Nero (Made Men #1)

by Sarah Brianne

  The next class she and Chloe had they would be separated. Elle had art class; Chloe had taken it her freshman year; therefore, she couldn’t take it with her. So Chloe had health class, and of course, Elle had taken that her freshman year. It was a shame their whole lives had changed after they had made their schedules for freshman year.

  Elle knew she had to drop Chloe off at her health class first. Unfortunately, it meant double the amount of hallway time for herself. Great.

  Elle regretfully entered the hallway with Chloe at her back. She picked up maximum speed without drawing too much attention to herself and Chloe. Thankfully, Chloe’s class wasn’t too far from their Spanish class anyways. Elle was grateful to reach the classroom unscathed.

  “Wait at your desk when the bell rings. I will be back to get you. I promise I will be the first one out in the hallway.”

  Chloe bit her lip. “Um, okay, I won’t move from my seat.”

  “Good, I will see you in a little bit.” Elle hoped she sounded strong for Chloe.

  “Be careful, Elle.”

  That sincere, sweet voice made it hard for Elle to turn her back on her best friend and head to class. Although, now Elle had to worry about getting herself safely to class since she knew Cassandra would be waiting for her.

  She picked up her feet and hurried as fast as she could.

  Elle took a seat. She usually sat in the back of the classroom, but she needed to be close to the door. She was glad, if she was separated from Chloe, it was art class. This was an easy course and wouldn’t require partners. She remembered Chloe had said her own class had been small and they had never been paired up. “Partners” was the worst thing a girl at the bottom of the food chain could hear.

  Elle sank in her seat when Cassandra’s blonde bimbos strutted through the door. Of freaking course.

  When they took their seats at the other side of the classroom, they stared Elle down. I am completely screwed.

  They whispered something to each other and one of them picked up their phones to send a text. Nope, now I am completely screwed.

  Elle knew they’d texted Cassandra exactly where to find her. She thought about texting Chloe that she might be dead soon, but she knew Chloe would worry and leave her desk when the bell rang. At least when Cassandra came for her, Chloe would be safe where she was, and by the time she decided to leave, most of the students would have gone home.

  Right before class started, Nero walked in and took a seat at the popular table, which consisted of Cassandra’s bimbos and a few athletes. They each only cared about one thing, status. Status meant their whole life to them. Elle thought, if she had a dollar for every time she heard the word status, she would be able to pay for her tuition ten times over.

  Elle looked around the room. She was the only person to sit by herself at a table, completely aware of where she stood at Legacy Prep. Even the nerds knew they couldn’t talk to Elle. They wouldn’t even dare to look at her. Elle never blamed them, either. It’s a dog-eat-dog world in here.

  As soon as class began, the teacher wanted them to go ahead and start their first project. It was easy; all they had to do was make a poster that best showed their individual personality, using any materials they desired.

  Elle stared at her blank white poster, wondering exactly who she was. Well, she knew who she was, but these walls made it hard for her to be herself. No, she just couldn’t be herself here.

  She was strawberry-blonde, her hair reaching the top of her breasts, and had big blue eyes. She had a slight tan to her skin, which contrasted her hair and eye color. She liked that, being different and having character; unlike the other kids her age who strove to all look the same. She believed she looked younger than the other girls her age, although maybe it was the lack of makeup and fancy clothes. She couldn’t quite tell. Regardless, her looks did not define who she was.

  She opened her bag and took out a sheet of paper. She thought she should draw the poster out first to try to come up with some ideas.

  After several attempts, it became hard for Elle to concentrate. The bimbos were laughing so damn loud she thought they were going to go into heat any second. The hottest athletes, not to mention the king of Legacy Prep, surrounded them.

  Elle looked at the clock. It wasn’t too much longer before school let out. She zoned out, a lot on her mind.

  Cassandra was going to kill her, She couldn’t protect Chloe at the moment. She was supposed to close at the diner tonight, and she had to find time to do her five-hundred-word essay Mr. Evans assigned about who you love the most. Yeah, if I even live till then.

  Elle felt a pat on her back, snapping her back to the present. “I hope you make it to see the freak on time. It would be a shame if something were to happen.” That was Bimbo Number One, the one closest to Cassandra.

  Then, the next thing she knew, all Elle could hear was the squirting of paint all over her. No, not my big, comfortable white sweater!

  The whole class couldn’t help laughing at her torture. That was honestly what hurt Elle the most; not one person would ever rescue her, all they would do was laugh.

  “You can thank me later, waitress. I know you’ve needed a reason to visit Goodwill.”

  Elle had dealt with enough for the day, and Chloe wasn’t there to get hurt by her repercussions. If she was going to die today, at least she was going down with a fight.

  Brrring.

  Chloe. Elle grabbed her bag and ran out of the classroom unbelievably fast, her retaliation instantly forgotten. Chloe needed her.

  That was when it dawned on her. ‘I hope you make it to see the freak on time.’ She finally understood—the only way to hurt her was to hurt Chloe.

  Oh, shit! I’m coming, Chloe. Elle ran fast down the hallway; she didn’t jog or walk fast, she ran. At that point, it didn’t matter if she drew attention to herself.

  When Elle ran into Chloe’s classroom, she came to a halt. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her heart actually skipped a beat.

  “Chloe, are you okay?”

  Chapter Three

  Fight Fire with Fire

  Elle had walked in to see Mr. Evans talking to Chloe, her elbows on her desk and hands concealing her face.

  Chloe looked up. “Yes, I’m fine, El—” Her eyes grew wider. “Are you okay? What happened?” Chloe stood and walked over toward her.

  Elle’s eyes wandered over to Mr. Evans. “Um, I accidentally spilled paint on myself in art. What are you all talking about?”

  Mr. Evans walked over to them. “I was just passing by and saw Chloe in here by herself, so I was making sure everything was okay. Usually, the kids are practically one foot out the door before the last bell even rings.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. She’s my ride, and I just told her we would meet up in here.”

  “How come you met up here and not in your art class? The art class is all the way at the front of the school by the outside door.” Elle thought Mr. Evan’s face didn’t look confused in the least.

  “I guess we didn’t think about it like that.” Elle started walking out of the classroom. “I’ll see you in the morning, Mr. Evans. Come on, Chloe; I need to get ready for work.” Elle hoped he would let it go.

  Chloe joined Elle and they both headed out into the hallway.

  “Elle, if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me.” Elle turned around at Mr. Evan’s voice. “Try and be more careful in art. Next time, it might not be paint that spills.”

  Nope, he couldn’t let it go. At that, Elle kept walking. “Have a good night, Mr. Evans.”

  They walked through the school, and when they reached the outside, Elle and Chloe felt like a weight had been lifted, like they were almost free.

  “So, who spilled the paint? And dang, all over your outfit. That one was my favorite on you.”

  Elle looked down at her body. Damn, she even got my favorite pair of faded jeans. “One of Cassandra’s sidekicks.”

  “Which one? Her?” She nodded toward Nero
, who was standing beside his Cadillac with Bimbo Number Two.

  Elle could hear them speaking. “Nero, would you mind giving me a ride home? I rode with Cassandra this morning.” She leaned against his car, giving him a sweet smile.

  “No problem, babe.” Nero’s eyes traveled from her eyes to her chest. “Leo, let’s go!”

  Elle had seen a young boy running over to his car. He was honestly a miniature version of Nero, especially before he had cut his hair. The only difference between them was the kid had dirty-blond hair. Elle realized he was the new one who had sat at Nero’s table.

  “Backseat, Leo.” Elle thought Leo made the cutest face at his remark before they all climbed in the car, slamming doors and bringing Elle back.

  “No, the other one.” Elle shook her head. I really need to snap out of it.

  Elle and Chloe got into Chloe’s BMW. Unlike the other kids’ cars, which were all various Mercedes, Porsches, and Lamborghinis galore; it was classy. Not too expensive, not too flashy. Granted, Chloe would never have picked something like that out for herself, but her politician father had given her no choice.

  When the doors were shut, Chloe spoke, her face full of concern. “Elle, is something wrong? You’re acting weird today.”

  “I’m fine, Chloe. I guess I’m just getting tired of this same shit every day.”

  “Listen, Elle, you don’t have to stay. You’re free to go. If your parents found out how you’re treated here, they wouldn’t let you come ba—”

  Elle’s eyes drilled into Chloe’s. “I am not leaving you, Chloe. I’ve told you this a thousand times.”

  “Well, we have survived this long by not getting into it with them. I am not like you, Elle.” Chloe looked down at her steering wheel.

  Elle stared at Chloe, knowing exactly what she was asking of her. “All right, Chloe. I won’t fight back. I promise.”

  With that, Chloe pushed the button to start her car. “Fighting back doesn’t solve anything, Elle. You know that.”

  Elle nodded and smiled at Chloe. No, I used to think that. Today, however, revelation had come over Elle. You had to fight fire with fire.

  * * *

  Elle walked into her front door, waving to Chloe as she closed it then rested her head against it.

  “Everything okay, sweetie?”

  Elle jumped up. “Oh, hey, Mom. Yeah, everything is great; just tired is all.” Elle scanned the living room. “Is Dad in the kitchen?”

  “No, um, he’s in bed sleeping.”

  “Has he not gotten up all day?” Elle started to worry.

  “No, sweetie, he just laid down for a nap.” Elle’s mom gave her a smile. Even she didn’t buy her own words.

  “All right. I’ll be in my room doing my homework before I head to work.”

  Elle walked through her house, but when she passed her parents’ bedroom, she stopped and wondered if she should go in to check on her father. Maybe later. I’m already depressed as it is.

  Elle went into her room and turned on her computer.

  Who do I love the most? She contemplated about her essay. Evans’ English class was by far her favorite; she wanted to be a writer someday. She honestly knew the answer. Yet, she felt a little betrayed at the moment by her father - the person she loved the most. Regardless of how little her father talks, he would always wish her a good first day of school, and this would have been the last time. She decided to put her feelings aside for the sake of her grade. She got about halfway done before she looked at the clock and realized she needed to get ready for work.

  She dressed in her uniform, which she hated probably more than life itself. She was convinced it was twenty years old since the red had turned into more of a burned-out orange. At least, I’m pretty sure it used to be red.

  Elle threw on her pea coat, her best Goodwill buy to date.

  When she was finally ready for work, she walked out of her bedroom and headed toward the kitchen.

  “Hey, Josh. How was the first day back?” Elle couldn’t help forgetting about all her problems when she saw her eight-year-old brother’s face.

  “Fine, I guess.” Josh shrugged. “How about yours, Elle-bell?”

  Elle looked hard at Josh. Other than his blond hair, she felt as if she might have been looking in a mirror because of his expression. “Fine, I guess.” She decided she would need to talk to him soon; find out how school really was going. “That smells good, Mom. Save me some for later?”

  “Of course, sweetie. Oh, your dad is in the living room.” Elle’s mom gave her a real smile this time.

  Elle walked into the living room where she waited for her dad to say something, but he never did.

  She went for the door, but before she opened it, she said, “School was great, Dad.”

  She was honestly disheartened. Not only had he not wished her a good last first day, as was his tradition, but now he hadn’t even asked how it had gone.

  Brushing off the hurt feelings, Elle walked outside. The cold air against her skin made her happy. The smell was always crisp and clean. There was just something about the sound of hearing her boots crunching in the snow that lifted her spirits instantaneously.

  Elle walked to the bus stop, and from there the bus would take her downtown. When she boarded the bus, she took a window seat, looking out at the passing scenery. She really did love Kansas City, Missouri. It was her home; however, the past few years had made her feel like she didn’t belong anymore.

  Maybe I do need to leave with Chloe.

  Her stop came up and she exited the bus, heading down the few blocks it took to get to the diner from there. While walking, Elle didn’t mind the noise and action; she liked watching the passersby going out for the night.

  However, it wasn’t long before Elle’s attention was drawn by two men standing outside of the Kansas City Casino Hotel, which was right next door to the diner. One had bags under his eyes; Elle thought he must have been on something. He kept looking over his shoulder, like someone could be coming for him any second. The other one was sternly speaking to him. She couldn’t hear what he was saying, but Elle knew he was trying to get him under control.

  When Elle passed in front of them, she heard the cool one say, “The big boss gave you a job. You don’t have a fucking choice.” The thick, Italian accent made it difficult to hear with the city noise.

  Elle kept walking. She didn’t care about whatever it was; it was none of her freaking business.

  She entered the diner and hung her coat up on the rack. It was an old diner in need of a serious upgrade. The downtown buildings were all old, although some had kept the same flare they had possessed many years ago. Like this dress I’m forced to wear.

  Elle didn’t mind work. She got to meet people she would have never met under regular circumstances, especially with the casino hotel next door. The tips were never bad, either. She did make enough to pay the rest of her tuition at school.

  Once she’d clocked in, Elle started waiting her tables. Monday was always a slow night because everyone was mostly too tired from the weekend. This made work pass slowly for her, forcing her to hear her own thoughts. Yet, after today, she didn’t want to think.

  She was one of the two employees on the schedule to close tonight; consequently, she hoped it would pick up soon, since otherwise she would lose her mind.

  As the time passed on, Elle was never freed from her thoughts, though. The diner only ever had a few people in and out the whole night. Thirty minutes before closing, she started to clean up to get ready for the morning. In no time, she was done and only had the trash left to take out. Therefore, she went to put on her coat and grab her purse.

  Afterward, picking up the trash bag, she went into the kitchen and called out, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Steve. Have a good night.” Steve was the diner’s cook.

  “Later, Elle.” He kept at cleaning his stove.

  Elle went out the back door to throw away the trash, planning on leaving from the alley between the diner and the Casi
no Hotel. She locked the back door and threw the trash into the dumpster. Elle had turned around to start her walk to the bus stop when she heard voices entering the alleyway.

  “Please, please, don’t kill me.”

  “Shut him the fuck up before I blow his brains out right here.”

  Elle ran to hide behind the dumpster. She knew she did not want to come face to face with that voice.

  She could hear some footsteps come closer. “All clear, boss.”

  As they all entered the area behind the diner, Elle couldn’t help peeping from behind the dumpster. It was pitch black from where she was, yet she was able to see four men thanks to the light from the diner. One was dressed in an expensive suit, his dark hair combed back. He was an older man. Under normal circumstances, she believed he would be super-sexy and handsome, but right now, he scared the piss out of her. He was definitely the one in charge.

  Before I blow his brains out. Yep, that was him.

  She noticed the man being held with his mouth shut was the crazed guy from earlier, who had been standing outside the casino hotel. A younger man was holding him, looking almost as scary as the one in charge. She believed him to be twenty years old, though he could possibly be scarier than the boss.

  “Go get the car, Sal, and be quick about it.” Elle could feel nothing other than chills when she heard his voice. Damn, that man is scary.

  “Sure thing, boss.” The third man wasn’t as frightening as the others. He might have been if the two Hannibal Lecters weren’t standing there, however.

  The man ran out of the alley as fast as he could.

  A minute passed, and Elle could tell the poor man knew his fate. He possibly looked more scared than Elle was at the moment. His instincts started kicking in and he tried to fight off the one holding him, biting the hand covering his mouth. The man dropped his hand before he thought he would lose it, giving the man free reign to scream.

  Before he could let a cry for help escape, the one called Boss pulled a gun from the inside of his suit jacket. With that, Elle couldn’t look anymore. She knew what was going to come next.