Another part of Jennifer wanted to run away, from this place, from this boy, from everything that reminded her of him. This boy was vindictive, manipulative and sadistic. He was cruel, far from the kindness and positivity as he had shown in his fake self.
Jennifer couldn't believe she had been fooled. Not once but twice. First, by Winston and now, by Adrian. She was feeling betrayed. Abandonment took over her. What was she in his eyes? A doll that he could manipulate and discard. Or worse, nothing at all. She was just one of those girls at school who followed him, around the clock. Begging for his attention.
James was now grasping Kurt's hair while he was on his knees. Adrian slouched down to sit on a step, lighting a cigarette nonchalantly and pointing his Zippo at the casino. His knuckles dripped blood, and his pale cheeks were flushed pink.
Yet when he opened his mouth, calmness flowed out with every word. "Nice place your parents have. How many years have they put into that illegal casino of yours?" Kurt sighed in defeat, barely shaking his head, while James and the rest of the group laughed.
"Last words before we burn this beauty down?" Adrian puffed smoke, toying with his lighter. "Please," Kurt sniffed and coughed. "Just…please." "You played with her. Hurt her. Made her cry. She was in my arms but I couldn't do anything to ease her pain. Do you know how much that hurts? No! You don't. So, today I will show you that. Bold of you to you think I will show you mercy. Well the mercy is not for you. It's shown to humans, not animals who would stoop low to any limit just to hurt others. You are an animal, incapable of forgiving or showing kindness." Adrian said through a clenched jaw, firsts tightening.
Jennifer wanted to scream and tell him that he was the animal here, incapable of love and kindness. She wanted to run and slap him across his face, hard and stinging. She wanted to use all the strength she had to free Kurt out of Adrian's cruel grasp, but she decided to stay away as that could worsen the situation.
"I love her. I am madly in love with her. She is the most beautiful personality and the most kindest heart I have seen in my entire life. She's pure, vibrant and innocent. Her eyes are filled with life and care. You should just observe her sometimes, it would do good in improving your moral standards than scheming against me or the people I love." Adrian said.
These words stabbed knives in Jennifer's heart. He was already in love with someone and he was here to take revenge for her. An unexpected sadness overcame Jennifer, she expected that she would be happy since, Adrian was her friend and now, he had finally found a girl he loved but Jennifer wasn't happy. She was sad. Why? She didn't understand. Maybe, because she expected that Adrian would tell her if he fell in love. They were friends, she should have known. Adrian had kept a secret from her, like many others.
"So s-s-s-sorry." Kurt's words were drenched with blood and saliva. Adrian stood up, slapping James shoulder. "The kid says that he's sorry. Is it enough?" James shook his head slowly, eyes trained on Kurt. Adrian swiveled to Kurt and shrugged. "Apparently, sorry isn't gonna do it. Guess we're back to plan A."
The unknown boy took a long stride towards the casino, unscrewed the cap on the five-gallon can. The stench of gasoline filled the air. Adrian still played with his Zippo, thumbing it teasingly.
Light.
Out.
Light.
Out.
Light…
The boy poured gasoline from the restaurant's entry door . After he threw the empty gas can into the water, he walked to Adrian's side and planted a hand on his shoulder. With a little nod. This was Adrian's cue.
"Goodbye, Amethyst dome. You'll be missed…but not by us." Adrian chuckled darkly, flipping the lighter toward the trail of gasoline. A whoosh of flames erupted. Fire raced up the steps and across the deck to the door.
"Let's go!" The boys turned around, holding Kurt like a prisoner in both arms, and dragged him back to the parking lot. They made sure his face was toward the marina so he could see the destruction of his family's most precious possession. Flames leaped high, and black smoke engulfed the casino in a choking hug.
Jennifer had to escape. To turn around and run away.
Why didn't you stop them, Jeni? She knew the answer to that one. The retaliation was justified. Kurt deserved the wrath. From their conversation, this was clear enough that he had hurt somebody Adrian held dear to his heart. Even though Adrian's method of retaliation was something Jennifer didn't agree with, Kurt's atrocious actions were need to be corrected. He had to see the unfortunate error of his ways. He can't be the almighty. Sometimes, even the strongest kings fall. So did he.
But this didn't mean Adrian was forgiven. He will pay for what he had done. Lying to Jennifer. Keeping secrets from her in the face of being a friend. Being a two-faced hypocrite who in appearance, believed in goodness of heart and human mind. Being from today itself. Jennifer will not back down until they both have paid. Her currency of payment is rather harsh. But not physically.
Running up the stairs, hysteria takes over her body as the heat of the fire licked at her legs, she heard the clank of something dropping behind her. She didn't have time to pick it up. Not even to turn around and check what it was. Jennifer fled the scene and bolted back to her house.
She locked the door. Twice. Took inventory: keys, phone, and purse. They were all there. She sighed in relief and dragged her body down, her back against the door. Safe. For now. But then it occurred to her that she didn't care about her safety.
Not as much as she cared about his.
Jennifer wasn't supposed to know where he was that night, but she couldn't help but text him, just to check that he's okay?
Where are you?
I'm with James. But I can't stop thinking about you.
Is that why you left without explaining?
Yes, Jennifer. That's exactly why I left without explaining. Because I think about you before I think about myself. Always remember that. Always.