Dancer by Emma Clark Page A

gaped and the look of horror on his face was absolutely priceless.
    "What the— holy fuck ?" He struggled, squirmed, madly trying to loosen the long thick cords which tethered his wrists to the headboard. I'd snatched the pink and white braided strings from Mom's arts and crafts basket.
    Now the pretty ties bound Satan (or Chase or The Dancer) to Mom and Dad's queen-sized bed. What a terrific use for crafty items.
    Thanks, Mom.
    Awesome .
    "Oh wow," I said, unable to resist a smile. "You seem to be... stuck."
    I brought my finger to my chin and tapped it, feigning deep thought while I surveyed him.
    "I swear to god if you don't untie me—" He thrashed as if possessed, his torso lurching upward like Regan from The Exorcist . And the bed shimmied. I almost expected it to start floating.
    Poor poor baby. Poor Satan/Chase.
    "Sorry, but I really don't think you'll be able to get out of this," I said as I put my hands on my waist.
    "Goddamn it, I need a cigarette!"
    "No. No you don't."
    "I'm fucking hot. It's too hot in here!" He stilled for a moment and glared bullets at me.
    "No. No it's not hot. It feels great to me. I'm the pregnant one. That means I should be the one sweltering, not you. You're just a stupid whiny boy who actually needs your mommy's tit to suck. Not a ciggy." My grin widened exponentially, my amusement growing.
    Enraged, his face reddened and his eyes bulged. I figured they'd pop right from their sockets.
    Oh well.
    Yet I stupidly gave in to his childish complaints and demands. "Okay. I'll just unbutton your shirt." My fingers moved across the buttons and gradually revealed his bronzed, clean shaven skin.
    He was ungrateful for my help.
    "Let me go, you fucking bitch!"
    "Um, okay then. I guess I'll see you in a while." I shrugged and left.
    His screams drifted into my bedroom where I lounged in bed, uncovered by the sheet. Comfortable and satisfied.
    Not too hot at all.
    However I wouldn't be getting much sleep that night.
    It was worth it.
    * * * *
    C hase's restraints had loosened due to his vigorous movements. So the next morning I quickly rearranged and re-tied his restraints after giving him a drink laced with Unisom.
    It was my drug of choice.
    At first he refused the water, but eventually succumbed due to his excruciating thirst.
    I kept a steak knife nearby in case anything unexpected should occur. On the floor, the blade glimmered in early sunlight that trickled amid sheer curtains.
    At last he was secured and I remained safe from his wrath and escape.
    I hurried to my bedroom to get ready for my doctor's appointment. Today I'd find out the sex of my baby.
    Boy or girl? A big smile crossed my face. Yes an actual smile . Strange being so thrilled when I'd felt miserable for months. A nice change. But thoughts of Allison crept in and disturbed me. Guilt mingled with sadness.
    God dammit.
    Regardless I had to get on with it. Had to live my life (what's left of it) for my child's sake. Take care of myself for him or her. If not, I may as well give up and kill myself, taking an innocent child's life with me.
    Of course that was something I could never do. My mind was totally fucked up. I didn't know whether I was coming or going, happy or sad, suicidal or miserable, filled with hatred for Chase or needed his support on a subconscious level. Desired to cut his throat— or allow him to fuck me right there on Mom and Dad's bed.
    Heat spread to my face as another rush of guilt shamed me.
    Someday, somehow this nightmare would end. Remembering this should get me through the endless days and nights without losing my mind.
    Or have I already lost it?
    * * * *
    I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell my nemesis the wonderful news.
    I went into the bedroom where Chase was imprisoned.
    "Guess what?" Breathless, I loomed over his bedside. "You didn't give me a sexually transmitted disease!"
    No response. Stoic expression. Cold eyes.
    "And guess what else, Chase? We're having a boy." I whipped out a sonogram photo