The Twin Temptations

CHAPTERTHREE

ELENA’S POV

“Hey, watch it!” a gruff voice yelled out, as a moving truck missed my figure by a hairline. I froze in my tracks as I watched the truck pass by.

The sudden brush with death sent a chill down my spine as the air suddenly felt dreary. I hugged myself, trying to stifle my trembling figure as my bag crumpled to the ground.

The reality of my new situation suddenly hit me like a truck. I was a fifteen-year-old girl, out on the streets without anyone to look after me.

Suddenly, the bright lights of the city looked increasingly menacing. It felt as though everyone was suddenly out to get me.

Gritting my teeth, I bent down to grab my bag, as I bolted towards a random direction. I kept my head down, as I wasn’t about to let my panic show.

That was a decision that caused no commotion.

“Hey!” someone cursed out, as I bumped into him. “Sorry,” I mumbled underneath my breath. Not nearly loud enough for him to hear.

“Watch it kid,” another cursed, as I soon repeated my actions. I shook my head softly as I ignored the sounds and continued running.

There were way too many complaints for me to keep track of, as I ran as fast as my legs could take me.

Which wasn’t very far, much to my dismay. My steps slowed, as I found myself wandering on a somewhat abandoned street.

Fear gripped my heart as I didn’t have any energy left in me. I clutched my bag as I dragged my tired body without a destination in mind.

Clang

A crashing sound rang out, just as I passed by a dark alley. My chest tightened as I hurriedly increased my steps.

But it seemed as though my efforts were futile, as I felt a cold, grimy sensation around my wrist.

“What’s a pretty thing like you doing all alone around these parts?” a gruff voice floated into my ear as the heavy scent of cheap alcohol wafted into my nose.

It took everything in me to suppress my gag reflex at that moment. But that did nothing to battle the fear that weighed on my chest.

“Let go of me,” I let out, hoping the intense panic I felt didn’t show. The wide grin that tugged at his lips after my words sent a sinking feeling down my stomach.

I was officially in trouble. “Now, now, I can’t do that. There are a lot of creepy guys around these parts, ya know,” he breathed out as he drew his face closer to mine.

My eyes watered slightly as the alcohol stench was stronger than what I had initially felt.

“I’ll be fine. Please just leave me alone,” I breathed out, as I tried to pry away his grip. It was a futile attempt.

Even if I was at a hundred percent, it would be a debate whether I could complete the task. Much less now.

But I wasn’t going to give up just like that. I would rather die than be subjected to whatever he had in mind.

“Come with me missy,” he gave a toothy grin, showing his yellowing teeth as he proceeded to drag me back to the alley I guessed he crawled out from.

Tears pooled in my eyes as my resistance didn’t seem to stop him one bit. My feet kept slipping on the pavement as I was pulled without my consent.

I was frozen. I didn’t know what to do. My life flashed before my eyes, as I thought about everything I’ve had to go through.

I hated everything, my father most especially. But not once did I feel an ounce of regret. It was something I had to do. And I’m proud of myself for it.

I was so caught up in my thoughts, that I didn’t realize when the grip that coiled around my wrist had loosened up.

“Run!” a boyish voice rang out, as a softer, smaller palm wrapped around mine, pulling me away as my legs worked in over drive.

My gaze gradually became focused as I looked back to see the drunkard crumpled on the ground, massaging his head as he cursed out.

A flicker of surprise, mixed with a tinge of hope filled my gaze as I watched the figure in front of me.

He had floppy brown curls that bounced with every step. I couldn’t make out his features as he had his back facing me.

But the sharp angled jaw that revealed itself every so often, was a vivid indicator of the handsome features he concealed.

“We’re safe,” he breathed out as we turned a corner. He pulled me behind him as he took a quick survey of our surroundings.

Phew

He breathed out as he turned to face me. “Are you okay?” he asked in a concerned tone as he took me in.

“Y-yeah, I am,” I muttered, hugging myself as I was sure I looked anything but presentable. He seemed to sense my thoughts as he let out a slight chuckle.

It sounded like bell chimes in my ears. His laughter was soothing.

My gaze gradually settled on his figure. He towered over my five-nine figure. His brown curls danced around even without any movement.

His brown eyes seemed to have golden flecks in them as he stared down at me with a bright grin. He felt warm. Like a ray of sunlight.

“I’m Justin. What’s your name,” he let out, stretching out an arm as he motioned for me to shake it.

“Elena,” I breathed out as I took hold of his arm. We stood in silence as I felt the softness of his palm once again.

But the silence didn’t last long as my stomach let out a loud grumble. A flush of red creeped up my cheeks as I wanted nothing more than to find a hold and jump in at that moment.