Snapped Chapter 1: Meet Milly

                Tara woke up to the morning sun. She yawned and stretched and crawled out of bed ready to start her day. She reached over and grabbed her panties off the floor and started getting dressed.

                “Leaving already?” a man yawned.

                “I didn’t expect you to be awake so soon.” She replied continuing to dress.

                “You don’t want to get breakfast or something?” he asked with the naïve optimism of a former virgin.

                “That’s sweet but I really need to get going.” She pulled her shirt on and moved to her socks.

                “I don’t get.” He stated. “Didn’t you have a good time last night?”

                “It was fun.” She smiled. “It will make a great memory but that’s all it was guy.” She finished tying her shoes and headed for the door.

                “So that’s it?” he said crestfallen. “I mean I don’t even know your name.”

                Tara sighed walking over to him. She pulled him in close and kissed him on the cheek. “That was the point.” She exited leaving the poor boy naked and confused.

                Michelle stared at the naked woman in her hand with absolute loathing. The little bitch had cost her so much in just one night. She lost her scholarship, her boyfriend, and her wardrobe in one twenty-four hour timeframe. Yeah she was pissed. She gripped the mangled wretch even tighter in her grasp but she didn’t make a sound unconscious from the night before. Maybe she was dead.

                “It would serve her right.” She thought to herself. She marched down the hall towards Tara’s room. This was as much her fault as it was the girl in her hand. She burst open the door and chucked the tiny woman against the dorm wall. She collided with a sickening crack and slid down onto the desk where Tara was sitting busying herself with something on her computer. She looked down on the tiny girl’s naked form with disgust.

                “You have fun last night?” she asked looking back towards her computer.

                “Are you kidding me?!” barked Michelle “She burned my term papers!”

                “I told you to keep her locked up when you weren’t using her.” She answered not looking away from the monitor. “You never know what she’s likely to get into.”

                “She texted Ian those photos from Spring Break!”

                “You mean the ones of you hooking up with that D.J.!” she laughed. “That’s classic!”

                “I don’t see how you can laugh about this?” Michelle sat down on the bed across from Tara. “That little bitch needs to be put down.”

                “You weren’t saying that when we started this.” Tara turned to face Michelle.

                “She was different back then.” Michelle argued. “She was fun and obedient. She’s changed now. She’s snapped.”

                “And whose fault is that?” Tara accused. Michelle turned her head not wanting to face the inevitable scrutiny.

                “You’re just as much to blame as I am.” She defended. “Besides that’s beside the point. I say we ditch her for a new one.”

                “You make it sound like new ones are easy to find.” Tara picked up the tiny woman and showed her to Michelle. “Did you forget we chose her for a reason?

                “Do I have any say in this?” squeaked the woman in Tara’s palm.

                “So you are alive.” Tara observed.

                “Figures.” Michelle miffed.

                The tiny woman struggled to her feet in Tara’s palm so she could address them.

                “You’re not still pissed about yesterday are you Mickey?” she smiled darkly at the angry co-ed. The tiny woman then gripper her right shoulder her arm dangling limply at her side. It was dislocated.

                “Ian broke up with me you little shit!”

                “Ian is an asshole.” She chuckled. “You know he’s fucking half the volleyball team right?”

                “You lying little!” Michelle lunged from the bed towards the doll-sized woman. Tara immediately turned and extended her other arm to block her.

                “Enough!” she shouted. “Both of you.” Tara placed the tiny woman back on the counter were she took a seat near the keyboard.

                “You know full well we can’t get rid of her.” She said towards Michelle. This caused the tiny woman to laugh a little more.

                “Yet.” She said snickering at them both.

                “You see!” Michelle shrieked. “She’s gone totally insane.”

                “I said ENOUGH MILICENT!” she flicked her into the computer monitor. “Expect severe punishment for this.”

                “It’s a date then.” She replied excitedly.

                “Anything else you feel like bothering me with?” She looked at Michelle with a rather annoyed expression. This whole event had ruined a rather pleasant morning. “You need to borrow a tampon or something.”

                Michelle huffed realizing she wouldn’t make any more progress.

                “Fine.” She relented. “She stays for now but believe me her days are numbered.” She left the room angrily slamming the door behind her.

                Tara took a deep breath and sighed in relief. Hopefully this would be her only problem today.

                “Why must you put us through this?” She asked looking down at Milly she was busy ramming her shoulder into the side of the computer to relocate her arm.

                “What else do I have to live for Mistress?” she ended the statement with an over exaggerated curtsy.

                “You do keep things interesting.” Tara shook her head grabbing the little woman and heading towards the bathroom. “Punishment later right now you need to be cleaned up. You smell like a whorehouse.”

                “I aim to please.” Milly retorted gripping Tara’s finger.

Snapped Chapter 2: Bubble Baths and Bruises

                Milly floated in the warm water of the bathroom sink the sound of rushing water and Tara humming the latest Daft Punk song as a backdrop to her soak. She raised her head from beneath the foam to glance at Tara’s figure silhouetted behind the shower curtain. Normally feelings of hate and rage would flood her thoughts but strangely not today. Tara was surprisingly civil this morning and for a few instances she reminded Milly of the nerdy freshman she used to know. The shy quiet girl she called her best friend. She shook her head. Those days were over. Tara was the coven leader now and as such chose to hang out with people like Michelle the same girl who tormented and bullied them all freshman year. She climbed out of the sink a grabbed a piece of sponge torn specifically for her to use. She lathered it up and began scrubbing herself. She felt a twinge in her side and a sharp jolt shot from her sternum. She’d broken something, multiple things it seemed.

                “More glorious pain.” She thought. She walked over to the mirror and wipe away some of the fog so she could get a good look at herself. Her chest looked like it had collapsed in on itself and she was looking a bit thin. “Girl you look awful.” She said to herself. “Maybe Tara will give you a few days off.”

                She laughed at her own dark humor. It wasn’t very likely. She continued to inspect herself this was the first time she’d gotten a good look at herself in months. She barely recognized the woman in front of her; long knotted hair down to her hips, covered in bruises, wild deranged look in her eyes. She hadn’t realized she was so far gone. It was hilarious. She chuckled at her pitiful form each laugh sending tiny spasms of pain through her chest. A few months ago seeing herself like this would have brought her to tears but that was when she was a different person. That girl still believed in things like hope or friendship. Now all she could count on was her humor and maybe the off chance that someone will accidentally step on her.

Suddenly the shower stopped and she turned to see Tara emerge naked and assured. Milly had to admit that being coven leader did help her with her looks. It wasn’t so much that she was prettier but more the confidence she gained from the position that help accentuate what was already there. She stood taller showing off her slim figure and switched to contacts showcasing her large expressive eyes. It almost made her proud she’d always told Tara she could be a model and now it seemed she finally believed it herself.

“What are you doing out of the bath?” she questioned.

“Just trying to look my best.” Milly mused. “Appearances are everything you know that.”

Tara couldn’t help but smile a bit. Milly was directly quoting one of the rules she herself established as new leader. It was an old rule that most modern covens ignored but Tara felt it had a place in hers it was easy for most modern witches to become complacent.

“Is it punishment time Mistress?” The tiny girl asked.

“Yes!” Tara answered. “And your punishment is that you will receive no punishment.”

“AAAWWWW!” Milly moaned genuinely disappointed. She had so come to enjoy her punishments.

“Back in the sink.” Tara commanded. “I have a hard enough time dealing with you without you actively trying to kill yourself.”

Milly slumped begrudgingly back into the water; Tara always figured her out too easily.

                Tara wrapped a towel around herself and exited the bathroom after making sure Milly would stay in the sink. It was filled with different herbs and mixes to help expedite the healing process. Of course Milly knew this making it difficult to keep her in the water when she was in one of her moods.

She dropped onto her bed and decompressed for a bit. Luckily it was the weekend so she didn’t have any classes. She could just spend the whole day relaxing. She couldn’t help but think about Milly. She had changed so much in such a short amount of time. Part of her despised what her friend had become a worthless speck, a slave whose sole purpose in life was to serve the whims of the coven and yet at the same time she couldn’t bring herself to fully hate her. It could just have easily been her in instead of Milly; she had always been the stronger of the two of them, but she was soft. She lacked the conviction to take what she wanted, to do the things that were necessary to rule. She turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling fan. It span around in slow circles mesmerizing her momentarily. She took in a deep breath and rose from the bed. She couldn’t relax just yet there was still work to do.

As she re-entered the bathroom she was surprised to see Milly soaking in the sink. She had actually followed orders for once instead of trying to flush herself down the toilet or something. She reached into the water and grabbed the tiny girl. She pulled off her towel and started drying her roughly and giving her body a once over. The bath was working. Most of her bruises had vanished and her arm had straightened out. She was breathing a bit hoarsely and gasping in pain on occasion as she squirmed in her grip. Michelle was always so rough with her and she probably need to soak a few more minutes but she decided to cut it short. Milly was tough and she wasn’t about to waste her time worrying about it. Besides she had chores to do. When she was done drying Milly off she took the girl into the kitchen and placed her on the floor. She then retrieved a large dog bowl and filled it with warm soapy water. She placed it down next to Milly along with a sponge.

“Start cleaning.” Tara ordered flatly.

“No.” Milly replied.

Tara sighed. She knew it wouldn’t be that easy. The problem was Milly no longer feared threats of death or injury she welcomed them. No you had to be more creative; a trait Michelle lacked and the main reason Milly gave her so much grief.

“There’s nothing I can do to get you to start cleaning is there?”

“Nope.” She reclined backward onto the sponge and smiled at her.

“Have it your way then.” Tara replied coyly. “If you won’t be a good little girl for me than maybe Michelle was right and we need a replacement.”

“Maybe she was.”

Tara walked over to her dresser and opened the bottom shelf. Inside were an assortment of discarded close, an ipod, some notebooks, and other assorted items that used to belong to Milly. She had often tried to gain access to these items but it was always locked when Tara wasn’t in the room. Not that she ever left Milly alone long enough to try anyway. She rummaged through the drawer in no particular fashion until she found what she was looking for. She took a deep breath mentally preparing herself for what she was about to do.

Tara slowly sauntered over to Milly waving a photograph in her hand. Milly tried her best not to be curious but Tara could already see occasional glances. She smiled.

“You know how hard it is to find someone with the right “talents” for a position such as yours don’t you.” Tara continued in her condescending tone. “You really are one in a million.”

“I know.” Milly replied. Her eyes were now locked on the photograph Tara was holding.

“In fact gifts like yours are so rare one could say you have to be born with it.” Tara steeled herself this was it. She had to make sure she showed no weakness. Milly had to take her seriously.

“Your point?” Milly spoke trying to sound confident but in the back of her mind she was very afraid of that photograph.

Tara laid on her stomach moving her face as close as she could to Milly; she had to see her face when she did this. After a few tense moments she revealed the picture and the look on Milly was all the confirmation she needed.

Milly stared at the picture shocked in an instant her hard earned façade had shattered. She could feel the tears building as she saw something she never thought she’d see again.

Tara leaned in even closer trying her best to seem intimidating but Milly’s eyes were glued to the photo. “Listen Millicent because I’m only going to say this once.” She took in another breath. “I’m am not like the other girls. I’m not going to hurt you, but I’m also not going to put up with your bullshit.” She paused briefly letting the words sink in. “Michelle was right you can be replaced and if you give me any of your attitude. If you get into trouble, if you continue these suicide attempts, if you continue to back talk, if you refuse any order I give you I will be more than happy to grant you the death you so desire.” Tara looked at the small girl her eyes were still focused on the picture determined to take in as much as they could. “Look at me Milly!” she immediately snapped to attention looking Tara straight in the eyes. “And when you’re gone.” She spoke slowly to make sure she was completely understood. “I will replace you with one of them and everything you’ve been through all your pain, all the torture, all the humiliation, all of your burden will be on one of their shoulders.”

“NO PLEASE!” Milly pleaded and for the first time in months the broken girl appeared.

“Then will you be a good girl.”

“Yes.” She whispered.

“Yes what?”

“Yes Mistress.” She choked close to sobbing.

“Good girl.” Tara smiled.

Snapped Chapter 3: Bad News Bitch

                Tara shifted in her bed trying to collect herself. Her hands were shaking and her heart was bursting in her chest. She couldn’t believe her bluff had worked. Part of her just knew Milly would call her on her words but she hadn’t considered just how long it had been since the tiny girl had even seen her family. Tara took a deep breath. Part of her felt awful for what she had done, but as she rose to see Milly sliding across the floor on the back of a sponge she smiled. This was why she was in charge. No one else in the coven seemed to grasp the simple concepts that motivated people. As she continued to watch Milly work she stretched her legs and wiggled her toes. It was about time she had her nails redone. She walked over to Milly stopping her from her work. She picked her up off the floor admiring her progress. The girl worked fast; she was already over half done.

                “Something wrong Mistress?” Milly questioned. She looked at the towering woman nervously still recovering from the previous events.

                “Not at all.” Tara said. She patted Milly’s head reassuringly. “I just thought of another chore for you.” With that she headed toward the bathroom to retrieve her nail kit.

                Michelle stormed down the hall fuming. She gripped her phone tightly in her hands as the image of the text burned in her mind. Over the past hour or so she had received numerous photos and texts that were successful in confirming one thing. Ian was an asshole. She looked at the picture again hoping against all odds that it was somehow different than before. It hadn’t. It was the same image of him making out with that whore Sandra from the volleyball team and flipping her off. On the bottom in text it said “I’ve moved on bitch.” She chucked her phone against the wall. She would get another one.

                Soon she reached her destination; Tara’s dorm. For a moment she hesitated remembering her episode just in hour before hand. She knew Tara would put up an argument and Milly would definitely continue to be a little bitch, but it was worth enduring for what she needed. She entered the room and saw something she didn’t expect. Tara was sprawled out on her couch with Milly diligently attending to her feet. She stretched and wiggled her toes as Milly scrubbed the crevices with a Q-tip. Michelle walked in slowly not entirely certain she hadn’t wondered into a dream.

                “Can I help you?” Tara yawned.

                “I need Milly.” Michelle stated.

                “I thought you and her weren’t getting along.” Tara mused she turned her attention back toward the Milly. “No use the pink.”

                “Yes mistress.” She replied automatically and she began applying the pink polish.

Michelle was nervous. The dynamic had totally changed in the short time she’d been gone. Tara stared at her innocently. “Something wrong?” she asked

                “What did you do to her?” Michelle questioned raising an eyebrow.

                “I haven’t done anything.” She said a little too sweetly. “We’ve just come to an understanding. Isn’t that right?” She gently stroked Milly’s back as she continued her work.

                “Yes mistress.” Milly repeated.

                Michelle knew there was more to this but she didn’t have the time to care. She would figure it out later. “I need to use her.” She stated again getting back on subject.

                “She’s a little busy at the moment.” Tara emphasized by wiggling her big toe accidentally causing Milly to smack herself in the face with the nail brush covering it in pink. “Oops! Sorry.” She reached for her with her right hand bringing the girl up to her face. She then licked her thumb and began wiping off some of the polish.

                “It’s still technically my day.” Michelle proposed. “I have her for another two hours.”

                Tara could of argued that since Michelle did hand her over that the rules stated she “technically” forfeit any leftover time, but things had been going pretty well considering so she was in a generous mood.

                “Fine.” She relented. She nonchalantly tossed Milly in the air towards Michelle nearly catching her off guard. “Try to bring her back in one piece. I need her to finish my nails.”

                Michelle looked at the girl chuckling slightly in her hand. She already had that crazed look in her eye. “Any chance of you not being a total bitch this time?”

                “I could ask the same question.” Milly replied. Michelle thought for a moment but she already knew the answer.

                “Dammit.” She cursed softly.

                Milly hated Michelle’s room. It was the opposite of Tara’s in almost every way. Where Tara’s was always clean and minimalist Michelle’s was always messy and transparent; littered with clothes and empty bottles, discarded food containers, and condoms. Plus every other wall had a picture of Ryan Gosling. It was like the room of a high schooler. Could she be anymore cliché?  She skipped across Michelle’s desk to where she had cleared a space. There was a circle made of black sand with a pentagram inside. Michelle was busy rubbing together two black feathers between her fingers with one hand and lighting candles with the other.

                “Someone’s working on curse.” She sang. Michelle just huffed. “This isn’t for Ian is it because he’s hardly worth it.”

                “That fuckers’ gonna pay for cheating on me.”

                “You were cheating on him.” Milly pointed out.

                “There’s a difference.” Michelle informed.

                “I don’t see one.”

                “That’s because when you shrunk so did your brain.” Michelle sneered.” She grabbed Milly placing her in the center of the circle.

                “So what are you gonna do to him?” Milly wondered.

                “I don’t know.” Michelle mused a sinister grin starting to form. “Maybe I’ll shrink his cock. Let’s see him fuck around with a pecker the size of a toothpick.”

                Milly shook her head. Michelle enjoyed curses far too much and she was the best at them. She was the one who came up with the concoction that had shrunken her and her skills were only improving. She was also very petty and vindictive cursing people for the most insignificant offenses. In the back of her mind she was happy Tara was leader. Traitor or not she was the lesser of two evils.

                “Who hurt you, Mickey?” Milly asked with a mischievous grin.

                “Shut up.” The giantess sneered. She grabbed a needle from her dresser and pricked Milly in the arm. A stream of blood ran down the side and into the sand. Michelle than took the feathers and dipped them into the pool that was forming.

                “He’s gonna know it was you.” Milly said pressing her free hand against her wound. The blood was already slowing down.

                “That’s the point.” Michelle snickered. She took the feathers and placed them in a bowl with a small lock of brown hair. “He’ll come back with his tail between his legs and beg me reverse it. And maybe I will, after I’ve screwed with him a little more.” As the feathers burned the fire changed from red to green and colorful smoke filled the air. When it fizzled Milly could feel some of the magic she had leave her body and she knew the curse had worked.

                “You’re a role model for us all.” Milly said sarcastically.

Michelle knew she was just being facetious but she smiled at the compliment anyway. This had went smoother than she expected. She would have to figure out what Tara had done to make Milly so compliant. She scooped up the tiny woman and headed out her dorm.

Snapped Chapter 4: Nightmares Never End

                Over the next few days Tara noticed a distinct change in Milly. She was quieter, more obedient, and always ended her sentences with “Yes Mistress.” Which were usually the only words she ever spoke.  It reminded her of a few months ago before Milly had lost it. She was the perfect obedient little slave once more. She only hoped it would last this time. If Milly could just learn to follow orders it would be easier for everyone.  She looked at the small women as she lied sleeping on her dresser. She had never been much of sleeper actually so something seeing her like this was quite rare.  She was moving back and forth shifting her weight and shuffling her legs. Tara shook her head.

                “The poor girl can’t even find peace in sleep.” She thought. Ever since she’d been shrunk Tara had developed a morbid curiosity over Milly that only increased as the tiny girl’s will broke and her mind deteriorated. Maybe it was because they were friends once. At least that’s what Tara wanted to believe, but she knew that any pretense to friendship they might have had was destroyed long ago. No the fascination was always a quirk of hers. She was even studying to be psyche major. The realization was sad but her curiosity was probably the closest thing Milly could ever have to caring.

                Milly once again shuffled in her sleep her thrashing only increasing as time went on. This was really bothering Tara. What was going on in her mind? Tara could feel an itch in the back of her mind the one that wouldn’t go away until her question was answered. She pushed it back trying to convince herself. She didn’t have time for this and besides what did she care?

                “Please stop.” Milly whispered in her sleep. “I’m sorry.” She continued to thrash with increased ferocity. “Tara.” She continued.

                That was all it took. In truth Tara was thinking about this from the beginning but with the inclusion of her in Milly’s little dream she could justify proceeding further. She quietly walked over to her dresser and slowly opened a drawer steadying her anxious hand. Milly was a pretty light sleeper and she would hate herself if she wasted this opportunity because she was too eager. She retrieved a small vial inside which was a blue powder. She sprinkled the slightest bit of Milly’s sleeping form calming her spasms. Next was the incantation it was brief and simple. In truth this was actually a pretty minor spell considering. It needed no intricate circles or blood pact was necessary. She went back to her bed and sprinkled a larger amount of the powder on her own head. As she pulled the covers over her she repeated the incantation one more. She closed her eyes and went to sleep knowing that tonight she would visit Milly’s dream.

                Tara opened her eyes to find she was in her dorm room? “That doesn’t make any sense.” She thought. Had she performed the spell wrong? It was a beginner level incantation and quite frankly was barely even a spell at all. Most people would even consider it a form of hypnosis. Still it looked as if nothing had changed. She rose out of bed and opened a window letting in the morning sun.

                “Shit.” She cursed. She had somehow blew it and ended up sleeping through the night. She would have to try this again she decided, but with Milly’s sporadic sleeping habits another chance could take weeks. “Shit.” She cursed again. “I need coffee.” She went into her closet and quickly slipped on a tank top. She grabbed her wallet and was about to head out the door when it rushed open and in came Michelle smiling darkly.

                “I found her.” She said triumphantly.

                “Found who?” Tara questioned.

                “You’re kidding right?” Michelle looked at her quizzically. “Oh my god you weren’t even looking for her were you?!”

                “What are you talking about?” Tara asked growing more confused.

                “It figures.” She spat annoyed. “You were the one freaking out last night and now you act like it was no big deal. Just because Morgan made you the new leader doesn’t mean you can treat me like your errand girl.” She raised her hand and opened her palm. Inside was Milly looking up at both girls terrified and curled in a ball.

                Tara stared at the small girl trembling in Michelle’s hand. She couldn’t place it but something was off about her. Maybe it was her shorter hair or maybe it was her skin which was still pale and clear of bruises or maybe it was her eyes; the look that Tara recognized as hope. A look she hadn’t seen on Milly in months.

                “What did you do to her?” Tara asked.

                “What?” Michelle replied

                “You know you’re not allowed to take her without my permission.” Tara chastised. “And for what to cut her hair?”

                “What are you talking about?” Michelle looked at Tara her expression hardening slightly. “She ran away last night. Don’t you remember?”

                “Ran away?” Tara rubbed the side of her head. “Why?”

                “Are you high or something?” Michelle stared at Tara looking in her eyes for red. “You know how serious this is right? The cops are still looking for her if she escapes Morgan will have our asses.” She reached over and grabbed Tara’s shoulder. She looked at with an expression softer than Tara expected and smiled lightly. “We’re in this together remember.”

                That last statement Tara remembered. Michelle had said that last year, only two weeks after they’d shrunk Milly. Back when she was actually somewhat nice. She looked down at the girl once more. It was starting to make sense now she was in Milly’s dream and she was dreaming to this day. The first day of her long torment at their hands, Tara smiled.

                Now that she realized it she was shocked that she hadn’t figured it out sooner. She remembered this night very well. If was the first night Milly was ever really punished, up until then they had mostly kept her hidden until her family had stopped looking for her, but on this day she had tried her first escape attempt. The first of many as it turned out and this was the day she paid a price for it.

                Tara picked Milly up gently between her thumb and forefinger. The girl trembled and recoiled as she was brought closer to Tara’s face.

                “You’ve been a very naughty girl.” Tara spoke softly. “Naughty girls get punished.” She dangled Milly in front of her face and blew on her causing her to sway back and forth.

                “You can’t do this to me!” Milly screamed. “We were friends.”

                Tara took hold of Milly in her hand leaving only the girl’s head and legs showing. She squeezed her slightly causing her to wiggle in protest. “Friends don’t hurt each other.” She squeezed tighter. “Friends don’t run way.” Even tighter. “Friends don’t try to get their friends thrown in jail” tighter still. Milly’s bones were starting to crack and her skin face was turning red.

“Tara forgive me I’m sorry!” Milly shrieked in pain.

“Friends don’t betray each other!” Tara shouted and tears started welling in her eyes. She felt one fall down her cheek. “Why am I crying.” she thought. She loosened her grip letting Milly take some breaths of precious air. Tara took a deep breath herself surprised that she had lost control. She thought she had moved past these feelings but apparently she hadn’t. She looked over at Michelle who was sitting on her bed watching. The dark smile had not left her face.

“We are friends Milly.” Tara said softly. She opened her hand letting Milly spread out on her palm. She gently stroked her along her side. “Friends can forgive each other. I can forgive you.” She brought Milly to her face and gently gave her body a few light kisses.

Milly looked up at her unsure. “Really?”

“Of course!” Tara reassured. She could see Milly starting to shake less as she calmed down. “Michelle on the other hand might have a different opinion.”

“NO!” Milly screamed any brief hope for peace on her face instantly vanishing.

“It’s out of my hands.” Tara said mocking innocence. “After all like she said we’re in this together.” She then tossed Milly into Michelle’s eager hands.

“Don’t worry Millicent.” Michelle cooed.  “This is only a first offense so I won’t be too rough.” She chuckled ominously at the young woman trembling in her palm.

Snapped Chapter 5: Cold Conversation

            Milly woke abruptly with a gasp in the dark. She was rolled into a ball and covered in a cold sweat. She hated that dream. She pressed a hand against her left side and felt the rough skin on her hip where her scar was. It was her first scar; she had earned it on the most terrifying night of her life. No amount of magic would heal it. She could feel her body trembling from the memory. She thought she had locked these feelings away. She hated Michelle, she hated Tara, she hated herself. Suddenly the forgotten emotions stirred, rushing out like a geyser. The flood gates were open and tears came. She was pathetic.

            Tara slowly opened her eyes, calmly waking from the shared dream. She blinked her eyes as they adjusted to the dark. She turned her head to see Milly huddled on her desk in the light of the moon. She could hear the shallow echo of her sobbing. Tara immediately knew why and sighed.

            MIlly heard her before she’d even gotten out of bed. One of the perks to being half the size of a water bottle was that it was hard for people to sneak up on you. She took a deep breath and wiped away some of her tears. She refused to be seen like this.

            “You still think about it don’t you?” Milly heard in Tara’s calm monotone. She didn’t acknowledge.

            “It’s okay you can admit it.” Tara approached the dresser resting her head onto her arms casting her shadow over Milly.

            Milly remained silent. She hadn’t regained her composure and didn’t feel like engaging in any of Tara’s mind games.

            Suddenly a large finger pressed against her back. It was soft a first gently stroking her before the pressure increased and she felt herself being pushed. She tried to resist but whatever strength she could muster was nothing compared to the massive digit. She was instantly pushed onto her stomach then rolled over, pinned under Tara’s massive manicured index finger.

            “You shouldn’t ignore people, especially when there twenty times your size.”

            “What do you want?” Milly croaked frustrated. She was expecting Tara’s typical unfeeling gaze but was met with a surprisingly gentle expression. She even had a slight smile which was fairly creepy.

            “It doesn’t have to be like this you know.” Tara whispered.

            Milly just stared back in silence.

            “So awful for you, I mean.” Tara continued. “We were friends once.”

            Milly could help but laugh. She grabbed the finger in a tender embrace giving it a small peck before biting down hard on the tip.

            “Ouch!” Tara pulled her finger back reveal the tiniest drop of blood. She placed it in her mouth sucking it tenderly as Milly continued her manic laughter.

            “Thanks, I needed that.” She finally said trying to catch her breath.

            “I’m serious.” Tara revealed turning her head in anger at the rejection.

            “What? You feeling sorry for me now?” Milly questioned. She began to twirl around in circles as she regained some of her sense, or lost it depending on who you asked.          

            Tara took a deep breath. She couldn’t let herself get angry. This was just how Milly was now. This was a good test of her leadership.

            “I’m giving you a chance Milly.” She stated calmly. “A chance to be the Millicent that I knew.”

            Milly stopped her spinning falling onto her butt. She looked up at her captor with a smile.

            “That Milly’s dead.” She answered. “You should know, you helped kill her.”

            “You’re not an innocent in all this.” She plucked Milly from the desk with her thumb and fore finger bringing her close to her face. “You didn’t give me very many options.”

            Milly didn’t have a counter for that accusation, not that she really cared. She swung back and forth building momentum until she wiggled free smacking right into Tara’s face. She slid off into the giantess’s open palm.

            “Be my familiar.” Tara said.

            “Isn’t that redundant, considering I already belong to you and Michelle.”

            “Not Michelle.” Tara added. “Just mine.”

            “She won’t like that.” Milly giggled. “She’s already used me once today.”

            “She can’t do much she’s already on Morgan’s bad side.”

            Milly looked at Tara unsure. Tara always had some kind of plan but for once Milly couldn’t see her angle. Why now after so long would she pretend to be her friend again.

            “I want to go out.” Milly said.

            “What?”

            “Tonight, I want to go out. Alone.”

            “And do what.”

            “Think about your offer. Don’t you trust me?” Milly gave Tara her most innocent smile.

            “No I don’t.” Was Tara’s blunt response.

            “Well then we’re at an impasse.”

            Tara just shook her head and smiled. It was strange but on rare occasions Milly really did seem like her old self. She turned to look at her clock. It was four-fifteen am.

            “Fine you have thirty minutes.” She walked towards the door and set Milly down on the floor. “Don’t make me regret this.”

            “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Milly winked.