chapter 5

The atmosphere thickened with palpable tension as shouts and cries pierced the air, echoing with anger and desperation. The ocean waves surged and collided with one another, creating a chaotic symphony that mirrored the turmoil unfolding on the shore. Meanwhile, the sand lay still and unyielding underfoot, bearing witness to the escalating conflict.

What had begun as a heated argument between Paul and May rapidly spiraled into violence, the sharpness of their words giving way to more dangerous gestures. The air crackled with palpable hostility, every word exchanged cutting deeper than the last. As onlookers watched, the once-familiar faces of Paul and May transformed into vessels of rage and frustration, each unwilling to back down.

Blossom was forced to watch helplessly as Marko restrained her. Her eyes widened in shock as Paul suddenly growled, seizing May by the throat and hurling her against the tree. May's face contorted in anguish as she desperately tried to loosen his grip on her neck. She felt as she was suffocating; Paul's hold was relentless, causing her face to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. Blossom screamed, pleading for him release her, But as she attempted to intervene, her hands were firmly secured behind her back. Marko held her in a tight grip, laughing at the scene, while May's gasps and cries seemed like insignificant background noise to the boys.

"You took what was mine. that was a reckless move," Paul hissed, his intense gaze locking onto hers, his face dangerously close.

"I... I sorry Paul she gasped, frantically attempting to free herself from his grip, but her efforts were in vain.

"You're sorry, are you?" he mocked, his laughter dripping with sarcasm as he shook his head, tightening his grip on her throat. Blood rushed to her face, streaks marked her cheeks, and her body trembled from the desperate struggle for oxygen.

"I'm sorry, okay?" She gasped again, her tear-filled eyes wide with desperation as she begged Paul to let her go. However, he only smirked at her tormented expression, leaning in closer until his face was mere inches. His lips brushed against her ear as he spoke a low, mocking tone.

"A sorry won't return my shit," he retorted sharply, pressing her firmly against the tree. 

"Stop it! You're hurting her!" Blossom exclaimed, her voice trembling with concern for her friend, she wrestled against Marko, striving to escape his grip. She struck him sharply in the shin with her foot and followed with a forceful head-butt, yet he only chuckled, his hold on her becoming painful. Leaning in closely he inclined his head and murmured softly into her ear.

"Perhaps you do possess some backbone," he taunted, his lips grazing her ear, causing her to shiver inwardly from the icy nature of the gesture. Her heart raced, and her anxiety soared to unbearable heights. Her thoughts were consumed entirely by her friend.

"You know, I did have feelings for you," Paul remarked to May with a grin, his expression turning ominous. His eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as he pressed her harder against the tree, laughing as he listened to her heart pounding against her chest. It was a captivating sound—thud, thud, thud—and only grew louder as her panic intensified, her struggles resembling those of a frightened kitten. 

He leaned his face close, causing her to flinch as his lips brushed against her ear and whispered, his voice low and predatory, "Mhm, you smell good. Still wearing that perfume I got you for your birthday, hmm?" he purred as she nodded and gasped again, feeling his fingernails dig into her delicate throat and cause blood to slowly coat his nails. "Oh well, it was fun while it lasted," he finished and kissed her throat before pulling his face back and smirking at her terrified expression.

"What is he planning to do to her?" Blossom inquired nervously, watching as Paul straightened to his full hight and gazed down at May, his hand remaining wrapped tightly around her bruised throat.

"Wait and see," was the sole reply she was given.

David and Dwayne watched from the sidelines with their arms crossed over their chests.

Dwayne rolled his eyes, already overcome with a sense of monotony. Could this night become any duller? He sighed and rolled his eyes once more.

David sighed, lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply, his icy blue eyes fixed intently on the scene before him. Gradually, his gaze shifted to Blossom, who was restrained by Marko. "I think things are about to get very interesting here, Dwayne," David remarked with a low, throaty chuckle, earning a scoff and a sidelong glance from Dwayne.

"Please let her go, Paul. She didn't mean it, okay? It was a stupid mistake, and she is sorry. But please, let her go, she can't breathe," Blossom cried out, hoping Paul would listen. Her voice carried a pleading tone as she looked at him, watching him laugh and stare back at her while his hand remained around May's throat.

Oh, I know she can't breathe; that's the point of strangling someone, he replied, his voice adopting a sing-song tone, his amusement evident. His eyes glinted with dark humor as he hummed to the sounds May made—those little gasps and choked breaths that only made him laugh harder. He continued to gaze at Blossom's wide, tearful, and worried eyes.

"Please..." Blossom kept pleading desperately, her voice trembling with emotion as she begged him to see reason and let her friend go. But her words were met only with a cold shake of his head and more cruel laughter—taunting, relentless, heartless. His hand remained firm around's, May's throat unwavering and, showing no intention of releasing her anytime soon.

Blossom needed to act swiftly, as her friend's life was in imminent danger. Although she only met May earlier that evening, she was resolute in her determination to save her from her ex's violent intentions. Blossom's thoughts raced, seeking a way to escape the perilous situation. Then, she remembered her initial encounter with Paul and the other three boys. A plan emerged—one that unsettled her and made her question her choice. Nevertheless, it was the solution she could devise to protect both girls involved in this ordeal.

"Wait," she said suddenly, her voice trembling, her eyes widening further as Paul tilted his head. Meanwhile, May gasped for breath, her hands clutching Paul's as his grip remained firm and unyielding.+

That night, when I first met you at Max's shop, what was it that you wanted from me? she suddenly asked.

"What is it that we wanted from you, ask?" Paul responded with sly grin that only served to further disquiet both May and Blossom.

Marko's face displayed a trace of interest at her words as he maintained his hold on her against his chest, his hands gradually moving downward and encircling her waist. As he rested his chin on her shoulder and laughed softly near her ear, her causing her heart to race even faster. The sensation of his breath against her skin sent tingling shivers coursing up and down her spine.

Even David and Dwayne were now intrigued by her words. They approached her and Marko, briefly meeting her gaze before she turned her attention to Paul.

"You wanted me, right?" she said quickly, without thinking. Paul smiled slowly as the others laughed.

What exactly are you proposing here, Blossom? David inquired, his voice calm and deliberate, a hint of smoke in his tone as he raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about the direction of the conversation.

If he were to let her go... she hesitated to complete the sentence as the boys regarded her with curiosity.

"If he lets her go, what?" David repeated her words, as her breath seemed caught in her throat.

"Blossom, don't..." May weakly cried, looking at her and shaking her head, pleading for her not to finish the sentence. Paul loosened his grip on her throat, allowing May to take a desperate breath before tightening it once more, causing her to gasp and cry out even louder.

"Shut up, no one is talking to you," Paul hissed glaring at her.

"What's the matter, Blossom Cat got your tongue?" Marko taunted playfully, his voice low and teasing against her ear.

"Maybe she's just too scared to finish the sentence," Paul said with a laugh, his gleaming with amusement.

"Your friend is nearing death, so I suggest you finish the sentence David said, his voice echoing around her mind as his words replayed in her head. He was correct—May had little time remaining. Her oxygen levels were dangerously low her face turning increasingly blue, her body growing limp, and her eyelids struggling to remain open.

Blossom glanced toward May and noticed the worry etched in her eyes. She caught the silent warning as May shook her head frantically, pleading with her not to strike a deal with the boys. Yet, with options dwindling and the situation growing dire, Blossom felt that making a deal with the boys might be her only viable choice.

"Don't... don't do it, Blossom!" May cried out, warning her friend.

Paul averted his gaze from Blossom, rolling his eyes as he turned to May. speaking sharply, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Didn't I just tell you to shut up?"He hissed, using one hand to slap her cheek while keeping the other firmly around her throat. He lifted her higher against the tree, the sound of the slap echoing through the dark, deserted beach. Even Blossom flinched at the sharp noise, despite being preoccupied with her own problem—Marko and his unwelcome, handsy advances.

Tick tock, tick tock. "Bloss, time is running out," Marko whispered into her ear his voice resonating, teasing, and taunting as it echoed in a sing-song tone, amplifying Blossom's alarm and panic.

Blossom licked her lips nervously as her throat grew dry, her mind swirled with worry, and her body trembled with anxiety. She shut her eyes, inhaled deeply, and steadied herself for the task she was about to undertake. She knew she would regret it later, but if it meant saving her friend, it was worth it, even if she suffered burns from the fire afterword. It was worth it, she told herself, repeating it and over in her mind.

"I might end up killing May if you don't hurry up, Blossom," Paul declared, as Blossom sighed and internally shouted.

"Time's running out for your friend, Blossy," Marko teased, his lips grazing her neck, causing her to gasp and attempt to pull away from his cold touch.

What's it going to be Blossom? Her life or yours? David whistled, his laughter following as it echoed hauntingly around blossom's, ears like an eerie hymn from a horror film.

Come on, Blossom.

Blossom.

Blossom.

"Blossom," the four boys chanted her name repeatedly+ Intensifying her anxiety and panic, her heart pounded violently against her chest, her blood ran cold, causing her to shiver as she felt Marko's lips brush against her neck once again. His hands caressed the curves of her waist and hips, while his body pressed more firmly against hers, holding her close against his own.

"What's it gonna be, sweet cheeks?" Marko purred, his lips grazing her skin as he inhaled her scent. He rolled his eyes back in bliss, savoring how sweet and tantalizing she smelled. He had to fight to keep his fangs from emerging, letting out a low growl as she gasped softly and swallowed hard.

"D... don't... Don't do it, Blossom May gasped out again, only to receive another sharp, stinging slap from Paul. His rings struck her skin, leaving a fresh cut on her cheek, causing blood to drip from the wound. Despite his harsh tone and violent actions, May summoned all her remaining strength to continue warning Blossom.

"How many times do I have to tell you to shut up?" Paul hissed again, into May's wide andful eyes. When I tell you to shut up, it means to remain silent; it does not mean to continue speaking. So keep your mouth, "fucking! shut or I will ensure your silence myself, and I doubt you would appreciate that, would you? babe Paul leaned in closer than before and whispered further, his voice low, laced with menace and a chilling sense of promise, conveying to May his intention to silence her permanently.

"What's it going to, Blossom? Save her life or save your own?" Paul said over his shoulder as he felt May's heartbeat beginning to slow and her legs gradually ceasing to move.Blossom grimaced coughed, feeling nauseated at the grotesque scene unfolding before her. 

"L... let her go," were her only words.

Let her go... 

Ah, but you didn't finish the sentence," he continued with a sing-song tone, his grin widening as he gazed into her widend eyes. 

Come on, Blossom, you don't really care about this thief. I mean, you only met her tonight, right? So what's the harm in me killing her? Paul asked, his eyes holding a, unsettling promise as he spoke those words so casually, as if murder was just an everyday thing for him.  Blossom looked at him in disbelief. How could he say it so easily and without any guilt? She thought was insane; she thought they were all insane. They found it amusing to scare and harm girls.

"Oh, do not look at me like that," He teased, tilting his head and biting his lower lip as for a lingering moment his eyes roved over her, pausing on her chest, causing his grin to take on a wolfish quality.

"You're a sicko," she grimaced, making him laugh and raise an eyebrow as Marko's lips brushed her ear, causing her to flinch further. His hands tightened around her waist, moving down to her hips as he hummed, the sweet scent of her filling his nostrils. She smelled heavenly. 

Nah, I'm not a sicko, I'm just having," fun he whistled.

"you think hurting girls is fun? You're all psychos," she hissed, her expression one of utter disgust and hatred. She had never felt such emotions swell inside her before; she had never hated anyone or been disgusted until tonight. 

David must have noticed something in her at that moment as he stepped closer, leaned down, and grasped her chin, forcing her meet his gaze. He observed the burning hatred in eyes and listened to the sound of her heartbeat with a slow smirk yet he remained silent. Thud thud, thud was all he heard.  She shivered slightly and attempted to pull back, colliding with Marko's chest, while David merely tutted at her and continued to hold her in place. She felt the touch of his leather gloves against her skin, the chill of his stare and the unsettling nature of his smile or smirk. She grimaced further when she caught the scent of cigarettes emanating from him. She nearly gagged at the horrible smell, unable to tolerate the odor of cigarettes, which she found utterly revolting. 

He remained quiet, his grip on her chin gentle yet, firm as she felt Marko rest his chin on her shoulder once more. His lips found her neck, delivering ghost-like kisses that caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. Her body was overcome with goosebumps, sending shudders through her as she was forced to keep her gaze locked into those icy blue eyes. They made her feel as if she were bathing in an icy river. The cool Santa Carla air brushed against her skin, and the sounds of May and Paul echoed around her. May's sharp gasps and ragged breathing played in her mind, heightening her anxiety with every moment David remained silent. It unsettled her more than anything else. He must have known, for he could see the fear in her wide eyes, feel the anxiety coursing through her body, and hear the rapid beat of her heart as it pumped blood faster with her growing panic. Despite her efforts to conceal her fear, she failed, her terror unmistakable in that moment.

A faint "mh" escaped from David as thumb brushed over her bottom lip. He then glanced at Dwayne, who, without a word, made his way toward the shoreline.He knelt down, reached into his leather jacket and pulled out a handkerchief, wetting the end it. Straightening up, he walked over to where David was, handed it to him and crossed his arms over his chest, watching what David would do. David turned to look at Blossom, her bloody nose dried up some time ago. She closed her eyes and flinched, thinking he was going to hurt her. Instead, he chuckled softly, gently wiped the dried blood off her face, tilted his head, and still said nothing as she hesitantly opened her eyes, wondering what he had done.

"W... what... what did you do?" she hesitantly asked, her words stuttering softly as she struggled to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat He didn't say a word to her, leaving her lost in thought as he released her chin and straightened to his full height. Carefully placing the handkerchief into his trench coat pocket, he gave her one last lingering glance. With a smirk playing on his lips, he turned and walked off, leaving her wondering. 

"Come on, boys, let's go," he said calmly.

Paul blinked in confusion, staring at David with a peculiar expression, as his hand continued to wrap around May's throat. Wait, what? 

I said, "Come on." David repeated, his expression unreadable.

"Wait, but—" Marko was abruptly silenced by an icy, commanding stare from David that spoke volumes. Marko sneered and forcefully pushed Blossom aside, a cruel smirk on his face as she gasped and hit the sand with a resounding thud.

"This isn't fair; the fun was just getting started," man!!! Paul scoffed rolling his eyes and released May with the same force Marko had used with Blossom. She collapsed to the floor, gasping, loudly, and breathing rapidly.

"Be quiet, Paul," Dwayne scoffed, rolling his eyes as he walked off with David, while Marko and Paul followed behind. Glancing at girls with amused smiles as they laughed and walked behind David and Dwayne, soon all four boys disappeared from Blossom's sight. She paused to catch her breath, sighed deeply, rubbed her head, and groaned softly before pulling herself back up, wrapping her arms around herself in a comforting gesture that ultimately failed to soothe her.

Oh my God! May Blossom gasped and rushed over to where May was still struggling for breath and letting out chocked sobs. "It's okay, you're okay," Blossom said with concern as she dropped to the floor, wrapping May tightly in her arms. She tried to soothe her friend by gently rubbing her back and rocking her softly, but May continued to sob and flinched at Blossom's touch. The echoed around them, making Blossom frown as she gazed at her friend with a mix of pity and deep concern.

"I... I can't breathe... I can't breathe," Blossom. May cried harder, her throat sore and strained, heart pounding against her chest, and her eyes red and puffy. "Just breathe. It's okay, May. They're gone. It's okay. Shh, it's okay. Just breathe in and out. Look at me, May, look at me." Blossom spoke in a low and soothing tone, pointing at herself and gently instructing May to focus on her. Blossom demonstrated long, deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly, and watched as May began to mimic her, repeating the breaths over and over, even as her sobs continued whilst she clung tightly to Blossom. 

"It's okay, you're safe now. They're gone, it's okay," Blossom repeated softly, rubbing May's back as they sat together on the floor. May nestled her face into the crook of Blossom's neck, breathing heavily against her. "Remember, breathe and out, in and out," Blossom whispered gently, feeling May nod as she began to take long, breaths. Gradually, her breathing slowed, returning to a calm and steady rhythm.

May pulled back and looked at Blossom, smiling through the tears in her eyes. She sniffled and said, "Well that was my ex. Told you he was hot, right?" she tried to joke and laughed shakenly.

"Really, you're pulling jokes now?" Blossom sighed, raising an eyebrow at May who sniffled even more, shrugged her shoulders in reply and wiped her away her tears. 

"Come on, let's get you up," Blossom smiled as May giggled and nodded, allowing Blossom to pull her back to her feet. "Hmm, I think I need a cigarette after that," May said clicking her tongue and catching a side-eye from Blossom as both girls walked at their own pace away from the beach.

"Really?" Blossom sighed with disapproval, the emotion unmistakable on her face.

What... May blinked as they walked side by side, reaching into her back pocket to pull out a cigarette and lighter.

"You're not smoking that near me," Blossom said firmly, moving away from May, who laughed and brought the cigarette to her lips, lighting it with a spark.

"You keep being the Miss Goody Two-Shoes, and I'll be the delinquent," May joked, earning a light scoff from Blossom. "That's not funny," Blossom said with disapproval, as May tilted her head and blew her cigarette smoke toward Blossom, who shrieked and tried waving the smoke away from her, only causing May to laugh and shake her head.

"Don't do that," Blossom frowned, her eyebrows knitting together in mild annoyance"Don't do what?" May smirk around her cigarette, feigning innocence.

"Blowing your nasty smoke in my direction. It's not funny," Blossom sighed, covering her nose.

"Oh, I think it's hilarious, Miss Good Girl," May teased, her grin growing wider as Blossom glared her in annoyance.

"I would much rather be known as good girl than a delinquent like you Blossom said, rolling her eyes.

"Me, a delinquent? No, I'm good," May chuckled, feigning innocence, though the look in her eyes told a different story

"You're the who called yourself a delinquent. I'm just repeating what you said." Blossom spoke matter-of-factly, side-eyeing May from a distance as she grimaced in mild disgust, watching the smoke from May's cigarette curl around her.

"Alright, Miss Good Girl." May cikced her lips and grinned. 

"Ugh, I'm starting to regret befriending you," Blossom mumbled to herself. 

"Liar."

"I'm not a liar," Blossom gasped looking at May with annoyance.

"No," May chuckled with a teasing tone as Blossom nodded.

"If you had regretted being my friend, you would have let Paul kill me. Yet, if I recall from tonight you saved me and pleaded with him. Therefore, you don't regret meeting me tonight and befriending me., you're a little liar," May finished with a knowing smirk, seeing the shock on Blossom's face as Blossom tried to speak but didn't have a comeback for that.

"Okay, fine, whatever. You're right. I don't regret befriending you or meeting you tonight," Blossom mumbled. thats what I though.

However, if you decide to have boyfriends, make sure to steer clear of boys like Paul or his friends, Blossom remarked suddenly.

Noted: no bad boys and no psychopathic boys with devilish charms And, if I may add, exceptionally in bed— much so that one cannot walk properly for the next few days. May laughed and drawled out the last part slowly, watching as's Blossom's face shifted from sweet to disgusted at the thought of May and Paul being involved with each other.

"Ew, I did not need to know that last part," Blossom said with a grimaced expression as laughed.

But seriously, Paul was exceptionally skilled in bed; he truly knew how to use his hips, and it was the best sex I had ever experienced. Honestly, that is the only aspect I miss about being in a relationship with that scary motherfucker—the physical connection was unmatched. May continued to elaborate with vividness, sharing things Blossom neither wanted to hear nor had interest in addressing.

"Be quiet! I'm not listening, I'm not listening!" Blossom shouted, attempting to cover her ears.

I'm never going to get that vivid and overly detailed picture out of my head now—thanks a lot May. I really needed to know all about you and your-boyfriend's love life. Blossom sighed, her tone dripping with sarcasm, exaggerated disgust, and annoyance. 

"You're a virgin?" May exclaimed with a gasp, her eyes widening in bursting into laughter.

"What... what did you just say?" Blossom stuttered, her eyes wide with shock and embarrassment as she coughed. Meanwhile, May only grinned wider, laughing even louder as she threw her head, back and flicked away her cigarette, and wrapped an arm around Blossom. who yelped and gulped, her gaze fixed on May's wide, and incredibly amused eyes.

"I am quite certain Miss Goody Two-Shoes is still unplucked; she's still got her innocence intact. How sweet," May teased, as Blossom's face turned red with embarrassment."I am not," Blossom mumbled.

"Yes, you are. It's the only explanation for why you're acting so prim and proper. You've never been with a boy before... have you even kissed a boy?" 

"Stop with all the questions and keep your voice down," Blossom rolled her as both girls started walking back to May's house.

"Come, on we're both girls here. We have the same anatomy, no need to be ashamed of sex," May laughed.

"No... no, I've never done any of the things you're asking," Blossom mumbled again. 

May laughed as she stepped in front of Blossom, reaching into her pocket to grab the key. She unlocked the door and gestured grandly for Blossom to enter first. "Ladies first," May joked with a playful grin. Blossom rolled her eyes but walked in, while May chuckled and followed her inside, closing the door behind them with the back of her foot. 

"Don't worry, Blossom. Your secret is safe with me," May said with a wink as she watched Blossom sit on the sofa.

Blossom: Thank you...

May: Thanks for what? 

Blossom: For letting me stay with you.

"Oh, okay. can't help it if your mum is having one of her hot and cold moments," May said with a smile, making Blossom laugh. "I think you mean her bipolar moments," Blossom corrected with a grin. "Oh, you know what I mean," May scoffed playfully, glancing at the time and letting out a yawn. 

Hmm, I think I'm gonna head to bed now, it's getting late.

"Okay, good night," Blossom said with a smile and a giggle as May tossed her a blanket. May mumbled a quick good night before heading to her bedroom down the corner. After hearing a door open and then a soft thud, Blossom settled comfortably on the sofa. She lay down, closed her eyes, and smiled to herself, feeling content.  Beside her mother and the dangerous encounter she and May had with May's ex, Paul, and his three friends, this night was good. She now knew who Paul was, but the other three boys—the curly-haired blond, the platinum blond, and the brunette—their names still eluded her. She didn't bother to care since their names would never be something she needed to know. She knew she'd never see them again or speak to them, not after what they'd done. She loathed them, and just the thought of those four jerks made her stomach churn with disgust. Her dislike for boys had always been there, but those four had only cemented her hatred even further.