Split - 88rising, NIKI

THEA'S POV:

"Holy shit, he has a tongue piercing?"

"Well, at least I think so."

"I don't think you understand how hot that is," Ember said with wide eyes. Dramatically, she slapped her forehead with one hand. "I'm so mad I didn't get a good look at him! Thee, why couldn't you guys have had it out with Blessing just a few metres closer? I would have filmed the whole thing."

"I didn't know it was going to happen!" I flushed and covered my mouth as I chewed my sandwich. "And shh, what if she hears?"

"Why would I care if that bitch hears?"

"But, she might get mad."

"And then what?"

She leaned forward suddenly, an excited glint in her eyes. Cautiously, she looked around the canteen for any listeners before she spoke again, more hushed this time.

"Do you know what I heard?" I shook my head. "Kajal was telling me in maths that she was walking home a few nights ago and she saw Blessing coming out of a strip club with some guy."

"A strip club?" I repeated with wide eyes.

"Mhm."

"Bu-But isn't she too young? I thought she was still seventeen," I said quietly. "Isn't that dangerous for her?"

"What do I know?" she shrugged. Then, she grinned and cheekily nudged me across the table. "Hey, how about we stop by after school and check it out?"

I laughed and drew away. "You're silly."

"Come on, it'll be fun! I wanna see some girls shake some ass."

"Nope, nope, nope," I said with consecutive shakes of my head. She scowled at my response and I stuck my tongue out at her. "I think lunch is almost over. Should we go?"

Chattering and squeals in the canteen were beginning to die down like the trough of a wave, a sign that lessons would soon resume. Ember had already devoured her burger at the start of lunchtime while I happily made my way through the snacks Mama had packed me. I'd saved my redcurrant puffs as dessert and popped one in my mouth as I zipped up my lunchbox and shoved it into my bag, keeping the rest in my hand.

"I can't be asked for maths," I heard from behind me and giggled at Ember's evident disdain for the subject. Thankfully, I at least enjoyed the subjects I studied. But having biology as the last subject of the day wasn't what had kept me going all morning and afternoon: it was the prospect of a certain man picking me up after school.

Synn had successfully managed to invade my every thought like some redolence sweeping through the winter air, an aroma so strong there was nothing left without his lingering scent. When I had messaged him, I remember squealing and tossing my phone across the room, and when he replied, I had to bury my face in my pillow to contain myself; that was the effect he had on me. Every little action of mine was soaked in anxiety along with exhilaration when it came to that man. That gorgeous, addictive man.

I bounced slightly on the balls of my feet as we queued to leave the canteen, being two of the last to leave.

"What's gotten you so chirpy today?" Ember said from beside me.

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing."

I beamed to myself. I hadn't told Ember that Synn was taking me home today because I wanted to surprise her. She scanned my face sceptically, then shrugged and inserted one of my redcurrant puffs into her mouth. The expression she made was one of wonder after trying the pastry, wide eyed and cheeks full.

I giggled at her face and shook my head. However, I was too busy adjusting the folder in my arms that I didn't have time to see who was holding their leg out at the canteen door.

I faltered.

In a matter of moments, I had tripped and toppled. My knees slammed against the cold gravel outside. A cry of hurt left my lips as I blearily eyed the folder that I had dropped beside me, and I looked up to see who had done it. My heart throbbed at the sight of Blessing holding back laughter along with some of her beautiful friends. My eyes grew blurry with tears once I saw that my knees were bleeding, tiny stones clinging to the torn skin.

"What?" she scoffed. "Don't act like you haven't gotten on your knees before, you little whore."

All of a sudden, Ember was grabbing her by the hair, making her shriek out loudly.

"Listen here, bitch," she spat. I watched with bulging eyes as she yanked Blessing's black hair again. "Don't act so innocent either when we both know about the kinda shit you do for money." The girl's face blanched a pasty white. "You thought people wouldn't find out? What, with those diamond earrings and necklaces you flaunt about? I wonder how you got those."

"Let go of me, you fucking skan-"

"And if you're so set on Thea sucking dick, how about you suck mine?"

Ember shoved her back, making her fall straight on her butt in front of me. I smudged away the tears that had started to trickle down my cheeks and I stared at the both of them in shock; even Blessing's friends looked mortified by the sight of their leader appearing so helpless on the ground. Her hair was over her face and her shoulders were trembling. I hiccuped when I saw a hand being held out for me to take and looked up at my best friend through grateful tears.

Wobbling, she pulled me up and I let out a whimper at the stinging freshness of my knee wounds. "Let's get you cleaned up, Thee," she whispered, wrapping an arm around my waist. I nodded hesitantly and glanced at Blessing's fallen figure, my instincts calling for me to help her. But when I held an outstretched hand in her direction, Ember pulled me away. "She doesn't deserve your pity or your goodness. Let her be."

I wanted to say something more about the subject but I became distracted by the blood trickling down my knee, deep and red against my brown skin. A harsh breath left my lips. Offering me her shoulder for support, I limped inside the school building.

Ember led me down the narrow corridors to the medical room, a small, white and hostile space with a white desk, a white bed, white curtains and a window. It made me feel cold upon entering. The school nurse was sat behind the desk and her gaze moved by a fraction as we stood expectantly. "Can I help you girls?" she asked, eyes still fixed on the screen.

"Yeah, my friend got tripped up by-"

"By-By something on the floor," I interrupted Ember. She scowled, eyes blazing, but I didn't want to cause a fuss. Wincing through a smile, I continued, "I was being clumsy and hurt my knees."

"Okay, seeing as it's nothing serious, I can give you a plaster or bandage to cover up the wounds."

"Aren't you gonna disinfect them or something?"

Another argument started shortly which resulted in me grabbing Ember's arm to prevent her from fighting. She ended up snatching the bandages from the woman's open hand and grabbed my wrist. She marched me outside. I could practically feel the flames prickling her skin and the ones she was trying to contain inside, but my feelings were more of sadness than anger.

The cold air was stagnant this afternoon, like a refrigerator door had accidentally been left open to leave an unpleasant chill that crept through your bones. We sat down on a damp bench outside and I winced.

"I hate this fucking school," Ember muttered and unwrapped the roll of gauze. "Can't do anything right. Always making things difficult. Can't even deal with the damn bullying under their noses. If I were them, I'd-"

She sighed.

"Come on, let me wrap up your legs." I hitched my skirt up just enough for her to see my knees and her eyes drew in on the blood that had dried on my shin bones, then the pink, speckled flesh. I bit my lip; somehow looking at the injuries made them all the more painful. She lowered the gauze to my knees and I hissed a little as she started winding the material around my legs."Sorry, I know I'm doing it messy."

"It's okay, I'll fix it up at home. We need to get to class."

"Class? I know you're not thinking about going to biology."

"I like Mr Parkinson's lessons," I pouted. "Okay, at least you should go after this. You need to keep up with maths."

"I'm not leaving you to cry on your own," she snorted as if the idea were inconceivable. Raising the material to her teeth, she tore it in half with brute strength and started on my other leg. "And don't you start feeling bad for that... witch who did this, okay? She had it coming. First, she starts a fight with you over Synn and then she has the audacity to come at you because she was rejected. What a joke."

"You're always so harsh," I mumbled, wiping my eyes, "And violent."

"What can I say? I learnt it from my brother."

I grew still at the mention of him.

"That reminds me! My brother came back from university yesterday. Do you know how annoying it is to have both him and my dad pestering me and ganging up on me now? You need to come over to even it out."

Ember's brother.

Pierce.

Unpleasant memories spurted inside my mind and I glanced away, tucking a curl of hair behind my ear. I hadn't seen him for a few years. Although he had never been explicitly rude or disrespectful to me, there had always been something... off about him. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but being around him unsettled me, especially when I was forced to be alone with him. I didn't like to judge people based on rumours but when I heard that he'd almost been arrested for stealing someone's car, I knew I had a right to feel uneasy.

I didn't know if Ember knew about the rumours or not but if she did, she chose to ignore them. I could tell she looked up to her older brother and I didn't want to tarnish her image of him so I chose to stay quiet about the issue. Even so, I couldn't help but tremble whenever he came near me in her household; unlike her father, whom I felt completely comfortable with, Pierce scared me even more than most men tended to.

Whether it was the way he spent extra time staring at me in his living room or the way he would brush his fingers against mine when handing me a dinner plate, something about the boy made my skin crawl.

"Hey. Hey, Thee, you okay?"

I blinked and swallowed, looking back at Ember. I hadn't realised that my knees had started to quiver.

"Is something wrong?" she frowned. I vigorously shook my head, pulling my skirt back down. I didn't want her to worry.

"I can tell you really missed him," I said with a weak smile.

"I guess," she trailed off, still scanning my face in search of answers. Her warm brown eyes softened to the shade of her skin tone and she tilted her head to the side. "You sure nothing's wrong? I can go and punch Blessing for real if you want me to."

I shook my head with a giggle, then a sniffle. "I just hope you don't get in trouble again."

"I don't give a shit if they put me in detention. They've done it before and I'm sure they'll do it again."

I frowned at her response but before I could say anything else on the matter, she had distracted me with another one of her rants about her maths teacher, Ms Bird. Even though I loved hearing her talk and watching her gesture wildly, my mind was consumed by two men this time. There was still excitement brimming inside me at seeing Synn again but I no longer felt completely comfortable knowing that Pierce was back in town.

Time flew by, however, and before we knew it, the bell was ringing to signal the end of school.

I felt like a doe taking her first baby steps as Ember helped me up from the bench. I almost fell on her when she drew me to her side, making us both laugh. My knees stung sharply as we made our way out of the school building, but there was a hastiness in my step - an eagerness, a hope. My heart thudded faster and faster as I searched for a familiar red car along the street and an even more familiar, tattooed man.

But I couldn't see him.

My heart plummeted to my stomach.

Eyeing the numerous cars parked outside the school gate, I clung to the desperation of catching a sight of him. Perhaps he was parked a little further down the road. That would explain it. But the longer I stood there, eyes scanning and heart beating, the more disappointment draped over my shoulders. He told me he would pick me up. He told me.

"Who are you looking for?" Ember asked.

I forced my voice to stay level, not wanting her to know how close I was to crying again. "N-Nobody," I whispered.

She looked at me in concern but I didn't want to meet her eye. Biting down on my lip, I could feel my nose start to sting and a familiar freshness appear at my eyes. Today had started off as such a good day. Such a good day. I could tell my friend noticed something was wrong but before she could say anything, she raised her head and her entire demeanour changed. Following her gaze, I froze at who I saw.

What was... he doing here?

Pierce was leaning against his truck at the front of the school, a pair of dark sunglasses resting on his nose as he snapped some gum between his jaws. He looked older and stronger, and I couldn't deny that he had grown even more attractive. His dark skin still managed to glow under the grey, gloomy skies and his lips pulled into a smirk when he saw us. My breath grew stuck in my throat.

"Emmy," he drawled, pushing himself away from his battered truck. I went completely still and my knees started to wobble from the pain of having to stand on my own as Ember let go of me. She grinned and pulled him into a tight hug, his black leather jacket reflecting white light. The smirk didn't leave his face as he hugged his sister back, but he was looking at me. Staring at me. Staring right through me.

"You fucker, I didn't know you were picking me up today," she laughed, punching his shoulder. His eyes didn't stray from mine for what felt like infinity but his smirk turned into a grin as he looked down at Ember.

"I just thought I'd pay my baby sister a visit, that's all," he said in a deep tone which sent shivers down my spine.

His voice was nothing like Synn's warm and comforting one. Synn's voice was deep and soulful, permeating through every surface until he reached the most intimate part of me - like a hand reaching straight through my body and clasping my heart. One word and I'd obey. But Pierce's was smooth yet harsh to the ear, and it made me want to hide away at the sound of it. I didn't know why.

"You remember Thea, right?" gestured Ember, looking my way. Her smile faltered once she saw my terrified expression.

"How could I forget?" he replied, unwrapping his arm from her shoulders. Stepping towards me, I found myself glued to the spot, my knees begging to collapse from his proximity. He was coming too close. I could hardly breathe. "How've you been, sunshine?"

I stared at him with wide, frightened eyes.

"I almost forgot you don't talk much, huh?" he chuckled. In one swift move, he'd taken off his sunglasses and grey, predatory eyes were boring into mine. I flinched at the look he gave me and started to tremble, making him smirk. He chewed on his gum and continued to examine me, his eyes trailing upwards. They paused when they reached my chest, and then his eyes flickered back to mine in amusement.

"Pierce," interrupted Ember, grabbing onto his shoulder. She gave me a worried look and pulled him over to her. "I drove to school today so there was pretty much no point in you coming, dumbass. You take the truck and I'll drive Thea home. I don't want her walking in this weather or with injured knees."

"She got hurt?" he questioned and glanced back at me. I wanted to squirm when his eyes lowered to my legs and stayed there for a short while. "I'd be happy to drive her home. It would give us some time to catch up, right sunshine?"

Helplessly, I looked to Ember. I screamed silently for her to save me but I wasn't sure if she could see my plea for help through my eyes alone. My hands tightened into fists as I willed myself to speak and stand up for myself; but seeing him loom over me, a menacing glint in his eyes, I felt like a mouse in front of a lion.

"I-I, um," I stammered, visibly shaking. My eyes pricked with tears. "I'm not-"

Suddenly, a large, warm hand was being placed on my waist.

"Baby."

My head snapped up at the familiar voice. There stood Synn, his head tilted to look down at me and a soft expression in his eyes. Dressed in a black turtleneck and pants, his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows to expose tattoos that wound around his thick arms like vines, dark flowers and leaves blossoming from the rich earth that was his skin. Even now, as I held my breath and struggled with my fear of a boy, he managed to subdue my senses.

"Is something wrong?" he rumbled and his fingers spread around my hip, making me grow stiff at the sensation. Warmth fluttered through me. His eyes hardened once he caught sight of the tears in my eyes and I hurriedly wiped them away.

Ember stared and then things seemed to click. A knowing grin consumed her features as she looked at me, but it was Pierce who I was worried about. He furled his fingers and stepped towards us. "And who's this?" he demanded.

Synn looked down at him and clenched his jaw. "I could ask you the same thing."

Pierce glanced at me, then to the towering man in front of him. Smoothly, he crossed his arms over his chest and answered. "I'm a friend."

I cautiously peered up at Synn. An indiscernible expression crossed his face: anger, hurt, confusion. But the emotions vanished as soon as I'd seen them. Taking a step forward, his hand tightened around my hip and he gently pushed me behind him. His large frame shielded my vision and figure, both from my best friend and her brother. The possessive action had me stunned and I poked my head from behind him.

"Good to know," he stated. "But I'd suggest you stay away from Thea if you know what's good for you, kid."

"Why should I?"

"Pierce..." Ember placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him, but he shoved it away. Hurt flickered across her face.

"You still haven't told me who you are. You expect me to let you take Thea home when I don't know your motives? For all I know, you could be a complete perv who wants to get her in your car so you can fulfil your sick fantasies about nailing a highschool student. Isn't that right?" he said venomously. His eyes switched to mine like a blade and I stared in shock.

That was all I could do: stare. I felt hollow like a vessel, my consciousness peering outward at the world around me yet powerless, unmoving, unspeaking. I wished I could do more, to call out at Pierce and tell him he was wrong, but I couldn't. Terror was peeling at my skin.

Synn's figure remained still for a long moment. Then, like fabric being pulled taut against one's mouth, all sounds grew muffled and the air grew heavy. A mask lowered from his face. I'd witnessed what was underneath before, but his expression was still enough to hold me on the brink of a shudder. Hand deep in his pocket, blue veins revealed themselves in his skin, running like gushing rivers. He leaned forward.

"I'll let the disrespect towards me slide," he said darkly. Ink-black hair shadowed his eyes. "But disrespect Thea again, and I will hurt you."

Ember swallowed, nervously glancing between me and her brother, and I stood, stunned.

"Thea," called Synn, gaze unmoving. "Tell us who you'd like to go home with."

I froze as the attention suddenly switched to me. The man turned. His eyes flickered over my expression, tentatively tasting for an answer, while Pierce glared behind him in expectation for me to go with him and his sister. Ember looked torn, clearly enraged by her brother's words and behaviour, but also hesitant about the handsome stranger in front of her. Anxiously, my nails dug into my palms.

"U-Um..." I stammered, eyes darting from person to person.

Synn stepped closer and leaned down close to my ear. His blue eyes caught mine. "You can go with them if you want, okay?" he said reassuringly. "I won't be upset."

I shook my head rapidly, fear enveloping me at the thought. My eyes grew watery.

"Do you want to come with me?"

"Mhm," I sounded with a tearful nod. "I want to-to go with you, Synn."

Softly, a smile pulled at his mouth and he nodded, holding my gaze. When he straightened, his fingers were delicately taking their place at my waist - not hard enough to grip me but just brushing the side of my jumper. "You heard her," he said lowly, looking between the two.

With that, he guided me away. My feet wobbled on the pavement, knees still burning and bloody. I glanced behind to find Pierce glowering back at the both of us, then watched as Ember shoved his shoulder and yelled something at him. When my gaze returned to the pavement, my vision grew blurrier. I shrunk into my shoulders and focused on the cold combing through my hair.

Reaching the car, I couldn't contain the tears anymore. They fell like raindrops, one after the other, and I tried to hide them from the man beside me but it was in vain. Before I could open the door, he was placing his hand on the door handle and stopping me.

"Thea, baby," his deep voice rumbled from above me. I couldn't look at him. "Why are you crying?"

"I-I don't know," I croaked. I wiped my eyes and sniffled but more tears continued to fall.

"Look at me, preciosa."

[Precious.]

He crouched down beside me so that I was looking down at him and could no longer hide my face in my hair. His blue eyes glistened, sharp and attentive as he gazed at me, and my lower lip wobbled.

"What's wrong, hm?"

Wiping my nose with one hand, I played with my fingers while little sobs left my lips. "I'm just happy you came," I smiled sadly, but it soon turned to a grimace. Tears leaked from my eyes. "I didn't have a ver-very good day today."

"Mi chica bonita, por favor no llores," he said softly. His fingers flexed beside him, his arms rippling; it looked like he was holding himself back from touching me. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

[My pretty girl, please don't cry.]

I shook my head.

"Later?"

Dubiously, I nodded and his eyes softened further. From this angle, they reminded me of forget-me-nots; beautiful, blue flowers where raindrops would bounce on each petal, catching them like treasures. Perhaps he would do that with my tears. His obsidian locks fell messily about his face, enhancing their vibrant blue, and I felt the spontaneous urge to stroke his long lashes. To get as close as I could to his eyes.

"How about you take a nap in the car and I drive you home? We can talk about it when you wake up." I wanted to protest, to say that it would be rude to not provide company and conversation but he interrupted. "Look at the little teary face. You've been a big girl for too long today, haven't you?"

"N-No, I haven't," I argued embarrassedly.

I slapped a hand over my mouth suddenly, a soft yawn already breaking through my lips. My cheeks flushed as Synn looked at me in amusement. He rose from where he was crouched to tower above me.

"Sleep, Thea."

I looked at him as he opened the car door, my resolve slowly dwindling at the warmth and dominance in his tone. He leaned forward, arm resting against the door.

"I'll take you home."

*****

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Hey fudglings!

Okay guys my stomach is DYING right now I hate being on my period but here's the chapter :3 I HAVE VERY MIXED EMOTIONS ON THIS ONE

Okay but thoughts on Synn? I AM SO IN LOVE WITH HIM OMG I literally cannot handle when a man wears a black turtleneck LIKE HAVE YOU SEEN THEIR ARMS? THOSE MOMMY MILKERS? I'm sorry anyway he was so hot in this chapter if I don't get a man like Synn I'm outta this world that's it I'm gone ._. I'm not settling for less

Thoughts on Ember? I love her bad-butt side if anyone confronts Thea but I feel like she has a soft spot for her brother. She can't always see how uncomfortable he makes her feel but I still think she's a good friend because she cares about what she thinks. And thoughts on Pierce? He's a pretty key character so this is gonna be interesting :)

And of course, thoughts on baby Thea? SHE HAS MY WHOLE HEARTSBJSJD I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY

Guys I'm actually so happy right now. My favourite teacher ever, my biology teacher who I had a PHAT crush on, WAS ASKING MY SISTER ABOUT ME AT THE GATE bro I was actually in love with him and his lessons I miss him so much ,_, he was asking how I'm doing, what I'm studying, where I'm studying AND HE WAS SO PROUD I WAS DOING MEDICINE SJHDAJKDH I love him. On a sad note, I'm starting uni next Monday and I think I'm gonna cry

Potato question of the day: Are you more of a leader or a follower?

I feel like this is a bit tricky for me but I do like to take control of a situation, especially if it's something education-based. I'm not always the most decisive person but I like to have some power over what people can and can't do to ensure the best chances of success. But in other situations, I can be quite complacent. Basically, overall I would say I'm a leader but I don't always show it? I just have some strong opinions and don't always let people know about them.

Anyway, thank you so much for reading  and I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please do vote, comment and share this book with your friends! I love you guys!

- Fudge x