S
scared_at_heart
Guest
Okay.This one is about me and my dad.Here go's nothing.I hope he doesn't come in here while I'm typing this.
Nikki was sitting, looking out of the window, observing Nature. She had a fine taste for art. She appreciated the deep blues of the sea, the light greens of the plants and the brilliant golden leaves on the trees. She looked at the driveway, beckoning to her. It was just like a huge canvas, just waiting to be drawn on. Her fingers closed around a box of chalk in her pocket longingly. She could stand it no longer. Nikki opened the door and stepped outside. She spread the chalk out on the driveway from white, to her darkest purple. Carefully, she selected a blood red and drew. She paused only to change colours. White, blue and brown danced their way onto the pavement. Finally, Nikki stood up, brushing the chalk of her pants and stood back to admire her work. It was Brad. His deep black hair and eyes were perfect. He was wearing a green tee-shirt and brown pants and had a broad smile on his face. He had his arms around a small girl, with real blonde hair. Nikki picked up a pale pink and chalked a small heart between the two.
Nikki! yelled a voice. Nikki dropped the box of chalk. It opened and all the chalk shattered on the ground. Nikki hurried inside.
Will you get over here? Nikki ran over to the front door. Ben was standing there, eyes flashing.
What was that? he asked coldly.
W-what was what? Nikki asked innocently.
Thats smashing noise! Ben yelled furiously
I dont know w-what your talking-
Youve been drawing, havent you Ben said quietly.
N-no! Nikki squeaked. Ben glared at her.
Where is it? he said, his voice getting more dangerously quiet.
Up the back Nikki hung her head. Ben charged past him, but Nikki grabbed his shirt, pulling him back.
Please! Nikki begged. Ben put his hand very close to Nikkis face and with one of his long fingernails, scratched Nikki down the cheek. Nikki let go, blood spurting from her face. Ben ran, towards the back door. The flung the doors open, nearly ripping it off its hinges as he did so and ran outside. He stared in disbelief at Nikkis beautiful drawing. He traced the small pink heart with his fingers. Then, raising his head, he spat in the middle of it. He ran his fingernail down the side of the chalk Nikki, then he picked up the blood red. He drew blood spurting from Nikkis scratch mark. He drew bullet wounds, cuts, stab marks, while Nikki watching behind the door, crying silently. When Ben was finished, he scuffed the lot with his shoes and walked back inside, making sure he slammed the door hard on Nikkis fingers as he went.
Nikki lay in bed, nursing her right hand. A bone had shattered when Ben had slammed it. Nikki brushed the tears away from her eyes. Her door creaked open. Nikki froze, still clutching her hand.
Daughter a voice called. Nikki whimpered.
Whats wrong, pretty Nikki? the voice sneered. Ben came over to where Nikki was lying in her bed. He stroked the side of Nikkis face. Nikki looked, terrified, at his Dad. Then, Bens smile became a sneer and he dragged his fingernail, once again on Nikki's cheek, deepening the cut that was already there. Nikki resisted the urge to kick his Dad. She clutched her face, her fingers soaked in blood. Ben lent forwards and licked the blood off the side of Nikkis face. Nikki shivered as her Dads tongue ran over the deep cut on her skin. Ben looked at Nikki then ran out of the room slamming the door behind him. Nikki jumped out of bed and ran over to her door, intending to run away, but when she reached it, Ben opened it with such force, it sent Nikki flying and she crumpled on the floor. Her Dad sniggered, walked over to her and knelt down. With one hand, he held Nikki down, with the other he bent Nikkis right hand backwards; the one that he had slammed earlier. Nikki screamed as her hand snapped and bent grotesquely. Ben threw back his head and laughed. Then he raised a finger to Nikkis lips.
Shh, pretty Nikki he murmured. Nikki struggled against Ben and Ben laughed softly.
Oh no, youre not getting away that easily he purred, reaching into his coat pocket for something. When he withdrew the hand it was clutching a small knife. Nikki gasped and struggled harder, but Ben just laughed again. Then he raised the knife and cut across Nikkis other cheek, so that the two scars ran in the middle. Nikki cried out and pushed Ben away from her.
Now now, my Daughter, my cream puff Ben purred, moving towards her frightened Daughter. Nikki backed away into the wall. Ben reached out and slid the bottom of Nikkis sweatshirt up to reveal her pale stomach. Ben began to softly tickle Nikki. Nikki giggled uneasily, but Bens fingers were flowing across her skin like spiders and she gave up and soon began to laugh madly as her Dad tickled her.
Yes, thats better, isnt it Nikki? Ben smirked. While he tickled Nikki with one hand, the other gripped the knife. Ben suddenly removed his hand and plunged the knife deep into Nikkis side. Nikkis giggles became a scream of pain and agony. She bent over, clutching her side, whimpering.
Now, Nikki Ben snapped, Did that hurt? he wrenched the knife out of Nikki, making her scream again. Nikki choked back a sob and looked pleadingly at her Dad. Ben picked Nikki up by the collar and slammed her against the wall, knocking the breath out of her.
I said, did that hurt, Nikki? Ben snarled, shaking Nikki.
Yes Nikki whimpered, still in great pain.
I cant hear you! Ben yelled, raising the knife.
Yes! Nikki shouted, his voice wavering at the sight of the knife.
Good Ben threw Nikki from her and stalked out of the room, leaving Nikki to climb back into bed and cry herself to sleep.
Nikki awoke the next morning. It took her a while to remember why she was feeling so sad. Then she felt a sudden pain in her side and everything came rushing back to her; Ben, slashing and hurting her. She closed her eyes, took a deep calming breath and pulled her sweatshirt up a bit. There, in her side, was a bloody hole. It was deep and ugly. Nikki choked back a sob and pulled her top down quickly. The sight scared her very much. She knew she would have to get an ice pack for it, to stop the swelling, so she slid her feet out of bed. She tried to stand, but the pain in her side made her sit back down again immediately. Nikki took a deep breath and dragged herself to her feet and shuffled out of her room, wincing horribly every time she moved. She dragged herself into the kitchen and almost collapsed onto the floor, her side aching and stinging. She moaned in agony, but managed to open the freezer. She rummaged in the freezer and pulled out a handful of ice cubes. Wrapping them in a cloth, she began the long shuffle back to her room, but a low snigger made her stop in her tracks. Ben was sitting at the kitchen table, chewing absentmindedly on a bagel. How are you, Nikki? he grinned. Nikki ignored him and continued to make her way out of the kitchen, but Baens next comment made her stop dead in her tracks. If you continue at that pace, youll never get to school on time Im not going Nikki turned around slowly, to face her Dad. And why not? Ben said softly. Because Nikki pulled her top up to reveal the knife wound. Oh, deary me. Ben shook his head, No, you can still go to school. I dont see how a cut will affect your school work A cut? Nikki spat. Look, Nikki Ben snarled, dropping his gentle nature, You are going to school whether you like it or not
No! You cant make me! yelled Nikki. She was still yelling as Ben pushed her into her room and forced her into her school uniform. She was still yelling even as Ben pushed her out of the door and threw her school bag out after her. Nikki stomped angrily off to school, keeping up a furious manner, until she was sure Ben couldnt see her anymore. Then, she sank, panting onto the pavement, clutching her side.
Oh, God Nikki whispered. It was just then, bad luck struck.
Oh, hi Nikki It was Mike. The tall Egyptian had come around the corner and almost tripped over her. What are you doing down there?
Oh er Nikki searched her brain for an inventive excuse.
Oh well, that doesnt matter. If we dont hurry, we are gonna be late
Yeah Nikki stood up shakily and lent on the wall for support. Mike raised an eyebrow.
Are you okay?
Yeah, Im fine Nikki managed a watery smile.
Lets go Mike set off down the road briskly, Nikki limping after him. They continued to walk in such a brisk way and Nikki began to fall behind. Mike whirled around and stared at Nikki, who was limping horribly, a few meters behind him.
Somethings wrong
No Nikki said, panic rising in her.
Yes . Yes there is the Egyptian stroked his chin, Joey should be here by now, he promised
Hi guys! a small short boy, in a school uniform 2 sizes too big for him was walking towards them.
Oh, there you are, Joey Mike smiled.
Hi Nikki! Joey smiled at Nikki, who smiled back, through her pain. But then the small boy frowned.
Are you okay? Joey peered into Nikkis face, You seem pale. Paler than usual, I mean he added at a withering glance from Mike. Mike peered at Nikki's face too.
Yeah, hes right. Whats wrong?
Nikki shook her head.
I c-cant tell y-you she whispered, the pain building in her head as well as her side.
Nikki Joey whispered, leaning closer to the pale girl, Come on, you can tell us
N-no Nikki gulped.
Oh, leave it Joey Mike grinned, What? Found a boyfriend at last, have we? he ruffled Nikkis hair.
The pressure from Mikes hand was too much for Nikki. She collapsed onto one knee, tears pouring down her face.
Oh, my God. Nikki! Joey bent down and tilted Nikkis head up to his with one thumb, What did you do to him, Mike?
Nothing! the Egyptian protested, his face going pale. Joey ran his hand over Nikkis side. Nikki gasped in pain and Joey pulled Nikkis shirt up in triumph. Then he gasped and dropped it.
Joey? Mike whispered.
H-her side. N-Nikki what h-happened to your s-side? Joey stared at Nikki, Nikki youre not a s-self harmer a-are you?
No!Nikki said feebly.
Oh, GodNikki said, his voice shaking. Mike pulled Nikkis shirt up too and dropped it, just like Joey.
Oh by Ra. Nikki, who did this to you? Mike put an arm around Nikki.
Nobody! squeaked Nikki, I just cut my self, its nothing
She cut himself Joey said faintly, Nikki! Thats not a cut, thats a bloody knife wound!
No, no its not! Nikki protested.
Nikki! Thats not an ordinary paper cut! Look, who hurt you? Nikki weakened. She opened his mouth.
B-Ben
Who? Joey stared blankly at Nikki.
My Dad? Okay? Nikki sobbed and she buried his face in her hand.
Ben? That older guy who looks like you? Joey whispered.
Yes Nikki sobbed.
Oh by Ra Mike swore. He pulled Nikki into a hug.
Oh my God, Nikki. Did he stab you?
Yes Nikki mumbled.
Mike swore very loudly and stood up.
Nikki. You have to tell someone!
I cant. Shes the only family Ive got left
Then come live with me! You can live in my closet until my parent say yes! Mike protested.
Mike Nikki said softly.
Im going to kill Ben Mike spat.
Mike! Come on! Joey said, pulling him back.
No! Let go of me! Nikkis obviously not going to tell anybody so we have to Mike stormed off in the direction of 'Nikki's house.
Mike! Come back! Nikki choked, Hell kill you!
Nikki, I have to he kept walking.
Then Im coming with you Joey said bravely, standing up.
No! Please! I dont want to lose you guys too! Nikki cried.
Oh, come on Nikki Mike ran back and pulled Nikki onto his back (A/N KAWAII!). Nikki would not go quietly. She kicked Mikes legs and beat her fists on her back all the way to her house. Mike ignored Nikki, as Nikki was not kicking very hard. Soon, Nikki ran out of strength, laid her head on Mikes back and dozed. Joey smiled and patted Nikkis head kindly, standing on tiptoe to reach her. They arrived at Nikkis house 10 minutes later. Mike put Nikki down on the porch and stalked up to the front door, Joey following him. Nikki opened her eyes and made a whimpering noise, but Mike shushed her. Joey banged on the door and Mike rang the doorbell several times. Nikki got up and limped over to Malik, leaning heavily on her shoulder. The door was suddenly flung open. Ben stood in the doorway, looking livid. But his expression turned soft as he saw whom it was.
Oh, hello he bowed his head to Joey and Mike, Why are you here? Shouldnt you three be in school?
Look, Ben Mike snarled, What on earth did you do to Nikki? Bens smile faded.
Nothing what so ever he snarled back, And if you want to live, youll agree with me
But, her side Joey squeaked.
Its nothing! Nikki must have cut herself when she was walking to school. Huh, Nikki? Ben ruffled Nikkis hair.
You know perfectly well that I didnt cut myself Nikki snapped. Bens hand closed on a lock of Nikkis hair and he pulled it, so Nikkis head jerked forwards.
Maybe you should stay home today Ben sneered into Nikkis ear.
Get off her! Mike hit Bens arm and dragged Nikki back. Joey stood in front of Nikki. Ben snarled and grabbed Mikes throat and squeezed tightly.
Get-off-me! Mike choked.
Mike! Joey kicked Bens shins furiously, Let her go you monster! Or Ill-
What will you do? Stamp on my toes? Ben sneered, still choking Mike. Joey stamped hard on Bens toes and the Dad howled and released Mike. Mike massaged his throat, then leapt at Ben, punching every part of Ben's body he could reach.
Never-hurt-Nikki-again! You-are-a-monster! I-hate-you! I-will-kill-you! Mike yelled as he punched.
Ben roared and seized the back of Mikes head, pulling it back.
Get away from me! he shouted, throwing Mike from him. Mike flew through the air, collided with the fence with a sickening crack and slid down, unconscious. Nikki cried out and limped over to Mike, but not before Ben grabbed the back of Nikkis school uniform and dragged her back. Nikki flailed her arms furiously, but Ben just held him at arms length and sniggered. Joey gasped. The pocket of his school uniform was glowing. He pulled a gold cell phone out of his pocket and stared at it. Ben gasped.
Nikki was sitting, looking out of the window, observing Nature. She had a fine taste for art. She appreciated the deep blues of the sea, the light greens of the plants and the brilliant golden leaves on the trees. She looked at the driveway, beckoning to her. It was just like a huge canvas, just waiting to be drawn on. Her fingers closed around a box of chalk in her pocket longingly. She could stand it no longer. Nikki opened the door and stepped outside. She spread the chalk out on the driveway from white, to her darkest purple. Carefully, she selected a blood red and drew. She paused only to change colours. White, blue and brown danced their way onto the pavement. Finally, Nikki stood up, brushing the chalk of her pants and stood back to admire her work. It was Brad. His deep black hair and eyes were perfect. He was wearing a green tee-shirt and brown pants and had a broad smile on his face. He had his arms around a small girl, with real blonde hair. Nikki picked up a pale pink and chalked a small heart between the two.
Nikki! yelled a voice. Nikki dropped the box of chalk. It opened and all the chalk shattered on the ground. Nikki hurried inside.
Will you get over here? Nikki ran over to the front door. Ben was standing there, eyes flashing.
What was that? he asked coldly.
W-what was what? Nikki asked innocently.
Thats smashing noise! Ben yelled furiously
I dont know w-what your talking-
Youve been drawing, havent you Ben said quietly.
N-no! Nikki squeaked. Ben glared at her.
Where is it? he said, his voice getting more dangerously quiet.
Up the back Nikki hung her head. Ben charged past him, but Nikki grabbed his shirt, pulling him back.
Please! Nikki begged. Ben put his hand very close to Nikkis face and with one of his long fingernails, scratched Nikki down the cheek. Nikki let go, blood spurting from her face. Ben ran, towards the back door. The flung the doors open, nearly ripping it off its hinges as he did so and ran outside. He stared in disbelief at Nikkis beautiful drawing. He traced the small pink heart with his fingers. Then, raising his head, he spat in the middle of it. He ran his fingernail down the side of the chalk Nikki, then he picked up the blood red. He drew blood spurting from Nikkis scratch mark. He drew bullet wounds, cuts, stab marks, while Nikki watching behind the door, crying silently. When Ben was finished, he scuffed the lot with his shoes and walked back inside, making sure he slammed the door hard on Nikkis fingers as he went.
Nikki lay in bed, nursing her right hand. A bone had shattered when Ben had slammed it. Nikki brushed the tears away from her eyes. Her door creaked open. Nikki froze, still clutching her hand.
Daughter a voice called. Nikki whimpered.
Whats wrong, pretty Nikki? the voice sneered. Ben came over to where Nikki was lying in her bed. He stroked the side of Nikkis face. Nikki looked, terrified, at his Dad. Then, Bens smile became a sneer and he dragged his fingernail, once again on Nikki's cheek, deepening the cut that was already there. Nikki resisted the urge to kick his Dad. She clutched her face, her fingers soaked in blood. Ben lent forwards and licked the blood off the side of Nikkis face. Nikki shivered as her Dads tongue ran over the deep cut on her skin. Ben looked at Nikki then ran out of the room slamming the door behind him. Nikki jumped out of bed and ran over to her door, intending to run away, but when she reached it, Ben opened it with such force, it sent Nikki flying and she crumpled on the floor. Her Dad sniggered, walked over to her and knelt down. With one hand, he held Nikki down, with the other he bent Nikkis right hand backwards; the one that he had slammed earlier. Nikki screamed as her hand snapped and bent grotesquely. Ben threw back his head and laughed. Then he raised a finger to Nikkis lips.
Shh, pretty Nikki he murmured. Nikki struggled against Ben and Ben laughed softly.
Oh no, youre not getting away that easily he purred, reaching into his coat pocket for something. When he withdrew the hand it was clutching a small knife. Nikki gasped and struggled harder, but Ben just laughed again. Then he raised the knife and cut across Nikkis other cheek, so that the two scars ran in the middle. Nikki cried out and pushed Ben away from her.
Now now, my Daughter, my cream puff Ben purred, moving towards her frightened Daughter. Nikki backed away into the wall. Ben reached out and slid the bottom of Nikkis sweatshirt up to reveal her pale stomach. Ben began to softly tickle Nikki. Nikki giggled uneasily, but Bens fingers were flowing across her skin like spiders and she gave up and soon began to laugh madly as her Dad tickled her.
Yes, thats better, isnt it Nikki? Ben smirked. While he tickled Nikki with one hand, the other gripped the knife. Ben suddenly removed his hand and plunged the knife deep into Nikkis side. Nikkis giggles became a scream of pain and agony. She bent over, clutching her side, whimpering.
Now, Nikki Ben snapped, Did that hurt? he wrenched the knife out of Nikki, making her scream again. Nikki choked back a sob and looked pleadingly at her Dad. Ben picked Nikki up by the collar and slammed her against the wall, knocking the breath out of her.
I said, did that hurt, Nikki? Ben snarled, shaking Nikki.
Yes Nikki whimpered, still in great pain.
I cant hear you! Ben yelled, raising the knife.
Yes! Nikki shouted, his voice wavering at the sight of the knife.
Good Ben threw Nikki from her and stalked out of the room, leaving Nikki to climb back into bed and cry herself to sleep.
Nikki awoke the next morning. It took her a while to remember why she was feeling so sad. Then she felt a sudden pain in her side and everything came rushing back to her; Ben, slashing and hurting her. She closed her eyes, took a deep calming breath and pulled her sweatshirt up a bit. There, in her side, was a bloody hole. It was deep and ugly. Nikki choked back a sob and pulled her top down quickly. The sight scared her very much. She knew she would have to get an ice pack for it, to stop the swelling, so she slid her feet out of bed. She tried to stand, but the pain in her side made her sit back down again immediately. Nikki took a deep breath and dragged herself to her feet and shuffled out of her room, wincing horribly every time she moved. She dragged herself into the kitchen and almost collapsed onto the floor, her side aching and stinging. She moaned in agony, but managed to open the freezer. She rummaged in the freezer and pulled out a handful of ice cubes. Wrapping them in a cloth, she began the long shuffle back to her room, but a low snigger made her stop in her tracks. Ben was sitting at the kitchen table, chewing absentmindedly on a bagel. How are you, Nikki? he grinned. Nikki ignored him and continued to make her way out of the kitchen, but Baens next comment made her stop dead in her tracks. If you continue at that pace, youll never get to school on time Im not going Nikki turned around slowly, to face her Dad. And why not? Ben said softly. Because Nikki pulled her top up to reveal the knife wound. Oh, deary me. Ben shook his head, No, you can still go to school. I dont see how a cut will affect your school work A cut? Nikki spat. Look, Nikki Ben snarled, dropping his gentle nature, You are going to school whether you like it or not
No! You cant make me! yelled Nikki. She was still yelling as Ben pushed her into her room and forced her into her school uniform. She was still yelling even as Ben pushed her out of the door and threw her school bag out after her. Nikki stomped angrily off to school, keeping up a furious manner, until she was sure Ben couldnt see her anymore. Then, she sank, panting onto the pavement, clutching her side.
Oh, God Nikki whispered. It was just then, bad luck struck.
Oh, hi Nikki It was Mike. The tall Egyptian had come around the corner and almost tripped over her. What are you doing down there?
Oh er Nikki searched her brain for an inventive excuse.
Oh well, that doesnt matter. If we dont hurry, we are gonna be late
Yeah Nikki stood up shakily and lent on the wall for support. Mike raised an eyebrow.
Are you okay?
Yeah, Im fine Nikki managed a watery smile.
Lets go Mike set off down the road briskly, Nikki limping after him. They continued to walk in such a brisk way and Nikki began to fall behind. Mike whirled around and stared at Nikki, who was limping horribly, a few meters behind him.
Somethings wrong
No Nikki said, panic rising in her.
Yes . Yes there is the Egyptian stroked his chin, Joey should be here by now, he promised
Hi guys! a small short boy, in a school uniform 2 sizes too big for him was walking towards them.
Oh, there you are, Joey Mike smiled.
Hi Nikki! Joey smiled at Nikki, who smiled back, through her pain. But then the small boy frowned.
Are you okay? Joey peered into Nikkis face, You seem pale. Paler than usual, I mean he added at a withering glance from Mike. Mike peered at Nikki's face too.
Yeah, hes right. Whats wrong?
Nikki shook her head.
I c-cant tell y-you she whispered, the pain building in her head as well as her side.
Nikki Joey whispered, leaning closer to the pale girl, Come on, you can tell us
N-no Nikki gulped.
Oh, leave it Joey Mike grinned, What? Found a boyfriend at last, have we? he ruffled Nikkis hair.
The pressure from Mikes hand was too much for Nikki. She collapsed onto one knee, tears pouring down her face.
Oh, my God. Nikki! Joey bent down and tilted Nikkis head up to his with one thumb, What did you do to him, Mike?
Nothing! the Egyptian protested, his face going pale. Joey ran his hand over Nikkis side. Nikki gasped in pain and Joey pulled Nikkis shirt up in triumph. Then he gasped and dropped it.
Joey? Mike whispered.
H-her side. N-Nikki what h-happened to your s-side? Joey stared at Nikki, Nikki youre not a s-self harmer a-are you?
No!Nikki said feebly.
Oh, GodNikki said, his voice shaking. Mike pulled Nikkis shirt up too and dropped it, just like Joey.
Oh by Ra. Nikki, who did this to you? Mike put an arm around Nikki.
Nobody! squeaked Nikki, I just cut my self, its nothing
She cut himself Joey said faintly, Nikki! Thats not a cut, thats a bloody knife wound!
No, no its not! Nikki protested.
Nikki! Thats not an ordinary paper cut! Look, who hurt you? Nikki weakened. She opened his mouth.
B-Ben
Who? Joey stared blankly at Nikki.
My Dad? Okay? Nikki sobbed and she buried his face in her hand.
Ben? That older guy who looks like you? Joey whispered.
Yes Nikki sobbed.
Oh by Ra Mike swore. He pulled Nikki into a hug.
Oh my God, Nikki. Did he stab you?
Yes Nikki mumbled.
Mike swore very loudly and stood up.
Nikki. You have to tell someone!
I cant. Shes the only family Ive got left
Then come live with me! You can live in my closet until my parent say yes! Mike protested.
Mike Nikki said softly.
Im going to kill Ben Mike spat.
Mike! Come on! Joey said, pulling him back.
No! Let go of me! Nikkis obviously not going to tell anybody so we have to Mike stormed off in the direction of 'Nikki's house.
Mike! Come back! Nikki choked, Hell kill you!
Nikki, I have to he kept walking.
Then Im coming with you Joey said bravely, standing up.
No! Please! I dont want to lose you guys too! Nikki cried.
Oh, come on Nikki Mike ran back and pulled Nikki onto his back (A/N KAWAII!). Nikki would not go quietly. She kicked Mikes legs and beat her fists on her back all the way to her house. Mike ignored Nikki, as Nikki was not kicking very hard. Soon, Nikki ran out of strength, laid her head on Mikes back and dozed. Joey smiled and patted Nikkis head kindly, standing on tiptoe to reach her. They arrived at Nikkis house 10 minutes later. Mike put Nikki down on the porch and stalked up to the front door, Joey following him. Nikki opened her eyes and made a whimpering noise, but Mike shushed her. Joey banged on the door and Mike rang the doorbell several times. Nikki got up and limped over to Malik, leaning heavily on her shoulder. The door was suddenly flung open. Ben stood in the doorway, looking livid. But his expression turned soft as he saw whom it was.
Oh, hello he bowed his head to Joey and Mike, Why are you here? Shouldnt you three be in school?
Look, Ben Mike snarled, What on earth did you do to Nikki? Bens smile faded.
Nothing what so ever he snarled back, And if you want to live, youll agree with me
But, her side Joey squeaked.
Its nothing! Nikki must have cut herself when she was walking to school. Huh, Nikki? Ben ruffled Nikkis hair.
You know perfectly well that I didnt cut myself Nikki snapped. Bens hand closed on a lock of Nikkis hair and he pulled it, so Nikkis head jerked forwards.
Maybe you should stay home today Ben sneered into Nikkis ear.
Get off her! Mike hit Bens arm and dragged Nikki back. Joey stood in front of Nikki. Ben snarled and grabbed Mikes throat and squeezed tightly.
Get-off-me! Mike choked.
Mike! Joey kicked Bens shins furiously, Let her go you monster! Or Ill-
What will you do? Stamp on my toes? Ben sneered, still choking Mike. Joey stamped hard on Bens toes and the Dad howled and released Mike. Mike massaged his throat, then leapt at Ben, punching every part of Ben's body he could reach.
Never-hurt-Nikki-again! You-are-a-monster! I-hate-you! I-will-kill-you! Mike yelled as he punched.
Ben roared and seized the back of Mikes head, pulling it back.
Get away from me! he shouted, throwing Mike from him. Mike flew through the air, collided with the fence with a sickening crack and slid down, unconscious. Nikki cried out and limped over to Mike, but not before Ben grabbed the back of Nikkis school uniform and dragged her back. Nikki flailed her arms furiously, but Ben just held him at arms length and sniggered. Joey gasped. The pocket of his school uniform was glowing. He pulled a gold cell phone out of his pocket and stared at it. Ben gasped.

