In a flash of black cloth, Mephistopheles disappeared, the blood still there, the maggots as well. Noire let out the shaky breath she held, her body weak and trembling, form the events that just occurred.

I don’t wanna go home, but I don’t wanna go to school! Noire said softly, putting a hand on her chest, to feel her heart racing. Bram thought for a moment, taking her away from the mess on the sidewalk.

How about today, we go to the treehouse? Skip school, skip the rules, just you and me today. He replied, hugging her tight, and holding her close. These twelve-year-old children, only days apart in birth, were closer than siblings, they were best friends. Noire had nodded, and hand in hand, they ran back to the lot behind their houses, where their treehouse was.

‘Poor Bram and Noire.’ You say in a soft voice. Yes, indeed poor Bram and Noire. But at this moment, they seem to be safe. But safety is an illusion, they soon will lack.

As they climbed up the ladder, high up in the tree, they drew aside the curtain and sighed in relief. This was their place, a place they could hide. A place they could play. They could be themselves.

From the corner of the room, Bram dragged out a box, and on top was a radio, rusty and old. He clicked it on, and fiddled with it for a minute before a station came on the song? Creep. To Bram and Noire, this song was for them, it explained how they felt, in the direst of moments. Listening to it, enlightened them almost. They understood the lyrics, and it made them less alone.

When you were here before

     Couldn't look you in the eye

          You're just like an angel

               Your skin makes me cry

                    You float like a feather

                         In a beautiful world

                              And I wish I was special

                                   You're so fuckin' special

                                      But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.

                                         What the hell am I doing here?

                                               I don't belong here.

Life is unfair, Bram finally said, sitting next to Noire on the floor. She was scratching the wood with her bitten-down nails, a sigh passing between her lips.

Oh, Bram, she started, wiping her eyes. Can’t we just run away and forget it all?

Bram was now silent, letting her words sink in. Everything that was happening, it was all so torturous. Would it be so bad to run away from it all? Start a new life? Be away. He shook his head slightly, his shoulders feeling heavy.

As much as that is good, how would we do it? We’re too young for jobs, and what if our parents found us again?! This would be worse, and I wouldn’t get to see you…

Noire looked at Bram, but he was gone? She stood up quickly, frantically searching. She screamed his name, looking all around. But he was nowhere. Nowhere to be found.

‘What’s going on?’ You ask in confusion. Well, sit tight, let the story unfold. Noire ran from the treehouse, and out into the field, calling Bram’s name out in fear. They hated being apart, and whenever they were, the other would panic, be miserable, depression would set in. They helped each other from the things at home, but one without the other? Nothing good would ensue.

Noire, I’m right here! Bram called from far away, waving her over. Noire whipped around and ran full speed, her lungs burning and her heart racing. All she could think of was him and him alone. He couldn’t do that to her! Now some have reasons for people leaving them alone, others just don’t like that feeling at all. Noire, however, had one big reason, and that my dears, abandonment issues.

For a while in her life, she wasn’t with family, she was flung from place to place, never really settling in. Foster home from foster home, one family after the other, until her parents took her back, neglecting and abusing her. But there was nothing she could do, the state wouldn’t take her back. They wouldn’t believe her. Nobody ever did…

Bram, don’t do that!! She huffed, falling to her knees, sobbing and sniffling. Bram knelt next to her and hugged her tight.

I really didn’t mean to! I don’t even know what happened! I was in there with you, the next, I wasn’t! I swear to you Noire, that’s what happened… I don’t know what’s going on here, but I don’t like it.

A cackle filled the air, and then the two looked up, rain began to pour, and Beelzebub appeared. His horns came back, and his jaw was crooked. Crooked with a smile, perhaps.

Silly, silly children. Just separate already. My plan won’t work with you two together.

With a flick of his finger, the two were flung apart, twenty feet away. Noire fell back, skidding over rocks, and Bram cut himself on a broken wine bottle.

Leave us be! Bram shouted, wincing at the wound bled out. It wasn't deep, but he’d need it wrapped up.

The creature flew to him, inches away from his face. The stench of death a prominent smell.

You don’t tell me what to do, boy. I am Satan himself. Anything you say, I don’t particularly care about. I’ll do as I please with you and Noire, and you’ll take it like good children; the good children you are…

BRAM! NOIRE! A voice suddenly shouted. Bram looked over, and when he turned back, Mephistopheles was gone, nowhere to be found. Noire ran to him, grabbing his hand. Her knuckles turned white; she was afraid. Her mother stomped quick across the field, grabbing her daughter’s hair, and yanking her up. Bram’s father was close behind, and he grabbed his son; grabbing his wrist tight in his thick hands.

What are you doing here?!, Noire’s mother wailed, dragging her along, her face red with anger. Back to their houses, these two went, both about to get scolded by their parents.

Over with Bram, his father was stumbling, obviously had been drinking. It’s only eight in the morning, Bram thought disgustedly, as his father dragged him to the house, through the metal gate. Once inside, he gave Bram a loud SMACK across his cheek.

Don’t be out with Noire anymore! I forbid you to do it! Bram’s father declared, breathing heavily. Bram was on the ground, holding his right cheek, his eyes forming tears. You should be in school! Now go to your room! NOW!!

Without another word, without another sound, Bram ran to his room, sobbing quietly in his shirt. He didn’t do wrong, what was the matter?!

‘Poor Bram!’ You must be thinking, and whilst you're quite right, what about Noire? In the house to the right…?

You stupid fucking slut!!!, Primrose, Noire’s mother shrieked, throwing her daughter down, and pinning her to the floor. Wrists in one hand on the tile, knees on her legs, Primrose wrapped her free hand around Noire’s throat, and squeezed, making her daughter let out strangled breaths. WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU?! STAY AWAY FROM HIM!!

M-mum-, Noire squeaked, her eyes rolling back. Just as she felt she was going to pass out, her mother let go, standing up and breathing shakily.

Yes, yes, the parents are the key; hurt them, abuse them, take them apart. Bram and Noire, Noire and Bram, be separated forever, and may you stay in my hell!!