April 10th, 1973

7:28pm

Family's Basement

Song recommendation: "Family Tree (intro)" by Ethel Cain

Trust

MARIA

...

Nobody has checked on me all day. Maybe I was forgotten about. Maybe they're letting me rot until I die. I have been stuck against this metal framed bed. I was dying of thirst and been yelling off and on for help the last few hours. At one point, I heard a woman scream in a far distance. I didn't know if it was someone like me or like them. I didn't want them to come around. I didn't want to be apart of their fucked up family dynamic. Kidnapping people? Torturing them? Who knew what else?! I wasn't cut out for that. I never signed up for it. I just wanted to take photos.

A pair of heavy boots pulled me out of my wandering thoughts. They echoed against the rough cement flooring before stopping right at the door. I backed up against the bed frame as someone began to undo all the locks. At least three that I could tell based on the little pauses in-between. Who was it going to be? The creepy young woman with a large smile? Maybe the older man that's super grumpy? Or possibly that taller man with the mask and chainsaw? I tugged against the rope restraints and bit my bottom lip, stifling back a whimper. The rope had created gashes on my wrists, any slight movement felt like hell. At that moment, the door creaked open and there stood Johnny. His makeshift black muscle t-shirt, distressed denim jeans, loud boots, and holding a tray of food. From a distance, I couldn't make out what it was.

"Mornin'" He greeted, his expression emotionless. He kept his gaze to the floor as he shut the door behind him. I didn't respond. I just tugged a bit harder. What time actually was it? Was it actually morning? There weren't any clocks or windows - it could be a few days later for all I know. He sat the tray down on the bed as he pulled up a chair, sitting down beside me, his gaze not meeting mine.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Food." No shit? I leaned forward and stared down at what he had brought me. Water in a nice glass with some ice and straw, a bowl of chili that smelled amazing, cornbread with some butter, and crackers. It looked absolutely delicious. Johnny looked at the tray before finally looking up at me, seeing me practically drool over it. I actually was. I didn't care or was embarrassed as some fell down from my lower lip and down my chin. It wasn't a lot - like a Saint Bernard - but enough to notice.

"Don't eat the chili." Johnny warned.

"Why?" I asked.

"Trust me."

"Tell me one good reason why I should." I glared up at him. Johnny's emotionless expression turned hard, his brows pushing together. I knew I shouldn't say or fight back but I have every right to. He was the one who lured me into this hell. I shouldn't trust anything he says or does. Plus I'm supposed to 'marry' him?! Yeah, right. I'd rather die than force to live a sick happier than ever fantasy with him. Johnny's jaw clenched as he pulled out a knife from his front pocket. My angered glare shifted as my eyes widened, backing away from the man.

"Don't even try to run, it won't do you any good." Johnny warned again before leaning overtop of me. I could smell his sweat mixed with some cheap cologne. It wasn't the most pleasant smell, but it was better than most of the unrecognizable stench I have been smelling recently. He untied the ropes from my wrists before sitting back down in the chair, a firm grip on the knife, arm resting on his thigh. I let out a sigh of relief before gently rubbing the areas that were restrained for hours. It still hurts but at least I can move them around freely for a while. My attention went back to the food. I grabbed the warm cornbread first and shoved the entire chunk into my mouth. It crumbled apart as butter coated my lips. Johnny sat and said nothing, just watched as I began to chew the food - damn near choking on it. Barely eating the last day or two - maybe even more - would do that to you. Plus, it's been a while since I had a home cooked meal. The food court at the college was nothing compared to an actual home cooked meal. One made with love, actual preparation, and consideration. This was it. I grabbed the crackers next and did the same, using whatever butter that fell off the bread as a spread. The chili sat in the bowl untouched. I looked up at Johnny who looked at the bowl then back at me.

I'm not going to let this prick tell me what to do.

I grabbed the spoon and scooped up a large serving. I shoved the mixture of beans and meat into my mouth before another and another. It was burning my tongue and the roof of my mouth - but I didn't care. The juicy meat mixed with the peppers, tomatoes, and other spices were delicious! I've never had anything like it. But then again, maybe it was my hunger talking. Johnny turned his attention away from me, a mixed emotion on his face. I couldn't quite place it. I picked the bowl and tiled my head back, drinking the broth and any other little pieces I didn't scoop up. I had finished the entire meal in under five minutes.

"You shouldn't have done that." Johnny sighed out.

"Why?" I asked, "So I can starve some more? Maybe you sick fucks would like that."

"Watch your mouth." Johnny turned back towards me, his hardened glare jabbing daggers into me.

I began to lose it, "Watch my mouth? Really?! After everything you and this FUCKED UP-"

Johnny stood up quickly, the chair he sat in clattering against the floor in fear as he pointed the knife at me. His jaw was clenched as he pressed it against my neck. I froze in place - fear quickly washing over me - before I tried to put on a brave face once again. He kept his brown eyes gazing into mine as his nostrils flared, clearly frustrated at me for whatever reason. If tables were turned, I'm sure he'd hate this. Or maybe because he's a sick fuck - actually enjoy it. No sane person would enjoy this. Johnny slid the blade up from my neck, inching its way up painfully slowly passed my jaw, and nicked my cheek. I flinched at the movement and slight pain as a light cut formed and a tiny bit of blood drew from it.

"You seem too sweet." Johnny said lowly, "You don't deserve this."

"Then let me go." I said back, hoping for him to easily give in. Only in my dreams or a perfect reality.

Johnny chuckled, "Sure thing, sunshine. Please, the honor is all mine." ? Sunshine? Ew. Johnny stepped aside as he held one hand on top of the other, "Would you like a head start? I'll give you thirty seconds - maybe forty if you don't scream for help."

Johnny's smirk widened as I stared up at him. Is he serious? This has to be a joke. I slowly stood up, not breaking eye contact with him. He shrugged before nodding towards the door. I hesitated before reaching the door knob. Johnny had an almost innocent smile but his eyes spoke another language. It was a sinister excitement - as if he was excited to hunt down his prey. I didn't like his look. It made me uneasy - that any second could be my last. I took my hand off the round metal knob before his sinister excitement became disappointment - half genuine and half mocking.

"Awww, you don't even wanna try?" Johnny mocked.

"Why? I prefer you to kill me now. You don't deserve the chase - especially after you had one." I replied back, referencing how he chased me all the way back to this hell hole. Johnny shrugged before sliding the knife into the back of his jeans - his smirk never leaving.

"Suit yourself. Don't ever say I didn't give you a chance."

"I ought to shove that knife of yours up your dick hole." I muttered, not bothering to look him in the eye. I wanted to escape. No, I needed to escape. But not while he or anyone else is expecting it. I need more time too. Maybe if I got Johnny or the others to trust me maybe they'll let me loose a bit. Or maybe I can follow through by being his wife and part of this "family" dynamic. Then, when they're comfortable enough with me, I flee and never turn back. Maybe be able to turn them in or something too. But as I said, it's too risky to take that advantage. He'd kill me before I could make it down the hall. But that snarky remark I just made doesn't help me either.

Johnny snickered, "Damn, having a rough day? You act like you're held captive or something." He mocked before pretending to be shocked, "Oh wait! You are."

Yeah, fuck what I just said about my comment.

"Fuck you, you pendejo!" I yelled before gathering up a wad of spit and letting it violently fly right into his face. Johnny flinched a tiny bit before wiping off the spit from his cheek. He let out a low - but sarcastic - chuckle before raising his gloved hand and striking me across the face. The cut from earlier stung worse as my head went to the side. Without wasting time, he grabbed me by my throat and slammed me against the cement wall. I yelped as my head hit it violently and his grip tightened around my throat - making it hard to breathe.

"Your mama should've really taught you some manners." Johnny pulled his knife back out and held it right in front of my face. I struggled against his grip, trying to breathe but also not get an eye stabbed from his knife. "What if I cut off that pretty little tongue of yours, huh? Then what'd you do? Shame, I could name a few things."

I didn't respond. Tears began to spring into my eyes. I was pissed off but scared. Pissed because of this mother fucker trying to take some type of control on me - after what he and his family have done. But also scared. I knew my days were limited. One wrong fuck up and I'm dead. Plus even if I do become his wife and carry his child - like that older blind woman wants - then what will become of me? I'm here to carry on their bloodline - not to become their bloodline. I wouldn't doubt the second I give birth that they butcher me to pieces. Steal whatever innocent child and corrupt it into their sick fantasy. Fuck that! I don't want a child at the moment, but no matter if it's planned or not, no child should grow up and become these... monsters.

"You cryin', sunshine?" Johnny asked. I looked away from him as a few tears rolled further down my face, "Ain't no need to cry. Just need to get used to this style of livin' is all." Is that anyway at all supposed to be comforting? Maybe he's trying in some sick way. But nothing would ever be comforting about him. I can't lie, he's attractive respectfully. Nothing like Danny - but far better than most of the twisted family I've met. But no matter if Johnny was the hottest man on earth, nothing would ever make me fall for him. His actions and personality speak louder than his looks.

"Just leave me alone." I whispered against him, my voice breaking as the tears rolled down faster.

"Come on sun-"

"Please!" I cried out. I didn't care what his motives were. I would've preferred to just rot in this prison cell by myself. Johnny let go of my throat with an agitated sigh. He looked around the room for a second before taking off a glove, running his hand through his slicked back hair. With a nod, he finally accepted what I was wondering.

"Since you asked so nicely." Johnny said before grabbing the tray that once held a delicious meal. His boots shuffled across the floor towards the door before he looked back at me, "I know we both have bad impressions of each other but, my name is Johnny. Just don't fuck around, kay? You'll regret it one way or another."

"Why?" I dared to ask.

Johnny's expression turned soft for a split second before it hardened again - once again becoming the tough guy who couldn't care less. He shrugged before looking down at the bowl that once held chili, "Just trust me on that. Don't push your luck with anyone here. Just do what you're told and it won't be as bad. Now, rest up. Family has somethin' planned for tomorrow."

With that he opened the door before it slammed shut behind him. All three locks turned as I stood in the room alone once again. Except this time, I wasn't tied up. Did he forget? No, couldn't have. Despite everything, he seems like a smart man. My brows knitted together as I rubbed one of my wrists. They were still aching badly. I winced before my fingers touched my cheek, a few drops of blood coated them due the injury earlier. Fuck, I'm surprised I'm able to use my hands at all. Between the restraints and the bigger man injuring my hand - I'm shocked I can do anything at all. Maybe it's the adrenaline? Tears rolled down my face as I went over to my very disgusting looking bed. It looked like it could give me a new version of the plague and fall apart any second.

What did Johnny mean saying the family has something planned? Is it my death? Is it some freaky blood oath? It made my stomach turn at the thought of it. I honestly hope I peacefully die in my sleep so I won't have to deal with whatever it is. I'm sure death is better than this. Maybe it's whatever wedding ceremony they want to have? I don't want to marry Johnny! That would mean I would cater to him - kiss, sleep, and God only knows what else. The thought of doing any of that made tears welled into my eyes.

I miss Danny. How strong his arms would wrap around me, the feeling of his scruff against my neck as he kissed it, the steadiness of his breath as he fell asleep beside me. I missed how strong his hands were due to all the repairs he did - always willing to lend a helping hand on a car, radio, or if something blew a circuit. I always told him he should be a mechanic - he brushed it off every time. How Ana would tease Danny about being soft around me and he'd get cutely embarrassed over it. Ana, my little sister. My heart ached for her and our mama. She just lost dad a few years ago - I can't even imagine the state she's in right now over me. Ana is probably consoling her so she doesn't fall back into a deep depression. I have always deeply loved my little sister. How she didn't take shit but still had a heart of gold - she got that from dad. I hope she's not too upset over my disappearance. I know she was upset that I was leaving for college. I don't even want to imagine what state she's in too. Or Danny. Or the rest of my family and friends. I miss them all. But I doubt I'll ever-

No! You can't think that way, Maria. You'll see them again. You have to. You have to survive.

I have to.