Messy

                                    

                                          
2 day time skip 
The apartment is always eerily silent when my uncle isn't home. It's the kind of silence that is both comforting and ominous at the same time. I don't have to be scared to step foot into the living room or kitchen, I don't have to be scared to leave my room. To be honest I didn't know where he was, his truck was gone. I first assumed that he'd gone to the bar again, but for two whole days? Even for a raging alcoholic that seemed excessive.
I sank into my bed, the dim glow of the fairy lights and candles surrounding my room was comforting to me, I hated harsh light. 'Grace' by Jeff Buckley quietly playing in the background on my record player. I finally felt at peace. This didn't last. 
My phone buzzed, the name on the screen made my stomach churn. 
Noah.
I hesitated before answering "Noah?"
"Hey, you ok?" his voice came through, scratchy but familiar 
I wanted to scream at him, ask him why he hadn't answered me or reached out for a week, but all I could manage was quiet. "I guess" I replied. 
There was a pause on the line before he said "I'm coming over"
"Noah I don't think-"
"Be there in 10" he cut me off and the line went dead.
I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. I didn't know what to expect but the hollow ache in my chest at least wanted to make sure he was okay after what happened with him and Billie.
Then minutes later there was a knock at the door. I opened the door of the apartment to find Noah standing there, his hoodie pulled up, his face still bruised from the beating he'd taken. He looked thinner, more tired, but he smiled faintly.
"You gonna let me in?" He asked, his tone laced with attitude.
I stepped aside and he walked in. Glancing around the house cautiously, like he expected my uncle to jump out of the shadows. 
"You alone?" He asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "Yeah.." I hesitated "he's out" 
"Good" Noah muttered, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets. He sat down on the couch patting the spot next to him "c'mere, let's talk" 
Reluctantly, I sat, keeping a bit of distance between us. "What do you want Noah? You've been gone for a week" 
"I know" he said, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. "Things have been rough, but I'm here now.  Right? I'm here for you Violet" something about the way he said this made my skin crawl. I didn't move. 
"I need your help Violet." He said, his voice softening. "I'm in trouble - Billie - she's been on me about the money I owe her. I just need a little something, you know? Something to hold her off" he said.
I stiffened immediately "I don't have anything Noah, you know that." 
His expression darkened the second I replied. Something shifted within him. "Don't fucking dare lie to me" he hissed, reaching in his pocket to grab something. 
I didn't move. I was frozen. Again. Weak. Again.
When his hand came out of his pocket he was holding a knife. It glinted in the dim light, its edge sharp and menacing. 
"I don't want to hurt you Violet but you're leaving me without a choice here" he held the knife to my throat immediately. 
"Noah-" my voice broke, sobs escaping my throat. "Please don't do this" I begged. Tears streaming down my face. At this point I couldnt breathe