Valemont's Game

Prologue Haylee- “What do you want me to do?!” she yelled. When doesn’t she though? It’s funny how when we grow up there’s so much light around us, even if everything is completely fucked from the beginning. But when you grow up that light smashes you in the face, and you end up in a shitty ray of darkness. I always say to look past it, though deep down everyone knows you can’t see in the dark. That darkness seems to be alive and well. Probably ‘cos it’s nighttime. So, I sit here and listen to my mother complain about more space away from father. About me transferring out of Jackson, or about wanting a better life for the both of us. To be honest she’s not a bad mother, although I don’t think she deserves mother of the year either. Life of the rich, right? You can do anything to anyone and not be held accountable. It’s all about money, right? Or rather the money my father likes to say is his donation since he didn’t stick by his first family. “What you did was a violation of our daughter, Lilly. It’s no wonder she’s so upset. You couldn’t even give her the opportunity to pay for what she did. How will she grow up if we never give her the chance to take responsibility?” “Well, of course, I didn’t give my daughter the chance to damage our reputation. Are you insane, Brian?! She’s only eighteen” she shouted. “Exactly, eighteen. Responsible enough to take things into her own hands.” I agree, she had no right but somewhere in me feels like an ungrateful brat for saying that. I’m not much better on the father side of things, even though we do seem to have some type of weird telepathy I wasn’t aware of. Still, he’s a jackass but isn’t every suited, rich man alike? That’s why I went to Jackson in the first place, my only escape from my genes. Though these blue ones are getting uncomfortable and I just want to go inside to see sis. I haven’t seen her in some time and it’s weighing on me. Especially since she’s been so f*****g preoccupied with Prep. My mom wants me to go there, but it’s gonna be a no! I’d rather be in prison for the next six years then step into that place. My mom’s voice sent chills down my arms, shouting at the top of her lungs, and releasing all the anger onto her brand new, yellow, steering wheel. My father was sitting next to her, clenching his fists with that same grin filled with disappointment. I didn’t know whether that pile of rage was for my mom or I, but as they kept arguing I started to figure it was meant for her. “Brian, do you understand that I’m trying to take care of her?” “I get you’re trying to take care of her, but she is old enough to handle these things on her own” he responds with gritted teeth. “We cannot always swoop in when something goes wrong, Lilly. She’ll never grow up if we keep coddling her like this.” I sometimes wonder why they even married each other. “I’m gonna go inside; I miss her” I say, pulling on the door handle little by little. Mom swerves her head back to look at me, her eyes are still blinded with sudden anger. You could tell she was trying to hide it, but she couldn’t help but let it show. “Okay, hon. Tell Zoe I love her if she’s still awake.” I nod my head before exiting the car, pulling my shirt down and noticing the light in the living room. So, she is still awake? I’ve never been a perfect sister, maybe not even a good one but regardless... I really f*****g miss her. I walk in the house, but she’s nowhere to be found. Calling her name, but no one responds. Messing with my shirt and changing into a tee. I make a note not to wear anything that involves shoulder holes. Don’t want my mom to see the bruises on my back. She’ll try to protect me again and we all know how that goes. My muscles crave to feel the warmth of water and the cascade of body wash. But right now, I just want a hug from my sister. I wish to see her smile after so long, even hang out with her for a bit. Though, she’s still not answering. You know that feeling when your senses start speeding up and worry caresses your bones? When you know, just know... something’s off. I’ve had that all day, but it’s probably nothing. I chalk it up to shaky hands and withdrawal symptoms when I see her legs laid out on the floor. Her body’s not moving, but she’s just asleep. She always tells me she likes the comfort of the plush, purple, rug under her feet. It’s nothing. I’m just jittery from this morning, that’s it. That’s all. I walk into her bedroom, calming my nerves when I see her tablet on the bed. She’s still lying on the floor, but she might’ve fallen asleep, right? Please, please tell me she’s asleep, but she’s not and she’s not moving either. Panic rises like a soft bubble inside me, overflowing like when you leave the water on in the sink. The tears start filling my eyes and an itch barricades underneath my skin. Scolding myself as I fall onto the floor beside her. That feeling, the one that tells you something’s wrong. It’s back and it’s the only thing that’s not wrong. “Zoe” I cry. “Zoe!” Chapter 1 - His Name Haylee- “I don’t see why I have to go anyway.” She glares at me with one of those where did I go wrong? disappointment looks as I sip vanilla tea out of a black mug. “After everything I’ve been through with you” she scolds, “All I’m asking is for you to go there today and at least, try. The drugs, the drama; don’t you think I deserve this, Haylee?” “Don’t use that s**t against me, mom” I yelled, tapping my nails against the table continuously. Though, she has every right. Her look of disappointment disappeared with the importance of this conversation. “You have to admit, Prep’s f****d-up.” Still asking myself why she let Zoe go there in the first place. She c***s her head, pondering how I became this way. Didn’t she raise me better, why am I like this? Or, at least that’s the question that’s running through her head. I would say she stopped raising me when I was twelve but she’ll never admit that. “What makes them so bad, hmm?” she questioned. How about my sister killed herself while she was attending? Nope. She tends to block that part out, doesn’t like mentioning it much. “Seven suicides mom, seven f*****g suicides! That’s too much, don’t you think?” She stares at me. Arching her eyebrows with one of those petty looks that say... I’m so much better than you will ever be. You know, the normal b***h look. “First, don’t use that language with me and second, suicide is common nowadays.” So, that’s a reason to send your two daughters there, because it’s common? That’s like saying since rape is common, don’t bother asking for help when it happens to you. I walked up to the counter as my mother kneeled her head down in shame. “Ok, what is it now?” I could hear the huffs and see the fake tears running through her eyes as she looked up at me. “It’s just everything we’ve been through; I would think the most popular Preparatory school in Oregon would be enough for you, but it’s clearly not. Why can’t you do this one thing for me?” I always cave when she cries. Don’t know why, but I always do. "Fine, I’ll go to the school. I’ll try my best to be Ms. cheerful Peppy Pep, I promise.” She looked up to me with one of those classic fake smiles. Showing white teeth and forcing her eyes to look glossy. A slight flicker of sadness as I look to the other marble counter. “That’s all I want, Haylee. Though, I wish you had some more enthusiasm about it” she grinned. This is all you’re getting, just know that. Her high heels echo as she leaves to the other room quickly and I grab my book bag, feeling the weight crush down on my back immediately. Slipping on strapless sandals and sitting my cup of tea down. Vanilla Chai, just delicious but you know what’s not? Having to drive yourself to the same place your own twin sister decided she’d like to die. Though, that’s not edible but I assume you get it. Gazing at the steering wheel, I started to remember the screwed-up nightmare that’s my life. Five months ago, my sister killed herself. Wow, I know. Bet you couldn’t guess. It’s not like I talk about it every second or anything. Though, her and I were never really close, it still hurt me. Her body, it was so... cold and there were cut marks on her wrists. Scrapes, scars that were dry so I knew they didn’t kill her. What killed her was whatever the hell was in that cup, lying on the floor next to her cold, barren, hands. The police ruled it as a suicide so, nobody was charged with anything. It still seems f****d-up for mom to send me to the last place that she attended. Her memory probably haunts Prep and isn’t that just the best way to get over your dead sister? Yeah, no. She just enrolled me, but she can always go back on that decision, right?... right? I already miss Jackson and I haven’t even stepped in this godforsaken school! Although, my mom was right, Valemont is the most popular school in Risen Vale. They’re known as money hungry bastards, but they did have a wonderful reputation. Thinking about the humongous building, I wonder something. Did my sister die as one of those accidental suicides or was there something hidden that nobody knew? Something hidden behind in this very building? No, that’s ridiculous. Or at least, one can hope it is. *** Private schools don’t shock me, but this one gives me the heebie-jeebies. Not just the agriculture or gardens, though they do look like they jumped out of a 1920’s haunted house. The beautiful fountain in the middle of a deserted land, in front of the ginormous buildings that look more like structures from hell. The statues or blocks of gold. The brick writing of Valemont Academy on top of the first building. Already taking about fourteen acres of land, next to the silver fountain sitting atop of the pretty flowers. Jackson wasn’t a rich school, but I don’t think any can compare to the masterpiece of Prep. That’s what they do, right? Take a few pieces of beauty to cover up the ugly truth that lives inside. Or maybe I’m just bias. I stand aside, as a group of people gather and fancy cars drive by. Droplets of sweat already dripping from my brows. Shivers lining up, like soldiers ready for war. Not just because of the heavy ass doors I had to pull to get in, but because I already feel like I’ve walked into hell. Cool thing about hell, everything’s made of stone. I guess they needed something heavy to hide the secrets. The second I step in; I see a massive hallway, painted in a light blue color that remind me of the time I got lost in the woods and almost drowned. Childhood stories, right? Mine are darker than others, but still. The point is the place makes me feel like I’m drowning and I haven’t stepped foot into my first class yet. I need to go to the main floor to talk about schedules before it starts. Which is the second floor... I believe? But I guess we’ll find out. In a maze like this school, there’s no doubt that I’ll be late to my first class. I clack my sandals against the tiles and wait for a realization to come. One where I wake up and it seems this entire thing was just a terrible nightmare. I never went to Juvie; my sister never died. I try to tell myself that it’s gonna be okay but before I can finish a blonde pop’s up out of nowhere. “Hi there. Are you new?” She speaks in high pitch and shocks me suddenly. Curling her blonde hair between her first and middle fingers while tapping her nails against one of the lockers. You can tell they’re a newly manicured set and she doesn’t want to f**k them up but she still wants to play with ‘em. Barely speaks but expects me to. “Is it that obvious?” I sigh. She twirls her hair, flashing me a smile and giggling. A soft laugh, one that makes me feel slightly less shitty than I did before. “My name’s Charlotte. You know where you’re going?” she questions. “Not a clue.” I believe my first class is English but I don’t know where that is. “Do you have a schedule?” I nod, “I’m looking for the office, but I don’t...” She nods back, finishing the sentence inside her head and smiling. Seems like a cool person and I didn’t think I’d find one so early through my adventures inside Prep. Still surprising but after finding your sister, dead on the floor, nothing surprises you much. Whatever, at least I made my first real friend before I made my first real enemy. Don’t think it’ll happen? I guarantee you it will. It always seems to with me and if it can happen at Jackson, then it can surely happen at Prep. We walk down the hall as I fixate on blue walls. They’re not that special but something tells me they mean something. “Okay, so take a right and then, take a left and you should meet a big brown door which will lead you to the office” she laughs her ass off for a minute and I wonder what’s so funny. “What?” I question. She giggles again, putting her hand to her lips but never once stopping. Trying, but not succeeding, “It’s just that if you get lost on your first day, I can only imagine what’s gonna happen on your second.” Straight faced and curious. What does she mean by that? “I... no offence or anything. This school is a clusterfuck; maybe I should just walk you there” she suggests. “Uh...sure.” She starts walking and it’s not like I’m going to refuse her offer. I don’t know this school. For all I know, my sisters’ ghost could be somewhere around here. Although I’ve heard spirits haunt the places they die in and Zoe didn’t die here... so, I guess she’s haunting my house. Her bedroom, to be specific. Wonderful! "Let me give you some tips” Charlotte offers though it sounds more like a command than anything. “Never go to school without your uniform. They are necessary and they’ll help. It doesn’t matter if they might be a little sexist or created by misogynistic pricks! Wear them and don’t ask questions.” Right, she was wearing a uniform. A white button-down that seemed like it wanted to pop off and turn into a thin layer of ripped fabric. A black skirt that reached, just below her knees but you could tell she hiked it up just a bit. Throwing on a pink belt and pairing it with a red scarf. As hot as it is, I can only assume that was more of a fashion statement. Not to mention, the jacket that I’d seen everyone wearing. Black cotton that looked more like a set of silk, with golden jewels going down the hem. Beautiful and went perfectly with her yellow nails. “Next thing” she continued, “Never eat lunch in the library.” “Why, ‘cos we’re not allowed to have food there or what?” I questioned, pulling at the leather coat mom had told me to wear so I didn’t showcase that I wasn’t wearing a uniform. Truthfully, I’m supposed to get one. I just need to find that damn office. “Let’s just say, some people spend time there and you don’t want to be caught with these people. You understand what I’m saying?” I didn’t, but I acted like I did. Nodding and wondering in the back of my mind. It was just seconds before we reached the big door and I didn’t bother asking for the other piece of advice. Though, she intended on giving it. Standing next to fine-wood in a cherry color and waiting between lines. “The last thing, stay away from the third hall” she warned, “This school’s not a place you want to mess with and there are people who attend that you don’t want to mess with. You catch my drift?” I didn’t at all and this time I wanted to say something, but before I got the chance her smile faded. Staring back at someone as a voice sent shivers, gliding down my spine. I looked back and there they were. The people I’m guessing, I shouldn’t mess with, or at least that’s what her expression said. “Little Snow, come on. We’re going to the library for free period.” Charlotte huffed, crossing her arms, and looking away. She didn’t seem angry or sad to see them. It was more like she was scared. Why? I don’t really know but I know scared and she was. She was practically shaking. Dreading the moments that were going to come and trying to tell me through body language. Even though I knew, I didn’t do anything about it. I guess I was just too captivated. A group of guys. Three to be exact. Two had black hair, one had gray eyes. Sarcasm was pouring out of him and he was smiling contagiously while the other one seemed like he wanted to chuckle. Gazing at Charlotte like he was the wolf and she was the snack. A complete and total change from the third whom had blonde hair, blue eyes and looked as if he had committed a crime and was worried what would happen. I knew the feeling. “After everything, can’t you guys just leave me alone?” she growled. The first one c****d his head, smirking wickedly. “In your dreams. Let’s go.” She stared back at me, locking her jaw, and pulling strands of honey blonde out of her face. A look of regret and remorse though, the second she turned from the blonde haired one to the brown haired one, it was like she wanted to barf. The guy didn’t seem to care though, pouting sarcastically and then pulling her away. It seemed aggressive. Unlucky for me, that just happens to be my type. “I’ll see you later, Haylee” she whispers. I turn to the side, wondering how she came to know my name. Though, it seems she’s gone. Just like that, dissipating in the dark with not one, but three guys. Weird. It really was, but I don’t have time to dread. I need to make it to the office, get my schedule, my uniform and get down to English. All in twenty minutes. Yay! Actually, make that nineteen. I took a deep breath, grabbing onto the golden doorhandle and turning the knob in a straight second. It took about two minutes to actually get in, due to my overall dipshit of a brain but hey, what else is new? I’m dumb, my mother’s a drinker, and my twin sister is currently laying six feet under the dirt. “What can I do for you?” she questioned. As I slid my palm down the blue wall. Leaning over the desk and staring at an old woman as she gave her best toothy smile. Looked about, in her sixties and was wearing a dark pink, pencil skirt. Along with black flats and a clean white shirt. She bit off her peeled, cherry lipstick. Continuing to type on a huge computer, that looked like it had popped right out of a 1970s tv show. “My name’s Haylee. I’m here for my uniform.” She smiled, “Right, Hello Haylee. You’re under Heartfelt, correct?" I nod, placing a strand of golden hair behind my ear and waiting patiently. Or at least trying to. To be honest, I can’t get what Charlotte said out of my mind. There are people you don’t want to mess with. I repeat it over and over, but it never makes sense. What did she mean by that and why was she so scared back there? Why can’t I stop thinking about it? The lady pulls out a drawer, grabbing two files and a pile of neatly, folded clothes. Scratching the back of her head and handing me what looked like the ugliest outfit ever. I wore jeans today, but that doesn’t mean I want to wear whatever the hell this is every other day. Honestly, I’d rather burn myself with a flamethrower. “Okay, it seems you’re all set. Give Brian my best.” I stop, suddenly wanting to punch someone. “Excuse me?” “Your father” she huffs, “He’s loved in this community. I, as well as every one of the other faculty members are so glad that you’re finally joining us, here at Prep. Guarantee, that you’ll be loved and protected. Have a great day, Ms. Heartfelt.” I don’t even bother arguing. What’s the point? Of course, my father had something to do with this. He and mom can’t just let me live without forcing our status or our money on anything I do. There’s not even a use to yell anymore. Do I want to? Yes. I’d love to tell you more but we’ll talk about it later. I walk to the bathroom, stuffing my schedule inside my jean pocket and making my way into one of the stalls. Everything in this school seems like it has its own f*****g warranty. Expensive as s**t and fragile like nothing else. I back into one of the stalls, placing on a black skirt and zipping the back. Breaking my already, broken nails as I slipped off a blue blouse and traded it in for a white button-down. See-through as can be before I slipped on the sandals and added the jacket. Noticing the writing on the back of each. It said... Valemont Prep, Heart of Gold. All in sharp calligraphy and painted onto the clothes, as if it was a handwritten love letter, delivered by a f*****g dove instead of an ugly ass, pleated sweater. Lying sacks of s**t can’t even design a sweater correctly. I mean, come on! I unlock the stall as the bell rings and I almost curse myself to heaven and back to hell. s**t, s**t, shit! I have to get to English. Which, according to my schedule says its down the hall after taking two rights? I say it like a question because I know I’m gonna get lost. f**k me, I’m gonna be late! I tap my shoe against the dark flooring when the bathroom door opens without warning, I don’t wait before opening the stall, just to smack faces with one of the guys from that group. The red eyed one. Around him, there’s a cold energy but it’s not like a dangerous blizzard. More like a hard storm that you don’t want to see, yet the wind still brings you to the center of it. Staring into a dark cloud and shivering throughout. “Can I help you?” I blurt. His smile feels like climbing up a deserted mountain. Your body shakes and screams for you to go back down, but something he does always pulls you farther up. Don’t know why but I suddenly become a poet. Forming lines between the silence as my body backs away from his. “Haylee” he sighs, “Haylee Heartfelt.” He gawked at me, stuffing his hands into his pockets. Golden jewels trailing down his black jacket. Not quite leather, but not cotton either. Almost like velvet, with sharp endings. His jaw clenched as he watched me with a curious expression. “Yes?” I ask. “Stay away from my CC.” Whispers, unlike anything else. Beautiful in its own right, but not at all sane. Something jumping out of a nightmare, actually. Something scary like a bloody knife or an old painting in some rickety hallway. Much like the one of Johnathan Valemont, sitting atop of our trophy case in the gymnasium. “Excuse me?” His words finally kicked in and I couldn’t just leave them to hang. Though, his answer also left me hanging. Hanging on the edge of a f*****g cliff, ready to jump into the cold air. “A b***h like you shouldn’t go near her.” “What?” I snaped. He didn’t respond. Looking me up and down before walking right out of the bathroom and leaving me with one sentence. Full of confusion and disaster. “Try not to trip over your feet, love” he smirks, “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself without me." I wanted to stand there; let it pass and not cause a scene. The only problem? That’s my sister, not me. So, I followed him right out of the bathroom and down the hall. I don’t know how he found me. Hell, I don’t even know who he is. What I do know though? I’m a badass b***h and some prick doesn’t f*****g scare me! “Hey” I shout, forcing him to turn around. “I don’t know what your problem is, but me and Charlotte aren’t friends. She was just showing me around. Either way though, what gives you the right to barge into the girls’ restroom and cuss me out? I don’t know who you are, but I’ve had worse than an asshole like you. You don’t scare me so if that’s what you’re aiming for, I suggest you stop!” He halts in his tracks, cracking up out of nowhere. As if everything I said was just a joke. Chuckling harder than my parents when I caught them doing weed that one time. Though, that was a long time ago but still, who does this guy think he is? I don’t know what he thinks, but I know he’s acting like a f*****g maniac. The first and last thing he says when he looks up, practically shooting me with red bullets. “You’re gonna be fun, Haylee.” What? I’m gonna be fun. Why did that scare me? The second he walks back down the hall; I run to class. Pretty sure that’s enough torture for school especially since I have to make room for the torture coming my way after school. I have to meet my mom’s new boyfriend. That one moment when you miss your bastard father so goddamn much. No, he isn’t dead. He lives in New York City. See, I told you we’d talk about him.