The Dark of the Core

Complication

The alarm on the phone went off at the usual time of six causing the girl in the bed to stir slightly. She inhaled deeply and found herself smiling. The scent made her dizzy and she yearned for more. It somehow reminded her of Devin… Suddenly Skye sat up abruptly from the queen sized bed with a start. She looked around her quizzically. The room was so neat and clean as if no one had ever lived in it. It was an unfamiliar room yet she did not feel uncomfortable like she should be. Why did I think of Devin…? The events from yesterday played through her mind.

After her confession in the rain, Skye had fallen asleep in Devin’s arms. She vaguely remembered him saying that he was going to bring her home. He must have brought her back to his house and allowed her to sleep in his room. She assumed it was his room, after all the bed even had his scent in it. On the bedside table there was a set of clean clothes that resembled her school uniform. Moving the covers off her body softly, Skye placed her two feet on the carpeted floor. It felt nice under her feet as she stood up. She then realized that her own uniform was wrinkled, bloodied and dirty. Perhaps I should take a shower… However, Skye quickly banished that thought from her mind. She had to leave now or she would never be able to leave in the future. She had allowed him to get too close to her. Sometimes she found herself forgetting about the pain and just thinking about him. The concern and care in his eyes when he looks at her, the warmth of his embrace and not to mention his alluring scent. Skye froze on the bed and shook her head furiously. These were not thoughts she should be having. He was indeed too close to her… She needed to bring the distance between them further apart.

Taking her school bag which was on the nearby computer chair, she fumbled in it and took out a small plastic box. Looking at herself in the mirror, she quickly inserted the contact lenses into her eyes hiding the crimson red and making it a dull brown. She then quickly changed into the clean uniform and stuffed her own dirty one into her bag. Skye did not know just how Devin had gotten hold of a female uniform since there were obviously no females in the house. Shrugging the question out of her mind, she slipped into her shoes and exited the room. The house was quiet as she went down the stairs. She hoped that no one would be home so it would be easier for her to leave. However once she passed the open living room, she was met with three pairs of eyes.

“Well, someone is up bright and early!” Vince commented with a big smile as he winked at her. 

Devin and the man she remembered as Eavis were both also smiling at her warmly. Skye felt her heart sink. Why were they treating her with so much kindness? When she had not replied or moved, Devin stood up to walk towards her. She quickly took a step backwards holding her hand up to stop him. “Don’t come any closer!” Skye said swallowing a few times to try and dislodge the sudden lump in her throat. The three men looked at each other in confusion before Eavis stood up. “Skye, you don’t have to be shy. Any friend of Devin’s is most welcome here.” He said gently with a reassuring smile. There was so much he wanted to say yet at the moment he could not.

Skye’s eyes widened slightly at Eavis’s words. Devin’s friend…? Immediately she shook her head in denial. “No, we are not friends! We cannot be friends…How did this happen?” Skye exclaimed oblivious to the fact that she had spoken out loud. She continued shaking her head and mumbling incoherently that she did not notice Devin walk towards her. He held Skye by the shoulders firmly and was about to speak when she jerked out of his touch. Her eyes were wide open with fear and she was trembling. Realization hit Devin and he cursed under his breath. He took a few breaths to calm himself before speaking. 

“I’m not going to hurt you, Skye. You are my friend.”

“Stop!” Skye shouted as she covered her ears with her hands. “Please don’t say anymore…” She pleaded softly with tears in her eyes. Because if you do…I will not be able to hold myself back… Silence ensued for a few moments where neither person in the room moved. Only when Devin stretched his hands out towards Skye did she move. She stepped back away from him and glared at him surprising the three men. There were no more tears in her eyes, only hatred and anger. 

“I am not your friend… I never will be nor do I want to be.” Skye said firmly without emotion before walking out the front door. The words hung tensely in the air after she left.

When Skye arrived at school, she was immediately bombarded by a teary Faith. “I have been so worried about you! Thank goodness Devin and Vince found you. Why didn’t you call me?” Faith asked, her voice broken up by dried up sobs. 

Skye did not reply but merely placed a hand gently on Faith’s arm. There was no need for her to give details to Faith. Perhaps if she did tell, Faith would be disgusted and leave. However Skye did not wish to lose the one constant thing she still had in life: Faith’s friendship. The small action seemed to reassure Faith as she smiled back. The two girls then made their way to their first class of the day. While Faith spoke about other things, Skye tried to keep her mind blank. Even when the teacher came into the classroom and started to speak about the elements, Skye made sure that she thought of nothing. She did not want to see the hurt that was bound to be on Devin’s face when she rejected him earlier in her mind. She did not even want to think about him.

Ten minutes into the lesson and Skye found herself looking towards the door where Devin and his brother just walked through. Immediately Devin sought her out and their eyes met. It lasted only for a moment before Skye turned her eyes forcefully away. He’s just another guy…A total stranger… With her eyes closed, Skye tried to convince herself of that. Throughout the duration of the class, she could feel his eyes on her back. What shocked her most was her own reaction. She had to force herself not to turn around and get lost in his blue pools like she wanted to. These feelings surprised and unnerved her for she had never experienced them before.

Not once did she turn her head to look at him though he could tell she was uncomfortable. Her hands were clasped tightly together under the table and her eyes kept turning to the clock at the front of the room. He knew she was ignoring him yet he still did not know just what had set her off earlier in the morning. He had never seen her so angry before. Vince and Eavis were both convinced he must have said something wrong. They advised him to apologize to her as soon as possible. The only problem was how he was going to speak to her when she was avoiding him. Devin was so far in his thoughts that he did not hear the ringing of the bell until people around him started shuffling. When he looked towards Skye, she had already packed up and left the room with Faith beside her. This continued for the rest of the day for every class he had with her. Once during the day Devin had called out to her but she did not even acknowledge him and merely went on her way.

Skye breathed a sigh of relief when her last class of the day ended. The day had been tiring for her trying to avoid Devin at every turn. She had to give him credit for his persistence though. She just hoped it was a onetime thing and after a few days he would leave her alone for good. Only after she had walked out to the corridor and rounded the corner did she realize that she had to go back to that home. A feeling of dread rushed over her as she thought of meeting him. The memory of the last time they met and what he did was still fresh in her mind. Skye quickly shut her eyes and forced the painful images from her mind before taking a step forward. Suddenly she heard two very familiar voices speaking. She opened her eyes and peeked around the corner cautiously. A soft gasp escaped her then she quickly pressed herself the wall hoping they did not see her. Why is he here…? Did he come for me…?

When Alex first saw Cayleb waiting at the front of the school, he found it odd. As he approached, Cayleb looked up with a smirk but it disappeared as soon as he saw it was only Alex. A frown came onto Alex’s face as he spoke. 

“What are you doing here?” He asked, trying not to sound too unpleasant. He did not have a good relationship with Cayleb for reasons unknown to him. However, the guy was still Heather’s brother so he had to at least be polite.  

Cayleb shrugged at the question and turned his eyes away. “I came to see Skye.” He replied casually. Recently, Alex found himself getting suspicious of Cayleb and Skye’s relationship. He had often seen the two of them together, not to mention Cayleb following Skye after dinners at home. Also the way Cayleb looked at Skye sometimes, as if he was possessed gave a lot away. Alex had just never thought much on it before but now it was starting to be obvious. His fiancée was having an affair with her step-brother.

“Really? You came all the way here just to see her?” Alex purposely asked with a smirk. He knew better than to come straight out and accuse Cayleb without any evidence. He would have to wait for a chance to catch them both red-handed. Cayleb did not seem fazed by the question and what it implied as he spoke. 

“Skye didn’t come home yesterday so I came to ask what happened and to take her home. After all, she is my step-sister.” He said nonchalantly but Alex heard the slight hesitance in his voice at the last sentence. 

The smirk on Alex’s face grew larger. “I think you regard her as more than just a ‘step-sister’, right Cayleb?” He said causing Cayleb to stare at him with a frown. The smirk changed to a triumphant smile as Alex turned away. Why don’t I raise the stakes a little higher…?  

“Also for your information, Skye was at my house. I called her and asked if she could sleep over. We’ll be getting married in a few weeks once she turns eighteen so I thought it would be nice for her to get used to living with me.” Alex said not seeing the dark look that crossed Cayleb’s face or his fists clenching.

The silence was all that Alex needed to confirm his hunch. He turned back around and stepped closer to Cayleb until they were face to face. “You shouldn’t meddle with something that isn’t yours. Skye belongs to me. She is my fiancée so whatever it is you’re planning...you better stop it now.” Alex said in a low voice. For some reason he found himself wanting Cayleb to stay away from Skye. Though half of what he had just said was to spite Cayleb, he found that he meant each and every word. After a few moments where neither guy spoke, Cayleb smirked and straightened up. 

“I wonder what my sister will say about that. I doubt she would be happy.” He said causing Alex’s eyes to widen in surprise.

Skye did not wait around to hear anymore. After Cayleb spoke, she quickly turned around and ran away. What is Alex thinking? She definitely couldn’t go home now. Cayleb would be waiting to punish her for staying with Alex though it was a lie. He wouldn’t believe her even if she told him the truth. She would still get punished for staying with a guy. Tears sprung to her eyes and blurred her vision as she continued running. Suddenly she felt a force collide with her and heard the voice of the guy she had been avoiding all day. Skye did not stop to apologize nor did she look at Devin as she tried to move around him.

When Devin had recovered from the temporary headache caused by the impact he saw that the person who had ran into him was Skye. She did not look at him and quickly tried to move around him but he grabbed her arm. Skye immediately reacted and jerked out of his grasp while holding both of her hands to her chest protectively. 

“I’m sorry.” Devin blurted out causing Skye to look at him. “I’m sorry for whatever wrong I have done to you.” He continued before giving a humourless laugh. “I don’t even know why you’re mad at me.” He said letting a little bit of hopelessness into his voice. 

Skye stared at him without speaking. The urge to want to run into his arms was overwhelming but she forced herself to stay still. “I’m not mad at you.” She replied quietly. 

Devin released a frustrated sigh. “Why are you avoiding me then?” He asked and she turned her eyes away. “See, that’s what I mean!” He exclaimed before stepping forward and tipping Skye’s chin up to face him leaving her with no choice but to look at him. 

“I am not avoiding you.” She said before pausing for a moment. “I just have nothing to say to you.” She finished, hoping he would leave it at that. If she didn’t leave soon, Alex or Cayleb would find her or in the worst case scenario, both of them would find her.

No sooner had Devin lowered his hand, Skye felt someone grab her arm. She instinctively jerked back and turned to see Alex glaring. His eyes were not on her however, they were directed at Devin. A few moments of silence passed before Alex finally turned to Skye. 

“We’re going home now.” He stated and moved to take her hand but she refused. “What is wrong with you?” He asked annoyed then without waiting for an answer he grabbed her hand. 

Skye shook her head vigorously and tried to pry her hand away. “I don’t want to go home.” She exclaimed causing students around to look at them. 

Alex frowned and pulled Skye roughly to him. “Would you rather stay with him?” He asked tilting his head slightly in Devin’s direction. Skye turned to look at Devin, almost forgetting he was there. His face was expressionless but his eyes were focused on Alex. She knew what her answer was even before thinking it. However, just as she was about to speak, Alex grabbed her head and without hesitation brought his lips to hers.

Gasps sounded from students that had gathered around and Skye could see their fingers pointing at her. As her eyes roamed, she caught sight of Cayleb frozen in the hallway staring at her. His lips were set in a grim line and his jaw was tight. She felt tears in her eyes and desperately tried to push Alex away but he held her head tight.

Devin’s fists were clenched tightly as he watched Alex kiss Skye. He could see the look of utmost fear in her eyes and immediately intervened. He stepped forward and pushed Alex away roughly while taking Skye’s hand and pulling her behind him gently. 

“You didn’t ask for her opinion. It is obvious she does not want to go home. There is no point in forcing her.” Devin said in a calm voice, keeping his eyes trained on Alex. From behind him, Skye was furiously wiping her mouth with her free hand and forcing the bile back in her throat.

“Devin? What is going on here?”

The three turned to see Vince and Faith walking towards them along with a familiar blonde-haired guy following close behind. Devin felt Skye stiffen behind him at the sight of the guy. He then remembered the guy’s name was Cayleb and he was Skye’s ‘step-brother’. Devin protectively held Skye’s hand tighter as Cayleb approached, eyes focused completely on Skye. 

“This has nothing to do with you so why don’t you just give her to me?” Alex said trying not to lose his cool while reaching towards Skye’s hand. Devin pulled it away from his grasp causing both Alex and Cayleb to react. Vince immediately stood in front of Devin with his arms out to the side. 

“What exactly is the problem, Devin?” He asked eyeing Alex and the guy with blonde hair. He had seen the guy before at Mizuya and somewhere else that Vince just couldn’t remember. He followed the guy’s gaze and saw it was focused on Skye. It was then that realization struck him and he rushed forward, everything becoming a blur except his target.

Before he knew it, the guy was on the floor wiping blood from his lip and Vince was being restrained by Devin. Faith and Skye both had hands covering their mouths in shock. Cayleb spat out some blood along with saliva before standing up with Alex’s help and glared at Vince. 

“Do I f*****g know you? Why the hell did you punch me?” He asked but was pushed back by Alex when Vince tried to charge at him again. 

“Shut up, you son of a b***h! You shouldn’t even be allowed to live after you’ve done!” He exclaimed causing Skye to look at him in surprise. How does he know…?

Cayleb did not reply for a few moments before shrugging. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Devin lost his cool straight away, releasing Vince as he grabbed Cayleb by the shirt. “Don’t play dumb with me. I’ve seen the evidence. You can’t even qualify as a human let alone a man.” He said in a cold voice causing Cayleb to shudder slightly.

Suddenly Cayleb was pulled away by Vince who punched him in the face. Just as Vince was about to charge again, a female teacher made her way through the large crowd that had gathered and towards the group. 

“What is going on here?” She exclaimed looking from Alex who was helping Cayleb up from the floor and Devin who was restraining his brother again. “Fighting is not permitted on school grounds at any time! I would have thought you boys were mature enough to know by now!” She continued before giving a sigh. “This will not happen again, am I clear?” She asked in a stern voice. Without waiting for their reply she turned to the crowd of students around and forced them on their way. 

When she turned back, she stepped towards the two girls. “Miss Lowes, who is taking you home today?” The teacher asked Skye with a small smile. Skye bit down on her lip unsure of who to say. She wanted to go home with Devin but was sure that idea would not go well with Alex or Cayleb. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, she was interrupted.

“Me, I am!”

Four male voices spoke out at the same time. As soon as they spoke, the four men stared at each other unpleasantly. 

“Don’t even think of putting your hands on her.” Vince warned Cayleb as he took a step forward only to be held back by Devin. They were so focused on Cayleb that they did not realize Alex had walked up to Skye. He grabbed her hand tightly causing her to struggle in vain. 

“She is my fiancée so she is obviously going home with me.” He said before walking off with Skye stumbling after him. He was stopped soon after however, by Cayleb who stepped in his path. 

“What does that make me? I am her step-brother.” Cayleb said with a slight hint of a smirk.

“Enough!” The teacher exclaimed before pointing two fingers at Cayleb and Alex. 

“You two take Miss Lowes home now.” She demanded not allowing any place for argument. 

“Gladly.” Cayleb replied then turned to Devin and Vince with a smirk. Devin had to hold himself and his brother back before they made another scene. There was nothing he could do to help her. 

“Come on, Vince, we have to go.” Devin said trying not to let his hurt show. 

His brother’s fists were clenched tightly. “f**k this.” Vince exclaimed surprising Faith who was next to him before stalking off.