Nightshade

29

‘Please don’t let him do it to me again,’ sobbed Bella. ‘I want to go home. I want my mummy and daddy.’

‘Stop crying!’ hissed Candy.

‘You said you were my friend.’ Bella sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.

‘I’m not your friend, you silly little cow! Now stop crying or I’ll give you a slap.’ She raised her hand menacingly and Bella collapsed onto the bed.

‘What’s her problem?’ asked Eric, coming into the bedroom.

‘She’s being a cry-baby,’ said Candy.

‘It doesn’t matter, we’re almost done with her,’ said Eric.

‘I want to go home,’ whispered Bella.

‘You’re never going home,’ said Candy. ‘Ever. You’re never going to see your mum or your dad or your stupid rabbit. We’re the last thing you’re ever going to see, the last thing you’re ever going to feel. You belong to us and when we’re finished with you we’re going to throw you away like the rubbish you are.’

‘No!’ moaned Bella.

Eric pulled down his jeans and kicked them off. ‘Hold her down,’ he said. ‘And shut her up. I’m sick of her bloody voice.’