You don’t belong over there, for any reason.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.”

“Whatever.”

“Thanks for flipping me off, Luna. That’s charming.”

“I hate you.”

“Okay, I don’t have to listen to this. I’ll be in the other room if you need me.”

“Wait! I was just kidding… kind of.”

*door slam*

“Dammit.”

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Asa


“Wake up, Luna… 
You’re having a bad night.

A tree came down and broke through your window.
It landed on your bed and nearly killed you.

You’re lucky to be alive.

I’ve been wanting to chop that tree down forever, you know.
But no. You wouldn’t let me.
You said it had to stay.
Something about the birds.
The stupid, fucking birds.

Try not to move, babe.
I haven’t got all the glass out, yet.
You’re covered in cuts and so am I.

It wasn’t easy to get you out of there, you know.
You’re lucky I found you.

Keep your eyes open, babe.
Can you speak to me?
Say something.

I didn’t say flip me off but at least you have the strength.

Careful.
See, I told you not to move. 
Hurts like hell, doesn’t it.

Don’t get upset, babe.
That won’t help either.

Why the fuck would you flip me off anyway, Luna?
I’ve always been on your side.

I know you don’t like some of the shit I say. 
But listen to me when I...

What the fuck was that?
Did you hear something?

It sounded like it came from the hallway.

Anthony! 
What’s going on out there?
Anthony?

No answer.
Fuck. That’s no good. 
Where’s my gun.

I’m sure it’s nothing, babe.
But I need to go check it out.

Hey Luna, keep your eyes open.
God dammit. 
Fine.
Go to sleep then and I’ll be right back.

Kills me to see you like this, you know.
So much blood on such a pretty girl.”

Friday, March 28, 2014

Gone


Alex opened the door to Luna’s room. He got there as quick as he could. The curtains were drenched and whipping around in the wind. 

His flashlight surveyed the room. He noticed of the glass on the floor. He discovered the tree across her bed but Luna wasn’t there. 

Asa had got to her first but he paid a bloody price, in his endeavor to set her free. The branch was heavy and the glass was thick but nothing would stand in his way.

He took her back to his place. Alex found a clue. He wanted to see her and headed that way, knowing he’d have to break in.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Nightmare


Luna fell asleep, despite the wicked storm. The roar of the wind made her dream of the beach. It sounded like waves pounding the shore. 

She walked alone, along the surf then decided to wade in the sea. The water was cold and stung her feet but she wasn't about to leave.

Collecting shells and soaking up sun, Luna lost track of the tide. An errant wave knocked her down and pushed her into the sand.

Then waves of water kept coming. They wouldn’t let her breath. She reached for a log but got pinned underneath, as the water returned to sea.

Luna soon passed out. She was lying in her bed. The storm had sent a branch through her window. The rain poured in, the candle went out. The ocean turned to glass.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Chaos


Luna went home that night, high on Alex. She cranked her music and danced around til well after the sun had set. Meanwhile, the storm outside intensified.

Her music abruptly ended, thanks to Asa’s fist. She froze to see him there. He charged like a bull then threw her. She landed on the bed.

“You fucking kissed him!” Asa yelled, ripping off his jacket. 

“It was no big deal!” she said. 

“Oh! So, you think I’m overreacting?” 

Asa moved towards her.

“No,” she cowered and tried to get away.

Asa quickly trapped her. He backed her into a corner. He narrowed his eyes and then he stood on her feet. 

“Don’t ever let that happen again,” he warned her, while pressing down a bit more.

A tree started to pine at the window. Branches scratched at the glass. It aggravated the tense situation. 

“I’ll KILL that mother fucker!” Asa yelled without warning. 

Lightning flashed and the power went out. Thunder shook the room. 

Asa swore then pushed her. 

“You’re lucky. I’ve got to go.”

He lit a candle then a smoke. Luna stood in the corner.

“Go to bed,” he told her at the door. “We’ll finish this in the morning.”

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Calm


“You’re on time today,” Alex noted. “It’s a miracle.”

Luna took a seat.

“Where’s your assignment?” he asked.

She handed it over. Alex made sure it was legit then set it down.

“I’m not happy you got kicked out of the library yesterday,” he said. “And they want their book back, the one you stole.”

“It was an accident,” she said and put it on the table. Alex picked it up.

“The Crucible,” he read. “How apropos.”

He looked at Luna and she stared back. His eyes were hypnotic, blue and sexy as hell. She loved his time worn features and his... 

“Pay attention,” he snapped. “I know you spent the night with Asa and I’m very disappointed.”

“Hey, don’t get mad at me,” she replied. “It was totally his idea.”

“Sorry, I don’t believe you.”

“Nothing happened, okay?” she reassured him. “He’s mad at me, just like you are.”

“I’m not mad at you, entirely. I think the term I used was, disappointed.”

“I need a break from this stupid place.” Luna said and opened a nearby window. The sun was out but the breeze was cold. She pretended not to notice.

“Hey, you can see the beach from here! Take me to the beach, please?  Pretty, pretty please?”

“Sweetheart, I wish I could,” Alex said. “It sounds nice but there’s a storm coming in, arriving late tonight and it’s already gotten cold.”

Luna sat and grumbled.

“Close the window and get over here,” he said. “Time for you to study.”

Luna took a seat and opened her book. She took forever to find a pencil. She pretended to read but struggled to think about anything related to school.

Alex could tell so he prodded her, “What’s distracting you, now?”

“It’s Asa,” she admitted. “He is such an ass, sometimes.”

“I’ve been telling you that for years,” Alex said and leaned forward. “Luna? What would I have to do to get you to forget about that prick for a while?”

Luna giggled then Alex did it… he kissed her. He kissed her long and hard. She whimpered and dropped her pencil. 

“Do I have your attention now?” he asked.

All Luna could do was smile.

Alex teased her the rest of the day but kept it fairly clean. She did her best to make him happy. When it was time go he kissed her again. 

It shouldn’t have spilled out into the hall.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Attitude


That night, Luna stayed at Asa’s. It was mostly his idea. Despite having work to do he wanted her there, to keep her away from Alex. She didn’t mind, she poured him drinks and listened in when he talked on the phone. 

Hours later, he finished and whistled for her attention. She ran to sit on his lap. Her smile was big but it didn’t last. Asa was in a bad mood.

“I’m still mad about earlier,” he said. 

Luna sat quiet and listened.

“Control your temper,” he warned her. “It’s a big turn off. I like my women calm and composed.  Strive for it.”

“Okay,” she said and began to massage his crotch. Asa did his best to accommodate her.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Nothing. Can I have a cigarette?”

“Michael told you to quit.”

“But Michael isn’t here,” she said.

“I don’t like your attitude, Luna. You have no respect for people you should be listening to. Do what you’re fucking told, for once.”

“Okay,” she said. “Hey! Will you take me to the beach, tomorrow? It’s supposed to be nice.”

“Michael warned me you would ask. No, I won't.”

Luna got mad and swiped his smokes then bolted for the door. He whistled again but she was gone. He was not amused. 

A short time later he found her, passed out in his bed. Asa let her sleep. 

Luna snuck out before morning and went about her day.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Pretty


Asa caught up with Luna outside the library. She was walking fast, headed home. He came up from behind and spun her around.

“What the fuck just happened in there?”

“Alex is a prick,” she said.

“I’ve been telling you that for years.”

She continued to walk but Asa stopped her again.

“You look like an idiot when you do shit like that. You hear me?” 

“I don’t care,” she said turning away. “He deserved it.” 

Then Luna tripped and fell.

“Get up,” Asa said. 

“Owie, I scraped my knee!” she complained.

Asa bent down and looked it over. After a moment, he stood back up with his analysis. 

“I’ve had bigger scratches on the head of my dick. Get up.”

Luna flipped him off then hurried to get on her feet.  They walked a little further but she had a limp and Asa didn’t like it. He told to knock it off so she did.

“You never answered my question, Luna. What the fuck happened in the library?” 

“I was just standing up for you,” she mumbled.

“Thank god for that,” he chuckled.

Luna told him to fuck off. He laughed and sighed then gave her some advice.

“Watch that pretty little mouth of yours, babe.”

Monday, March 10, 2014

Booked


“Luna, you’re late.”

“By thirty seconds, maybe.”

“Late is late.”

Alex wasn’t in a good mood and neither was Luna. It didn’t take long before they were arguing. It was a quarrel conducted in whispers, though. They were in the library.

“I heard your conversation with Michael,” she said. “You don’t need to rat on me, asshole.”

“You don’t need to be in the back of Asa’s car.”

“Fuck off. I can't believe you just got a raise for ratting on me!”

“Clean up that filthy mouth of yours. That is not how it happened and you know it.”

Luna put her bag on the table and began to pull out books for a study session that didn’t look promising. Alex called her a brat and took the seat across from her. Instead of putting the last book on the table she flung it at him. It hit him in the chest. He jumped up and tried to grab her.

“What the fuck was that for!” he growled.

Instead of answering, Luna went to a nearby shelf and armed herself with hardcovers. One by one, she threw them at him. He played defense and tried to talk her down.

“This is really embarrassing, Luna. People are watching. Stop it.”

She had no intention of stopping but quickly changed her mind when she saw Asa standing there. 

He looked very disappointed. 

Luna took the last book in her hand and pretended to need it. Ignoring Alex and everyone else, she put it in her bag then left the library but forgot to check it out.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Stranglehold


Luna went back to her room and played with Michael’s tie. She liked how it felt on her cheek. It was shiny and red, and matched the color of his face whenever she pissed him off. 

She liked to piss him off. Sometimes he even deserved it. Luna was starting to miss him though and found a reason to go bug him again. 

She combed her hair then put on his tie and little of anything else but down the hall there was another voice, it was Alex. Michael wasn’t alone. 

Luna hid and listened. She was the topic of conversation. Alex caught her and Asa earlier, in the back of Asa’s car.

Michael rolled his eyes. 

“I’ve tried to separate those two before. I don’t like the shit they pull and I better not catch them myself,” he said, “But honestly Alex, I’m too busy with my own indiscretions to warrant an intervention. Besides, he’s willing to put up with her and that’s not easy to do.”

Alex rolled his eyes. 

“Asa is a terrible influence on her.” 

“I know,” Michael admitted, “The situation isn’t ideal but that girl is just fine. I spend a lot of money to keep her safe and happy. I pay you enough, don’t I? Is that why you’re here?”

“No, I’m concerned about Luna.”

“I think you’re jealous of Asa but whatever. I have no problem paying you more but watch her extra close this week. She’s up to something.”

Luna snuck back to her room and closed the door. She wasn’t up to anything at all. Not yet, anyways. She walked to her dresser and took off the tie then strangled a bouquet of flowers. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Ties That Bind


Luna sat on the edge of Michael’s bed while he packed for another business trip. She fondled his shirts and sorted his ties. All the while he watched and wondered what kind of trouble she would get into this week.

“What do you plan to do while I’m gone?” he asked.

“I want to go to the beach,” she replied.

“Wait til I get back and I’ll take you.”

“No you won’t. You’ve promised me before.”

Michael stopped packing.

“You listen here, young lady! I’m a busy man and you need to respect that.”  

He continued to lecture her from the closet but Luna wasn’t listening. She stole a tie from his suitcase. He returned with the last of his things and tugged on the back of her hair.

“Did you hear me? I said stay out of trouble and we’ll go when I get back.”

Luna hopped off the bed and grumbled all the way to the door.

“I hate it when you leave!” she announced before slamming it shut.


“I know you do,” he replied to no one, then packed another tie.