"Precautionary Note: This chapter contains instances of violence. Reader discretion is advised for those who may be affected by such content."

---Violet Pov-- "Okay. Let me drop you off at home." Sydney opened car door

"nope, I booked you a nail appointment after. I finished my police interview?" I followed behind her and opened my door

She took a deep sigh " That not necessary. Violet."

I turned my head. To look at her. My head nearly snapped off my neck "What did you say Sydney? Who are you and what have you done to my friend?" I clutched my imaginary pearls.

"What do mean?" She had despondent painted on her face.

"You have been dragging me around town, for years to buy clothes, salons and beauty fairs. I didn't even know beauty fairs were a thing till I meet you." I bellowed

"What. I introduced to beauty fair. Those are mainstream events." She said in that, sassy tone

my mouth fell to the floor "no their not." I exploded

"Oh please you just living under a rock." She motion her hands in dismissal motion. I put my hand on my chest

"No, you just insane." I stated pointing at her



We both busted out laughing. I wiped a tear that was falling from my eye. We both fell back in our seats and looked, through the wind shield



"But you not knowing about beauty fairs is insane" she mumbled under her breath

"No. You knowing about beauty fairs is insane." I mumbled back



She sat up straight, put the keys in the ignition. And started the car

"Hey where you going?" I asked her

"I'm going to perfect nails. Isn't that where you booked it." She asked

"No I couldn't get an appointment. We going to Chucky's nails." I chirped

I nearly flew out the front seat. When Sydney stopped the car aggressively.

"What? WHY WOULD YOU BOOK .AT A PLACED NAMED AFTER A SERIAL KILLER DOLL?" She yelled in confusion

"It's a nail shop don't they all do the same thing." I shrugged " plus the store is named after my favorite movie of all time."

The cars started to honk behind her. She yelled out the window "Shut up I'm moving" She started to drive

"But you know I only go to perfect nails .I have taken you there a few times." she looked at me crazy.

"That place too bougie. Apparently you need to book months in advance. not days" I heaved at her.

"Did you name drop me. They always make an exception for me" Sydney prayed to better understand.

"No, come on Chucky's could be your new favorite spot." I prattled my case to Sydney.

Sydney didn't even look, but mumbled under her breath. "I highly doubt it but okay"

-----

I walked up to the front desk. I looked at the lady didn't even acknowledge me

"Ahem" I cleared my throat. to get the lady's attention.

The lady continued to type. on her computer. "Name." She said in a monotone voice



"Umm Violet...appointment for 2. "

The lady just repeated "Violet" in another monotone voice

"Okay sign here." She pulled out a book. And she finally looked at me. than her eyes got wide.. When she looked pass me.

I turn around with a quickness. To see what she was looking at. All I saw was Syndney. With crinkled nose, with a twisted mouth looking around the room in confusion

I flinched when she grabbed my shoulder "Is that Sydney Ventura. The mayor's daughter." She aggressively whispered. I could legit see the foam coming out her mouth.

I pulled my arm out of her strong claws "Yes."

"Okay ."She started to hyperventilate. She pulled out her phone and started typing. My phone buzzed.

My heart sunk to my stomach. I took a gulp.

I opened my phone see it was a message from Syndey. I was relieved yet worried cause the fortune teller has not reached out to me. The whole day, what is IT planning.

I opened the message

I am ready to go. I'm sure I can squeeze an appointment at my regular spot.

I turned around to look at her. And I nodded my head. She gave a sigh of relief.

"Welcome to Chucky's nail's." An old woman busted through a door. With open arms. She walked past me, and wrapped her arms around her. I look at a wide eyed Sydney. She gave the lady an awkward tap on the shoulder.

She pulled away. "Welcome Miss Ventura and....um friend" She didn't even look at me. She kept her eyes locked with Sydney "My name Sarah. This place is named after my uncle cause he funded my place." "Welcome Miss Ventura and....um friend"

"It's okay. Me and my friend are leaving." Sydney had a sincere tone of voice. but she was throwing her words in her face. Sarah didn't even catch on.

We turned around to walk out. "no, please give us a chance. We are a small upcoming business. Having you guys here will help a lot." I could see her pleading for mercy in her eyes. As if she was on death row waiting, for her head to be chopped off.

I shrugged my shoulders and tried to walk out.

"Okay, we will get our nails done here." I stopped dead in my tracks. When I heard her agree to stay.

"Right this way ladies." We followed Sarah. Through the store Sydney. Avoided my death glare. Why is she such a people pleaser? All that went away when we entered a room.

"Take a seat ladies. "It smelled like strawberries. There was pretty pink candles. There was two large pink chairs. The lady from the front desk. brought in pink towels.

Sydney's mouth was scraping the ground. "Miss Ventura we did our research on you. So we quickly set it up for you guys" She motioned towards the chairs "please have a seat. We know you only booked manicure. But we will give you foot massages on the house."

Sydney raised her brow at me. I just nodded back impressed. We walked towards the chairs. As soon as we got seated Sydney started to take of her heels

"NO , NO." The receptionist runs towards Sydney. Syndney froze and looked at her in pure confusion.

"It's okay Miss Ventura. I got it." The receptionist cooed. While putting her hands on Sydney's feet to remove her shoes.

So, I leaned back in my pink leather chair. Waiting on the receptionist to take off my shoes. She got up, and tried to walk out. The door.

I raised my hand "Excuse me. What about me?" I wiggled my feet. I saw her take a sigh. But she walked towards me. She did as I requested. The receptionist lady walked out



"I am really surprised YOU chose to stay." I muttered to Sydney.

Sydney turned her head and teased "And I am surprised YOU. Chose to leave."

"Yeah I'm just over this place. They basically showing you favoritism. But I'm the whole reason you here." -violet

Her eyes burned with drawl "Really I didn't notice?"

" It happened mostly at the desk. But it's cool" I slurred

"The reason why I wanted us to stay. Is because, I felt bad. I mean look at this dump. red and yellow walls." Sydney looked around the room in agony. "I know I am never coming back. Plus, what's the worst thing that can happen?"



Sarah walked in with Zurie and another woman named Jasmine. I read her name tag.

I nearly fell out of my seat. Sydney rolled her eyes. And slowly shook her head. I tapped her on her shoulder, and I leaned towards her.

"I can name a new way it can be worse. Getting a foot message from the girl. You knowingly messed around. Named boyfriend Alvaro." I mumble to her. Sydney turned her head to look at me. With a blank expression. I held my hands in a surrendering motion.



"Guys this is jasmine and Zurie. They will give you 30-minute foot rubs" Sarah beamed. Jasmine had a pretty smile on her face. Zurie had a forced smile. Jasmine walked towards Sydney's feet. Zurie stayed put like a pole in cement.



"No Jasmine . Give Violet a massage and Zurie will give Sydney massage," Sarah said

I swear I saw Zurie's soul leave her body. Her lip corners pulled down. She dragged her feet to Sydney. I looked at Sydney she had a heartless smirk on her face .She looked so heartless, cold dare I even say soulless behind the eyes. just like me. but the difference is she looks it. But I live it

I felt a strong pleasure dancing in circles on my foot. I could feel the guilt, pain and hardness. Running away from my body. It felt like my feet was hugged by happiness. I had to throw, my head back in pleasure. I swear I was this close to blacking out

--

I jerked awake. I was slowly looking around the room for the source.

"I hate you. That's why Alvaro didn't chose you. You will probably spread your legs wide for anything that is a male" Zurie exploded



I rubbed my eyes. "What happened?" I mumbled in confusion.



Sydney picked up my bucket. Where I placed my feet. She threw it in Zurie's face. "You sure about that. He was begging me to come back to him." Sydney yelled.

Zurie charged at Sydney like a bullet in a gun. Then boom. Zurie was face first on the ground. Sarah had tackled Zurie. I quickly jumped up from my seat. Took a jug of cucumber water.

While Zurie was busy struggling under Sarah. I poured the cucumber water all over Zurie's face. Sarah moved away. Zurie was busy gasping for air.

"That's what you get for slapping me." I turned around, and followed her out.

" I am so sorry miss Ventura. Please forgive me this does not represent chuck's nails." Sarah was franticly apologizing from the ground. Her eyes were wide like flying saucers

"No no. We are leaving." Sydney yelled as she stormed out. I grabbed my purse. And with my wet feet. I pitter-pattered, through the salon into Sydney's car.

I opened the door. "Where are your shoes?"

I looked down at my Bare feet. I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. I just woke up from, a deep nap 5 minutes ago. I am dazed and confused."

"Sydney please. come back." Sarah was running towards us.

Sydney rolled her eyes. Drove out of the parking lot " I should have listened to my first mind. and went to perfect nails."

I leaned my head back . Turned my head to look at her "So you going to tell me how this all happened." I opened her car's dashboard. I pulled out her white shades.

She gripped the stirring wheel. "That witch started it. look at how she embarrassed me. I hope no one was recoding. This will hurt my image, if it ever comes out."

"No it was only us 3 in the room. Maybe people heard yelling." I closed my eyes behind the shades "Yeah imagine the news head lines reading . Sydney Ventura getting dragged in Chucky's nail salon." I turned my head to hide. My so I can laugh, at my own joke. I turned my head to look back at her. When she stopped at the red light.

And I immediately sat up straight, when I saw the stern look on her face.

"You think every thing is a joke." She pouted next to me. She punched the steering wheel. She closed her eyes and looked up

I rubbed her shoulder "sorry was just trying to lighten the mood."

"This all started because of her." She grunted. Someone started honking. Behind us. We both looked at the green light. And we both giggled.

I pulled back and she started moving the car.

"She was busy rubbing my feet. She was busy making gagging noises. I asked her what's the problem." She opened her eyes. And looked at me "Told me my open toe. Fenty heels smelled like onion and pure feet."

I quickly placed my hand on my mouth, to hide my smile.

Sydney was gazing straight ahead "Again. I know you laughing." Sydney burst out

I turned to look at Sydney, while I bite my bottom lip. Trying to hold on to laughter "Okay. Sorry, what you say." I mumbled to her

"I told her." She took a breath. and crossed her arms. I raised an eyebrow in anticipation to her words "I told he her she has permanent bad breath it's a miracle you got a man."

I aggressively slide down my seat, and sprayed my fingers over my face. I took my fingers off my face and looked at her "you didn't?"

"Yes I did." She gave me a pointed look. "You know the rest cause you woke up?"

"Wow Wow Wow." I rubbed the nape of my neck. "I have no words. So what you going to do now?"

She took a deep breath and wiggled her shoulders "I don't know. Do you want to chill at our house?" She asked

"No. I want to go home and take a nap." I started to sit up right "plus my mom is going to visit the prison. I'm home alone." I stated

"fine ill just start planning for the ball 3 weeks from now." She stated

"Am I invited?" I asked "What is for?"

Sydney was so ecstatic. "Sure thing. A formal event for my dad" Which warmed my cold heart.

====

It was a long day. As soon as Sydney dropped me like a bomb. I looked at my weathered white paint and wrap-around porch, is the heart of the sprawling property. I placed the key in the door.

I opened the door to a house that lacked smell of home-cooked meals.

I dragged myself to my room. I opened my bed room door. I immediately noticed a gift, on my bed. Like Sydney working math, I was bewildered. I looked at the tag attached to the gift

From: Fortune Teller

To: Violet



Tonight, IS going to be the worst night of your life

I just chuckled because IT, went from a keyboard warrior to letter warrior. I opened up the gift. There was pain killers and few bandages.

I toss the gift to the side. and I crawled into the bed.



---

My pillow was whispering sweet symphonies and my blanket was holding me tightly. I got rudely interrupted out my sleep. Like unwelcome as a blaring horn in a quiet neighborhood.

Someone had my hand in my hair. Dragged me by the hair down the hall. I was yelling and screaming. Out in pain.

Then I saw it. He had a knife in his hand. He pressed it closely to my face.

His mask was close to me. We were face to face. "You have such pretty eyes. It's a petty I have to scrape them out." IT growled to me. But I felt no hot air on my face. And I couldn't see any pupils.

"You want me to show you I am bad. Right let me show you." He started to taunt me. By throwing my words in my face. his hand made connection with my stomach over and over

Than he tossed me against the wall. He stood over me. I tried to crawl away. From him. The living room was dimly lit by the moon. Coming through the curtains.

I saw a vase. So I crawled towards the vase. Then I threw him with a vase.

It contacted with his chest. I got up, and tried to run away. He grabbed my hair. And turned my face around. He balled up his fist. I braced myself for the pain. punched me in the face. I dropped to the floor.

"Please stop." I begged

"Why I haven't showed you how bad I am?" He bellowed, back in a robotic voice. I felt a heavy tuck pulling my hair back. I was getting dragged out of my room. I was kicking my feet.

We were in the living room.

He took the knives and it was very close to my face .

"You got beautiful blue eyes" The robotic voice boomed. Why does IT keep mentioning my eyes



He slammed my head against the wall. The pain coursed through my body. I heard a crack, my nose start leaking blood. I fell down to my knees. I was blinking back the tears. I knew pleading wouldn't help so I took it,

I could see the silver knife shimmering, in the moonlight. As soon as the cold knife entered my stomach.

Air left my lungs.

My vision got blurry.

And all I saw was a blurry skull mask.

"Maybe next time. You will know who to play with." I heard a distant robotic voice.

I felt a prick on my arm. I turn my head to see what is going on it was, extracting blood out my body with a syringe

My hand was over my heart. Please lord, let me make it out of here alive.

----

A/N

IT TOOK A COUPLE DAYS. To write this chapter because I had a few obligations in my personal life. But we here