Page 16 of Framed Obsession

After contemplating, I reach out and shake his hand. He gives me a smile before saying,

“It’s nice to meet you. Zoe has mentioned a lot about you. In fact, she never stops talking about you.” Zane pokes her stomach teasingly, and she giggles like a little schoolgirl. A blush creeps onto her high cheekbones, and it makes something deep within me feel comforted. I haven’t seen her act this way in a long time.

“Oh, has she?” I respond with a wink in her direction. I look around to see the girls ready for class to start again. They’re all standing in front of the mirror, practicing the moves from earlier.

“You should go, Z,” I suggest, still watching her wrapped around this man like a baby koala.

“Are you sure?”

“I can handle one more hour on my own. I’m more than sure.” I give her a heartwarming smile.

“You’re the best!” She unwraps her body from his, and now embraces mine. I hug her back.

“Now go before I change my mind,” I say playfully. I watch as she lets the class know she is leaving and grabs her belongings. She gives me a kiss on the cheek before walking out hand-in-hand with Zane. I’m happy for her. I really am, but a part of me is sad that I don't get to spend as much time with her as I usually do.

I turn the music back on and continue the class for the next hour. Once all the girls leave, Zoe and I usually stay back to tidy up. Looks like it's just me this time. My body is exhausted as I sweep and mop the wooden floors. They're scuffed and scraped from the heavy labor of the hardworking souls dancing their hearts out. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The sun is starting to dip lower, leaving a feeling of completeness in the air. By myself, it's taking me over an hour to clean up. I don't mind, though. It relaxes me to clean up alone. Our next class won’t be for another few days. Technically, I can come back and do it later, but I’m a do-it-now kind of person.

I give the studio one last glance before locking up. I jiggle the door handle, ensuring it doesn’t turn. Zoe and I came in her car, and she took her keys with her when she left. The studio is a few miles from the apartment. Looks like I am walking home today. I regret that decision now that I am walking back alone. I had completely forgotten; I was so focused on her being happy.

Everything will be fine, Dahlia. Just walk fast.

Chapter 15

The Flower

One block left, and I’m home. That wasn't so bad. It was actually quite relaxing. Walking home in the evening, with the city lights illuminating night the sky, makes me feel at peace. I love nighttime. It’s one of my favorite escapades.

I turn left into the short alleyway behind my apartment, taking a minor shortcut. The heels of my feet are feeling sore, and I want to get home as soon as possible so I can put these babies in some cozy slippers. The ambiance of the alley is dusky. Pure darkness, besides one small lamp. My pace quickens as I hop over a puddle in the center.

Just as I'm at the cusp, a hooded figure turns the corner directly in front of me. I quickly come to a halt. The figure takes a step forward in my direction without hesitation. My eyes widen in terror. I turn to run in the other direction. It’s the only rational thing I can think to do.

Run, Dahlia. Run.

Anxiety surges through my body as I take off, and my fight-or-flight response kicks in. My mouth opens to scream for help, but a large hand muffles my words. My body lurches backward roughly. I kick and kick, but it’s of no use. My hands reach behind me, feeling for a face, intending to scratch, but I’m met with hard plastic.

Oh, fuck.

The masked man picks me off my feet, and I am thrown face-first into the brick wall. I wince as my face meets the rough bricks. I press against it, using all my force, but the man is behind me, holding me in place. No, not again. I told myself I would be better prepared if it happened again. I’m frustrated with myself. I’m pinned and I can’t move.

I feel a hand cup my ass and I freeze. It's rough. It's unforgiving. It's unfamiliar. The fabric of his hood tickles my cheek as he comes closer, leaning into me more. He breathes heavily from my resistance. The hair on my body rises as a low guttering voice fills my ears.

“Stop moving, or I’ll throw you onto the fucking ground.” The words are unsettling, coating me in fear. It’s not like the tone from before. Who the fuck is this?

The hand reaches into my leggings from behind. I flail my arms, trying to grasp at anything. I need to get him off ‌me. Tears begin to run down my face, like acid on my cheeks, scraped raw from the brick. I’m thrown from the wall, and my body quickly meets the concrete, forcing the air out of my lungs. It takes me far too long to comprehend what just happened. My bloody palms struggle beneath me as I use all my strength to push myself up. A sob escapes me as the gravel prickles unforgivingly on my skin.

Get up, Dahlia. Get the fuck up.

I manage to crawl only a few inches before my body is pressed into the concrete once more. My vision blurs as my lungs seize with the lack of oxygen.

“H-Help,” I say breathlessly. I’m flipped over. Every ounce of my body braces, feeling pain coarse through me. Filth cakes my face, mixing with my tears and blood. My arms reach forward, and I claw at the man who is climbing on top of me. I am fighting with every fiber of my being. I have to fight with every fiber of my being.

I blink, trying to clear my eyesight. My arms are pinned to my sides in an instant. A wave of disbelief washes over me, leaving me frightened. I’ve never seen this mask before.

“Stop struggling. You seemed to enjoy this before. Now be a good whore and lie there.” The man says with an impatient growl. W-What did he say?

His front presses against mine, leaving me caged. I feel his slimy, rough hand reach back into my leggings, this time it's not from the back. My hips buck forward, trying to get away.