Run Poppy Run

Simple Things

TW: This chapter describes abuse and S/A. Reader discretion is advised.

Poppy

I didn’t stop for anything. Cars honked at me as I fumbled my words on the phone, directing the ambulance to my helpless mother. My shirt flapped open as my body exploded in pain. I knew I had to get home; I had to get him away from the store. I had to get him away from my mother.

I panted at the access road as my adrenaline wore off. I forced myself forward, my neck burning from the choking. I saw Jess’s car was gone. I don’t know if I felt relief or dread wash over me. Using my last ounce of energy, I pushed forward to reach my door.

“YOU b***h!” I was grabbed and thrown away from my door, skidding across the gravel. I whimpered as my skin shredded from the rocks. I scurried back, trying to get away from Jake. My eyes landed on his eye, that was now perfectly fine as he kept poking it, cussing.

Jake was on top of me again, grabbing me by the hair as he dragged me to my house. He opened the door but froze. He bared down at me.

“Invite me in... NOW!” He pulled me up to my feet by my hair as I sobbed. I shook my head as he hissed at me. He halted, turning his head as Jess’s car started to pull forward on the access road.

“Hmmpf. I changed my mind. I want you...” He licked the side of my face as I struggled against him. “To scream for me and not be interrupted.” He flung me over his shoulder as the world around me blurred.

He tossed me onto the ground, my back scraping against branches and rocks as I saw trees above me. Are we in the forest? What in the world!? I choked on my own sobs as I struggled to move. I fumbled in my pocket, my phone still there.

I didn’t pull it out, I just placed my thumb on the lock, hoping it’d unlock it. I blindly guessed where the call button was and just hit it, hoping it’d call anyone so they could at least know where to find my body.

“Damn it, Poppy!” Jake hissed at me as he paced back and forth. I lay there gasping as my eyes followed him.

“You know, if it wasn’t for your old man, you wouldn’t be in this spot.” He stopped pacing, squatting next to me. He reached his hand out, stroking my cheek as I flinched away.

“I’m not a monster Poppy! I was only made this way because of your reckless decisions!” He grabbed me, pulling me to his face. He wasn’t warm like I remembered. He was cold. Inside and out.

His expression softened as he stroked my cheek, his eyes running up and down my face.

“You know, my family owns you, right?” He whispered as my vision blurred from my tears.

“Your father ran out of money and came to my father...” He dropped me on my ass. I yelped from hitting the ground. “So, he used you as collateral. That’s honestly why I was coming that day.” He finished saying as he towered over me. He halted as his phone went off.

“Hello?” He answered, annoyed. I stared up at the sky as my simple life ran through my head. Am I... really going to die here? With no dignity in the forest?

“But... FINE!” He angrily hung up his phone. He straddled me, wrapping his hands around my neck.

“You-stay alive till I get back. I’m not done with you.” He leaned down, forcing a kiss on me. He stood up, turning and disappearing. What... the f**k! I lay there, my vision swirling. I winced as I rolled over onto my side, then hauled myself up, stumbling forward as I grabbed onto a tree for dear life. I pushed forward in the direction I thought we came from.

I don’t know how long I was in the forest. Night eventually rolled around as the temperature plummeted. I jumped at every sound, every twig snap, which pushed me to go further. I eventually collapsed, pulling my legs into myself as I sobbed. My tears leaving cold trails on my cheeks. I don’t know if I passed out or if I ended up just sleeping. Whatever dream I was having was better than my reality.

I was jolted awake by a sound, causing me to try and scramble to my feet, but I ended up just sprawled out on the floor. I finally pulled myself up, panting as I couldn’t see jack due to how dark it was. I struggled, falling over from the pain that riddled my body. I stayed on my knees sobbing as I felt my fingers going numb from the cold.

The sound of footsteps had me panicking. Is it Jake? Did he find me? Oh god! I pulled myself inward into the fetal position, protecting my body, preparing for the worse.

“Mic rosu?” A familiar voice rang out the question as my bottom lip trembled. I unrolled myself, whimpering as I tried to roll over. I felt his fingers graze against my cheek as I flung my arms around him.

“I-I got your call...” He whispered through gritted teeth.

“And you came?!” I choked out as I slightly pulled away, looking at him. He pulled away from me, holding me at arm’s length.

“I should have gotten here sooner...” He growled out as his eyes scanned my body. My heart skipped a beat as my vision swirled. He placed his thumb on my chin, tilting my face upward, examining my neck. His face pulled together as his grip got tighter on me, causing me to wince. He mumbled, as his grip relaxed.

He scooped me up in his arms. I broke down while being carried by this man, shoving my face into his chest as snot ran from my face. He started walking, striding through the forest’s clearing. I shuddered and convulsed as he did his best to hold me without hurting me.

“Poppy...” His voice was low and gruff. “WHO did this to you...” He rumbled out. I felt the vibration through his chest, bringing me some comfort as I gripped onto his shirt. I pursed my lips together, not wanting to answer. I squeezed my eyes shut tight as I heard a whooshing sound around me. I opened them, looking around and noticing I was back at home. I looked up at Damian, confused, as he stared straight ahead.

“Are...” I paused, knowing my question was silly as I knew the trauma and exhaustion was hitting me. He looked down, and without skipping a beat, replied. “I am exactly... what you think I am.”

I froze; my eyes widened as he gently placed me on my bed. I cried out as pain ran through my body, gripping the sheets with my fingers so tightly I felt my knuckles go white. A pained expression ran over Damian’s face as he stood up, turning from me.

“P-Please... Why won’t you touch me!?” I sobbed as I flung my hands over my face. “Why am I so unwanted!? WHY!?” I screamed as Damian stood stiff. He looked over his shoulder.

“Poppy- I want you so badly it HURTS...” he turned facing me. My sobbing slowed as I saw him run his eyes up and down my body. His gaze landed on mine as he sucked his teeth. He clenched his fists into balls as he cursed. He relaxed his grip, taking a seat back on my bed as he leaned in, hovering his mouth over mine.

“You are quite literally killing me, Poppy. I ...” He ran his fingers over my cheek as I pushed into his touch. “I want you, but I won’t take you unless YOU want me.” He leaned his forehead on mine. “I need you to need me... it’s...”

“A pull?” I whispered, as he nodded. Everything I read flashed through my brain. Is... this man a vampire? Is Jake a Vampire? Damian reeled his head back; anger crossed his face as he hissed.

“JAKE DID THIS!?” He roared as he flung himself off my bed. I stared in awe as he paced my room, speaking an unfamiliar language as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Poppy...” He stood over me as I looked pleadingly up at him. I wanted him to touch me again, make me forget Jake’s disgusting touch, sliding over my body and entering me.

“HE DID WHAT!!??” He slammed his hands down next to me, boring his gaze into mine as I whimpered back from him. He snarled as he tore his look away from me.

“You should fear me Poppy, because the things I will do to you...” He grabbed my chin, as he hovered his lips over mine. “You’ll beg for it again and again.” He rumbled out as he took my mouth into his.