Disclaimer on profile. Chapter 2: Back to the now
Phil and Ang ducked for cover and then another creepy guy grabbed me, pointed a tranquilizer gun at me and yelled "Stop!" Everything got quiet. "Enough already. Take 'em in. NOW." He said. They grabbed Phil, Ang & me. Paul and Seth were knocked out cold and Jake was given the warning. He had a pained look on his face and his lips were trembling. Was he tearing up?
"Do not come looking for her. You will be sorry."
We were thrown in a dark blue Cadillac Escalade with tinted windows. You see this shit on TV but would never think people do this in real life! Maybe someone will open the door and yell "Smile! Candid Camera!"
It would be nice to know what's going the fuck on. I think it's pretty safe to say opening my mouth would be a bad idea. So, I stayed quiet. Eventually I'll learn something, right? Ugh, I'm so tired right now.
I fell asleep because I stayed up until 2am last night. Hmm, ok I guess that would make it 2am this morning. Fuck. Stupid insomnia. And to top it off, I remember dreaming about dancing sweatshirts. What the hell does that mean?
Ang was fucking shaking and I think I saw a small tear roll down her face. Phil was looking out the window, trying to figure out where we were going. They both stayed wide fucking awake. Hey, maybe he's not so useless after all!
I woke up a few hours later. I know because the sun is starting to rise. We arrived at a broken down house by the time it's light outside. The window panes were broken and in dire need of a paint job 50 million years ago. The door was not hinged on all the way. Instead of grass, it's all dirt and weeds in front. I'm willing to bet it's no better looking in the backyard. This is where they're going to kill us?
We got escorted out, and that's putting it nicely, inside. I'd say more like fucking tugged. I should've known the nasty broken down house was a cover. We went down to the basement and I was almost expecting to see Buffalo Bill. Instead, I saw a huge, heavy steel door is there with some kind of sophisticated security system. Maybe TV is more real than I thought?
One of the creeps goes through this eye scan and voice test, saying his name is Richard. I think I'll call him Dick. That's his name, right? Ok, maybe I shouldn't piss him off in case he doesn't like to be called that. Maybe I'll just call him that in my head.
After the numerous security scans for the creeps, we got into this elevator. This system now does a scan on us. What the hell did they expect to find on us? Apparently they do find something, because Ang has a knife in her boot. Since when does she carry a knife? I raised my eyebrow at her and she shrugged. Maybe she added this to her "goth" look recently?
Some nameless face is on the other side of the elevator once we stepped off. He put us in separate rooms. I got sent to a decent room. It has a day bed, shelves with books and a TV with a DVD player. What, no HBO or skinemax? It's no Hilton but I suppose I should take what I get and not complain. It would be just my luck to complain and have it taken away.
I know Ang & Phil are safe because I asked to go to the bathroom and saw them on the way there. Let me tell you, they got some seriously awesome bathrooms! It flushes for you but I couldn't find a laser. Yeah, I looked. Then, I got to wash my hands and there's no fucking water or soap. Instead, there's a button that sprays some mist on your hands. They now feel sterile as hell although nice & soft. Go figure; they have state of the art soap.
Back to my new temporary "home" as I now refer to it. After my bathroom break, I tried to figure out how long I've been here but am failing miserably. I don't wear a watch because it seems unnecessary to me. I can normally just ask someone else. Plus, it's just one more piece of jewelry to wear; my necklace and goth ring are plenty enough. Less is more to me, you know?
Ok, back to guessing the time. Has it been a couple hours? Maybe a few? It's too bad I don't have my electronic Sudoku game to pass the time. Ang got that for me on my last birthday. The nameless face came in and gave me some food to eat – if you can call a granola bar and some grape juice some food. Grape juice? Do I look like I'm young enough to be in kindergarten? I suppose I shouldn't complain. Luckily, there were some books on a shelf in the room and I grab one of my favorites, Wuthering Heights.
All of a sudden, the door opened.
A gorgeous fucking guy enters the room and my eyes widened. I think the term would be "fuckhot." He's got bronze sex hair that is sticking up everywhere. It wouldn't work on anyone else but it does on him. He has these amazing gorgeous forest green eyes and long auburn eyelashes with a set of full lips that I could taste if I just lean a little…. I seriously need to get a grip on myself and take back my self control. I look like total shit and haven't taken a shower for a day now and am horrified I am meeting him under these circumstances. Oh well. I think I got a pretty damn good excuse. Even Dick was pretty cute. I wonder if they have beauty juice here and, if so, how much do I have to beg to get some?
"Hello, I'm Agent Cullen. You are Isabella Swan?" He asks. Of course, I just nod because speech is not something that I remember anymore.
"You probably have a lot of questions and I'm positive I will not be able to answer the majority of them, but I will tell you what you need to know. Need to know basis and all that." I just nod again.
"You are in a secret compound. No, we are not with the US government. We are a private operation."
"You were attacked for many reasons. The dive you were playing in was a front for an illegal drug smuggling operation. We had to get you out of there before someone…never mind." What the hell was he going to say! Before someone what? What the hell does he mean by that?
"Agent Dwyer should've known better than to let you play there but his judgment lapsed based on him missing an important meeting. I think the excuse was named Rachel."
"Agent Dwyer? As in my stepdad/drummer?" I asked.
"Yes. There's a lot you don't know about the people around you. They were in place for a reason. You are a very important person."
He must be smoking something. Since when am I an important person?
He went on as if he didn't see the confused expression on my face. "There really isn't that much more I can tell you. What I can say is that you are under protection here and will be moved to a secure location where we can provide a safer living arrangement."
I nod again. Shit, maybe I've finally gone mute.
Hot Agent Cullen left the room and I am now more confused than earlier, and I thought that was pretty close to impossible. Shouldn't I be upset that they're essentially kidnapping me without my authorization? Wait, that came out wrong. Who authorizes a kidnapping? I am such an idiot sometimes. Maybe I'm not hyperventilating because my kidnapper is so hot? Do all kidnappers look like that? If so, it's too fucking bad I hadn't been kidnapped sooner!
What's so important about me that I'm being moved to a place and having my free will taken from me?
I shrugged and started reading my book again because I have no idea when anyone is coming back to get me. It would be stupid to hyperventilate or cry even though I really, really want to.
I opened my eyes. I fell asleep? How is that possible when I have insomnia so often? Are they drugging me or something?
I notice I am no longer in the room. Damn, I was starting to get comfortable. Am I being transported to the secure arrangement and they didn't want to bother and wake me?
I look around and notice I'm waking up in a different bed but Ang & Phil are not with me. Shit, I really wanted to talk to Phil to find out if he could tell me anything more. I dunno, maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment since it seems I like to be more and more confused by the minute.
Wait. Is the window moving? Holy fuck, I've started to hallucinate without drugs! At least, I don't think I'm high.
I got out of the bed and looked out the windows. Nope, I'm in a moving train. Where the hell is it going? Where's Hot Agent Cullen? Shit, something tells me I should be scared but I am so curious that I put that emotion to the side for now. Did I mention I'm an idiot sometimes?
We finally make it to a stop and I see lots and lots of dry land. Dirt and weeds again. Candid camera has now turned into a country western flick. I was pulled, again, by some guy with dark sunglasses and a business suit to a nice looking black hummer. He has a beer belly and I thought the buttons on his pants were going to pop off. I think he should be wearing overalls or sweat pants. He clearly has not gotten a hold of any of their beauty juice, either.
After driving for who knows how long since I don't have a watch, we pulled up to this secure gate. What the hell is it with all the security? Oh that's right, I'm an important person and they want me for some strange fucking reason. Maybe I'll get more than a granola bar here. Oooh, maybe they have some cream soda?
Damnit Bella! Focus!
I can no longer see the outside and we've driven into a dark garage with very few lights. The car was parked near a steel elevator. Although, am I expecting a wooden door or something?
Geez, focus! Maybe I should be concentrating on who the fuck has me now because I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore. I mean, Washington. At least, I don't think I am.
We got out of the car and Mr. Driver pushes me ahead of him. He pulled us away from the elevator and opened a normal door (shocking, I know) to use the staircase. Why can't we fucking take the elevator? There's a shitload of stairs. Maybe my captor has claustrophobia?
We went up a fuckload of stairs. After about 5 flights, I must've started heaving. Damn, I'm out of shape. He opened the wall. Oh yeah, the wall. It's a secret. I don't even know how he opened it because I don't see anything to open it via pulling or pushing.
Everything goes dark. I'm still awake but I realize he has blindfolded me and now we're walking some more. As if I could ever find this place again. Seriously? Now we're in an elevator because I can feel the ground shift underneath me. Apparently he doesn't have claustrophobia, after all. This is like a complicated corn maze! We get off and I hear a few voices going on at the same time. Do I hear Angela's voice?
"Angela! Is that you over there? Shit, get me out of here! Wait, where are we? Damnit, you can tell me later." Maybe she can't hear me?
Finally my blindfold is taken off. I squinted my eyes to focus them. There are a few people in the room, more nameless faces. Two stand out. A tanned-skin woman and a dirty blonde male who is giving me creepy looks. Ew. Note to self: stay away from him. Or at least watch my back.
Tan woman, who looks like she's in her early 40's comes up to greet me. She's about 5' tall, beautiful and a little pudgy with super black hair that has a slight wave.
"So, this is Isabella Swan? I've heard so much about you!" She has this big smile on her face as if she has just won the lottery. Sorry babe, it's just me in front of you.
"Really? I haven't heard anything about you. Go figure."
She slapped me. She fucking slapped me! "Ah-ah-ah. Your sarcasm won't get you far here. Be a good girl and listen wisely. Your friend will keep you company while you're here."
How am I supposed to go far here, anyways? Another question that'll take forever to answer, I'm sure. She took us to a conference room with French double doors. Wow, this is a nice place. The décor is so modern and classy with an Aristocratic theme.
Damnit Bella, focus!
We went through the doors and into the forest. We walked a little ways until we came to a beautiful meadow. That's weird – there are lopsided metal chairs there. Tan woman sat down and motioned for us to do the same. God fuck those chairs are uncomfortable. I'd hate to see when she's not being hospitable.
"They're art, Isabella. Maybe you've heard of it?" Bitch.
"Well, now that we're here, I think Isabella should gain some understanding." It's interesting how her Spanish accent goes in and out. Huh.
"Bella. My name is Bella."
She gave me a pointed glare. "I'll let the interruption go this time but don't let it happen again, Isabella. You both are here for a special purpose. You see, Isabella, your friend Angela probably didn't tell you she works for me. We had a little deal we made in order for that to be possible.
A deal? What kind of a deal? I gave a curious look to Ang and she looked away. She looked away? Since when?
"Oh, where are my manners! I'm Maria. Do not ever address me directly by my name, do you understand? You can call me mami or ma'am."
I nodded. I've now reasoned that she's a psycho. And a narcissist.
"So, you both are special for almost the same reason. You see, I need you both to protect me and anything else necessary. There are plenty of evil people in this world and we need to keep them away from us. Angela is skilled in self defense and weaponry, although to a point. I think you're somewhat aware of that, yes?"
I remembered the knife. I nodded again.
"She hasn't displayed it before because it has never been required up until two days ago." It has been a couple days? Wow, time fucking flies when we're having fun.
I waved my hand slightly. "Why am I special?"
"You are special, dear Isabella, because you were born for a specific purpose. You are not a child born from Renee & Charlie Swan. You are a medically created product-"
"I'm a fucking product? Are you fucking kidding me?"
She slapped me again. Fuck! When am I going to learn to keep my mouth shut?
She closed her eyes and looked like she was counting to 10 to calm down. She opened her eyes and continued. "As I was saying, you are a medically created produce designed specifically as a weapon. However, they didn't take into account your surroundings, we'll call it? You were taken away before you could be trained to fulfill your potential. Instead, the people who took you messed with your head and fucked with your life. For example, Renee's overdose. Wait, you do realize she didn't overdose on her own, right?"
Wait, what? "Um, no."
"Phil had to…dispose…of her because she got too curious and gave her too much medicine, also known as cocaine in capsules, instead of the Tylenol she requested because of a headache. He needed to keep tabs on you and not have to deal with your "mother" and her need to uncover what's not her business. They do things in such despicable ways. They murdered your for-all-intents-and-purposes mother! We need to keep your talents out of their hands."
Phil murdered my mother? I could feel a tear running down my cheek but didn't allow myself to cry in front of said bitch. Since when do I have talents? I stayed quiet this time and nodded.
Curiously, she seemed happy I stayed shut up. "Now, let me continue. You are a weapon but only as good as one that can be trained. Angela has been trained a little but I need to get you both fully trained to your fullest potential. I will offer you to opt out right now; you can take your chances with "them" or with me. Oh, "they" are called "The Cullens" or, as I like to call them, "Los Cullenistos." That's my own private joke.
You have the opportunity to learn and do great things and help people from dangerous attacks, whether biomedical or terrorist ones. This is a great opportunity but, I will warn you, it's very likely you'll be disposed of if you go back to your life. They will find you again, even if you go on the run, and I might not be able to save you next time. You've been hidden very well for a long time and it's time you've embraced who you are and what you're destined to become. Join us. It will be worth it."
I'm so confused by now. I looked over at Ang and she shrugged with a hint of a smile. That's all I need to make my decision.
"I'm in."
After meeting with Maria, she showed us to our room. Well, that's a plus, at least. Now I get to stay with Angela. Maybe she'll tell me more?
I ran to the shower and, OMG, ran the hot water for at least a half hour. It didn't even turn cold! They must have a huge water heater. My skin pruned and I wrapped myself up in a very nice, fluffy towel.
Our room was pretty large, actually. There were clothes already in the closet and I grabbed a black t-shirt and jeans. I put my hair up into a sloppy bun since it was wet and I didn't have anyone to look nice for. There was a mini fridge with, OH MY LORD! Cream soda, marshmallows and twinkies! Holy fuck, how did these people know me already?
"I told them a little about you. I hope you don't mind." Angela said. Ok, that makes sense that they know, I guess.
She went on, "They contacted me a few years ago. She recruited me while you were in Phoenix and I went through some training then. Not much, but enough to protect myself from…never mind. It was good Phil made his move on Renee not too long after you had been there."
"Renee dying was a bad thing, Angela! A bad thing! How could it be good?"
"Bella, Renee was not your biological mother. Please, try to remember that. She was just some woman who was told to raise you and not ask questions; eventually, her curiosity got her murdered. She should've left things alone and stayed oblivious if she wanted to stay alive but she knew her curiosity would lead her somewhere dangerous. It's not a good thing she died – I know you loved her – but try and start looking at things from a logical standpoint. That's the only way you'll survive from now on."
I decided to move on. We weren't going to agree on this anytime soon. "Tell me more about this place. What is the training?"
Of course, as if on cue, the door opened.
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