"Well, good luck, and have do have a lovely time." The TV switched off, leaving the room with an awkward silence.
Mylo felt himself get dizzy at the words that were just spoken. 'Romantic Duet.' he blushed at the thought, glancing at Cali. If looks could kill, he would be dead ten times over.
He shifted on his feet at her glare. 'What do I do?' he thought. "U...Uhm, the challenge."
Cali shot up from her seat, not allowing him to complete his sentence, as she walked past him.
Mylo's hand shot out to call her, but he held himself, his hand falling helplessly to his side. "Well, that went well." He chuckled depressingly.
Thankfully, the challenge was for a week, and there weren't required to be in the theatre. So there has time to work things out. Hopefully?
He glanced at the clock. 5:15 pm. Sighing, he resigned to go home, hoping the two would find a way to work it out. But for now, he had to go home to study.
***
Cali walked home, each step making her more annoyed that the last, the image of Jonathan started to tick her off. 'Stupid Challenge. Romantic duet, what load of crap.' she thought angrily.
Her thoughts faded as she slowed down, her eyes glued to the house—if one could call it that.
'Shit'. She thought, staring at the figure standing infront of the house.
Faded red hair filled with grim and dirt. Facial structures similar to Cali, but older and weathered with unhygienic habits. A beer in hand as she wobbled on her feet, drunk. Mariella Rose.
Cali slowly walked up to the front door, before she could speak a hand shot out, hitting her square in the face. She fell down, holding her cheek.
Mariella flared down at Cali, "huh, where were you you whore?" She asked, chugging her beer.
Cali shifted, quickly coming up with an excuse. "I just went for a walk that's all."
Mariella's eyes narrowed. "Huh, a walk. What does a whore like you need that for. Where's my beer?"
"I don't have it." She replied bluntly.
"Huh." Mariella's hand shot out, gripping Cali's hair tightly. "Whaddya mean you don't have it ya whore. Can't even do the simplest things, useless piece of shit." She spat distastefully
Cali winced as her hair was pulled. "I didn't have the money okay."
Mariella glared, "Then you find a way to get it you whore. That's the only thing you're good for anyway."
Cali gritted her teeth, she wouldn't let the insults get to her. But the next words made her snap.
"Should I just sell the brat then."
Red. Cali felt her eyes burn in anger as she shouted. "Don't you dare."
Silence filled the space. Cali realizing what she had done shivered slightly. 'Shit'
Mariella's face morphed into pure anger. "You whore, you dare yell at me." She dragged Cali into the house, then threw her to the floor.
"Seems like you need some discipline." A dark smirk on her face.
Cali shuddered, her teeth gritted as she shook in slight fear. She glared up at Mariella.
Mariella scoffed, "Still trying to put a fight huh you whore." She turned, but was stopped as she felt a hand on her leg. "Made your decision you whore." She grinned darkly.
"P...please." she said weakly, her body shaking. She wouldn't let her get him. Never.
Mariella chuckled darkly, "Needed to release some stress, at least you've got some use you...whore." she kicked her in the stomach.
Cali winced, but the pain didn't end there as a kick landed once again on her stomach.
"Bitch." A kick to the face.
"Useless." Her ribs.
"Whore." A bottle to her head.
After ten minutes of constant beatings, Mariella paused, observing Cali darkly. "Seems you're not entirely useless then."
Seeing no reaction from Cali, she spat before she walked out to find more beer.
Cali layed on the floor, her body heaving in pain. But she was used to it. She had to.
Rising up painfully, Cali grimaced slightly as she held her ribs. A purple bruise on her side. She sighed, it would heal in time. She reasoned, as she slowly got up before limping away to her and her brother's room.
***
Slowly entering the room, Cali gently closed the door. She turned and a small smile made way to her face as she stared at the figure sleeping on the small bed.
Limping, she made sure to make her steps silent, not to wake up her brother.
Sitting beside him, she ran her hand through his hair. Almost as if sensing her, her brother cuddled up to her.
Cali smiled at this. Her head rested on the faded wall behind her, her mind running in thought. She wouldn't let her brother stay here any longer. She had to win this competition, and get her brother out of here. Somewhere safer, more comfortable, and better.
Cali sighed again, 'I hate this, but if it's for Luca. I'll do it.' she concluded in her head.
***
The next day. Mylo was currently studying at the moment, his mind fully and deeply immersed. Until...
Ring, Ring, Ring.
Mylo blinked. Who would be calling him. He ruled out Jake, he was either playing or sleeping. Mary, no, she was at her friend's place. So...
He glanced at the Caller ID, his face confused. "U...Uhm, Good morning Mister Stargate."
"Mylo, how are you. Good morning to you as well."
"Uhm, I'm doing fine sir. It's there an issue." He asked, were they in trouble for leaving yesterday. But he said there could, and other people were leaving. Or was it...
Before his thoughts could spiral, Julius spoke up. "Oh no no no my boy, you're in no trouble at all."
Mylo sighed in relief, "Oh, well then is something wrong?"
"Your partner Cali rose, she has requested to meet you today in the practice studio. Oh how unsightly on my part not to realize the lack of communication between the two of you. I apologize.
So, do come down to the theatre today. Chao~" the call dropped.
Mylo glanced at his phone, his thoughts running. She wanted to see him? He thought, was she apologizing for yesterday. Well only one way to find out