Blood On Her Hands

TW: assault, murder

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Deafening music…

The smell of alcohol and smoke reeking…

Blinding neon lights in the dim building…

The taste of…blood?

Rachel’s world spins, her head throbbing with every single inch she moves. Nope, she’s not getting up. Not when she can barely manage to figure out where she’s at (technically, she’d have to get up to assess that but not with her current post-shitfaced situation.) With her eyes closed, she tried to recall memories from last night but, to her dismay, there’s only this splitting headache screaming to her ears and blocking every thing else. She could barely remember a thing. Sure, there were flashes of images in her head but they were nothing but split seconds of sound or sight.

The farthest she could fully remember was parking her car at some abandoned-looking basement—which, fit the entirety of this whole building. Ah, right. This is an abandoned building in a middle of a clearing (totally normal, note the sarcasm). Before parking her car, Rachel could remember having a hard time navigating through the forest which, by the way, weirdly but not surprisingly enough, had a path paved already. But of course, Rachel being the worst person you could leave to navigate without GPS, she still had a lot of trouble.

“Ugh, what the fuck just happened…” her throat was dry and her voice raspy. Licking her dry chapped lips, Rachel gathered all of her strength to sit up from the—why was she on the floor? Too lightheaded to question the fact that she passed out on the floor, Rachel just kept her eyes closed for a few more seconds before opening them to the sight of the cement floor and her bare feet, the boots she wore last night just nearby.

“Where’s Sky…” Rachel murmured, rubbing her eyes. The headache wasn’t subsiding still (not that she expected it to) and so she looked around for possible places where she could find painkillers or at least a glass of water. “Sky…Sky?”

“S-Skylar?”

A corpse on the bed, soaked with blood, staining the white sheets.

…

It was around 10 o’clock. Rachel found herself driving through the forest to find a certain clearing—a building, to be specific. She was always the type of person to act rashly and decide impulsively. In addition to that, she had a very pushy best friend who manages to convince her into getting into whatever it is that he wants. On the other hand, Rachel didn’t mind it that much. They never really get into terrible things and if anything, it always ends up being on of the best thrilling experiences for her to remember. Just like that one night when the sneaked in to an abandoned museum which was actually some sort of turf owned by some hooded guys. How they got out of that situation would be another tale to tell.

Rachel stayed in the car for a while more after turning the engine off. Something about this place gave her the creeps and she couldn’t help but feel the ominous energy surrounding her. But then again, anyone in her position would feel the same, given that this was a place people barely go to. Plus, there was no signal or any signs of civilization near—and it’s not like she had informed anyone of her location beforehand. She turned her head to the front seat where Skylar took his seat, giving a look of uncertainty to which the latter responded with a shrug before heading out of the car nonchalantly.

“Remind me why I’m here?” said Rachel, playing with the keys dangling on her finger. They were both now outside the car, leaving the said vehicle in the parking lot of the same abandoned building. Passing the hood of her car, she cringed at the amount of dust on it. Following was the sight of her mud soaked tires. Dammit, she could use the car wash money for extra food but it’s not like she has time to clean the car by herself either.

“Oh, you just love me so much, you couldn’t deny my invite.” From the other side of the car where Skylar came from he jogged to Rachel, pulling his friend by the arm, like a child dragging its mom to buy that sparkly thing in a shop they were passing by.

“Really, hmm? Well then, if that’s the case I suppose I should re-evaluate this situation.” Rachel stood unwavering, still having doubts about this place. Truth be told, this was not like her at all. Skepticism was never her forte.

“Oh shut the fuck up.” groaned Skylar, rolling his eyes then pulling Rachel by her arm. It wasn’t like she had any choice to back out any moment. They were already here. And all they need to do is take the lift up to where the real shit is. But the question is…

“Does the elevator work? I think we should take the stairs instead.”

“Sheesh, since when were you a scaredy-cat…You were never like this when we purposely got jailed—which, by the way, is just a way cooler detention that lasts for 12 hours.” Indeed, this was so unlike Rachel. Skylar was the one to drag her into this, as usual. So, it should also just be his responsibility to keep her from quitting and make sure she gets to have fun.

Rachel sighed. She wasn’t sure what was up with her either. This uncertainty leads her to saying: “I could be doing far more important things, Sky.” She never says that.

“Oh, like what? Arguing with your stupid boyfriend? Apologizing and asking for an extension from your landlady? Or maybe looking for a shit ton of part times to feed yourself.”

“…”

There was silence, Rachel shook her head ever so slightly as they approached the elevator. She really didn’t want to take the lift. She doesn’t have phobias in these things or anything, at least not that she knows of. Though she’s certain that while it might not be some phobia, it’s fear. “I don’t need part time jobs right now, I need big time gig to kickstart away from this rut.” Right, that’s what she needs. So, what is she doing in an abandoned building?

“Nah, you just need some booze and dancing. I don’t know, maybe even some dick. Your boyfriend ever give ya some of that?” Skylar joked, but Rachel obviously having none of it. As the male noticed the visible nervousness of his friend, getting worse as they get deeper into the who-knows-how-old structure, he exhaled.

“Alright, let’s take the stairs,” said Skylar.

But it seemed to have not fazed Rachel at all. If anything, a scoff slipped past her lips. Now, she was panicking. It was probably because of the built up stress that has accumulated for the past few months now—and even more if you count her shitty family since she was born in this world. There was this heavy feeling snowballing up in her chest; a volatile mixture of anger, fear, confusion, and everything else in between.

“Booze. And dancing? Where, exactly? We could’ve gone clubbing in the city, Skylar! What’s this, some magical underworld party that’s hidden under an illusion?” she spat, running her fingers through her hair. All Rachel could think now was how she wants to go back home, or whatever you call that studio apartment she has. She wasn’t scared of having to drive through the woods anymore—if anything she feared the most was staying in this abandoned building. “What, are we going to say some ancient phrase and see a whole scene unfold after us. Oh-so-alive and colorful!” her voice echoed through the empty parking lot, bouncing back to nothingness. Perhaps, Rachel was also too welled up with her own emotions to notice that there were a few other vehicles scattered here and there, about three more of them.

With that, Rachel turned to her heels, marching back towards her car. No, she’s not putting up with whatever shit Skylar has for her this time. It just didn’t feel right in any way she looks at it. What if they just disappear without anyone knowing? This might just be the last of their lives and no one would ever hear about them again.

“Ray!” Skylar took a couple strands to catch up to Rachel, grabbing her wrists as the female fought back. Why was Skylar so desperate about making her go to this place? She doesn’t even have any idea what she’s getting into. Yes, surprises were her thing but if this is what you deem as that, then she’s good without it. Skylar just stayed silent for the next couple of seconds, pissing Rachel even more. But before she could break free from her friend’s grip Skylar already took a stronger hold of her, pulling her close a little too forcefully.

“What the fuck, Sky-”

Skylar’s lips were on Rachel’s.

For a fleeting moment, she gave in. Maybe because this was some sort of escape she needed. It wasn’t exactly what she was looking for but then again, she knew not that either. She had a boyfriend but she can’t think of this as cheating either. Maybe she’s just lost care about their relationship because maybe, none of it was real to begin with.

No, this is wrong.

Rachel pushed Skylar off of her, as if they just hadn’t shared a kiss, going back to where she left it off earlier. “How are you certain we’re not going to get killed in the middle of nowhere? In the middle of a clearing in the middle of the deep dark woods we just crossed! Skylar, I am not joking!”

“Shut up and follow me, you pussy.”

…

Okay, so that’s how she got here.

Rachel picked herself up from the floor. She tried her best to ignore her headache, hangover. As every second passes, the more she is dawned by what’s around her. Looking around the room, she found glass shattered everywhere, liquid spilled on the floor, and so much more mess scattered around. It looked like a calamity flipped the place over. On top of all that, though, there’s the most obvious thing she most wished isn’t real. Rachel prayed to whoever’s there that this was a mere dream or something like that. Maybe she had too much drugs that it’s causing her to see things, who knows.

“…Skylar?” she looked around one more time. But of course, there’s no way that Skylar could’ve been hiding inside this cramped messed up room.

Taking a deep breath, she approached the body laying dead on the bed. The more she got closer, the more it dawned her who this is. No…no…this can’t be. Rachel wanted to convince herself that this was all but a terrible nightmare she’s going to wake up too any second now. Though, to her dismay, it was all too real.

“Skylar…”

…

As they got closer to the third floor of the building, they could hear music muffled by the walls. Rachel was still scared, but more and more, she was getting convinced that this might not be as bad as she had imagined. Soon there’s a faint light right before her; following it, it led them to an entrance. This time, the music was much louder and Rachel now knew what Skylar meant by “booze and dancing.” Who would have thought that there’s actually people holding parties in such places? What is this, a secret underground party?

“After you,” Skylar said, moving out of the way to let Rachel in first. She shot him a weird look, which he returned with a smile; and, she entered the party. Rachel made sure that Skylar was just right behind her. She’s not some teenager scared of socializing that she’d want to stick to those she knows, but she’s still uncomfortable with this whole thing. Maybe some of the uncomfortableness has gone away, but there was still this unshakable feeling inside her.

“See? I told you,” Skylar screamed to her ear.

“Let’s get some drinks!” Rachel screamed back. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. She just needs to rid of her worries—both about the party and her whole life in general. The best way to do that right now would be through alcohol. She liked getting shitfaced drunk at these times.

“I’ll get us some.” Skylar made a beeline to the bar, leaving Rachel behind to occupy their seat. Well, obviously they wouldn’t need that anymore later once they enter the dance floor but it’s nice to just warm up for a bit, isn’t it?

As Rachel stood there, leaning on the high table she caught eyes with someone. For a few seconds they held eye contact. Rachel thought he was hot. Mr. leather jacket with a motorcycle type of hot to be specific. Though, for whatever reason, Rachel didn’t feel like entertaining him. Was it because she had a boyfriend already? No, it can’t be that. She literally just kissed her friend before they got up here. Right…she and Skylar just kissed. What about that now?

Speak of the devil, and he will come. With two glasses of alcoholic drinks. Perfect.

With that smile of his, that suddenly became ten times more attractive, Skylar approached Rachel and handed her the drink. Clanking their glasses, they chugged down their drinks.

The rest of that night was a blur.

…

Rachel was stunned, sobbing loudly on the floor, clearly overwhelmed by the sight she just witnessed. Skylar’s dead body, soaked in blood, was far too gruesome for her. She couldn’t stand the sight of her dear friend especially when she has no idea what and how it happened. It seemed as though the world was caving in on her, her breathing getting ragged and it felt like there’s not enough oxygen on the wall. Rachel tried to focus on her surroundings, trying to stay in reality. She didn’t want to get detached and fall into this dark void that’s sucking her in.

Soon, she could hear screaming. That person was screaming very loudly, and it was deafening. Rachel was unsure who that was. But there was also this sharp pain on her throat, and it felt damaged and rough. After the pain subsided, followed by her coughing were only heavy panting and the desperation for air. She searched for that same screaming voice again, hoping she could at least have a sound to follow—one that comes from a living being. That was what she thought until she had realized that it was her screaming just now. With that, was yet another scream. This time, more broken and cracked. Rachel’s vision was getting blurry but she tried her best standing up. The floor swayed left and right, under her feet. Lifting her head and wiping the tears from her eyes, she was met by blood stains on the wall. This caused her heart to pump even harder, adding even more pressure to her already overwhelmed self. Rachel could feel the urge to scream again.

What happens now? How is she going back to where she lives? What is she even going to do with Skylar’s body? What is she telling Skylar’s family? Where the fuck is she going to now?!

She sent the door swinging forcefully, hitting the wall outside. The sound echoed throughout the hallway. Leaning towards the railing on the hallway, she could see the dance floor from above. There were tables and couches around it, unconscious dead bodies flailing around. The bartender was slumped on the counter with a knife stabbed on the back of its neck. All the other bodies seemed to have just died from getting beat up and thrown around.

Rachel’s breathing couldn’t get any worse, and it seemed her feet were cemented to the floor, unable to move her body. She’s stunned, frozen and overwhelmed with the unimaginable amount of bodies laid before her eyes now.

“W…what…”

“S…sky…Skylar! Skylar!”

Rachel found herself yelling on the top of her lungs once more, calling out for her friend which she knew already was dead. Despite knowing this, though, she still called out to him. Unable to think straightly. “SKYLAR!” she screamed. And again, and again.

She stormed right back to the same room as earlier when she first woke up, proceeding to shake Skylar’s dead body to its resurrection. Oh, how she desperately wished it worked like that. In spite of her screams and cries, Skylar remains unconscious, lying on his deathbed.

Rachel caught sight of herself on the mirror across her.

Again, she left the room, scurrying her way to the middle of the party hall, to the dance floor. And as she looked at her hands, she saw red.

She had blood on her hands.