Vengeance: A Never Ending Nightmare

luv.

Chapter 1

Wish upon a star

Raina sat at the bar in the all-white linen outfit her boyfriend Tory had picked out for her. He said it made her look angelic. The clothing fit her short frame perfectly, hugging her in all the right places. Her multicolor pumps added dimension and matched her accessories.

Every time she went out with Tory, it was destined to end in disaster. She could hear her heartbeat over the music playing. Fun was a thing of the past, and she always felt like she was being watched. Raina watched everyone have a good time and wash all their sins away with their liquor of choice. A virgin margarita was on the menu for her. Tory didn’t like for her to drink. He said he didn’t want her looking like a drunken ho in the club with him.

All the young ladies danced on the dance floor, living their young lives to the fullest. Raina admired their skimpy outfits and six-inch pumps. She knew her beauty could rival that of any woman in the club. However, Tory never let her shine; he wanted to keep her self-esteem as low as possible. She could only imagine how they were feeling. Tory never allowed her to go on the dance floor. His reasoning was that only hoes shook their ass in public. She thought about her own life and how it had gone from shit to shitty. Tory knew the moment he offered her a place to live that she would be nothing without him. He had made it that way.

Excuse me, Miss Lady, but can I join you? a fine gentleman asked, interrupting her thoughts before he took it upon himself to take a seat.

He smiled at her, not taking notice of the horrified look on her face. Raina could have shit a brick right there on the spot. Her heart stopped beating for a second as she snuck a look at him out of the corner of her eye.

I don’t think that would be a good idea.

She looked around the club, making sure her psychotic boyfriend didn’t see this man talking to her. She knew he would go bananas. Tory was a certified nutjob, and he took pride in his reputation for being a menace to society. He was someone who the murderers and thieves looked up to as a role model. She didn’t feel like the headache that was sure to come. There was no telling what he would do once he caught wind of the interaction, no matter how small it was. She could have just said, Excuse me, to a man, and that would have been considered flirting.

Why not? You here with your man or something? He smiled.

Raina took notice of how handsome he was, but she turned her head very quickly. She knew Tory was somewhere close. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel him hovering somewhere close. She could just feel the evil in the air. His presence was so thick that it took her breath away sometimes. The mere thought of him sent chills up her spine.

Yes, I’m here with— Raina’s sentence was stopped by the intense pain shooting through her head. Wait, please, I wasn’t doing anything!

Her eyes were as big as saucers. Her pleas fell on deaf ears as she scratched at Tory’s hands. He had grabbed a handful of her hair with a death grip. She could feel each and every strand as it was being pulled from her scalp.

Tory’s grip got tighter as he bent down to whisper in her ear, You want to disrespect me in public, bitch?

He pulled her by her hair up into the air so that she was facing him, lifting her up literally about twenty inches off the ground. His six foot three inch, 220-pound frame needed her five foot three inch, 135 pound-frame to see his eyes up close and personal. Raina could see the rage flowing through them. His light brown eyes had turned so dark they almost looked black. She could see the fire behind them and she couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away. It looked like the devil himself was staring back at her. She clawed at his hand for him to let her go.

Yo, my man, that ain’t necessary. She told me she had a man and that was it.

The look Tory gave the man made the dude take a few steps back. Tory wasn’t the biggest or the baddest, but his aura was strong and thick, and you couldn’t see past it.

Nigga, was I talking to you? You need to mind yo’ muthafuckin’ business! Tory said through gritted teeth. You was talking to this nigga?

Raina could see the flames burning in his eyes, and she knew she was in for a turbulent night. He held her in the air by her hair with one hand. She felt his other hand wrap around her side. She could feel her ribs cracking under his grip, he was squeezing so tight. Pain was shooting through her body at lightning speeds.

No! I just told him I had a man and that was it. Please, you’re hurting me!

She knew he didn’t care what she had said to the man; the problem was the fact that another man had the least bit of her attention. She could barely breathe the pain was so bad, but she knew not to shed one tear. That satisfaction she would never give him again.

Bitch, I will finish you, do you understand me?

Tory began to squeeze harder, and he laughed when he felt one of her ribs crumble underneath his grasp. The sneer that spread across his face gave him a weasel-like look. His teeth were clenched so tightly that a couple should have broken. She could see he was holding back what he really wanted to do to her. The security didn’t even bother to approach. Tory brought on horrible problems, and they wanted no part of that.

Yes. Raina nodded her head.

She would do anything at that point for him to let her go. Tory dropped her to the floor and walked away, but she knew he was far from done with her. Tory was sick in the head and got off on torturing her. She had been with him since she was fifteen. She was now going on twenty-two and ready to end her young life.

Tory had been there for her when her family left her for dead. Like a knight in shining armor, he came in and saved the day. But it seemed like she went from one nightmare to another. Two years into the relationship, he changed significantly, morphed right into the devil. The hitting was the least of her worries. His mind was far sicker than the average woman beater. The sight of blood and fear turned him on to the fullest. It was like the more she cried and bled, the harder his dick got. He would get so hard it would feel like he was trying to get into her chest cavity. The sight of blood in their bed was the norm. Whether it came from between her legs or from him scratching or biting her everywhere, blood was there.

Let me help you up.

The man came back to see if he could help her. He felt bad for what had happened to her. If he had known she was Tory’s woman, he would have never even approached her. He knew all about Tory and wanted no part of that nutjob.

I’m okay. Just go away before he comes back.

Raina didn’t even look at him; she just kept her head down and refused to let the tears fall. She waved him off, and he backed up and stepped away. Raina slowly stood up and could barely stand straight. The pain that was flowing through her midsection was almost unbearable. She could see Tory charging toward her like a raging bull so she stood up as straight as she could. She had learned not to show any pain if she could. She never wanted to feed his sickness. She stiffened her body and put a stern look on her face.

Let’s go. You done fucked up my night, out here embarrassing me by acting like a fuckin’ ho. I should bust yo’ muthafuckin’ head open. You’s a useless-ass bitch!

Tory didn’t even bother to look at her; he just kept walking as if he were talking to himself. But Raina knew he was talking to her. She reluctantly followed him out of the club. The valet brought the car around, and they began to walk toward the car.

Where the fuck you think you going? Tory stopped walking and mean-mugged her.

To the car, Raina stuttered. His stare sent chills down her spine.

Bitch, you done lost yo’ mind! You ain’t getting in my shit with yo’ disrespectful ass! You walking home, and it bet’ not take you more than fifteen minutes to get there. With that, Tory got in the car and drove off.

Raina looked around at all the people who were standing in line and looking at her with sympathy, like they felt sorry for her. She didn’t blame them. Hell, she felt sorry for herself. By far, she was the hottest woman out there, but not one chick standing in that line was hating on her or laughing. No one wanted her life at all. Everyone knew how Tory’s mind worked and they steered clear of his antics. Forget the glitz and glamour he portrayed to the world; it wasn’t worth it.

You want a ride? You shouldn’t be walking this time of night by yourself. A nice young lady stepped out of the line.

Raina looked at the pretty young lady, who was dressed in a colorful, very short minidress, and wondered what her life was like. It didn’t matter what her life was like because Raina would still trade places with the young lady in a heartbeat. She looked Raina in her eyes telling her that she knew what she was going through.

No, thank you, I’m all right. We only live about fifteen minutes away. I need all these fifteen minutes to clear my head. Raina chuckled a little. Thank you though.

She started on her walk to the inevitability of the rest of her life. She wanted to raise her head like she was full of pride, but that would be a major lie. Raina and Tory lived in a loft downtown not far from the club. She would gladly walk any day if it meant she could be away from Tory, even if only for a little bit. With each step, she could feel a pain shooting in her side. She knew that one of these days he would be the one to kill her and he would be the last thing she saw before she left the earth. He had broken her spirit long ago, but she knew there had to be something better for her out there in the world.

Raina often prayed that this was one of the trials God put you through before the good blessings rained down on you. Raina looked to the sky, and the stars seemed so far away. She dreamt of the day she would be far away. She imagined she was a star in the sky shining down on everything, not feeling any pain, just living a peaceful life. She wanted to be far away from this world, Tory, and anything that resembled him.

Luckily for her, the night wasn’t that cold. The night breeze flowing all around her felt soft, and it lightly tickled her skin. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of her building. She rang the buzzer for Tory to let her up. He never gave her any keys; he said she didn’t need them because she would never be without him. She rubbed her arms to fight off the cold that was starting to set in. Midwest weather was crazy. It could go from warm to breezy to just freezing in a matter of minutes. She rang the buzzer again and, still, she got no answer.

How did I know he was gon’ pull this bullshit? Raina said to herself, knowing he was on some straight bullshit tonight.

What the fuck you want? Tory’s voice boomed through the speaker.

Raina took a deep breath. You know I want to get in. She danced on her feet. The night breeze had kicked in, in full effect. The linen she wore was so thin it felt like she had nothing on.

Nah, sit out there and think about what you did, and when I’m ready to hear your apology, I’ll let you in. He laughed.

Please, it’s cold out here! I’m sorry, she pleaded, even though she really had nothing to be sorry about. She had done nothing to deserve the treatment she was receiving.

I told you when I’m ready I’ll let you up. Tory laughed and left it at that.

Raina felt an overwhelming sadness and resentment take over her because she knew there was nothing she could do at this point. She hated him with every ounce of her being, and yet he was all she had and her lifeline. He never gave her money so she couldn’t save any. She had no driver’s license. He had everything with him that showed she was ever born so he could make her disappear at any time. He made sure she knew that every chance he got.

Raina plopped down on the dirty stairs and waited for him to open the door. She looked up to the sky, wishing on a fallen star that something in her life would change soon. This couldn’t be her whole life story. Pain and misery surrounded her and it felt like the little life she had left was being sucked right out of her. Sometimes it seemed like her lungs weren’t getting enough air, as if someone were trying to squeeze them until there was no air left, and oftentimes it was Tory. She couldn’t help the suffocating feeling that came over her. Her last thought before she fell asleep was of herself floating in the sky with the stars.

* * *

The sun’s rays shining down on Raina’s eyes caused her to put her hands over them. When the realization set in that she was still outside and it was morning, she was furious. The door opened, and she had to catch herself from falling backward. She looked up, and there was a girl standing there with a smirk on her face.

He said you can come up now. She laughed as she walked down the stairs.

With every click-clack from the girl’s heels, Raina became more furious. The sound beat into her head like a drum. Raina stood up, and her anger came boiling out. If she couldn’t get to Tory, this little bitch would do just fine.

The girl didn’t have a chance in the world. Raina grabbed a hold of her hair and snatched her down to the ground with a force so strong she knocked the breath right out of the girl’s lungs. She jumped on top of the girl and pounded her face in with no mercy. She could feel an excruciating pain in her side every time she swung her arms, but once her adrenaline took over, there was no going back. How dare this bitch think this shit is funny? Raina was outraged and showed it in every swing of her fist.

You want to laugh at this bullshit? Raina punched some more. This shit funny to you, bitch? You can have him; take him! she yelled with every punch. The girl swung wildly, trying to get Raina off of her, but it was in vain.

The girl’s screams could be heard all the way upstairs, and this got Tory out of bed. He looked out the window and laughed. He could see that Raina was putting a hurting on the young girl. He’d told the dumb ass girl not to say anything to Raina, but he guessed she didn’t listen, hence the situation that was taking place. He knew she would be furious, but he didn’t give a fuck. She couldn’t do anything to him, but this chick, he knew, had a snowball’s chance in hell of coming out of this in one piece. He rushed and put on some clothes to get Raina off the girl before she killed her.

There was nobody outside yet; it was still a little early. Raina let all her pain and abuse out on this young lady who thought she was being cute. Raina showed her differently. There were only a few words spoken, but she said them with no sympathy at all. That smirk drove Raina over the edge. It was the same one Tory got after he’d done something to her, testing her and taunting her to fight back.

Raina felt herself being lifted in the air, but she still had a hold on her victim. She wasn’t letting up anytime soon. She kept connecting with the girl’s face, making it feel mushy under her knuckles.

What the fuck you doing? Let her go! Tory yelled as he yanked Raina off the girl. But she never let up on her grip. Let her go, Ray! Tory put a little more force behind his words. He was trying to keep from laughing. Raina had run ol’ girl raggedy. There was blood everywhere, and the material from their clothes was scattered about.

Bitch, is you crazy? the girl said while spitting teeth out of her mouth.

There was so much blood running down the front of her shirt that it looked like someone had cut her throat. She tried to stand, but her body found the earth again. She was too dazed. Raina felt good as she admired her handiwork.

Yeah, bitch, I’m crazy. What the fuck you thought? Coming out here like you did something because you fucked him. You fuckin’ slut bucket! That ain’t hard to do, Raina lashed out while trying to get to her again. She was nowhere near finished. Some of Tory had rubbed off on her, and she now knew she could get rid of him.

Go upstairs, Raina, now! Tory barked, pointing to the door. He was breathing hard like he was the one who’d just gotten done brawling on the streets.

What, you don’t want your apology now? Raina stood defiantly.

You better get up them fucking steps before I fuck you up out here, Tory said while looking at her like he was thinking, bitch, test me if you want to. He hadn’t seen her like this before, and it was making his dick hard.

Nigga, fuck you and that dizzy slut bitch! Raina yelled as she stomped her way up the stairs. She paced back and forth, waiting for him to come into the apartment.

As soon as he walked in she started in on him. You left me outside all night so you could fuck? Somewhere along the timeline between leaving the club and the fight, she had found her courage.

No, I left you outside because you were being disobedient.

Raina stood stunned. Once again, he never ceased to amaze her. He looked like a two-headed monster standing in front of her.

You know what? You are a piece of shit! she yelled as the tears rolled down her face.

Tory was in her face before she could blink. He snatched her by her neck and pulled her to his face.

Go ahead, do it! Ain’t nothing else you can do to me. Because of you, I have no heart or soul. Do it; I want you to.

For the first time, Tory could see the pain in her eyes, and they held no fear. She stared him straight in the eyes, waiting on him to finish her off. She was ready to go. This was no world for her live in.

You lucky I have to go take care of some business. I’ll deal with you when I come home tonight. And, bitch, you better be here! There’s nowhere you can go without me finding you. He licked the tears off her face and dropped her like a rag doll. When he left out the door, Raina let out a scream that came from the depths of her soul.

Raina felt like there was nothing she could do because he had cameras all over the house; plus, Tory had connections all over Detroit, and she was afraid she’d be snatched up within minutes of her escape. She had found cameras while searching the apartment for anything to help her leave. When he had seen the footage of her searching the house, he almost beat her into a coma. But, luckily for her, she had found the lockbox with everything she needed. Now that she had everything she needed, she was waiting on opportunity to come knocking. She couldn’t just run away. No, she needed him dead and gone.

Raina went to take a long hot shower; she had blood and dirt all over her. After her shower, she lay down to take a long-needed nap. When she woke up, she could see the moon and stars shining through her window.

Damn! I can’t believe I slept all day. Raina got up and went out onto her balcony. This was her favorite time of the day. Everything seemed so peaceful. The stars were shining down on her. This was the only time of the day she felt like the gods were smiling down on her. Tory was rarely home at night, so that was another reason for her to rejoice. Thoughts of her past and how she ended up with Tory took her down memory lane.

Chapter 2

Knight in Shining Armor

Seven Years Ago

Raina could hear her mother Raylene pleading with her boyfriend Carl not to leave. To Raina, her mother was beyond beautiful, but Raylene couldn’t see it. She was so desperate to hold on to any man who showed her the least bit of attention.

Please don’t leave; you don’t have to go! Her mother was crying on her knees; it was totally pathetic in Raina’s eyes. The thought of begging such a loser to stay was way beyond Raina’s comprehension.

I told you, you got too much going on in this damn house. All these fucking kids is about to drive me crazy. I ain’t with all this shit. He jumped to his feet.

What you mean my kids? You knew I had kids before we got together. Now all of sudden it’s a problem with my kids? she yelled. What you want me to do, put my kids out? She waited for his answer.

I don’t give a fuck what you do with ’em. It’s too many; I can’t take it. He crossed his arms over his chest.

I only have two kids, you jackass! She walked past him, went into the living room, and sat down on the couch. As she picked up her cigarette, she could see her hands shaking. She looked up to see him walking toward the door.

Where you going? She had a worried look on her face. She couldn’t afford for him to leave her. Raina and Kelly’s father had left long ago. He wanted to take his daughters with him, but Raylene refused, hoping it would make him stay. She knew he wouldn’t leave without his little princesses. But she never took into consideration that he hated her and her ways.

What, you thought I was playing? Carl headed for the door.

Wait, please, okay? Okay? Can I at least keep Kelly? she said, referring to her youngest daughter, who was six years old at the time.

Yeah, man. He rubbed his hands down his face in frustration. Raylene breathed a sigh of relief. I’ll be back in an hour. Be ready to be out. He slammed the door on his way out.

Raylene looked up to the top of the stairs and could see her daughters standing there and looking down at her.

So you just gon’ leave me? Raina asked with flowing tears of anger. She stood at the top of the stairs, feeling the hatred build up in her heart. Her nostrils flared, and her chest moved at a rapid speed like she was having a hard time breathing.

You grown now. Raylene couldn’t even look her oldest daughter in her eyes. She was so ashamed, but she was even more desperate. The thought of being alone was her worst fear. After her husband had left, she clung to anything that would hold her at night, or at least lie on top of her.

You know, it’s funny how all of sudden I grew up in the last hour. I could have sworn about an hour ago you said, ‘You ain’t grown, little girl. Get in there and clean your room.’ Raina laughed and held Kelly’s hand while they walked down the stairs. Raina had never in her life tried to step into a grown woman’s shoes but, for some reason, she did feel grown up in that moment. Her heart turned cold, and her soul went black. This was no longer her mother standing in front of her. This stranger was a pathetic portion of a woman, and she no longer held a place in Raina’s heart.

Well, you know what I meant, Raylene stammered, so ashamed and embarrassed that she could barely look at her daughter. Raylene fidgeted with her lighter, trying to light another cigarette.

Yeah, I know what you meant then, and I know what you mean now. Back then you meant I was your daughter; now I’m ass out. You don’t give a flying fuck about what happens to me.

Raina was pissed, but mostly hurt, and she did not care how her mother took her words. She had never cursed at her mother or around her. Hell, she had never even rolled her eyes at her mother. No matter what Raylene did, Raina loved her unconditionally, even with all the men she had running in and out of the house. As long as she and Kelly were safe and her mother seemed a little happy, everything was okay.

You better tone that shit down! Raylene walked toward her daughter. No matter