WARNING!!

This chapter contains an attempted rape scene which some users may find disturbing. Please proceed with caution!

A taxi pulls up in front of a single story house, in a quaint, tree-lined neighborhood, and the engine emits a low purr as it comes to a halt. It's a peaceful suburban area, with neatly manicured lawns and colorful flowers blooming in the front yards.

The sun begins to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.

Ellery, her face reflecting the weariness of a long day, opens the car door and steps out onto the pavement. Her movements are slow and deliberate, as if every step carries the weight of her travels.

She stretches her arms above her head, her muscles yearning for release from the confines of the car.

With a grateful smile, Ellery retrieves her bag from the backseat of the car, expressing her appreciation to the driver who nods in acknowledgement before driving away.

As the car disappears around the corner, the sound of its engine fades into the distance, leaving behind a tranquil ambiance.

As Ellery stands there, she observes the street slowly coming to life. The soft glow of the streetlights casts a warm and inviting atmosphere, illuminating the path ahead. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves on the trees, creating a soothing melody that accompanies her footsteps.

The sounds of the neighborhood surround her. Birds chirp melodiously from the nearby trees, their songs intermingling with the distant hum of traffic.

Laughter and chatter drift from neighboring houses, evidence of families enjoying their evening together. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze adds a soothing touch to the atmosphere.

Ellery climbs the few steps to the porch. She stops in front of the main door painted in a vibrant shade of blue, and reached into her bag to retrieve her keys, her fingers brushing against the familiar cool metal.

Reaching towards the keyhole, she realized that the door was unlocked. She gave it a little push for confirmation, and it opens, swaying gently in the breeze.

A shiver runs down her spine, her heart quickening its pace.She hesitates for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts of what could be waiting inside.

With a deep breath, she cautiously pushes the door open, the creaking sound echoing through the silent house.

The dim light filtering through the windows casts eerie shadows on the walls, heightening her sense of trepidation.

"Mona?" She called out stepping into the apartment. Even though it's impossible for her bestfriend to leave the door open, she would like to believe that not everyone is perfect. They were the only ones who lived in this house, and also owned a key.

The air feels heavy, charged with an unspoken tension. The furniture appears untouched, but a sense of intrusion lingers, making her skin crawl. The fear intensifies, her mind conjuring up worst-case scenarios.
Her eyes darted to every corner in her search for the intruder

Then she heard a sound. Someone or something was on the couch, beyond her sight. She gulped and took slow steps towards the couch, her hands trembling.

"Mona? Is that you?"

The person sat up immediately and Ellery jumped back, her soul almost leaving her body.

There on the couch sat Bud Carter, Mona's troublesome boyfriend. He scratched the back of his head and hissed, turning to face her.

"BUD!?" Ellery screamed, stomping towards him.

"Oh, hey!" He waves at her.

"How the fuck did you get in!?" Ellery dumped her bag on the couch and stood in front of him with arms folded above her chest.

Bud holds up a single key, "With this. Mona gave it to me."

Ellery bit her lower lip and closed her eyes, sucking in a breath to control her anger.

'Why would Mona give their house key to him!?' Ellery mentally screamed

Ever since freshman year in college, Ellery found a sister's warmth in Mona.

It was raining after a long day at the library, and Ellery was without an umbrella.

She was about to use her bag as a shield from the heavy downpour when Mona appeared, holding an umbrella over their heads.

They became inseparable ever since. Mona was popular among the students because of her father's wealthy status.

Mona, however, has had nothing but bad luck when it comes to relationships.

She had her first crush in college. The guy named Ethan, was handsome and all that, but she later discovered that he was using her as a means to boost his popularity.

Mona later met a charming and charismatic guy named Asher. They quickly became a couple, and she believed she had finally found her soulmate. But as time went on, Asher's true colors emerged. He was emotionally manipulative and constantly belittled Mona, eroding her self-esteem.

Despite the toxicity of their relationship, Mona found it difficult to break free from the cycle of abuse.
Ellery had to knock some sense into her before she finally mustered the courage to end it.

Yet again, she met another bastard named David. At first he seemed perfect, but one day, he disappeared, after transferring all of Mona's money into his own account, leaving her heartbroken and financially drained.

Even after Ellery took her to Mother Teresa, the nun who raised Ellery since she was 5, and they prayed for her to ward off badluck, Mona still managed to bump into Bud, and her foolish heart flustered at his sweet words.

"Sorry I fell asleep while waiting."

Ellery shot her eyes open and glared at him. Bud is a tall guy with a lean and muscular build. His jet black hair is almost always styled in a messy manner, falling effortlessly over his forehead. His face is chiseled, with a strong jawline and a few days' worth of stubble, giving him a rugged and rough-around-the-edges look.

He kept staring at her with those smoldering green eyes of his, his peach thin lips curling up into a mischievous smirk.

"Why so moody, princess?"

Ellery scoffed. "Mona's not home and I'm not sure when she'll be here. I obviously do not want to entertain you, so please leave."

He stands up and adjust his worn out, black leather jacket, which fits him like a second skin, accentuating his broad shoulders and sculpted physique.

Ellery was already tired of seeing this same jacket that is adorned with various patches and studs, showcasing his rebellious nature

His lower half is clad in a pair of faded, ripped jeans, revealing a glimpse of strong, tattooed calves. The jeans hang loosely on his hips, held up by a worn-out leather belt, completing his look.

"Oh I know that." He smiles, "But I'm not here for Mona. I'm here to see you."

Ellery threw her head back in shock at his confession, her eyebrows shooting up, "Me? And what could you possibly want to see me for?"

Bud shamelessly licks his lips as his eyes roam her body. She was dressed in a professional shirt and skirt, with black flats, but she still looked like a delicious cookie fresh out of the oven.

Her beautiful hazel eyes are framed by long, wavy chestnut hair that falls gracefully around her shoulders.

Ellery snapped her fingers in front of him and hissed, "Eyes up here, pervert."

Bud caught her off guard when he grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him, her body crashing into his strong chest. She felt like she had rammed into a wall.

Ellery tried to wiggle out of his hold, a gasp escaping her at how strong he was. His fingers were tightly wrapped around her wrist and he snaked his arms round her waist.

"Let me go!. What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Ellery protested, her heart hammering against her ribcage.

"I find you incredible sexy, Ellery."

"What!?"

Ellery wrinkled her nose at the stench of his breath. It looked like Bud had taken a smoke before paying her a visit. The ugly smell of nicotine caused her to gag.

"Why don't we have some fun?. I'm sure you had a long day." He leaned in, his hold on her wrist weakened. Bud tried to unbutton her shirt and she used the opportunity to cast out whatever demon that had possessed him.

Her hand collided with his face, the impact causing him to withdraw from her. Ellery panted, a cold sweat running down her spine.

Bud placed his hand on his hurting cheek which had turned crimson. He chuckled and massaged his jaw, raising his head up slowly.

"You're such a turn on. This, this feisty nature of yours is why I fell for you. Come on, slap me again. You said it yourself, didn't you? Mona's not coming anytime soon. It's just me and you babygirl."

Ellery took slow steps back, her body trembling in fear. She turned around ready to sprint when strong arms caught her. Bud roughly flung her on the couch, his weight crushing her.

Ellery screamed and tried to push him off, but he pinned her hands tightly, kissing her cheeks. He trailed kisses down to her neck, his warm tongue reaching out to lick her skin.

"FUCK OFF!" Ellery protested, angry tears seeping out the corner of her eyes. Just as Bud was about to tear her shirt open, Mona burst in.

"What the fuck is going on here?"

TO BE CONTINUED
word count, 1,580.