Order of Earth

Chapter 1

Onyx looked at herself one last time in the bathroom mirror. Her shiny, jet black hair flowed over her shoulders like liquid satin, her blunt bangs stopping just under her eyebrows. Her deep brown eyes smoldered through the black smudged smoky eye shadow. The black sequined mini-dress her friend Angel had given her for the occasion hung on her curves making her feel like a vixen: powerful and sexy. The feeling was intoxicating. She bit her crimson lip. Philip would not approve, she thought. Good thing he was on a business trip till tomorrow.

It felt good to look sexy. She had been stuck in this ivory penthouse for months now without seeing her friends. All Onyx wanted was a night to unwind, relax, and take a break from being the perfect girlfriend. Philip was great and all, but he could be a bit demanding. His rules kept adding up: no tattoos showing in public, no sexy clothing, no foul language, only hang out with people he approves of, always act like a lady. It was exhausting to be with him sometimes. They had been together for almost two years now, but to Onyx, it felt like a lot longer.

Weeks like this were the key to her sanity. Every couple months or so Philip would go on a business trip to headquarters for some big meeting. And for those brief few days, Onyx could be her old self again.

Before she met Philip, she had been just another struggling artist, trying to make it on her own. She lived with a group of four other girls in an artist apartment. They would post their art work in the hallways for sale or bring their work down to the beach front to sell to tourists. The building they lived in, entirely composed of fellow creative souls, put on a Christmas art show hoping to get some much needed cash before the holidays. And that's where Onyx and Philip met. Their chemistry was instantaneous and explosive. The odd couple of a tattoo-covered artist and a button-down business man simply could not get enough of each other. Within two weeks he had moved her into his penthouse apartment in downtown Miami.

At first, the fiery passion between them was all they needed. They would lose themselves in each other for hours on end. He was late to work constantly and she spent less and less time painting, opting for a few more moments wrapped up in each other instead. They were in their own little world where she was the beautiful, adoring girlfriend and he was the supportive, loving boyfriend. It was everything Onyx had ever longed for. But as the lusty fog of the afterglow began to lift, the reality of their relationship settled on her like chains.

First came the wardrobe. Onyx had come home one afternoon from a jog to find her closet had been gutted. All her raggedy band t-shirts and holey jeans had been replaced by what Philip deemed a more respectable wardrobe. He had told her it was a gift, and that she didn't need to dress like she was poor anymore; all his wealth was hers. She deserved nice things, he would say. She should look like his match. When Onyx asked why her tattoos were completely covered by all her new clothes, he had told her he didn't want anyone to judge her on such a superficial thing. People would be cruel, he said, and think less of her for her body art, so better not to give them the chance. Philip's words had felt so deeply sincere that she couldn't bring herself to be angry. She had never argued the point that his tattoos, mostly the one on his wrist, showed even when he wore a business suit. The argument hardly seemed worth it.

Then came the cell phone. One day, she had gone to text her best friend, Angel, but the contact name was no longer saved in her phone. She scrolled through all the listings only to find that almost all her friend's numbers had been removed. But then she realized he hadn’t just deleted a couple numbers. He had changed her phone out completely. It was a whole new phone, with a new number. He said it was an honest mistake. He had only been trying to do the right thing by getting an unlisted number for her. He was a powerful man, and he didn't want anyone coming after his sweet girlfriend because her phone was vulnerable. The man at the store must have not transferred all the contacts, but good riddance he said.

People like Angel were unpredictable and reckless. She was a danger to their relationship and should be cut from their lives anyway. Slowly, one by one, Philip cut her off from her friends until all she had left was him. He truly is trying to protect me, she had thought. But now that she was alone in this sterile house all the time, she wasn't so sure. She felt like Rapunzel, trapped in her tower. But tonight, she was letting down her long black hair and sneaking out for a little fun.

***

Angel fussed with her purple and pink hair in the back of the town car. Angel was the techno-color counterpart to Onyx’ all black femme-fatal look. Her hair had bright purple roots that faded down to washed out pink tips as if she stole her hair from a little pony toy. She wore a hot pink and white studded cropped halter top, and black glittery hot pants. The outfit barely qualified as clothing, but with her flawlessly tight body, she looked like she had walked straight off the runway up to the club door.

The car dropped the girls off in front of Envy. The line to get in the club was nearly two blocks long. Not an uncommon occurrence for the hottest new club to hit South Beach. Onyx took a look down the dauntingly long line filled with beautiful women and equally as attractive men, impatiently waiting to get in at the mercy of a man the size of a silver back gorilla, with half the intelligence and personality. He would look them over one by one with his small flash light, check his clipboard, evaluate their worthiness to enter and shake his head yes or no.

"Can't we just go to Love? There is never a line at Love," Onyx pleaded with her friend. The thought of waiting hours in the line only to be turned away at the door for not being hot enough wasn't exactly what she had in mind for her night of freedom.

"There is never a line at Love because no one would be caught dead there. It hasn't been hot in almost a year, you know that. Not to mention in this new outfit, so help me god, I'm getting noticed, Angel retorted. There was no use arguing, Angel always wins. She noticed the defeated look on her friends face. Don't worry, honey. You know I don't do lines."

Sure enough, the pair didn't go anywhere near the line. Angel marched up to the bouncer, her five-inch stilettos clicking on the pavement with each step, and she tapped the muscle-bound man on his gigantic shoulder.

End of the line, his voice boomed, not even looking up from his clipboard.

Now that's no way to talk to your favorite patron, Angel purred.

The doorman turned, his steely expression cracked revealing the slightest of smiles. Onyx couldn't decide what was more intimidating: his grimace or his smile.

Sorry, he said as he nodded his head towards the entrance letting the girls into the club, much to the protest of the legions of people waiting in line. Angel balanced on her tip-toes and planted a gentle kiss on the giant's cheek before heading in.

The bass from the speakers hit Onyx as they made their way through the dimly lit, snake print covered corridor that led from the front door into the heart of Envy. She could feel the beat pound in her chest causing her pulse to quicken. The rest of the noise flooded in as she ventured farther into the club. The corridor gave way to a massive courtyard thronged with bodies dancing on the floor. Envy had two levels with an open ceiling the same size and shape as the dance floor below. The lower level had three bars along the walls, leaving the fourth wall for the DJ booth and stage. The upper level, the VIP sections, was a ring around the building, giving both a perfect view of the people below and the beautiful night sky above. Portions were sectioned off with dark green velvet curtains. Body painted dancers swung through the open space on the second level, suspended by cables. Green, yellow, and purple lights shot up from the ground floor, giving the entire club a mysterious, carnival like glow.

Onyx stood on the cusp of the dance floor and took in the sights and noises of the club. It was beautifully done. They really took the whole green monster/envy/serpent theme and ran with it. By the time she snapped out of it, she had lost track of Angel. Knowing her friend, she was either in the middle of the dance floor or up in VIP by now. She scanned the room, trying to spot the fluorescent pink and purple hair, which usually made her stand out in any crowd. Mid-scan, she locked eyes with a stranger across the bar. Her breath caught while her heart jumped into her throat. She tried to look around, to confirm that it was her he was staring at, but she couldn't move. His eyes bore into her, holding her attention as he floated through the crowd straight for her. He never dropped his stare. The party goers parted, making way for him to move with ease as though he was Moses crossing the Red Sea.

The stranger approached her: tall, well built, with perfectly tan skin. His blonde hair was buzz cut. His cheeks darkened from a days’ worth of stubble, adding to his rugged handsomeness. She felt the urge to run her teeth along his jaw line, just to feel the texture. Philip was always so well-manicured.

The handsome stranger reached where she was standing. Their intense stare was broken by his cocky smirk as he glanced down at his hand, which is waiting to meet hers. She followed his gaze and without thought, placed her hand in his. The sleeves on his plaid shirt were rolled up to his elbows, revealing impressively detailed full sleeve tattoos.

He couldn't be sexier if he tried, she mused.

As he led her to the bar, she stumbled after him, eagerly trying to keep up like an excited puppy. His hands were warm and she could smell his cologne waft off of him: a salty fresh combination that instantly reminded her of a hot beach day.

They reached the bar, and Onyx noticed on either side of them were crowds of people waiting to be served. Yet they walked right up. It was as though there was a gap reserved just for them. She glanced at him in admiration, he must be good luck, she told herself. The young, blonde bar tender came right over to take their order. That never happens, she thought.

The stranger ordered two of something and handed one over to Onyx. The dark purple drink tasted of lychee and other berries. She could hardly focus on the taste; she was too busy drinking the sight of her companion in. The man's lips were thick, lusciously pink and incredibly enticing. She watched him as he took a sip of his drink. His eyes were so light blue they were almost white giving him a softer, ethereal look that countered his otherwise edgy appearance.

Only one or two drinks, I have to keep my wits about me around this one, Onyx told herself.

She quickly finished her drink, and grabbed her stranger's hand, dragging him onto the dance floor. The hours melted away as they danced to the high octane beats the DJ was pumping out. The crowd took on a life of its own, moving and pulsing as one. The energy levels escalated until the whole club was vibrating with a crazed excitement. Painted ladies flew through the air above them like enchanted fairies, just out of reach. They seduced the crowd, then laughed and flew away like little minxes. Maybe it was the drinks, maybe it was being out for the first time in month, but Onyx could feel her mind start to let go.

While dancing with the stranger, a blissful feeling took over, lifting her to euphoria. She felt like she couldn't get close enough. If he ever let go, she was certain this heavenly feeling would slip away and she wanted nothing more than to hold on to it forever.

Somewhere closer to sunrise than sunset, Angel found Onyx on the dance floor.

Come on, Nyx. I think it's time to get you home. You got to be rested for when Mr. Perfect gets back. She started to pull her friend towards the door.

I don't even know your name, the stranger yelled. Onyx realized they hadn't said a word all night. How refreshing.

It's Nicky. She called in his ear so he could hear her over the music. She kissed her fingers and placed them on his lips. She mouthed the words thank you and then dashed out the door with Angel.

***

Thank god you rented a town car. I don’t think I could find my way home if my life depended on it, Onyx said as she unhooked her shoes and slipped on the pair of slippers she had left in the car. I forgot how much fun that could be.

Uhhuh, so…who was he? Angel asked playfully.

Oh, no one. Just someone to dance with. But damn he was good looking.

Understatement of the year. I would have jumped on that if I were you.

I have a boyfriend. You know that. I love Philip.

Yeah, yeah. I just miss you, that's all. She shook her head, ashamed of the thought.

Why don't you stay at my place tonight? We can catch up, have some girl talk, like old times. Philip doesn't come back till tomorrow night, anyway. I could use the company.

***

Onyx fumbled clumsily searching for her key in her purse, spilling its contents onto the apartment lobby floor. Willy, the young dorky bellhop who seemed to have a thing for Onyx, rushed to her side to help scoop up her things.

Do you need help getting up stairs, Ms. Bay? his voice squeaked when he asked.

I think we can manage, Willy. Thank you. Onyx and Angel giggled as they entered the elevator, turned her key, and hit the PH button.

"Ms. Bay, Angel said mockingly and bowed when the doors slid open at the top level of the building. After you."

The two erupted in a fit of laughter. Onyx stopped at once, taking in her surroundings. The elevator opened up into the spacious living area, complete with floor to ceiling windows, large in-wall fireplace, and custom designed lighting Philip had handpicked from Italy. The hand blown blue glass lamp by his favorite white calf-skin leather chair was left on. She always turned off the lights when she left the apartment. That was one of the many rules. And Onyx had checked every room before she went out. She ran through her mental list of lights in the place. She knew that lamp had not been on since he left on his trip.

Angel, you need to go. The stillness in her voice was eerie.

I don't understand…

Get in the elevator now! Onyx exclaimed. She could hear the chime behind her sound as the doors opened, letting her friend in.

Is everything ok? Angel asked meekly before pressing the L to return to the lobby.

I'll call you later, Onyx replied without turning around. Her eyes continued to search the apartment for movement. Maybe Philip came home early. She prayed to god he was asleep.

Just as the brass doors began to close, Philip appeared from around the corner. He looked mad. Not as in angry, but rather as in crazy. His dress shirt was untucked, his belt unbuckled, his usually perfectly parted hair askew. Angel could feel the hatred in his stare as they locked eyes.

You whore, he growled. You were out with her!

Angel leapt for the doors, trying to wedge her hand between them so they would reopen. But she was too late. The last thing she saw before the doors cut her off from the apartment was Philip throw Onyx out of the way as he charged the elevator. She heard the crashing of the glass coffee table. The hideous sound seared into Angel’s mind and she collapsed to the floor, sobbing.

***

The bell chimed on the first floor as the doors opened. Angel sat there in a techno-colored heap, shaking, crying till she could hardly breathe. Willy quickly appeared by her side, dropping to his knees to hold her.

Just tell me what happened, he whispered. His voice no longer high and frail, but calm and in control.

Angel struggled to speak. She peeked up at the young man, her face streaked with black mascara from tears, Call the police, she managed, …and an ambulance.

Willy ushered her over to a large over-stuffed chair in the lobby of the swanky apartment building. He quickly grabbed a spare blanket from the linen closet behind the counter and draped it over her shoulders. Angel saw him talk to the man in the all black suit in the office just beyond the front counter. The two men talked, looked at her, talked more, then finally the older man seemed to give in. He watched Angel as he picked up the phone and dialed. He spoke a few words then hung up.

The bellhop returned to her side and held her shoulders, chanting words of encouragement.

They are on their way.

***

Onyx tried to get her hands in front of her to break the fall, but she was too slow. Pain coursed through her as she hit the glass table. Her head cracked against the iron support, blinding her. She could feel her skin tear as the shards of glass broke her skin, boring deep into the flesh.

I told you not to see that girl, Onyx. You know better than that, Philip lectured her as he grabbed her ankle and dragged her from the wreckage of the table. The iron table support gouged the back of her arm, leaving her left arm virtually unusable. Her skin picked up the fragments as she was pulled across her living room floor. The tiny pieces bit into her. Onyx thrashed wildly. Her foot made contact with his right knee, the knee he had hurt in a skiing accident, sending Philip crumbling to the ground. But his weakness was short lived. He yanked her leg hard. The back of her head slammed into the floor.

I go out of town for three days. Three days. And what do I come home to find? You dressed like a prostitute, prancing in at four in the morning from god knows where sleeping with god knows who. Was it worth it? Huh? I gave you this whole life. I took you from the gutter and made you my queen. And this is how you thank me. Acting like a slut the moment I turn my back.

Onyx struggled to retain consciousness. The all-white living room which she had grown to love blurred around her, fading in and out of focus. She tried to kick her leg out of his grip, but he held tight, almost breaking bones. She tried to focus on anything but the pain. She tried to focus on how to get away.

Philip let go of her ankle and she foolishly let herself think it was over. She let her eyes close, only for a moment, to regain her composure. He knelt down on top of her, crushing her ribs, knocking the air out of her lungs. She gasped but couldn't breathe.

You want to act like a whore? You get treated like one. His eyes burned with rage as he brought his hand up across his body. With a quick motion, he struck the back of his hand across her cheek, sending blood splattering across the lightly colored bamboo floor. Her mouth filled with the coppery taste of blood. He raised his hand again, on the other side of his body and struck.

Onyx' world went black.

***

The flashing blue and red lights filled the tall glass doorway of the apartment lobby. Angel spotted the two police officers as they strolled into the building casually and walked to the front desk. They exchanged words with the older gentleman, who pointed at Angel wrapped up in blankets.

Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to come with us, the blonde officer said in a low stern voice.

But you have to help her. She's up stairs, Angel was frantic and confused.

Ma'am, you are under arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. You have the right to remain silent… he continued. His words droned on, but she couldn't absorb them.

The snooty older man approached her with his noise turned up, You didn't really think we would let some tramp like yourself cause trouble for our most valued client, did you now girl?

Angel looked to Willy for some explanation but only saw the fear in his eyes as she was dragged away by the cops, too stunned to fight back.

***

I said fix her. Oh my sweet Nicky, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you… Philip's voice seemed very far away.

Onyx strained to hear him. Who was he talking to?

More darkness.

You do your god damn job, Krev…because I told you to do it, damn it. Now bring her back to me.

Yes, sir. A gargled voice replied.

She should be happy I thought of this. She should be thanking me. She freaking owes me.

You should be happy she is able to accept the treatment. Not everyone can. You are the lucky one.

Her eyes fluttered open to find she was no longer in the living room. She was surrounded by blue colored stone walls and sheets of glass. The shower. She could just make out the shower head above her. Another object came into focus: Philip. He was stroking her bangs out of her face, looking down at her with such a sweet expression it was almost alien on his face.

There's my beautiful girl. Welcome back. I'm so glad you are okay. He cooed as he talked. You've had one hell of a night, my dear Nicky. You nearly bled to death but I saved you. I brought you back to life; I won't let you leave me like that. If you didn't break the rules, I wouldn't have had to teach you a lesson. Now do us both a favor and don't make me do this to you again, okay. Remember you’re mine.

As he carried her from the bathroom to their bed, she dared a look back. The floor, glass wall, and tiles of the shower were covered in a thick coat of deep crimson blood. It looked like a slaughter house. She looked at her hands, her arms, her legs: no blood, only fresh scabs.

Onyx looked at the monster she thought she loved. What the hell happened?

Chapter 2

The blackout curtains