Cruel Monster

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

"Talia! Get up!"

"Mom says you're late!"

"Natalia, you little cockroach! Wake up already!"

Why the hell was some kid yelling my name? Was I dreaming? Maybe some neighbor’s brat wandered into my subconscious.

"What the—OH MY GOD!"

I shot up just in time for a pillow to slip under me, sending me crashing onto the cold floor with a loud, humiliating thud.

Then came the splash. Freezing. Aggressive. Absolutely unnecessary.

My skin went numb. My brain short-circuited. I was drenched.

I wiped my face with my palms, blinking fast through the sting.

Standing over me, grinning like a maniac, was Theo—my ten-year-old devil of a brother—holding an empty bucket. Laughing like he just discovered fire.

"What the hell, Theo?!" I croaked.

"A full bucket of water." He snorted. "Good morning."

Oh, I was gonna murder this child in his sleep.

"You know, I happen to know a few cockroaches personally," I said, getting up, dripping, furious. "They love stealing toys from little brats who splash people with water. I might just mention your remote-controlled car to them."

His face twisted in panic.

"WHAT?! NO! MOOOOOM!"

And off he ran like a roach himself.

Dramatic, as always.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, shivering, stepping over the wet mess he left behind. I looked in the mirror and winced—yeah, it was bad. Like slept-in-a-dumpster bad. My long hair, usually silky, now resembled something a pigeon might nest in. I always braided it before bed, but last night... I’d been too freaked out after hearing that news.

I brushed my teeth, washed my face fast—still burning from the water ambush—and did a quick bun with my wild waves. Then I threw on a white oversized shirt, grey jeans, grabbed my backpack (thank God I packed it last night), and bolted down the stairs.

"Morning, everyone!"

"Morning, princess," Dad smiled at me over his coffee.

"Mom, Talia’s gonna give my car to the cockroaches!" Theo whined, still teary-eyed.

"You dumped a bucket of water on me! You soaked my mattress!" I snapped.

"Don’t act like a baby, Talia. You’re already late." Mom didn’t even look up from her toast.

"Oh crap." I shoved half a boiled egg in my mouth.

Mom’s glare said uncivilized creature.

"Dad, let’s go!" I mumbled, mouth full, grabbing an apple.

We rushed outside. I jumped into the car as Dad started the engine.

"You need to wake up earlier, sweetheart."

"Yeah, yeah—OH MY GOD, it’s 8:45! Dad, speed up!" I panicked, checking my watch.

"Relax, we’ll make it." He chuckled.

Ten minutes later, we reached my school. I dashed out of the car.

"Bye, Dad!"

"Bye, princess. Don’t fall asleep in class."

I sprinted to class. Thank God, the teacher wasn’t in yet. I exhaled hard and slid into my seat.

"You're late," Zoe said, raising an eyebrow.

"Theo poured a bucket of water on me. This morning. While I was sleeping."

I dropped my bag like it betrayed me.

"WHAT?!" They both burst into laughter.

Before I could add more, Mrs. Gomez walked in—our math teacher. Sweet lady, but her voice could put a squirrel to sleep.

"She actually looks decent today," Zoe whispered.

"Guess she didn’t fight with her husband this morning," I said louder than I intended.

"Ms. Rauf!"

Cue dagger-stare through her hideous glasses.

"Are we here to enjoy your stand-up comedy or study math?"

"Sorry, Mrs. Gomez. I was paying attention. Just... choked a little."

"Then maybe you can enlighten us, since you’re so alert. What’s the difference between integration and differentiation?"

"Uh... I... I just..." I froze.

"Ijustneverheardthosewordsinmylife," I muttered in one breath.

The class exploded. Mrs. Gomez just stared like she wanted to retire on the spot.

"Sit down, Ms. Rauf. Please. Spare us."

"With pleasure." I sank into my seat.

As usual, my eyes stayed on the board while my brain vacationed elsewhere. This was how math, physics, and chemistry worked for me.

But biology? That was where I thrived.

Lunch break came fast. We hit the cafeteria. I grabbed a sandwich, Zoe and Acacia got burgers. We sat in our usual back-corner table, just in time to spot Delilah and Fardinn giggling over some shared fries.

"Ugh, not this again," Zoe muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Ignore them," Acacia said. "Let them rot in their couple bubble."

"Did you guys hear about that murder?" I whispered, leaning in.

"Someone dumped a body near the shore behind the forest. It was... brutal."

"I saw that!" Zoe gasped. "I nearly peed myself reading it."

"Definitely planned," Acacia said, dead serious. "Not random."

"I think we should cancel our plan tonight," I said, lowering my voice.

"No way." Acacia scoffed. "One psycho killer’s not gonna ruin our fun."

"Also..." I hesitated. "Granny's coming over today. She might already be at my house."

They both froze.

"WHAT?!" Zoe shrieked.

"I’m serious." I bit my lip.

"First a murder, now this?" Zoe groaned. "Why do the gods hate us?"

"Relax." Acacia grinned. "We’re going to the club tonight no matter what. Granny or no granny."

Zoe and I exchanged a look, then turned to Acacia.

After school, I walked home and ran into Uncle Jacob. We chatted briefly about the murder. He warned me to be careful—apparently things were tense in town. The victim was a journalist, and the police suspected the murder was linked to organized crime. Maybe he'd uncovered something he shouldn't have. It wasn’t some random psycho killing. Though, according to the cops, the guy who did it was a psycho.

That evening, I got ready like we planned. I slipped into a loose white shirt, black jeans, and white sneakers. I straightened my hair, added a few loose curls at the top, and let it fall all the way down my back. Then I tied a scarf over my head.

A bit of mascara, some cherry lip gloss—and done.

A few minutes later, I heard Zoe and Acacia downstairs. I headed down and found them already sitting on the couch, dressed like runaway nuns. Granny and Theo were with them.

Obviously, there was a reason for all the baggy clothes and scarves.

“You look beautiful,” Zoe said with a smirk.

“Thanks. You two look like backup singers for a funeral.” I rolled my eyes.

Granny narrowed her eyes. “What’s with the compliments? You three off to a wedding or seeing a patient? You hiding something from me?”

“Granny, please,” Acacia laughed awkwardly. “Is there anything we could possibly hide from you?”

Granny didn’t look convinced. “Natalia, your mom mentioned she didn’t know about your friend’s car accident.”

“What friend?” I asked before I could stop myself.

Zoe and Acacia were blinking and waving their hands at me like lunatics, trying to signal something.

“Oh, that friend. Yeah, that accident happened this afternoon. Mom was busy, so I forgot to tell her. And you. But... she’s in critical condition.” I added with my best fake-serious voice.

Granny raised an eyebrow. “Funny. Your friends said it happened last night.”

“Oh. Right. I heard about it this afternoon,” I said, forcing a smile.

My lie was falling apart and I could feel it.

“Yep! We told her today,” Zoe said quickly, flashing a big grin.

Granny studied us, arms crossed. “Well. At least you’ve learned to speak politely. I’m impressed. You can go. But don’t be late.”

“Of course, Granny,” we all said in perfect unison.

“And bring back the muffins you stole last time,” Theo muttered.

“Sure, cupcake,” I giggled.

We climbed into Acacia’s car and five minutes later, she parked behind an abandoned building.

“Grab your stuff. Change fast before someone shows up,” Acacia said, killing the engine.

Yeah. We definitely weren’t going clubbing dressed like Sunday school teachers.

“We’re actually insane,” I laughed.

“Your granny was way too easy to fool!” Zoe cackled.

“Shut up and change!” Acacia hissed.

I pulled on a black spaghetti strap crop top with a sweetheart neckline that pushed up my boobs and left my stomach bare. Then came a black skirt, mid-thigh, with netted stockings. I finished it off with stilettos and a black leather jacket. My half-curled hair flowed down my back.

Zoe wore a glittery white V-neck party dress and brown heels. She clipped her short hair back and went bold with eyeliner and red lipstick.

Acacia went glam in a golden fringe dress with a square neckline and matching heels. Her hair was pin-straight and sleek. Smokey eyes, maroon lips. She looked like she walked out of a music video.

Zoe dusted glitter on our cheeks and collarbones.

“Why the glitter?” I asked.

“We’ll sparkle like the stars we are,” she grinned.

“Or like walking disco balls.”

“If Granny sees us like this...” Acacia started.

“She’d drop dead on the spot,” I said, and we all burst out laughing.

Ten minutes later, the club came into view.

It was a massive black building, nearly invisible in the dark, except for the glowing red sign on top that read Cimitero. The ‘O’ was a flaming skull.

“What the hell does that even mean?” I asked.

“Cemetery. In Italian,” Acacia explained.

The area around it was eerily quiet. Just a few dim lights. It felt more like a horror movie set than a nightclub.

“Creepiest name ever,” I muttered. “Is this a club or a burial ground?”

“Right? Where’s Dracula?” Zoe laughed.

“Okay, you two—enough,” Acacia said sharply.

“I don’t know if I wanna go in there,” I said, backing away.

“Oh come on, Natalia,” Acacia said. “I’ve been here before. It’s packed. People dancing, drinking, hooking up—you’re judging a club by its exterior?”

“You mean judging a book by its cover, genius,” Zoe corrected.

“Same difference.” Acacia shrugged.

Two towering guards in black suits stood at the door. They didn’t look remotely local. They checked our IDs and waved us in.

Inside, everything glowed black and neon. The air reeked of alcohol and w**d. My stomach twisted a bit.

People were grinding on the dance floor, laughing, drinking, making out. Bartenders were hustling nonstop. A staircase to the side led up to the VIP area, where two more guards in black stood watch.

“We can’t get up there,” Acacia said, raising her voice over the music. “But I’ve heard there are strippers and private rooms. Total after-hours chaos.”

“Let’s hit the bar!” she added, clapping her hands.

“Yeah!” Zoe cheered.

“I swear, if Mom or Granny smells alcohol on me...” I muttered.

"I brought three toothbrushes and toothpaste." Acacia grinned, mischief sparkling in her eyes.

"God, Acacia—you’re too much!" Zoe laughed.

"But... what if we end up drunk?"

"We’re not getting wasted," Acacia said with a shrug. "Besides, alcohol tastes like shit."

"I'm not drinking," I added quickly. "I've already disappointed my parents enough—I can't add more to the list."

"Come on, Natalia, just one little sip?" Zoe nudged me.

I sighed. "Fine. One sip."

We walked toward the bar together. Most people were crowding the dance floor now, so the bar was nearly empty. A bartender with tousled brown hair and piercing gray eyes approached us.

"Well, hey there, gorgeous ladies. What can I get you?" he asked, flashing a cheeky smile.

"Three shots," Acacia replied, blushing just a little.

"Is it... awful?" I asked her, my voice stupidly unsure.

The bartender smirked. "First time at a bar?"

"Yeah. You could say that." I forced a smile.

"Thought so." He chuckled, already reaching for a bottle. "Hold on, I’ve got something hot and wild just for you."

He poured the amber liquid into three glasses, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I’m Anwar. And you ladies?"

"Thanks! I’m Acacia, this is Zoe, and that’s Natalia." Acacia gestured at us as we smiled.

"Beautiful names for beautiful girls." Anwar winked.

"Where are you from, Anwar?" I asked.

"Afghanistan," he said with a soft smile. "Came here four years ago to visit my aunt and just... fell in love with the place. Got this job and never looked back."

"Nice story," Acacia said.

I took my shot—and instantly regretted it.

"Holy hell—it’s burning my tongue!" I stuck it out dramatically and shut my eyes tight. Zoe was doing the same.

Anwar burst out laughing with Acacia. “Welcome to the dark side.”

If it tasted this disgusting, how did people get addicted to it?

"I’m done. That was enough poison for a lifetime," I groaned, my throat still on fire.

"Same!" Zoe cried, eyes watering.

Anwar turned out to be really sweet. We chatted for a while—about his culture, his Bengali-Afghani heritage, and how he used to visit often before moving here. I liked listening to him, but the music was getting louder.

"I don’t wanna dance," I whispered to Acacia. "Too many people."

"Nobody’s paying attention to you, Natalia. Just relax." She rolled her eyes as she started moving with the beat.

"Come on!" Zoe called.

I hesitated a second longer, then followed them onto the floor. Everyone was so absorbed in their own fun. As the DJ switched to Safari by Serena, I let my hips sway.

"You make the time flow slow... sloooow hoo... just like slow rivers flow..." Zoe sang at the top of her lungs.

“C’mon boy move that body, ‘cause tonight I’m naughty, naughty...”

I moved my body with the beat—first shy, then less so. When I rolled my hips, Zoe and Acacia screamed like fangirls.

Maybe the whiskey was kicking in. I felt light, free, a little reckless. Like some wild high school girl who didn’t give a damn.

Then Shape of You started playing and the whole place roared.

"I'm in love with the shape of you..." we all shouted, our voices blending with the crowd.

"Last night you were in my room... now my bedsheets smell like you..."

A delicious chill ran down my spine. I felt like I was floating.

"Talia’s been hiding a sexy little secret," Acacia teased, giggling.

"Total smoke show! How didn’t we know she could move like that?" Zoe laughed.

I couldn’t stop smiling. But then—I felt it.

That sensation. Like eyes crawling on my skin.

I turned my head. Everyone was dancing, drinking. No one was looking at me.

I shook the thought off. But the unease only grew, like something was creeping in.

Then I saw him.

He stood on the VIP balcony, leaning against the railing. One hand tucked in his pocket, the other holding a glass of amber liquor. Watching me.

Unblinking. Still. Like a sculpture carved from night.

He wore a fitted black t-shirt that hugged his chest and arms. His lips were slightly parted. His jaw—clenched. Tousled dark hair, like he’d run his fingers through it too many times. A tattoo snaked down one arm.

Ocean blue eyes locked on me like a sniper’s aim.

I froze.

"Natalia!" someone called.

"Huh?"

“We need to go!” Acacia grabbed my arm. “Delilah’s here. With Amrin and Sima.”

Zoe added, “And Fardinn. His whole crew.”

My heart dropped. "What? Did they see us?!"

"Not sure. But we’re not waiting to find out."

We rushed toward the exit, and I couldn’t help glancing back.

He was still there. Same place. Same posture. Watching me like I was the only person in the room.

Then—just as I was about to turn away—a hand touched my shoulder.

I gasped.

“Whoa! Chill, it’s just me.” Zoe laughed.

I turned back toward the VIP balcony.

And froze again.

He was still staring.

But this time... he moved.

The corner of his mouth lifted into a slow, sinister smirk. Not friendly. Not playful.

A promise.

A silent, unnerving commitment.