Heina: The Red Demon Dragon

HEINA

With a heavy exhale, I stepped out of the car, listening with anxiety as the car fell shut and the engine roared into the day.

Trepidation ate at me as I stopped watching the retreating vehicle and turned to face the building. I didn't love coming to school, and not because I hated learning.

It was just that more than a few people loved school for reasons that were far different, and one of those someones had taken unwarranted interest in making my life as unbearable as possible.

My legs shook slightly as I walked in the direction of the arched entrance. The building of Royal Ridge College was so befitting for the name of the school itself.

Impressively long and curving driveways, a huge parking space that could house another dorm or two if they really thought about putting that much land to good use. The building was a regal monstrosity, complete with intimidating pillars that sat on either side of the sprawling doorway.

I hoped today would be a good day. Mondays were often less hateful since everybody had had the time over the weekend to forget about me.

As soon as I crossed the doors and stepped into the hallway, someone bumped into me. Hard. The push almost sent my backpack to the floor, but I caught it.

I didn't bother raising my head for an explanation, I never got one anyway. The brunette in a pink tank and huge black sweatpants didn't even turn around. She just continued walking ahead of me like I hadn't almost fallen thanks to her.

My lungs expanded on a sigh, gaze lowered to the floor as I blended into the body of students that milled about - some heading to their lockers, others to class.

If I hadn't overslept thanks to obsessing over my physics homework last night, I would have been here earlier and already seated in the hall for my first class. But alas.

I got to my locker in record time, turning the combination just before I pulled it open. I stacked my books inside, alongside my backpack.

"Look who it is," someone sneered from somewhere beside me, and even though my locker door prevented me from seeing who it was, I already knew who it was.

"Hi, chub-o-lens," one of Jocelyn's minions drawled out in insult.

I ignored them both; getting the rest of my stuff from the locker before I closed it and started to walk away.

"Where are you going, fatty? I was talking to you." Jocelyn sounded a lot harsher now, meaner - if that was even possible given her record.

I didn't pause, though. Fear had made a camp inside my stomach, and it forced me to flee as quickly as I could from here.

"There's no way this piggy on lens is ignoring me," Jocelyn muttered from behind me. In a much louder voice, she called out. "Yo, fat turd. How does it feel getting fat on your own family, huh? Or are you an outcast in the pig land now?"

At this point, all the students in the hallway had paused and turned to stare at the drama. I clutched the sleeve of my backpack, hoping the ground would just open and consume me.

My wish was soon granted as a pair of hands landed on my back, shoving me so hard I tumbled to the floor, my glasses flying off my face immediately.

Pain ran across my spine like an athlete on steroids. For a slender female, Jocelyn packed one hell of a punch.

I felt around for my glasses, my vision blurring even further as panic and tears started to make themselves present in the tragic affair.

My gaze soon landed on the small two-eyed object and I crept toward it. The familiar sound of a crunch reverberated through the halls as a pair of brown heeled boots stopped in front of me.

"Oops." Jocelyn exclaimed in a fake voice. "I didn't see it there."

I reached for the glasses as she stepped off their now shattered frame, but a cry tore through my throat as the familiar brown heels pressed down on my hand, sending pain through every crevice of my body.

"Oh, look. Four eyes can't see anymore."

The hall erupted into snickers, and even though my vision was going darker around the edges the longer my eyes stayed without my glasses, I could hear the telltale signals of cameras shuffling.

I reached for my glasses - or what was left of it - again, but this time a rough shove forced me back, my elbows connecting with the floor in a thud.

A sob caught in my throat as blood seeped slowly from the bruise I was now sporting. The chuckles and murmurs increased in intensity, my tears falling harder now as I struggled to see what was happening.

More insults and mockery flew off Jocelyn and I wished for once that I was able to fight back or that at the very least they would all disappear.

Suddenly, as if my wish was granted, silence descended over the students, replaced by the sound of shuffling feet as they hurried away.

Jocelyn's voice floated over the now silent hallway, reverence and flirting wrapped around each word she uttered.

"If it isn't the men of the year. Hello, handsome."

I used the distraction to retrieve the remains of my glasses, bringing their cracked frames over my face once again.

My vision was not one hundred percent yet, but at least now I could see. I turned to face Jocelyn and whoever it was she was talking to, probably some sports jerks, and a gasp fell straight out of my mouth.

Those were definitely not sports jerks. Identical faces stared back at me, both of them carved to utter perfection. Their jet-black hair fell over their shoulders in a straight wave.

The men before me were built... different. Lean muscles that curled in invitation and made my mouth go dry, but that wasn't even the most unique thing about them.

Their eyes were non-identical. One shone a brilliant sapphire but was trapped in a gold ring that seemed to glow as I stared at it. The other had beautiful topaz-blue eyes, the same gold ring surrounding the pupil.

I couldn't stop staring at them, and I wasn't the only one under that pull. Jocelyn and her minions were also staring, and each time she uttered a flirty line or ran a finger along their forearm, her smile inched higher.

Both boys stared back at me as though they were transfixed. They didn't look at anyone else, didn't even react to Jocelyn's shameless offering of herself; they only looked at me.

My gaze drifted from theirs to find Jocelyn's and the glare she was sending my way caused my brain to short-circuit. Shit.

I dropped to my knees instantly, lowering my head as I retrieved my fallen items. Then I got back to my feet and ran, as fast as my chubby body would allow, in the direction of the restrooms.

Lord, no. Why did they have to stare at me like that and ignore Jocelyn? No one ever ignored Jocelyn. What if she...

The thought died in my head as I was spun around, my back slamming hard into the mirror that lined the other end of the bathroom walls.

A surprised sob flew from my throat, shock and pain a dangerous mix inside my blood. Jocelyn stared at me, anger evident in her blazing eyes.

"How. Dare. You?" Every word was enunciated slowly.

I forced myself to swallow despite the fear that was clawing at my guts. "I... I... I don't... I don't know..."

My sputtering was immediately halted when she dragged me to herself by the scuff of my collar then shoved me against the mirror once again. The force of the hit this time sent shards of glass flying against my skin.

I cried out as one of them lodged in the side of my neck, sending tears down my face as blood started to trail down my neck.

Jocelyn swiped a finger over the wound and brought it up between both our faces. "Every good thing that goes through Royal Ridge belongs to me, Piggy, and that includes them. The next time I see you cast so much as a glance in their direction, you'd hate the very concept of your own existence. Do I make myself clear?"

Her voice was dark and laced with a rage I had never before experienced with her. If I was scared of her before, now it was terror that seeped into my blood as her eyes became twin pools of hatred and venom.

I nodded my head eagerly, desperate to get her to leave me alone.

She smiled as if pleased then pulled me close again before sending me to the ground in another heap of pain and blood.

Her slender frame leaned over me this time, a handkerchief in her hand. She swiped it over the blood that spilled from my neck, and now the one that was moving along my temple.

"Today, it's just your blood. The next time, I'd take your soul, the very essence of your being."

Then she turned and stormed out of the room. The door shut with a resounding bang, her words lingering in the space like a haunted shadow.

Darkness rushed up to meet me and I let it consume me whole.

HEINA

The first rays of sunlight filtered in through the windows, and I groaned. It was the weekend, why couldn't I just sleep away my sorrows?

The rasp of knuckles against the wooden frame of my door forced another groan to travel past my throat. I pulled the covers over my head and snuggled even deeper into my pillows.

I heard the door open, but I refused to get out of my very comfortable position. They'd eventually leave, and then I could get some sleep.

"Honey?" Mom's voice called from somewhere above me. "What are you doing buried under the sheets?"

"Trying to get some sleep." My words sounded muffled because of the layers I was under.

My bed dipped as someone, presumably Mom, sat down beside me. Her slender fingers wrapped around my chubby ones as she dug one arm out from underneath the covers.

"Did you have trouble sleeping last night?" She asked in a concerned tone.

"Mm-hmm."

"You have to get up, Heina. We have to... uh... it's your birthday today."

At the mention of the dreaded day, I froze. I hated celebrating my birthdays. It was too much of a reminder just how sad and painful my life was.

"I don't want to do anything for my birthday, Mom. You know I don't like celebrating it."

I heard a wince and pulled the covers down immediately. "What?"

"We may have organized a party for your birthday this time." Mom looked sorry as she said the words, and that was when I noticed Dad standing to the corner of the room with his hands folded over his chest.

"No, you didn't." I faced Dad. "Dad?"

His silence spoke volumes that threatened to deaf me.

"You can't be serious. You both know how much I hate my birthdays." I was struggling to make sense of the fact that they had just made a decision for me.

"It's your eighteenth birthday, sweetie. Of course, we had to do something." Mom cooed.

"But... but... it's..." I couldn't find any words as tears started to form behind my lashes.

"We're sorry, honey. But this is a new chapter for you. For us. Our little girl is finally becoming a woman. We have to celebrate it."

"I don't want to celebrate anything!" My words came out in a yell, tears sprinting down my face as pain became a force of nature inside me.

"Heina," Dad took a step forward. "I'm sorry you feel this way, but..."

I broke down, my shoulders shaking on a sob that threatened to drain me of life. "You don't understand. I don't want any of this. I have no friends to share the moment with anyway. Of what use is a party if I'm going to be the only one attending it?

My whole body racked with each sob as it tore through me. Mom scooted forward and wrapped her arms around me, and even though I hadn't seen Dad move, he was there too.

Both of them ran their hands down my back as they tried to pacify me. "Hey, it's fine. Look, we know you don't really have any friends right now, and that's exactly what this party is supposed to help you do." Mom consoled.

"We have a surprise for you," Dad added. "Two actually. Maybe you would be in a better mood if you saw them.

Before I could even ask what it was, he was out of the room and returning with a huge garment bag.

"What is that?" I asked, suddenly perked up.

The bag looked familiar, I could even see the brand name curving along the fabric of the bag.

"Is that a Rafaela Santini dress?" My voice was hopeful as I asked.

My mood was starting to improve just from looking at my favorite clothing brand.

Dad laughed softly. "Of course it is."

Mom added. "It's not just any Rafaela Santini dress, though." She signaled Dad to roll the zipper down, and a gasp rang in the air as the most gorgeous baby pink evening dress, complete with ruffles and a sweeping skirt stared back at me.

"It's her newest collection, the BellaDonna. Hasn't even hit the market yet." I was practically bursting at the seams with excitement.

"A special dress for a special girl. Now come on, we have more surprises for you."

I didn't need to be told twice; I jumped off the bed and dashed into the bathroom. Maybe this birthday wasn't going to be as bad as the previous ones.

******

The dress fit like a glove. I couldn't believe I was wearing a custom-made BellaDonna dress from Rafaela herself. I could die right now. I dragged on the silver shoes that Mom had gotten to add to the outfit.

As I styled my hair and applied makeup, I felt a little like a princess. Today was going to be a good day, I could feel it. I wonder what other surprises Mom and Dad had prepared.

I didn't have to wonder long; the house was teeming with guests as I climbed down the last step of our ending staircase. Most of my classmates were lingering in my living room, drinks and snacks in hand, idle chatter, games, music; the works.

My eyes fell on Jocelyn in a floor-length red dress adorned with rhinestones and hugging her slender curves like a second skin. Her hair fell down her back in waves, and I envied how good she looked at that moment.

All eyes turned to me as I stepped into the middle of the room. Surprise flickered across everybody's face as they realized what it was that I was wearing.

"Is that the BellaDonna?" Someone asked in a hard whisper.

"It's not even in the market yet," another voice answered.

"A pig in a designer dress. The obscenities of life." This time it was Jocelyn that spoke. "You ruined the dress just by being in it, Piggy. How do you feel about that? If I were Rafaela, I'd sue you for defamation."

Her words caused an uproar of laughter, and just like that, all the joy I'd been feeling over wearing this dress died.

Tears started to trick my eyes, and I struggled to blink them back.

Jocelyn lowered her head until we were at eye level. "What? You're going to cry now? Come on, chubs, you've been a fat turd for 18 years. Did you really think a couple minutes in a designer dress was going to change that?"

The laughter increased, and I struggled to keep my tears from rolling. If they did, they'd wash off the mascara I had stupidly worn thinking I was going to have a great day.

"Hey, sweetie." Mom walked into the room, a bright smile on her face. "You look gorgeous."

"I know, right?" Jocelyn added sweetly. "Like a dream."

Mom beamed at her. "I had this dress custom made for her because she's always loved Rafaela. I wish I'd gotten one to match."

"Good thing you hadn't. It lets the birthday girl shine." Jocelyn smiled at me.

The room echoed with false adoration, and Mom ate it up. She pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear. "I'm so glad you're both getting along now. I'd ask the servers to wheel in the cake."

She patted my hair down and hurried along into the kitchen. A shaky breath rushed past me, and I couldn't make myself look at Jocelyn. The last time we encountered each other was the day she knocked me unconscious in the bathroom, I was surprised she even attended. Or was I? Bullying me seemed to be the highlight of her day.

"Come on, let's go play some pool games." Jocelyn linked her arm through mine and pulled me along.

Struggling to stay upright in my heels, I followed helplessly behind as she hurried. The other students were behind us, their cheers getting loud like they already knew what mission she was on.

"We wouldn't have been here if your parents hadn't bribed us, so make this fun for us, okay?" Jocelyn murmured in my ear. "Wanna swim?"

I didn't even have the time to answer before I was shoved into the pool. Hard.

HEINA

Water pumped into every part of me, making me feel like I was going to combust. The taste of chlorine sat on my tongue like a deathly warning, and I flailed my arms desperately.

Laughter poured over me from above the water, sounding too distant to my ears that still rang with the fear of death.

I finally raised my head above the water, coughing painfully to dislodge the water I had involuntarily consumed. My glasses were so layered with water droplets that my vision was blurry.

"Aww... what piggy? Don't know how to swim?" Jocelyn taunted.

I could make out the faint outline of people as they started to record the incident with their phones.

Swimming away as fast as I could given the fact that I was in a floor-length dress that became heavier the more I stayed in the water, I tried to climb out of the water.

"Where do you think you're going, chubs? Come on, the fun was just getting started." She turned around and opened her arms wide. "Wasn't it, guys?"

A round of agreement followed. Jocelyn faced me again. "You heard them. We're just getting started."

With one hard shove, my head is pushed back underneath the water. I struggled against the hold she had on my hair, gulping down water as it invaded my nose and mouth. She didn't let go.

The laughter increased, the cheers too. I struggled to get free, feeling the life as it started to slip out of me. God, no.

I didn't know where my tears ended and the water began. My limbs were starting to get weak.

Suddenly, the laughter ebbed and silence descended over the crowd. Jocelyn immediately let go of my head, and I rushed to the surface, sputtering and coughing out water.

My eyes burned, and so did my lungs. I couldn't even look at them. All I wanted to do was get out of this water I was trapped in.

The dress had gotten so much heavier, and my limbs were now too jelly-like for me to be able to accomplish my task easily.

"Hi, handsome," I heard Jocelyn say.

My head perked upward, and sure enough, the twins from the other day were here in my house. Girls from school flocked around them, some touching in flirtatious invitation, others trying to get their attention with words. Some even took photos.

I didn't even understand why I was staring at them still, or more importantly, why they were staring at me like I was the piece to a very important puzzle.

Their unusual eyes studied me with an intensity that made my insides heat up. Jocelyn's eyes turned in my direction as she was once again ignored by them, and I swear I saw fire pour out from their depths.

The warning she gave me in the bathroom the other day made itself present in my mind, and I forced my eyes down. I concentrated hard on getting myself out of the water.

By the time I was on land, they had their backs to me; heading into the dining area of our house where Dad received them, and they got right down to a conversation.

I wrung water out of my dress as much as I could and decided to go over there to find out what it was they were talking about.

How did Dad know them?

Before anyone could stop me a second time, I hurried in the direction of the dining room. Through the glass door, I could see their lips moving, but it wasn't until I got to the door that I could finally hear what they were saying.

"Bold of you to assume any of this is for the issue of peace. You lost that right a long time ago." One of the twins spat out in a firm voice.

"You left our mother, your wife!, to die. What kind of monster does that to a woman they claim to love?" The second twin spoke up in an equally irritated voice.

The words rang in my head like a war song, and I gasped. To say that I was confused was putting it too mildly.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I asked, my voice shaking.

All three men turned to face me, surprised that I had overheard them, while Mom just stared at them like they had sprouted a new head.

No one spoke for a very long time. We all just stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.

"Dad. What are they talking about?" I asked again, unable to bear the silence any longer.

"Heina, this..." Dad started but then cut himself off with a shake of his head. "This isn't the time. Can we talk about this later?"

"No. This is... wait. They said you left their mother, who was your wife alone, to die. What does that mean? Were you cheating on Mom?"

Both boys didn't utter a single word, they just crossed their arms across their chest, staring at Dad expectantly.

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way, sweetie. But..." he exhaled a rough breath. "They are mine."

Tears started to walk down my face for the third time today. "What does that even mean?"

He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled another heavy sigh. "I'm not your biological father, Heina. But these are my sons."

My ears rang with disbelief, and I staggered backward, pain sticking through my chest quickly.

"What? Hold on... what?" My voice caught on a sob this time.

Dad took a single step forward, and I backed up. His face fell. "I didn't want you to find out like this, Heina. It doesn't matter if I am your biological father or not, you'd always be my little girl."

I couldn't believe my life was falling apart in this way. And on my birthday too. Nothing good ever came out of it.

Before I could think of something to say, the twins spoke up in unison, their harsh words slicing through the air.

"Get lost. Now!"