HEY GUYS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT :)
"Cindy, come on!"Riley said, gritting his teeth.
Cindy's mind told her to go, but her body wouldn't move, so instead Penelope went and successfully made it, and so it was Hiro, then Ming, then Jose. The remaining was Veronica and Cindy. Veronica was going to go next, but she hesitated. She looked at Cindy, who was immobilized.
"I can't move, I'm scared" Cindy admitted.
"Me too" Veronica agreed.
"Psst!"
Huey, Riley, Hiro, and Ming were waving and signaling them to proceed.
But they were too afraid.
"I killed them all!" The girl shouted. "Now I will punish anyone who stands in my way!" She shouted.
Cindy never felt so frightened in her life. She cried softly, torn between contradictory emotions. "I can't, "she repeated.
Veronica took her hand, " You can, we can" she said. "Together, " she stated.
Cindy wiped her tears and looked over to Riley, who looked like he was terrorized for her. She appeared back at Veronica, who licked her lips nervously. "Let's cross together, " she advised.
Cindy nodded in agreement. "Okay, "she stated.
"On the count of three,"Veronica said.
"One,"
"Two," Cindy said.
"Three!" They both said as they went for it.
"No!" They all whispered when they realize the girl on the roof had spotted Cindy and Veronica.
"You think you're better than me!" The girl screamed, pointing her machine gun towards Cindy and Veronica.
"Cindy!"Riley shouted he attempted to run towards her, but Huey grabbed him.
"Veronica!" Jose shouted, fearing for his cousin's life. He was about to run towards her, but surprisingly, Ming held him back.
"Aaaaaaah!" They screamed and ran as the girl hollered and blasted the gun.
The girl was an inexperienced shooter, so she missed. Cindy didn't know what came over her, but suddenly, she didn't feel frightened any longer. She imagined herself playing basketball. Her opponents were trying to steal the ball from her, but she dodged and serve their every move. In reality, she moved swiftly, dodging every bullet, and moving in a zig-zag motion.
Riley couldn't believe his own eyes, she was amazing.
Cindy was almost there, but she heard Veronica let out a screech. She turned to discover that Veronica had been shot in the leg, she turned back around and rushed over to Veronica.
"Come on!" Cindy shouted, helping Veronica up. Veronica cried in pain. "I can't"
"Yes, you can, we can," she said, giving her a grin.
Veronica smiled back weakly as she started moving her feet faster, ignoring the excruciating pain, running through her veins.
The girl stopped shooting to reload, so the crew took the chance to help Cindy and Veronica. Riley grabbed Cindy's hand while Huey and Jose help lift Veronica. The girl on the roof saw them getting away, she moved closer to get a better shot at them and as soon as she was ready to pull the trigger, she lost her balance.
"W-w-woah!" She yelled, but it was too late.
BOOM!
A sound of tragedy was heard as the girl fell to her demise.
Ming and Penelope blew their breaths in relief as the crowd made it while Hiro stood silently thinking deep thoughts. Riley hugged Cindy tightly and kissed her passionately. "You..were..amazing," he said, out of words. In reaction, she punched his shoulder.
"Ah, what the fuck was that for!"
"Next time you better not leave me behind!" She demanded.
"Babe, I'm sorry," he pleaded.
"Shut up and kiss me, " She demanded. He chuckled softly and lightly kissed her again. Veronica's screaming ended their kiss. They drew away and went to aide Veronica.
"Huey!' Penelope shouted, running towards Huey, who was helping Jose carry Veronica. They placed her on the ground gently. She mewled in pain, her leg felt like it was burning on fire.
"What do we do!"Jose shouted. "She's, She's, bleeding a..lot!" Jose said nervously.
"Keep her still, I'm going try to get the bullet out," Huey instructed.
"What!" Veronica and Jose both exclaimed.
"I can remove the bullet, it isn't as deep," Huey explained.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Veronica said in terror.
"Do you want to bleed to death?" Huey asked.
Veronica shook her head.
"Then you have no choice," he said, opening his backpack to get his first Aid kit. It wasn't a typical kit with alcohol and bandages, It included different knives.
"When did you get all of this,"Penelope asked.
"I gathered this when I first discovered the government's plan. I knew that one of us would get hurt, so I came prepared," Huey explained.
"What are you going to do?" Jose asked.
"I don't think it's a good idea for me to explain," Huey stated. "Hold her down, "he demanded. Cindy, Jose, and Ming helped.
Jose ripped his shirt so she could use it to bite on and held her hand.
Huey positioned her leg on his lap and waited for Veronica to give him the ok.
"Riley, pass me the light" Huey requested. Riley gave him his lighter as Hiro held the flashlight on Veronica's leg. Huey used the lighter to add high temperature to the knife he was using to remove the bullet.
"Are you ready?" Huey asked.
Veronica squeezed her eyes tightly as she nodded her head.
"This will hurt," Huey warned.
Veronica let out muffled screams as the knife dug into her skin. Her tears were speeding down her eyes, her body was quivering. She was in so much pain and couldn't contain it anymore, she spat out the cloth that was in her mouth and screamed with all of her might. Within seconds, Huey managed to wedge out the bullet. He quickly cleaned it away with the peroxide, then he wrapped her wound firmly with a tourniquet.
Veronica cries began to lead to an end, but she still felt pain, however, it was better than before.
"Are you alright?" Huey asked.
"No, but I'll be okay, I think," Veronica said in a shaky tone.
"Thanks, man,"Jose said as he helped Veronica up on her feet.
"We have to keep moving," Huey said. "Can you walk?" he inquired.
"A little, " she supposed.
"Don't worry Prima, just hold on to me," Jose said.
"Ok, is everyone ready?" Penelope asked impatiently.
"Yeah, let's move," Huey said.
Ming, Penelope, and Hiro followed behind along with Riley, who walked beside Cindy, who was helping Jose with Veronica.
Ceaser groaned as he commenced to gain back his consciousness.
"Ah," he said, sitting up. He rubbed his fingers through his dreads, his head was throbbing. He looked around to see that he was in someone's house, but who'?
He stood up and looked around the house. "Where the hell am I?" he asked, but then it finally came to him.
"Tia!" He shouted as started to commemorate the events before he was knocked out.
He researched the house desperately hoping he would find his lover, but she was gone.
"Damn it!" He yelled, punching a wall. He breathed heavily, feeling angry with himself for letting this happen. She sacrificed herself to save his life, now she was out there somewhere, carrying his future, with a whole bunch of psychopaths.
"I'm coming for you Tia," he said.
He collected his weapons and exchanged his clothes then he left out the door. The minute he went outside, he noticed how dark and quiet it became. The whole neighborhood looked like it was haunted, it was seriously creepy.
"What the," he said, but then he felt somebody tugging on the back of his shirt. Out of instinct, he quickly turned, aiming his gun, but he soon lowered it when he realized who it was.
It was a little girl who was 45 inches tall with beige skin, wavy hair, and big gray eyes. She was wearing a cotton nightgown, carrying a brown stuffed bear.
"Hey, there" Ceaser gently, walking towards her.
She backed away looking at him with fearful eyes.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you, " he said, putting his gun aside.
"See, no more weapons, " he stated. She faced at him up and down nervously.
"Are you alone?" He inquired.
"…"
"Where is your family?" He asked, without intending.
She aimed her finger towards her house.
"OK, let me take you to them, " He suggested.
"Come on, don't be afraid, " he stated, pulling his hand out for her to take. She experienced a moment of hesitation, then she grabbed his hand. They walked towards her house which was three doors away from Tia's house.
When they arrived at her doorstep, he discovered that her house was the only house with a car in the parking garage and the lights were on. He can smell the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg as he knocked on the door. He knocked three times, then out of curiosity, he turned the knob and to his surprise, it was open.
He turned around to peek at the girl who was standing far from him.
"Are you coming in?" He inquired. She swayed her head no swiftly.
"Okay, " he said, walking in the house.
The first thing he observed when he walked inside the Girl's home was the classical, jazz playing on their old fashioned radio. Their vintage furniture and wooden floors that held that cinnamon smell. The lights were dim, but the house was tidy and cozy.
"Is anyone home? He shouted, walking towards the dining room.
As he walked the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg was replaced with an abominable smell of blood. He gasped once he got it to the dining room to see a woman, a man, and two young boys, lying on the floor. Some of their body parts had been violently mutilated.
He began vomiting at the wad of it and ran back into the front room. He was heading out when he spotted a set of keys, laying on the floor.
That's weird, he supposed, but he grabbed them anyway.
When he eventually made it outside, he threw up some more on their front lawn. He had never in his life seen so many dead bodies, it was sickening. The girl stood and watched as he lost his mind. He was breathing deeply, trying to trip up his breath.
When he recovered, he looked walked over to her parents' car to check if the keys would open it which it did successfully. The next thing he did was hop in the car and switch the engine on.
"Wooo! Yeah!" He shouted. The car worked, now he will unquestionably be able to search for Tia. Before he could think about leaving, he looked at the little girl who was standing innocently, staring at him sadly.
I can't leave her all alone to die, he thought.
He fetched out the car and walked over to her and slowly knelt down in front of her.
" I'm Micheal Ceaser, but all of my friends call me Ceaser," He stated." What's your name?" He asked.
She motioned her hands and fingers in a sign language.
Ceaser widened his eyes and came to a realization, she was deaf and mute.
"You can't hear me, can you?" He inquired. She sighed sadly and shook her head.
"But you can read my lips?"he inquired.
She smiled, then put forward and lowered her tiny fist, bending at the wrist it while nodding Yes.
"Ok, well, I'm not really good at reading lips, so we'll have to give you a nickname," he said, touching his chin.
"Hmm, " he said, considering.
He glanced into her bright gray eyes that looked like silver, then suddenly, a thought occurred to him.
"How about Silver," he said. "I'll call you Silver is that okay?" he asked slowly.
The girl squinted her eyes and place her hand on her chin, in a thinking position as he did. Then she lifts her fist again and nodded yes.
"Good, Well Silver, "I'm Ceaser and I will not hurt you like those people did to your family," he said, smiling widely.
His smile faded when Silver began to cry. Her cry was mute but breathed heavily.
Damn, he probably shouldn't have said that.
"Hey, hey, hey, don't cry," he said, hugging her. Then he pulled her away and mouthed" I'm so sorry"
She continued to cry.
He took a deep breath, he really had to go.
"Look, If you come with me, I'll protect you," he said, looking into her eyes.
She stopped crying and a single tear dropped from her right eye as she nodded.
"Okay, now would you let me take you to the car?" He asked.
She nodded again.
"Good," he said, carrying her up.
She shivered at his touch, but she soon felt better when he let her go, placing her in the front seat of the car. He settled her in her seat belt and shut the door, then he ran to driver's seat and hopped in.
Once again, he turned on the engine.
"Are you ready?" he said, looking at her.
She smiled and held out "R" with her hands in front of her body, and moved them outward.
"Uh was that a yes?" He asked, scratching his head.
She let out a sigh and nodded
"Alright, Let's roll," he said, before driving off.
"What time is it?" Jazmine asked.
Damien checked the clock, but it was broken. He couldn't use his phone because his internet was off.
"I'm not sure, " he alleged. "But I know it's passed midnight" he stated.
Jazmine was feeling completely baffled. "I want to go home!" She shouted.
"I know," he said. "But you have seen for yourself, it isn't safe out there" he stated.
I'm still leaving! Jazmine thought to herself, but she nodded her head in understanding.
"I suppose so,"
Jazmine decided in her mind that she would stick around until she learns how to survive on her own. She didn't trust anyone, especially Adam and Charlie. There was something peculiar about those two, but they were courteous to her and she was going to use that as an taught her some of her EMT training, including ways to cope with her asthma. She asked Adam if he could teach her self-defense, but he told her he would think about it.
Jazmine didn't understand his behavior, he reminded her of Huey in a way. Speaking of Huey, she was going to do whatever in her power to find him.
She made that promise to herself "I won't give up on you Huey," she whispered as she reached for her necklace, but unluckily for her, it was gone.
Jazmine gasped gaining Damien's attention.
"What's the matter?" He inquired. "My locket," she stated." It's gone!" She exclaimed.
After long hours of walking, they decided to take a break. It was late and everyone was exhausted. Huey didn't like the idea, he wanted to keep moving, but he knew they needed energy. They found an abandoned house and settled in.
They boarded up the windows and doors, but Huey decided to be the watch guard. They may think it's okay to sleep, but Huey knew it wasn't safe to sleep, not at a time like this.
As he sat by the door holding his guns, there was only one thought left in his mind.
Jazmine
"I won't stop until I find you," Huey said, gazing down at Jazmine's locket. "I promise," he said, clutching it tightly.
"Huey"
Penelope yawned and walked over to him.
" Go back to sleep," Huey said, still glazIng at the necklace.
Penelope sat beside him and snuggled against him. "Not without you," she said, clinging to his arm.
Huey removed his arm.
Penelope made a whining noise. "Come lay with me," she asked.
"No, I have to stay up and look out for danger, he confirmed.
"Well, since we're staying up, maybe we can" She stated, sliding her hand down his lower muscles. "Do something productive?" she said, seductively.
"No," Huey said, sternly, pushing her hand aside.
She climbed on top of his lap."Please, Huey, it's been awhile," she stated, brushing her lips against his. For a moment, Penelope thought she had him under her spell, but then he pulled her off him.
"I said No!"he yelled, standing up.
"Why not?" Penelope asked.
"I shouldn't have to explain myself, no means no" he hollered.
Penelope laughed and removed her shirt. "Playing hard to get I see," she said, unbuckling her bra.
She licked her lips as she revealed to him her double D sized breast. She cuffed them with her hands and jiggled them for him.
Huey turned away and sigh. She walked closer to him and gripped his chin so he could face her. "Fuck me right here, right now," she demanded, rubbing her breasts against his chest.
Usually, his male instincts would have come, but this time, he wasn't having it. Not only was they're going through a world crisis, he lost Jazmine in the process. And because of his stupidity and cowardliness, he may never get a chance to tell Jazmine how he truly felt.
Penelope was really into it. She was kissing his neck and grinding against him, but he wasn't feeling it at all. It was actually making him more and angrier.
He was so mad he shoved her off him roughly.
"What the hell is wrong with you!" He shouted."
"There's a world war three out there. People are dying, Ceaser, Tia, and Jazmine are missing and you desire to have sex?"
"I know this is sick, but I can't help myself. I'm stressed and when I'm stressed, I'm so horny, and wet baby" She stated, attempting to feel him up.
He grabbed her wrist tightly.
" I'm not having sex with you, end of story," he said, letting go of her.
" And don't ever in your life call me that, " he articulated. Penelope jaw dropped, shocked by his words.
" Ugh, " she scoffed as she placed her bra and shirt back on. "I don't see why you're acting this way, any other time, you want it!" She remarked.
"I don't see why having sex with me is such a big deal to you," he remarked back.
"Do you want to know the true reason sex with you is such a huge deal?" she shouted, getting in his face. " It's a huge deal because I love you!" She revealed.
Huey eyes widened at her.
"Yeah, that's right. I love you, I want you and I know you don't feel the same, but I'm better for you than she could ever be!" She shouted.
Huey stared at her with deep regret. He didn't intend to hurt her, but she needed the truth.
"Penny", he said mildly. "Listen, you are one of a kind. The whole package. You're beautiful, intelligent, bold, skillful and your one of the best female martial arts fighters I know. Any guy would be lucky to have you" He said, making her grin.
"But unfortunately, that guy isn't me, " he said, causing her smile to drop.
"What!" she said roughly.
"I'm sorry that I led you to think we could have anything beyond the sex and friendship. I shouldn't have gone that far knowing I had feelings for someone else and I take full responsibility for that"he acknowledged.
She snorted loudly in contempt. "Jazmine isn't it?"
Huey let out a deep sigh, " I love her, " he admitted for the foremost time. He couldn't believe how long it took him, but if felt good. If only Jazmine was here to hear it.
" Wow... I was right" Penelope said, laughing bitterly as she rocked her head at him.
"I apologize, " he stated. " I really care for you and I hope we can still be friends"
SLAP!
Huey's head turned and his cheek burned due to Penelope hard slap.
"Fine, I deserved that" he admitted. "Now can we be friends again?"
She slapped him again. " Fuck your friendship!" She shouted. "Fuck finding Jazmine! You're pathetic if you believe you're going to actually find her," she said.
"You're delusional. She has asthma. Even if she were alive, she wouldn't last long. You're looking for a dead end!" She yelled.
Huey felt his blood boil. For a second, he thought of hitting Penelope for saying that, but of course, he would never lay a hand on a woman.
Huey glared at her and she glowered at him.
"Is everything alright" they heard Hiro ask.
Huey ignored him and continued his stare glued to Penelope as she did the same.
"I will find Jazmine," Huey told her. "Alive"
"Good luck with that, you will need it," she said, turning away from she walked past Hiro, he saw her eyes glistening with tears, but he didn't say a word.
Huey let out a sigh and sat back down, placing his hands along his face. He knew he broke Penelope's heart, but she deserved the truth. It wasn't fair to her and it wasn't fair to him either. He wishes he would have never slept with her, but he can't alter the past.
What has been done is done.
"What happened?"Hiro asked.
"I finally told Penny the truth about my feelings for Jazmine," Huey explained.
"Oh, I see," He stated"To be honest, I'm surprised at her response. Everyone, including Penelope, knew that you were in love Jazmine" he acknowledged. "We were just waiting for you to finally admit it,"
"Yeah, but I never got a chance to reveal to Jazmine"
"Believe or not, never say never," Hiro said.
Huey sighs again and rubbed his face, Damn he was fatigued.
"You should get some rest" Hiro suggested. "I can cover for you,"
"No you go rest, we have a long day ahead of us," Huey stated.
"Bro, you look terrible. I got my rest, now get yours" Hiro said. "You need the energy especially if you expect to find Jazmine," he suggested.
Hiro was right.
"Alright, but I'm staying here," He said.
"Fine by me," Hiro said.
"If anything, done hesitate to wake me up," Huey said.
"Gotcha," Hiro said.
Huey leaned against the wall and closed his eyes while Hiro stood positioned by the door. He looked over to Huey who was knocked out. He chuckled at him. He knew Huey was tired.
The truth is it was he that couldn't sleep. It was all because of Ming. When Veronica and Cindy were in danger and Jose try to save his cousin, Ming grabbed him. She held him back protectively as if she couldn't bare to lose him. It was strange.
Ming always told him she didn't know Jose like that, so why was she so fast to protect him if he was nothing to her. Something wasn't right and he was tired of not knowing. He was going to get the discover the truth.
Tia's eye twitched as she shot the bartender. The woman's frail body flew towards the liquor bottles, smashing each of them to pieces. The crew cheered as they completed another deadly shooting. This was the third bar they had ambushed and Tia knew it wasn't the last.
Each time she killed, she would remember the haunting look in their eyes, but none was as haunting as her first kill. She felt numb, no fear or compunction. She most certainly didn't enjoy it, but she didn't hesitate either.
What is she becoming?
This isn't like her at all.
What would Ceaser think of her now?
"Hey beautiful," Cairo said, sitting beside her. "Can I buy you a drink?" He asked, placing his arm around her.
Tia didn't dare face at him, she kept her eyes forward.
"Awe come on baby don't be like that, " he stated, placing his hand on her thigh.
She smacked his hand and looked at him harshly. "Don't you ever touch me!" She said, turning away from him.
"Ahahahaha!" Cairo laughed, holding his chest. "You're a tough one, " he said then unexpectedly, he punched Tia, making her fall off the stool.
"You're going to learn to show me some respect!" He yelled.
Tia whimpered touching the blood that fell from her nose.
"Next time I'll kill your simple ass,"he threatened. " Get up!' He demanded.
Tia stood up, holding her bleeding nose. Cairo grabbed her and licked the blood from her nose, then he kissed her. Tia pulled away and wiped her mouth, disgusted by him.
"Tasty," he said, licking his lips.
Tia turned her face, but he grabbed it. "Look at me!" he demanded. "By the end of tomorrow, you'll be mine, so get used to it" he articulated. She gasped loudly when slapped her ass and gripped it roughly.
" Mhmm, I can't wait, " he pronounced.
She looked at him and finally, she felt an emotion, fear.
As Ceaser drove he couldn't dismiss the horror that was happening in the town he once called home. People were breaking into shops, setting fires, and killing. The hostile image of dead corpses of youths even at ages three. It was a life tragedy, Ceaser felt sick to his stomach.
Where could she be, he asked himself as he rode past neighborhoods looking for the masked group that stole Tia, but there were different mask groups around. Some carried guns, metal bats, axes, even knives. The innocent ones were either running or hiding.
Ceaser was thankful that the car he was under had tinted windows, but it didn't mean he was safe. Silver sat in the passenger seat, clutching her teddy. Her body slumped into her seat due to the extreme fear she was feeling. Her eyes were glossy, her small lips quivered.
"Don't worry, they can't see you?" Ceaser told her, only he forgot she couldn't hear him. She couldn't pick up the loud bangs and screams, but she could sense them. Ceaser felt overwhelmed, not only did he have to figure out where to find Tia and the rest of his friends, He had to protect a six-year-old deaf child.
"Shit, " he swore as a group of surrounded the car. Their bodies were covered with tattoos and piercings. They were wearing wife beaters, holding metal bats in their hands.
"You came into the wrong neighborhood, " one they could go any closer, Ceaser looked at Silver and said "Hold tight, " he wasn't sure if she caught his words, but she found out when Ceaser switch the gear to reverse, escaping the neighborhood.
Silver felt chills in her stomach as the car moved backward in fast speed. She felt a thud in her heart when Ceaser switches gears and swerved the car around and continued driving.
Ceaser felt the adrenaline in his body as he proceeded to drive the car at full speed. He couldn't believe he had done that.
"Dammit, we have company," Ceaser said as he looked into the rear mirror to view the remaining group of thugs on motorcycles, racing behind him.
"Silver, hold tight!" He said, pressing down on the gas harder.
"Where are you leading me?" She asked as Damien, pulled her down the basement. He held his hand over her eyes as he guided her down. She was starting to regret allowing him to do this.
"It's a surprise, " He stated, leading the path.
Oh, no! He's going to kill me! Jazmine thought.
Jazmine felt herself panic, but then he withdrew his hand to reveal a shooting range.
"You said you wanted to learn to defend yourself, " He said, sorting out the firearms. Jazmine's eyes shot open in horror, she never liked guns, It terrified her.
"Uh, I don't think this is a good idea," Jazmine said nervously. "Wouldn't this make too much noise?"
"No worries it's soundproof down here. They won't hear a thing," Damien said.
Once he reloaded the guns, he positioned her so she was standing properly, then he explained the principles.
"Now that you understand the ground rules, I'm going to teach you how to properly carry a gun," he explained.
" Are you certain this is a good idea?"Jazmine asked.
"Yes, something happens and you're in danger you may have to kill before they kill you. I want you to be prepared and this will help with the anxiety that triggers your asthma,"he explained.
Jazmine exhaled her inhaler. " Okay, I'm ready," she gave in. He smiled at her and handed her a pistol. Jazmine's hands shook as she obtained the gun. Damien went behind her and demonstrated the correct manner.
"The key is confidence, " he stated. She felt his breath on her neck and flinched. He noticed and backed away, "Sorry, " he stated.
"I'll go first, " He announced. As he fired hs gun, he explained his every movement as he aimed at the target.
BANG!
Jazmine covered her ears. "It's so loud! Don't I need some type of earphones?" She asked.
"Normally when you go to a local shooting range they provide you with protection for your eyes and ears, but I want you to get used to the real thing," he stated.
"Okay, now it's your turn, " he stated. Jazmine took a deep breath and resisted in the position Damien taught her and lift her arm to aim at the target. She kept her dominant eye on the mark as she held the trigger.
"Remember press don't pull. The key is to squeeze the trigger to the rear," Damien instructed.
Jazmine anxiety kicked in as her hand started to shudder. Damien placed his hands gently on her shoulders.
"Jazmine, relax, " he stated gently. "Don't over think it, shoot, " he stated.
BAMG!
Jazmine as she made her first shot and screamed. Damien laughed at her reaction and recommended her to keep going. Subsequently, a few shots Jazmine hand become more steady and her shots were more accurate.
Each time she would shoot Damien would cheer her on, giving her more confidence. Once Jazmine got use of the handgun he began presenting her with different guns. Jazmine went from feeling scared to feeling energized. She actually enjoyed it and not once did she experience an attack. In fact, she zoned out the firecracker sounds the gun made. She concentrated on her target. They both laughed as they played a game to find out how many times they could aim at the target's head. Of course, Damien was ahead of the game, but Jazmine surprised him when she started to catch up.
"Wow Jazmine you really surprised me today," Damien said as he cleaned each gun and placing them back into the gun case.
"Yeah, I surprised myself, " she acknowledged. "Who would have guessed I would actually achieve in shooting a gun" Jazmine exclaimed.
She just couldn't believe "It proves that you are stronger and smarter than you give yourself credit for," He said.
Jazmine smiled warmly and embraced him. "Thank you so much," she said. "For helping me gain confidence, " she expressed. He felt his heart racing as he returned her hug, holding her close ,but not too close.
"That was all You," he said, patting her back.
Confidence wasn't the only thing Jazmine gained, she also gained trust. Out of the three, She trusted Damien the most and enjoyed being around him. She had this notion for him, but wasn't romantic, it was more of a friendship kind of feeling.
They laughed as they drew away, but they laugh was cut short when the sound of Adam clearing his throat was heard. He was standing with his arms crossed with a scowl on his face while Charlie stood behind him, her facial expression was more delicate.
Damien was the initiative to speak.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Adam yelled, glaring at Damien.
"I was showing Jazmine how to protect herself with a gun," Damien explained.
"And did I give you permission to do so?"he asked." This is no goddamn arcade, you don't bring random girls you like down here to impress them. This is a private, restricted area," He shouted.
Jazmine felt offended by his" random girl" reference. She wasn't a random girl who arrived here for fun. She didn't ask to be here, she was brought here.
"But it's important for her to learn these things just in case someone tries to attack us. Come on, you taught Charlie!" He proclaimed.
"It doesn't matter, we don't know her like that. For all we know she could use what we teach her to go against us. By the way, no one's coming to get us. There's nothing to worry about," Adam stated.
"Excuse me?" Jazmine said with a hint of anger. " If you don't know me like that, why allow me to be here? Why not have me die like you did that boy!" Jazmine shouted.
"You were brought here unexpectedly without my consent," Adam said. "and you were unconscious,"
"But why didn't you kick me out? Why would you still keep me here if you don't trust me?" Jazmine argued.
"I don't have time for this, just stay away from this area," he pronounced firmly.
"Why can't you respond to any of my questions," Jazmine asked.
"It doesn't matter, be grateful that you're here. It's too late to kick you out because I know Charlie likes you, so there's your answer," he pronounced.
Jazmine looked at Adam with a pissed off expression on her face, then she walked passed him furiously. She wept silently as she ran upstairs. Charlie followed after her.
"Jazmine!"
Charlie caught up with Jazmine. "I'm sorry about that, " she articulated. "Adam has a lot on his mind. It isn't like him to behave this way, " she excused.
"Why am I here?" Jazmine asked desperately.
"We want you here because we care about you, " she excused.
"But you people don't even know me," Jazmine sobbed.
"Perhaps because you remind me so much of me and besides, I think Damien likes you" Charlie stated. " He wouldn't let us send you out there, " she pronounced.
Jazmine wasn't really buying Charlie's excuses, she was dodging her questions like Adam, but she nodded her head.
"Alright?" Charlie said, wiping away Jazmine's tears. "You look worn down, you should get some sleep. There's a guest room upstairs or you can sleep down here if you like," she indicated.
" I don't know," Jazmine said.
"Come along, you need to rest sooner later," Charlie said.
"I'm not tired," Jazmine lied.
"Well, would you consider a shower?" She inquired. " Not saying you smell or anything. I merely thought you might want to refresh up, " she suggested.
Jazmine thought about it, she didn't feel comfortable bathing in a stranger's house, but then again, she did feel dirty. She could truly use a bath, plus hot water would be best to wake her body.
Jazmine sighs as she gives in. " OK, sure, " she said.
"Awesome, you can jump right in while I search for a spare of clothes" Charlie explained.
.
.
While Jazmine was in the shower, Charlie was searching for some of her wearing apparel for Jazmine. She and Jazmine were almost the same sizes except Jazmine was shorter, but she can manage. She recalled the day she went underwear shopping, she had never opened the panty pack.
She skimmed through the drawers as she searched for them, as she was searching, an envelope fell down.
Charlie picked up the envelope with no address written. "Where did this come from?" She asked herself. She shrugged her shoulders as she drew out the folded paper from the envelope. On the paper the words Adam printed on it.
She quickly spread the letter to read it.
Adam,
You have failed us, now it is time for you to face your destination. In the result of your disloyalty to us, you and your loved one will pay the monetary the day of the Purge, we will come for you and when we do, be prepared to die. If you strain to run when will find you, if you try to fight back, we will defeat you. It all ends the same, but because we like you, we are offering you another require you to join us and we will spare your life, but it comes with a price. A life for a life, a human sacrifice. Have he or she ready when we arrived, if you fail us again, you and the ones you care the most for will suffer a slow painful demise.
The choice is completely yours...
" A human sacrifice?" Charlie whispered, then she gasped as she recognized what it meant. The people coming to kill Adam want him to commit them a life to save his own life.
You were brought here unexpectedly without my consent" Adam said.
"But why didn't you kick me out? Why do you still keep me here if you don't trust me?" Jazmine argued.
"I don't have time for this, just stay away from this area" he pronounced firmly.
"Why can't you respond to my questions," Jazmine asked.
"Why am I here?" Jazmine asked desperately.
"We want you here because we care about you, " she excused.
"But you people don't even know me" Jazmine sobbed.
Charlie tears filled her eyes as she exposed the truth behind Adam's reason to allow Jazmine to stay with them. It wasn't because he felt bad for her, she was the human sacrifice. That's why he didn't want her to learn to defend herself and the reason he freaked out when Damien was teaching her to shoot a gun.
Was Damien his first alternative? Jazmine's Damien's replacement?
"No!" She said, covering her mouth. She couldn't believe Adam would do such a thing.
"Adam, How could you?" Charlie whispered as she set the envelope back in the drawer. She sat on the bed, still in shock.
Adam came storming into the . "Charlie, what's wrong?" He demanded when he saw her crying, he panicked.
"What happened?" He asked softly.
Charlie wanted to confront him, but she didn't have the strength.
"Charlotte, tell me what happened, " he postulated. She escaped from her head. "Nothing, I thought of my father that all," she lied.
He sighs relieved that she wasn't physically hurt. He enclosed his arms around her and kissed her cheek."It's going to be fine, I'm here, " he said, holding her protectively.
She always felt so secure in his arms, but how can one feel so safe with someone so dangerous.
"I love you, " he said, looking at her with those honest eyes.
"I love you too, " she read, letting another tear fall.
She knew why It was love.
Tom always believed that rape in prison was the worst thing that could ever happen to a man, but he was wrong.
"Everyone Move! Move! Move!" The marine shouted at the men, shooting his gun in the air. Tom increased his tempo as he traveled back to the Men's district.
He was clothed in a brown jumpsuit with chains attached to his hands and feet. His body ached from the hours of labor work and he was awfully hungry. On his path back to his district, one of the men dropped to the ground due dehydration.
"Sir, stand on your feet,"The marine asked.
The man didn't respond because he had passed out.
"Sir, I'm going to ask you one more time," the marine warned, but the man didn't react. Instead of offering the man some medical attention, the marine aimed his heavy gun and executed him.
Tom felt his body shook in fear at the mess of the man's body laying lifeless, but he kept walking because he didn't want to be next. When he eventually got to his district, which was a crowded room with over 50 bunk beds, he laid down and thought about everything that has happened.
It all began with a letter...
"Good Morning sunshine!" He shouted as his daughter walked in the kitchen happily.
"Morning Daddy!" Jazmine said, setting a small kiss on his cheek. He examined his daughter who wearing a mini skirt and a tank top. He couldn't help but realize how much she had matured. She stood 5 feet and 2 inches in height while her body was a different story. He blamed his mother's side of the family for her evolution.
Her hair was still as wild as a lion, but today she wore it curly. Her large green eyes were covered with eye shadow and her lips with pink lipstick. Even without the composition, she was becoming a very beautiful young lady and as a father that was scary.
He recognized she was into guys, and he even allowed her to date a few because Sarah was okay with it. On the other hand, he didn't trust them. He didn't want anyone to deflower his daughter's purity. He didn't require her to fall in love with a man other than him, then he would lose her foreverSarah didn't see, it was a father thing.
"Uhm, Jazmine, don't you think that skirt is a little too" he cleared his throat. "Short," he said, crossing his arms at her.
Jazmine was busy texting on her phone with a huge grin on her facial expression.
"Jazmine!"
"Yes dad," Jazmine said in an irritated voice.
What happened to Daddy, Tom thought immaturely.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you young lady!" Tom said in a strict voice.
Jazmine let out a sigh and looked at him with a bored face.
"Alright, as I was saying, I do not approve of that skirt. It's way too short" Tom said in an uncomfortable manner.
"Daddy, it's meant to be this short its a mini skirt," Jazmine said sarcastically.
Damn Huey Freeman for teaching get that.
"Besides dad, I have shorts under the sea," Jazmine said, lifting her skirt up to show him her shorts.
Tom turned away, hiding his . "Jazmine please put your skirt back down," he said, agitated.
Jazmine giggled and took a bite of her apple.
"Honey leave her be" Sarah stated, entering the kitchen.
"Leave her be? Do you possess any idea what can happen to her, she could be"
"Anally raped,"Sarah and Jazmine said at the same time, rolling their eyes.
"Tom you're taking this "Anally Rape" thing too far" Sarah stated.
"Well, excuse me for caring about our daughter's safety, "Tom remarked, his hands on his hips.
"I care about our daughter's safety! You're being overdramatic over a damn skirt!" She agreed. " When I was young I wore skirts like that all the time!"
"Yeah, and look where that got you, " Tom remarked.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"Sarah exclaimed.
Tom and Sarah began to argue as they always did when they came to a disagreement. Jazmine took the chance to flee the scene, but Tom noticed just in time.
"Hold it, right there young lady!" he pronounced sternly.
Jazmine blew her breath, "Daddy, I'm going to be late, " she said.
"Well change quickly," he said, tapping his foot. "A less you want to be grounded for two months" he appended.
"Dad, you can't be serious!"
" Now!" Tom exclaimed. Jazmine growled as she stomped her feet up the steps. A few minutes, Jazmine came down with the same top, only wearing a knee-length skirt. She resisted with her arms crossed with a bothered face expression.
"Are you happy now?" She sounded out in annoyance.
Tom smiled and nodded his head. "Enjoy your day pumpkin" he stated, kissing her forehead. Jazmine rolled her eyes and looked her phone.
"Now Jazmine remember"
Jazmine gasped.
"Aaaah Huey!" Jazmine squealed as she noticed the eldest Freeman coming out of his house.
In response to his daughter hysterical high pitch scream, he accidentally bit his own tongue.
Jazmine quickly looked into her mini mirror and went over her makeup then she placed it back in her bag and ran for the door.
"Wait, you forgot to.. Say goodbye, " he said unhappily. He walked over to the window and took in as his daughter race towards the Freeman with so much excitement.
He sighs deeply, she wasn't his little girl anymore.
"She will always be your little girl at heart, but she's growing up honey"Sarah stated.
He sighed again "I know"
"Here, this arrived in the mail, " she said, passing him an envelope.
He seemed at the strange printed" Thomas Dubois" written in the center.
"That's funny, there's no address, " he said, opening the envelope to expose a letter.
"What does it say?" Sarah questioned.
Tom remained silent as he read the letter to himself. She saw his shoulders tense up.
"Honey, Are you okay?" Sarah asked.
Tom's eyes were widened and his jaw dropped in shock.
"Tom," Sarah said almost shouting.
"…" Tom stood still as his tears began to flow.
Sarah carefully took the letter from Tom's hand and scanned it.
She didn't even get a chance to complete the letter, she dropped to her knees.
.
.
"What do we do now?" Sarah asked as they stood by the Freeman's residence. They were attending dinner and both of them weren't in the mood for food. They haven't been in a mood ever since.
"We act normal," Tom said as they knocked on the door.
.
.
"What do we do now?" Sarah asked as they abide by the Freeman's residence. They were going to dinner and both of them weren't in the mood for food. They haven't been in a mood ever since.
"We act normal," Tom said as they knocked on the door.
.
.
As they were packing their suitcases, thoughts of fear and sorrow filled their heads.
"Let's run away," Sarah suggested." We can take Jazmine with us and go to France or maybe Japan," she shouted.
"I wish it was that simple, but they're not going to let us leave the country," he expressed.
"Then that's it, we leave our only child here to die!"Sarah shouted.
"Do you seriously think I like this!" He yelled. He broke down in tears again. "You and Jazmine are my whole world!" He sobbed.
"But, but, I'm scared" Tom admitted.
"Me too," Sarah said.
.
.
Unknown: It is time…. Remember to arrive only with your wife
Tom stared at the text with sadness.
"Dad, I'm going to get dressed at Cindy's," Jazmine announced, walking passed him.
"Jazmine, Wait!" He said desperately.
She stopped and turned to face him."Yes?" She inquired.
For a moment, Tom thought about telling her to pack her things so they could leave, but then he called back to what they mentioned in the letter.
If you and your wife refuse to follow directions, We will find you and when we do, you will watch your beloved daughter suffer the consequences. You will watch her be tortured to her demise, then your wife, and lastly you.
"Dad?"
Tom looked up at her and simply smiled. "Oh, nothing Pumpkin. Be safe, " he said, kissing her forehead. He meant ever word when he said:" Be Safe". A tear dropped from his eyes as he kept his lips on her head.
"I love you," he whispered before pulling away.
Jazmine looked at her dad with worry. "Dad, are you crying?"she stated. Tom let out a sob.
"Daddy!"Jazmine exclaimed.
He's going to miss when she calls him that.
"Dad, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Jazmine said as tears filled her eyes.
"Oh honey, don't worry your father is just being his dramatic self" Sarah stated, walking towards her.
Jazmine looked at her dad in concern.
Her father usually cries over nothing, but something was so dissimilar.
"He's been trouble about you going to that party. He reckons it's too dangerous and that you will get a drink and be anally raped" Sarah said, trying to stay strong.
Jazmine's face softened and she walked over to her father.
" Oh Daddy, don't worry. I will be with my friends, besides, Huey is going to be there. She said and kissed his cheek. "I love you too"
"You too mom, I love you"Jazmine added, kissing her mom.
Once Jazmine turned to leave, Tom hugged her once more, he didn't want to let go. Sarah felt her eyes water as she joined the hug.
" Dad, mom" Jazmine said in a scratchy voice. " I can't breathe," she said.
They let her go and she gasped.
"Sorry, we got too carried away," Tom said.
"Are you sure everything's alright?" Jazmine asked.
"Yeah, Yeah!" Sarah and Tom said nervously.
"Enjoy yourself, Honey, we'll be fine," Sarah said, rushing Jazmine towards the door.
"But,"
"Go on, see you later," she said, shoving her out and closing the door.
Jazmine stood by the door confused, then she shrugged her shoulders and walked towards the Freeman's residents.
As soon as their daughter was out of sight, they let their emotions out again.
"We can't do this to our baby, we can't, we can't" Sarah whimpered.
"I know, but what option do we have"Tom exclaimed. "I refuse to see my wife and daughter be tortured and killed in front me!"
"And I refused to go give in like some cowards leaving our daughter to be murdered by a terrorist group!'Sarah shouted.
Tom and Sarah looked at one another breathing roughly. Their eyes were baggy and red due to inordinate stress and crying.
" What do we do?" Sarah asked in despair. Her petite lips trembled a little.
.
.
Tom and Sarah walked in shame holding their suitcases. Sarah, who had been crying nonstop, had to force herself to walk, she felt so frail. Tom, who had been drinking away his sorrows, walked in a shaky manner.
They were nearly close to the car when they spotted one of Jazmine's friends, Michael Ceaser.
"Mr. DuBois!" Ceaser shouted, jogging towards them.
Tom looked at him with desperation.
"Mr. DuBois what's going on? Where are you guys going? What about Jazmine?" Ceaser exclaimed.
The moment Sarah heard her daughters name she let out a sob, clutching Jazmine's picture to her breast.
"Tell her we love her" Tom whispered in a thrilling voice.
"Wait, but Jazmine!" Ceaser shouted, but they hopped in the car and rode away.
Sarah sobbed still holding Jazmine's picture to her chest while Tom took in his. He wanted to be strong for his wife. It was working until he pushed past the park he used to take Jazmine then he broke down again.
Throughout the whole ride, Tom couldn't help but to worry for the destiny of his daughter. He knew well enough that Jazmine wouldn't survive on her own, but there was just one person that he was counting on to protect her, Huey Freeman.
"Please watch over my baby," he whispered.
By the time Tom got to his destination, Sarah had already fallen asleep. He shook her shoulders, trying to wake her, merely all the crying she had done worn her For more or less reason, he felt as he was being watched by someone, especially when he received a text.
Unknown: Come out the car and walked inside the construction.
He gulped deeply "Sarah," he whispered. "Sarah, wake up honey, " he stated, shaking her shoulders.
She spread out her eyes and rubbed them, hoping that she was waking from a dream.
"We have to go"
Only then, she realized it was her reality. Her nerves began to grow as they walked inside the construction. She restrained her arms wrapped around her husband. Tom kissed his wife,
"Whatever happens to us, I desire you to know that you're the most beautiful woman I have ever set eyes on. You have rendered me a perfect daughter. Though our marriage is imperfect, I could never picture myself with any other woman but you. You are unbelievable and I want to thank you for everything you have done, I love you forever," He said.
"I'm sorry I failed to protect you and Jazmine" he sobbed.
"Shh, don't say that," she said, sobbing with him. "It isn't your fault, you have been the best husband and father you can be. I don't regret anything, I love you too baby,"she stated.
They embraced one last time and shared a longing kiss before breaking away. Tom swallowed up his tears and took a deep breath. He bore to be strong for his wife.
As soon as they got inside the construction, they were arrested and placed in custody. There was a number of other familiar. His colleagues, neighbors, Jazmine's school staff and most importantly, his closest friends
It was devastating to envision his best pal, Robert Freeman dragged into a cell. The wretched old man was beaten and he was weeping for his grandsons. He has never seen Robert like that.
After hours of waiting, they were divided by gender and age group and rushed into buses. All of the men from 24 to 40 years old were placed on the first bus while 24 to 40 years of women were placed in the second. The elderly weren't given a chance because they were promptly killed, each were shot execution style. Tom will never forget the look on Robert Freeman's eyes before the bullet broke through his skull.
Tears and screams and cries were heard throughout the long drive. They finally arrived in what look like a concentration camp similar to the ones designed by Hilter. It was a gated area with gray construction houses. They shoved out of the bus. Military men pushed and shoved them and anyone who restraint was killed. Tom, along with the rest of the men of were sent to what they called District 1 and the woman was sent to District 2.
"Tom!"
"Sarah!"
Tom and Sarah yelled, trying to run towards one another, but they were pulled back and forced to move a different direction.
When Tom had always believed that rape in prison was the toughest thing that could ever happen to a man, but he was wrong, it was being powerless to protect his family. He was enraged that he couldn't save his family, he was worthless.
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