- for the blood that won't wash out.

✰ ✰ ✰

SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
1:42 PM

"Can I pay your mom a thousand dollars to make me a thousand of these things?" I asked Camari, shoving the brownie in my mouth.

We were sitting in her mom's bakery that was in Prophet territory. I usually didn't like coming over here, but since Oscar and I were officially over I did as I pleased when it came to the Prophets now. And if I wanted to cross the line then that's what I was gonna do. I could handle myself. I proved the other night when I won that fight with Oscar. And at this point, I just didn't give a fuck anymore. I was on a high after my meeting with Chris and I wish a Prophet would pull up and try me.

"Bitch, you don't have a thousand dollars," Cam scoffed from across the table, taking a sip of her lemonade.

"But I will when Chris finds me some jobs," I said with a full mouth.

"Has he gotten back to you with anything?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.

I shook my head, swallowing. "He's still on the look out is what he texted me this morning. He put a laughing emoji at the end. I honestly think putting random emojis in texts is what people over thirty naturally do."

"Or he was just laughing at the fact your ass ain't getting no gigs," Cam laughed, picking up a brownie from the plate sitting between us.

"Bitch, fuck you," I replied, flicking her off.

"Sorry, but you lowkey set that up for me," she shrugged and I rolled my eyes.

"Nah, people are gonna hire me. In the last four days alone I've gained over a thousand followers on Insta. I'm at eleven thousand now," I told her, smugly. "Which reminds me, I should probably post something like... yesterday."

I took out my phone and went to my photos and began scrolling.

"Ooh, post the picture I took of you Thursday at the pizza place," she exclaimed, taking another giant bite of the brownie.

"No way, my face looks so stupid in it," I denied.

"Yeah, but you look thick as fuck," she argued while chewing on the brownie.

I thought about it for a moment before nodding. "You right."

"When am I not?" she questioned, picking up her cup and taking a drink.

I ignored her self-centered ass and went to find the picture. I typed out a caption before finally uploading it.

I watched as the likes came rolling in and Cam picked her phone up and liked it for me. She kept scrolling before turning her phone around to me, "Looks like the fam is back together."

I looked at her screen to see a post from Zahra.

"Who's that white girl?" I asked, pointing to the girl in the white crop top.

"I think her name is Olivia. Abuelita told me she's the daughter of a family friend. Her parents got deported, so she's gonna be staying with them for awhile. She got here a couple days ago," she answered, taking her phone back.

"Her parents were deported? To where? France? Cause that little girl is looking very how do you say," I dragged out, "White."

"Almost as white as you," Cam joked and I glared at her.

"You're disrespectful," I muttered.

She was about to say something else, but my phone rang, cutting her off. I looked at the caller ID to see it was Chris and I immediately answered.

"Chris, hey! What brings you here?" I asked. "And by here I mean on the phone."

He laughed before starting, "Listen, DNA is having our annual party for all the employees, agents and their client's tonight and you're coming. Sorry for the short notice, but I've been so busy and I forgot to tell Madeline to tell you. But it's important you come. It's an amazing networking opportunity. Not only will all of our agents and managers be there, but there will also be many special guests. I'm talking important executives and casting directors - people who can give you jobs. I'm making some progress with these gigs for you, but it's always good to have multiple lined up. Plus, it's always helpful to have good relationships with stars under the same label," he told me and I swear I could feel my heart stop.

"I'll be there!" I promised. "What time?"

"Seven. Wear something nice. First impressions matter."

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Got it. Thanks, Chris. See you there."

"See you, Mona."

The line went dead and I looked at Cam who was looking at me, nosily.

I smiled, devilishly. "Hey, you know that super special dress you just finished making?" I asked her.

She nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, why?"

"It's time for people to see it."

✰ ✰ ✰

SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
8:58

I finally made my way inside the DNA building seven hours later. I was two hours late because Zahra started my makeup over three different times because she said it didn't go with the dress. Then Cam couldn't pick a hairstyle for me and by that time is was six so I just told her to somewhat curl it and that I'd figure out something to do after I got dressed. Once I finished everything and walked into the living room everyone was hyping me up, including Shay. I had to admit, I looked pretty damn good. Two pieces of my semi-curled hair were tied in the back. I slid on my mom's diamond ring along with a couple of other rings and small, gold necklace. The bluish-green gown Cam made had a large V-neck that showed hella cleavage. The top was covered in flower details and the bottom flowed down to my feet.

I walked down the hall to the elevator. Some people were down here standing around and talking. Everyone was dressed up - even more than normal. The women were in formal dresses and gowns and the men's suits seemed to be even more expensive, however the hell that was possible.

Madeline texted me and told me the party was taking place on the rooftop where they held all of the company's events, so I pushed the number thirty as I walked inside the elevator. Three ladies and a man came in behind me before the doors closed and it began to lift.

"Are you Christopher's new client?" an older lady asked me.

"Yeah, that's me," I nodded, smiling.

"You got a good one!" she said.

"Oh yeah, Christopher is one of the best agents here," another lady jumped in.

"He's such a sweet soul," one of the guys added.

"So sweet! I can't imagine being around him and not being happy. He just has that effect on people, ya know?" a younger lady chimed in.

"Yeah, I really like him too," I agreed.

It was good to know other people thought the same about him. It meant he really was one of the good ones.

The bell dinged and the doors opened as the elevator came to a stop. We piled out and the small group continued forward, pushing through the glass doors and onto the large and busy roof. I could see through the glass wall outside where all the important people were talking and bopping their heads to the upbeat music, the Los Angeles skyline gleaming behind them. String lights were hung above people's heads and a small stage was positioned on my left. A couple tables of refreshments sat against the glass and multiple workers were walking around with platters, catering to people.

I looked side to side and saw there were bathrooms on my left and a long hallway will multiple doors on my right. I stared at them for a moment before continuing outside. The music became clearer and I immediately began to look for Christopher. I spotted so many famous actresses, singers and models I knew and had to stop myself from fangirling. Be professional, Mona.

I grabbed my dress and lifted it slightly as I made my way through the crowd to the other side of the roof where the balcony was. I pulled my phone out of my clutch and snapped a picture. I uploaded it to Instagram and continued looking at the view.

I was stuck looking at the skyline. I had passed downtown LA and saw it from a distance, but I never saw it like this. From above. It was so up close and personal.

"Ramona, you're finally here!" Chris' voice sounded and I turned around. I smiled and gave him a quick hug.

"Yeah, sorry. My family and I had some wardrobe difficulties," I explained.

"It's okay. The party doesn't really start until eight anyways. Plus, I can see all the extra time paid off," he stated, stepping back and looking at my outfit. "You look absolutely gorgeous, doll." The flowers were an amazing touch."

I grinned, flipping my hair behind me shoulder. "Thank you."

"Anyt-"

"Christopher! How have you been?" a tall, blonde, middle aged white lady cut him off, coming up and hugging him.

"Eliza!" he exclaimed, happily returning her hug. "How have you been?"

"I've been great. The company is doing really well. We're getting offer after offer from different brands and celebrities to design clothing lines. The checks just keep rolling in," she told him, proudly.

"Oh, that's amazing to hear," he beamed. He gestured my way and Eliza looked towards me, smiling. "This is my client, Ramona Moore. Aspiring star. Ramona, this is Eliza Abraham. World proclaimed fashion designer."

Eliza smiled and extended her hand out. I shook it, smiling. "Hi, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, Ramona. You look absolutely gorgeous," she complimented. My dress caught her eyes and she let go of my hand, surveying it. "The same amount of gorgeous as this dress! Please tell me who made it? I've never seen anything like it before."

"Oh," I said, looking down at it and then back up. Cam, you're about to love me for all of eternity - and then some. "My best friend Camari made this. She designs and makes all types of stuff."

"The girl is talented," she said, still in awe of the gown. She looked up at me. "Who does she work for?"

"Her mom. She helps her with her bakery in South Central," I told her.

"A woman capable of making such amazing couture like this doesn't belong in a bakery. She belongs in an office with like-minded individuals, a sketchpad and fabric," she said, disappointed. "You know what? There's a lot of demand for my company right now and I could use an extra designer. You give her this, tell her to call me and I would love to offer her a spot on my team."

She pulled out a business card and handed it over to me. I grabbed it and put it in my clutch. "I will. Thank you. I'm sure she'll be eternally grateful."

"No need to thank me. People with her kind of talent deserve these opportunities," she smiled, turning to Chris. "I'll catch up with you later, Christopher. I need to find Josephine."

"Of course. Nice seeing you, as always," he smiled, giving her a goodbye hug.

"Nice meeting you, Ramona," she waved and I waved back before she disappeared in the crowd.

I immediately turned to Chris. "How was I? I'm not used to these kind of interactions. Where I come from it's just head nods in passing and cussing every other word. The most important person I've ever spoken to was the guy who owns my local taqueria and he only has that title because his food is like legendary in my neighborhood."

Chris smiled. "You did amazing. All of this is just a lot of smiling, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. Once you've mastered that you're set."

I nodded, taking a few breaths. Holy shit. I just got Cam a whole ass job. I looked to Chris. "What just happened... is it really that easy?" I asked, surprised.

He laughed and nodded. "Yeah, most of the time. This business is all about who you know and who knows you. It's why networking events like this are so important."

I nodded. "Cool, cool, cool, cool."

I looked around at everyone talking and having a good time. The wind was getting a little faster and I reached up to make sure my hair was okay when I saw her next to the stack table. Her long black hair was slicked back and cascaded perfectly down her back that was covered by her white gown that was covered in crystals. She was literally glimmering with all the lights around.

"Christopher! Come here!" a young, black woman in a bodycon dress called out, ushering for him to come over to the small group she had with her.

"That's another one of my clients. Get around and make some friends and I'll be right back!" he told me before walking over to her.

I instantly made my way back across the roof towards the tables. She was texting someone and didn't notice me walking up.

"Hey!" I greeted, excitedly. Contain your fucking self, Ramona. Be professional. "I'm Ramona Moore. I just signed with DNA. Christopher is my agent, too."

She gave me a small smile, shaking my hand. "I'm Tallu-"

"Tallula Reid," I finished. "I know. I'm a fan."

She chuckled and nodded her head. "Yeah, that's me. Thanks, it means a lot."

"Yeah, of course," I smiled.

"Sooo, what do you want to do, Ramona?" she asked.

Tallula Reid just said my name. Honest to God, knock me out. It sounded so good coming from her. Better than it usually did when people said it.

"Hello," she dragged out, waving her hands in my face.

"Oh, sorry!" I snapped out of my trance. "I want to model.. act? Still tryna figure it out. All this shit is new to me."

"Yeah, I get it. I was you once," she sympathized. "Don't worry. It gets easier."

"Thanks," I smiled. "Wanna dance?"

She shook her head. "I don't dance. I walk," she laughed.

"Good point," I replied, chuckling. I'm really joking around with Tallula Reid. I can die happily now.

A hint of a smile was still on her face, but it disappeared as Christopher walked up with a man and lady around the same age.

"Ramona, these are my bosses - aka the owners of DNA Inc - David and his younger sister Nicolette Aldridge. Hence, the name DNA," Chris introduced.

David was older than Chris, maybe in his forties. He wasn't too tall, but he had a big build. His blonde hair was slicked back and his tan suit really went well with him. Nicolette was much smaller and shorter, shorter than me even. Her long, dirty blonde hair was curled and the red gown she was wearing matched her red lipstick.

"Nice to meet you, Ramona," David smiled, taking my hand and placing a kiss on top of it.

"Oh, you're such a flirt," Nicolette rolled her eyes, hitting him in the shoulder. She looked at me and smiled. "Nicolette. Nice to meet you, Ramona. Chris has told us much about you and he seems to believe in you a lot. We're lucky to have you with us."

"Thank you," I blushed.

"Tallula!" David exclaimed, turning his attention to the girl next to me. "How have you been doll? We haven't seen you around much lately."

"It's fashion show season. I've been busy. You know this," she answered, monotone.

"Oh, yes! Victoria Secret show. I remember now," he smiled.

"I need to go to the restroom. I'll be back," she said before quickly pushing past us and towards the bathroom.

"Is she okay?" I asked Chris.

"Yes. She usually acts like that."

She wasn't acting that way a minute ago when it was just us.

"She's a quiet one - super restrained," Nicolette added. "The only thing I know about her is she's a boss ass bitch on that catwalk."

"Yes, she is very talented," David agreed. "But we're here talking to Ramona. Let's focus on Ramona. So, Christopher tells me you want to model?"

I nodded. "Yes. Or act. I don't really know yet," I repeated for seemed like the 80th time.

"It's okay. You're just beginning. You have time to figure it out," Nicolette assured me.

Suddenly, the music stopped and a loud female voice came over the speakers. "Are you bitches ready to have some fun?!"

Everyone's heads snapped towards the stage to see Kalia King - two time Grammy winner and one time Oscar winner - standing there. She was wearing black belted wind pants with a chain hanging from the belt hooks, a red crop top bra and white combat boots. Her box braids flowed around her shoulders and her face seemed bare besides some eye shadow.

"I can't fucking hear you!" she screamed. "I said are you bitches ready to have some fun?"

Everyone screamed and hollered and screamed with us. Two male back up dancers came up from behind the stage and got into position and she brought the mic back to her lips, everyone quieting down. "Let's get this party started then," she smiled and turned around just as the lights cut off. Everyone screamed again, including me, as the first few beats of her song boomed through the speakers and the back stage lights of a red rose lit up to beats.

The beat got faster and faster until it dropped and mid-tempo, soullful beat replaced it. All the backstage lights began to flash and Kalia turned around and began singing as she danced in sync with her backup dancers.

Sitting alone in my room.
Staring at the moon
I wonder what you're doing. I wonder who you're seeing.
I know in my heart that you're with her.
I cry and drink until it's all a blur.
I don't want to know the truth. You know that I don't fuck with the truth.

Her body moved so gracefully across the stage as she danced seductively with the two guys. Her voice low and raspy. I was completely mesmerized. This right here is why the bitch got two Grammys. She's talented and knows it.

Maybe one day I'll find you and ask for it.
Maybe at the end of the century.
Maybe one day I'll find the energy.
But for right now, I'm hanging with my bitches and having a good time.
I can't be bothered with your lies.
I gotta keep my eye on the prize.

The backstage lights went out and a red light shined just on Kalia as she stopped dancing and started rapping the bridge of the song.

My truth is that I'm a bad bitch.
My truth is that I'm making stacks and you can't stand it.
Your truth is that you lied to a girl who loved you.
Where they do that at?
You know what? I don't need the truth from you.
Not when I'm in a Ferrari and you in a Coupe.

The lights came back on and she finished the song, getting a round of applause at the end. She didn't say anything; instead she kissed her fingers and threw up a peace sign. The stage lights when off and a few moments later the lights hanging above came back on, the stage now empty.

"Whoa," I breathed.

Nicolette nodded. "I know. The girl can really captivate a room."

"She was okay," David said, bringing a glass I didn't even notice he was holding to his lips.

I looked at him wide eyed. This man is on drugs. She was amazing.

"Steven, come here!" Chris called to a white guy who was talking to a black guy. He said goodbye to the guy and ran over.

"Christopher! How you doing man?" he asked, happily as he engulfed him in a hug.

"I'm good man! Aye, Kalia was great up there," he complimented and Steven did a bow.

Nicolette laughed, but David still seemed unimpressed.

"Thank, bro. It took her some convincing to get her to perform. I'm still trying to convince her to give the annual speech tonight," he said. "She's a piece of work, but when you got that kind of talent, you're in high demand and the general population loves you, you kinda get the right to act that way."

"Steven," Kalia said, walking up to our group.

"Kalia, there you are! You did great up there!" Steven complimented.

She grabbed a chip from the table, dipped it in the salsa and popped it in her mouth before answering, "I know."

"Kalia Kate King, this is Ramona Moore. One of DNA's newest," Nicolette introduced us. I went to shake her hand, but she just looked at it before grabbing another chip. I quickly took it back, embarrassed.

"Kalia Kate King," I acknowledged trying to make small talk. "Three Ks. Like the KKK."

I realized how fucked up what I just said was a moment too late. Chris turned to me, wide eyed, and the rest of them stared at me in disbelief.

Kalia looked at me, slightly amused. "You really though that was the one, huh?" she asked, popping the chip in her mouth.

I didn't know what to say. It was like around her my confidence just disappeared. I thought I was intimidating, but I had nothing on her.

"I'll be back," Steven said, walking towards the stage. I don't blame you bro. I'm making this shit hella awkward.

"How are you doing Kalia?" David asked.

She looked him up and down. "Pretty damn great, bro. How about you?"

He nodded. "I'm doing we-"

"Ah, I don't care," she interrupted, looking around. "Where's the alcohol at?"

David clenched his jaw before forcing a smile and offering his cup to her. She looked down at it and back up to him before she scoffed. "Yeah, fuck no. I'm not taking shit from your ass."

Nicolette pointed to one of the caterers holding a platter of shots. "There's some."

She went to walk towards it, but Steven over the speaker stopped her. "Hey everyone! I hope you all are having a great night. The party is far from over, but it's time for our annual speech given by a handpicked client. And this year, Kalia King will be honoring us with her words. Give her a round of applause."

The crowd began to applaud and I looked towards Kalia. Oh, she was pissed. People started looking at her and she plastered on a smile before walking towards the stage. She went around back and walked up, taking the microphone from Steven. He stood to the side and gave her a thumbs up. She smiled and nodded at him as the applause died.

She turned towards the crowd. "Hello, everyone," she smiled. "Thank you guys for coming out tonight. It means so much to the people who work so hard to keep DNA going everyday. Can I tell you guys a story?" she asked and everyone shouted 'yes' and 'please'. "So, when I was little my mom used to tell me never to hold anything in. To be honest with myself and those around me and I live by those words to this day. So, if you guys don't mind, I would like to be honest with you all tonight."

Oh, God.

"I personally think all of you are fake," she shrugged and the mood in the room changed so fast. "You walk around in your poorly made custom suits and ugly ass gowns, except for Miss KKK over there." She pointed towards me. "Your dress is gorgeous, sis, on some real shit. But as for the rest of you, with all the damn money y'all got, you can do better. Maybe you all are too busy being phony as hell to each other to pick a decent outfit. Man, I don't know. But here is the overall lesson of tonight, you guys ready?" She paused. "Make better fashion choices and learn to be real at least once in your damn lives."

Everyone's jaws were on the floor, including mine. Kalia King just called my gown gorgeous. Camari is going to have a heart attack.

"As for you Kevin," she turned to Kevin who was looking mad as hell on the side of the stage. "Your lesson is to not sign me up for shit I didn't agree to." She turned back to the crowd and smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go get drunk. Catch you bitches later!"

She dropped the mic and exited the stage, disappearing in the crowd.

Holy shit. She is such a badass.

The music cut back on and everyone slowly began talking again, some discussing the shit show that just happened. Chris' phone rang and he stepped away to take it. I turned to Nicolette and David, but they had walked off to go yell at Steven who was standing by the stage looking dumb struck.

After standing alone looking dumb for a few minutes Chris returned to me. "Hey, there's an emergency at home. Talia is sick and I'm on daddy duty. Stay here and mingle and please, think about the words before they exit your mouth," he begged.

I nodded. "Got it. I'll be good here. Go home please."

He thanked me before running to the elevator. I hung around and did what he said. I made some good networking buddies, getting the numbers of some other clients and executives.

A couple hours later, I was tired of being on the roof, so I walked inside. I found myself wandering down the hallway with the many doors. I heard noise coming from the other side of one of them and opened it.

The room was painted blue with pictures of different cities hanging on the wall. It had white carpet and two couches sat inside across from each other with a small table in the middle. There was a fireplace on the back wall and on top of it sat pictures of the Aldridge family. I recognized the younger versions of David and Nicolette.

However, I was more focused on the two girls inside the room.

Kalia was laying on the couch, smoking a blunt while Tallula was sitting on the other couch, her feet propped up as she stared across the room blankly.

"Aye! KKK, there you are!" Kalia exclaimed, happily. She was fucking gone. "I found the alcohol... and some weed."

She busted out laughing and Tallula just shook her head. "Maybe you shouldn't have gotten crossfaded."

"Maybe you shouldn't have gotten crossfad- bitch are you my momma?" Kalia started to mock before snapping at her.

Tallula didn't react. She just kept staring forward as she asked me, "Can you close the door?"

"Oh, yeah," I said, stepping inside and shutting it behind me. "What is this place?" I asked, beginning to look around.

"Some random ass room they don't use," Kalia shrugged.

"David uses it," Tallula said, emotionlessly.

"I found it a few years ago and ever since then after an hour or so of showing my face I duck into here and ride it out until everyone leaves," Kalia told me, putting the blunt out. "I hate those fuckers so much."

"Me too."

Kalia turned her head towards Tallula. "Bitch, why you staring at me?"

"I'm not," she answered, simply.

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"You know what," Kalia slurred as she stood up, stumbling. "You're not even supposed to be in here. I found the room. Yo-You just followed me in here one day and kept coming back!"

"Why does she looked so spaced out?" I asked, walking up to Kalia.

"She always looks like that when she comes in here," Kalia mumbled, pushing past me.

"What time is it?" Tallula asked.

I looked at my phone. "One-thirty."

"Everyone should be leaving," she stated, still staring at nothing.

"Good," Kalia slurred, using the fireplace mantle to steady herself. "I'm leaving this depressing ass place."

"Do you want me to call you an Uber or give you a ride?" I asked, watching her stumble as she walked to the door. "I don't think you should go out like that."

"I'm a big girl, Mona!" she giggled, grabbing on the door handle and smiling at me. "I can take care of me.... myself!"

She opened the door and tripped outside, closing it behind her. Tallula stood up. "I'll get her home.  I'm leaving," she finally broke her staring match with the wall and looked at me "You should too."

I nodded. "I will. See you later."

"Goodbye, Ramona. It was nice meeting you," she gave me a small smile before following behind Kalia and leaving, shutting the door behind her.

I was left standing by myself in the lonely room. I should start making my way back to Freeridge. I noticed a filing cabinet in the corner of the room.

I'll leave.

After I finish being nosy.

I walked over to the cabinet and opened the top drawer. I grabbed a handful of files and began to look through them. They were weird, though. The folders didn't contain any real files. Just pieces of paper with a picture of a girl on the left, their name in bold and random facts about them. I noticed some of these girls. I saw some of them here tonight. Some I recognized from magazines and shows.

Cameron Jandice
Eyes: Brown
Race: Latina
Height: 5'4
Type: Fighter

Kelly Richards
Eyes: Blue
Race: White
Height: 5'9
Type: Tonic Immobility

Lucy Johnson
Eyes: Brown
Race: Black
Height: 5'7
Type: Dissociation

Tallula Reid
Eyes: Brown
Race: Native American
Height: 5'2
Type: Crying to dissociation

Tallula?

Is this what I think it is?

"Whose file are you reading?" a male voice sounded.

I looked up and connected eyes with David who was standing in the doorway. His right hand held a drink and his left hand was in his pocket.

"What the fuck is this shit?" I asked, walking to the edge of the couches and throwing the files on the table. He looked down at them and then back up, a smirk on his lips. He set his drink on the table and picked up the top paper.

"Ah, Tallula," he nodded, laughing. "You know, I expected more of a fight from her, but I was wrong. She was one of the weakest ones."

"So not only do your rape women, but you keep files of the women you raped?" I asked, disgusted. "The fuck is wrong with you?"

Tallula's behavior from earlier makes so much sense now. This sicko raped her. He raped so many other girls, too. That drawer was full of these folders. "How many?" I asked, glaring at him.

"Two hundred and three," he answered and I physically felt some bile rise in my throat. "Attempted three hundred and five, about to make it three hundred and six."

I shook my head. "No, the fuck you're not. You stay the fuck over there!" I ordered. "I'm gonna tell everyone what you're doing here. I'm going to ruin you."

"You do that then your career at DNA is over."

"You think I give a fuck about that when you're out here defiling hundreds of women? Scarring them for life?" I asked. "Unlike you, my priorities are in order. Unlike you, I have a fucking soul."

He reached back and locked the door before turning around and taking off his suit jacket. "It doesn't matter if you got a soul or not, Ramona. I just need what's between your legs," he said, walking inbetween the couches. I began backing away, getting ready to beat his ass. After staring me up and down he lunged for me.

I tried to bring my foot up and kick him in the stomach but the dress constricted my legs and he was too fast as he tackled me to the floor. I began screaming. "Help! Help me! Get off of me!" I yelled, struggling with him on the carpet.

He pinned me to the floor with his arm as his other one reached down and began tried to lift my dress. "You're a fighter. I was right this time," he noted, evilly.

I quickly bit his forearm that was holding me down and he pulled it back in pain and I instantly headbutted him. He brought his hands up to hold his head and I stood up and attempted to run. I got past the coffee table before I felt myself being yanked backwards. We both fell on top of the table, breaking it. One of my high heels fell off and I elbowed him in the stomach, standing up and attempting to run again.

"Someone help me!" I yelled, fumbling with the lock, but I couldn't figure out how to unlock this fancy shit.

I saw him stand up again and I limped towards the back of the room. He ran after me and I threw the filing cabinet down in attempt to block him, but he just climbed over it. I went to scream again but he tackled me down in front of the fireplace. I was now on my back and he was on top of me, trying to raise up my dress again. I screamed and screamed and screamed, but no one was coming. Not again. Please, not again. I began to cry.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a rack of fireplace pokers. He had the skirt of the dress above my hips now and was beginning to yank my underwear down. I reached for the closest poker and when it was firm in my grip I shoved it through his neck. He instantly stopped fumbling with my underwear, his eyes widening as his hand went up to his neck. He fell over and I slowly stood up. I stared at his struggling figure on the ground for a moment before reaching down and pulling the poker out of his neck.

Blood squirted out and stained the carpet, my dress, my skin. I raised the weapon above me and brought it back down with force, driving it through the middle of his forehead. He immediately went limp. His eyes were wide as his lifeless body stared up at me.

What did I just do?! Not again. Not again. Not again.

The tears were still rolling down my cheeks as I took my other high heel off and stepped over his body. I bent down and picked up my clutch that was laying on the floor by the couch. I took my phone out and went to my contacts, clicking on his name.

The phone rang a couple of times before his sleepy voice came through. "Hello?"

"Oscar," I cried, staring at the dead millionaire who was laying in front of the fireplace. "I need your help."

----

welp, mona is out here killing mfs at her job.

told ya it was finna get serious.

now entering tallula and kalia aka my personal favs of this book. mona who?

↓ mona when she saw olivia ↓

↓ chris when mona made that kkk joke ↓

ramona: three k's. like KKK!
everyone:

↓ kalia's speech went a lil something like ↓

[ramona and her dress is the old lady of course]

↓ me coming up with those basic ass lyrics as i was writing ↓

[its clear why im not a damn lyricist y'all]