A/N: Hey! Sorry for the long wait. I wanted to build some suspicion and anticipation first. Plus, some stuff happened in real life too. If my memory is correct... this is now the most lengthy chapter! I hope you enjoy it and tune in for the next one! :)

April 13th, 1973

10:22am

The Family House

Song recommendation: "Run" by AWOLNATION

TW: Emetophobia (vomiting), animal abuse mentioned, death.

RUN.

Maria

-.-

The large metal door shut behind me as Virginia closed it. We both crouched down near the staircase - trying to stay hidden due in case anyone saw us. Virginia was on high alert mode as she went first - carefully looking around. We started to inch up the steps slowly - our body weight causing the wooden steps to creek underneath us. With each creak, I swore someone was going to find us. I let out a whimper as my hand and wrist ached and throbbed due to me trying to force the door open while it's still injured. Virginia looked back at me as she tried to give me a reassuring smile.

"It's okay," she whispered to me, "we'll just go the way I came." I nodded in response to her. We got to the top of the stairs and I looked around - discovering I was in a new area of the house I hadn't seen before. It was a little sunroom back porch area. The wall of windows led out to a large flower garden and in the distance was a bunch of old cars. I'm assuming Hands and Johnny enjoy collecting their victims' cars. They seem like car guys. The decor of the sunroom was interesting to say the least. Animal skulls, a shelf full of random items, a freezer, and a bunch of random clutter and tools. I looked over my shoulder - making sure that the coast was clear - as I continued to follow the older woman. Virginia went to the door that led to the back garden and car graveyard. She twisted the knob to no avail. Her brows furrowed together in confusion before we both realized something. On the door was a red padlock with a small keyhole. Virginia tugged on the door a few more times but to no avail. If we kick down the door or smash the window- it would've made too much noise. That's the last we needed from this entire family. Virginia's eyes widened as she looked back at me, terror in her eyes as she hushed out; "I could've sworn this was open a few minutes ago!"

"Did anyone see you?" I asked her.

Virginia nodded, "A young woman with blonde hair who was attending some flowers. She rushed inside before I could question her - they have my son's car in their backyard." A chill ran down my spine as my blood ran cold. I knew this family killed people. I don't want to assume the worst but I'm the only one who's locked up - that I'm aware of. I doubt anyone would willingly join this family, so her son joining them is probably low. So that only means that he's most likely dead. He's dead and she doesn't know. It made me wonder who else that went missing ended up here. Just me? A few? Maybe all of them? But what really made me freeze up is when Virginia mentioned a woman with blonde hair. It had to be Sissy. She'd be the only one to attend the flowers too.

"We need to find another way out." I whispered to her and looked around, "There's at least a front door I know about. But it's locked up too."

Virginia then sighed, "Okay... so that's out of the question. I guess we should look around - maybe there's some keys we can try?"

I nodded at her suggestion. Virginia and I looked around before heading to the left of the back porch door. We opened a white door that led into another little room. But... there was this god awful smell. I coughed before holding my ribs - a sudden painful feeling in them and my lungs. Virginia held her nose as we slowly walked inside the odor filling atmosphere. The room was darker compared to the others I've seen on the main floor so far - which wasn't many. The windows were boarded up with black curtains - making the room almost too dark to see in. But thanks to the kitchen, you could still make out what was in the room.

God, it looked like hell.

Corpses of animals and humans hung from the ceiling. Even bones that I couldn't tell which were which. A few pigs were slit almost perfectly through the middle and strung up, a few human arms and legs, and even someone's upper torso being strung up by their hands. Their face was bashed in as I couldn't tell who it was. There were a few tables with some bloodied up tools, saws, buckets, and jars that were full of random organs or even some chemicals. On the other table were another torso, leg, dismembered arms, and decapitated hands and feet. A few bottles also sat at the end. My blood ran cold although I wasn't surprised - seeing some of the content of the red lair downstairs with the animals and body bags. But that still didn't mean it froze me in fear - witnessing the actual slaughtering of innocent people. Pigs being slaughtered on a farm? Sad but understandable. But human?! Human's that once laughed, breathed, and had full futures - just dismembered and had bashed in faces - as if they were some cattle or even a weird science experiment.

"OH MY GOD!" Virginia screamed out in horror before covering her mouth - realizing how loud she was. My eyes widened at her sudden yell before I slapped my own hands over hers - making sure she remained quiet. Virginia breathed heavily as her eyes widened in horror and realization - tears filling her eyes as her body began to shake in fear. After a while, she removed our hands and whispered to me; "What the hell is this place?!"

"Hell." I responded as I fought back the vomit that wanted to come up due to the sight and smell, "Hell on Earth."

Virginia quickly looked away and grabbed a bucket. Inside was already blood and organs - but that didn't stop her from emptying her stomach into it. She hurled into it violently as I rubbed her back - trying to soothe her in this situation. Thanks to taking care of pa towards the end of his life - I've grown a strong stomach. Seeing him vomit during his cancer, taking care of his bed sores, and helping him use the bathroom towards the end of his life. I over time grew a tolerance for anything that might be disgusting. But this?! This was intense. I gagged a few times and almost took the bucket from Virginia - but held it down. We couldn't waste anymore time getting sick or mourning for the people we never knew. Virginia wiped her mouth on the back of her hand as tears gently rolled down her face.

"We... we need to keep pushing." Virginia's voice was hoarse due to how violently her throat was strained due to her reaction. I nodded and went into the next room - which was the kitchen. The counters were littered in dishes and canned goods that were now empty. Several bugs rummaged around the mess and even in the sink. I scrunch my nose up at the sight - but it was still nothing compared to the gory room we had just left. There was a little freezer and a weird wooden arch thing. If I remember correctly, it was a gallow. One of those structures where they would hang people from. But it was a similar structure to the one in the basement - also having a large metal hook attached to it. I stared at it for a second before my gaze went to a table - that acted like an island - in the middle of the kitchen. It was stained with blood as flies danced around it. On the corner was a butcher knife that reflected the sun intruding through the windows nearby.

Then, it clicked.

The first night here when I met Johnny. How he tried to feed me food except for one specific meal. The chili. How the beef seemed to look so off - even the texture being weird. But I still ate it because I was hungry and wanted to rebel - refusing to listen to the warning. How Johnny looked away to avoid me eating the meal in front of me. Since then he's only made me little sandwiches and specified what type of meat it was; such as ham or turkey. I looked behind me at the severely bloodied room that had a mix of pig and human corpses. Oh my god. OH MY GOD! Did they cut these people up and eat them?! Is that how they dispose of the bodies?! Is that... no. I should've listened to him. I shouldn't of ate that fucking bowl despite it luring me in like a serpent does with it's prey. I'm such a stubborn bitch! I should've listened to Johnny. I should've-

Don't eat the chili.

This time it was my turn. I ran over and threw up on the hoard of cockroaches, ants, and gnats that danced within the porcelain sink. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. Shit! SHIT! He was right from the start - I should've trusted him. But I didn't. I didn't and I most likely ate an innocent person. A person I never met who will never get to live and tell their story. To live out the rest of their life. I sobbed as I stuck a finger down my throat - forcing myself to throw up even more. I know it's probably all out of my system by basic human waste. But I couldn't help myself. I felt like I had to do something to somehow reverse my actions. This was all my fault! I should've turned back at that damn gas station! I should've asked to use their phone and called Danny or one of my friends. But no, I took it as a sign to fucking wander off and take photos of stupid flowers!

¡Soy tan idiota!

"Maria," Virginia's voice was still a whisper, "come on, we need to move." This older woman - who was looking for her son - tried to help me snap back to the gruesome reality. She's right, I couldn't get stuck here. I couldn't die here and have the same fate as the person that I... had eaten. God! God, this is all so fucked up! Part of me is grateful that Johnny tried to warn me despite it being one of our first ever conversations.

I nodded at Virginia's words and crept forward - going through the next room which I knew well. It was the dining room. The long wooden table that could fit six people at once. But upon closer examination, I saw the chairs were made out of bones; the pieces being held together with what looked like rope and... leather. Which at this point could be real leather from an animal or maybe even someone's skin. I wouldn't be surprised. Now that I mention it, maybe Bubba's mask is made of someone's face. Okay, Maria! You need to stop thinking about it before you get sick again. In the corner of one room was a full human skeleton with a lightbulb through its skull area. The entire skull, neck area, and upper torso was lit up - illuminating the bones. From the ceiling also hung some random bone pieces almost acting like little windchimes. To the opposite side of the dining room were three large windows, also covered, but with a bunch of patterned clothes sewn together to make large custom-made curtains. There were also a few dressers with a bunch of useless trash and junk on top - including a radio - that funnily enough was repeating the missing persons reports for the day.

"The search continues in Muerto County for a missing University of Texas student. The Sheriff's department says that Maria Flores, a native of Uvalde, was last seen near the town of Newt. Her vehicle was recently discovered abandoned along Country Road 172, with officials reporting no signs of foul play. Family and friends are urging anyone with information regarding her disappearance to please come forward."

My family and friends?! Danny! Ana! Oh, I hope to see them once Virginia and I make it out of here.

We walked through the archway that led towards the front of the house - right where the front door with a bunch of locks were. In this new room were a bunch of the bones hanging from the ceiling - almost as if it was some weird art piece. Feathers were scattered all around the floor and furniture as a chicken sat in a cage. The cage was severely dirty and the chicken began to flap it's wings violently at us - scared of us even close to its trembling body. Oh my god, that poor baby. I don't want to even imagine the horror the innocent animal has seen and went through. If they slaughter innocent people and farm animals without any remorse - I can only imagine what the chickens or other pure animals have to face. The distressed chicken continued to flap around in its extremely small cage - begging for help and mercy - as if we were going to hurt it.

Virginia and I made our way to the front door where - sure enough - there were a few locks on the door. We undid a few but noticed that it required a key. How the hell?! I peeked through the keyhole and saw the front porch and a long driveway at the end of the street which led to a road. It was right there. Right fucking there! If we're able to unlock this door and run down the driveway without getting caught - maybe we can make it to the road and keep running until someone sees us. I smiled as a breathless laugh escaped my lips - picturing the sweet victory. I smiled wide as I turned back to Virginia.

"I can see the main road!" I beamed happily.

"Okay, so where's the key?" Virginia asked - her voice in a hushed whisper. I shrugged in response before Virginia looked away - I could tell she was desperately trying to think of a plan despite the stressful situation. Then, it suddenly hit her. "They seem like very... crafty... people, right? Surely, they have tools. Maybe we can use something to break the door open?"

I nodded in response to her. Okay, so we had a plan of some sort; find something to break the door open. Maybe a pair of bolt cutters? We decided to retrace our footsteps - going back through the room with bones, the dining room, kitchen, and eventually the gore room. We scanned over each room quickly - desperate to find something. A few tool boxes - but you probably can't hammer down a door. The butcher knife in the kitchen would take a while too. We needed something quickly and hopefully easy to wedge through the door and lock - or maybe even taking off the entire door handle. As we made our way to the back porch, Virginia spotted a little table with some pottery like plates and jars. On the wall were a few painted flowers and above that were flowers hung upside down to dry out. But more importantly, she spotted a bunch of crushed up powder around the area and in some of the jars.

She examined it over and shook her head in disbelief; "This... this is poison."

I looked over at her, "How do you know?"

"I was a nurse in my prime years. I studied a bunch of poisonous flowers - which are the same hung up. A lot of people like to go exploring and accidentally run into them and end up in my care. This powder is a huge combination of some of those. Shit, I can recognize some of them! Hydrangea, azalea, hemlock, and even lilies of the valley." Virginia explained to me as she picked up a jar of some of the crushed up flowers. She poured a little bit into a tinier jar and stored it in the pocket of her pants. She turned to me with a sad smile, "Just in case we need to use it against them."

I nodded - agreeing with her. I don't want to fight back or kill someone. But if I need to, I will. It's literally a kill or get killed situation. We headed towards the back where we saw a little sitting room with two different staircases; one that led down to the basement while the other led to the second story. Another porch door was open - leading out to a little garden shed area. Bingo! Maybe that's where I can find something to quickly bust open the doors. Virginia looked at the top of the stairs as another idea struck her.

"Okay, I have an idea. You find something to break open that door. I'll go find a fuse box and turn everything off - getting them distracted. Sneak to the front and try and get the door open. I'll throw the powder into their face and we book it to the end of the road. Sounds like a plan?" I looked into Virginia's eyes. I could tell how determined she was for me to make it out alive. But her as the bait? Will that even be a good idea? What if she gets hurt?! What do I do then? But then again, she's not as injured as me. She could probably run and be a good distraction. At the same time, I still have my injured hand and it's also bleeding. I could barely open the metal door by myself. How can I use enough force to break open a door?

I shook my head, "I don't know about this. I don't want you to get hurt."

Virginia looked me dead in the eyes. Her look of determination still on her face as she swallowed hard - fighting to say the next phase from her lips; "If I get the truth about my son then I don't care what the fuck happens to me."

With that she left me alone - heading up the creaky stairs that lead to the second story. I guess my worries didn't matter to her stubborn confidence. I took that as my sign to go my separate way to help out with her plan. God, I really hope this works! I moved into the backyard and looked up at the blue sky. This was the first time I've seen and felt the sun since... well... I don't know when. A gentle smile crept its way onto my face as I closed my eyes - basking in the sun. The warmth of the sun's heat began to slowly warm me up - making me feel like I was getting a warm hug. I opened my hazel eyes once more as I gazed up at the puffy white clouds that slowly danced across the sky. Suddenly, a small little breeze ran through my hair which only widened my smile. I dreamt of this day - to just enjoy nature one again in peace. Despite the situation at hand - I couldn't help but take a second to enjoy myself.

"TELL ME WHERE HE IS! WHERE'S MY BOY?!" The voice yelled.

I looked over my shoulder as the person yelled out again before a lot of thumping and rumbling. I heard a second voice - a man - who was grunting and sounded like he was struggling. It took me a second to realize the first yell was Virginia and the grunting sounded similar to Johnny. Shit! SHIT! I needed to hurry! I jogged to the back of the fenced in yard where I entered the little shack. There were quite a few tools and another one of the handheld tool boxes. My eyes scanned over the several tools. Rake? No. Shovel? No. A large hand saw? No, that would be too time consuming. That's when I saw the head of the bolt cutters. Bingo! I smiled wide as I pushed the wooden scrap panels off and held them in one hand as I found a random screwdriver. Maybe I break the regular locks off and unscrew the door knob? Just push or even kick the door until it budges? Yeah, that might work. Plus the screwdriver could be my weapon since Virginia took that powder.

I rushed back to the doorway where I saw Virginia running down the stairs. She had a look of determination as she rounded the corner. But what we both didn't realize - until it was too late - was Hands. He stood in the doorframe of the sunroom. Virginia's determination got the best of her as she somehow didn't notice him - focusing on the main adjective which was to run to the front door. The same one that I hadn't even started to open yet.

"VIRGINIA!" I screamed out but it was too late. Hands took a step forward with a low growl escaping his throat. It sounded like some type of beast. Virginia looked back at me - stopping in her tracks - before turning her head in the direction of the growl. Hands reached forward and grabbed Virginia by her head. The older woman screamed out as she tried to claw his hands and arms - attempting a desperate plea to escape. She even reached into her front pocket for the powder but it slipped from her grasp - rolling away from her. She was completely defenseless against someone who was seven feet tall and had a ton of muscle.

"HELP! HELP ME, MARIA!" Virginia screamed out. But I stood in the doorway near the stairs - watching it happen. I couldn't move. It felt like my feet were glued to the floorboards and my eyes couldn't snap away from the scene. I wanted to help but my brain and body refused to let me - almost as if I was in some type of trance. But before I could do anything else, Hands pushed Virginia back. He held the hammer in his hand, the same one he used to injure my hand, and knocked Virginia in the knee. A loud cracking sound was heard as Virginia dropped onto that knee. She let out a loud wail as pain consumed her entire leg before looking up at the much larger man. He then strikes again, hitting her other knee. Another loud crack ripped through the air as Virginia let out a gaspy yell - trying to process the amount of pain she was in. Tears ran down her face as she clenched both of her knees.

But, what happened next will forever haunt me.

Hands then raised his hammer in the air above him. Virginia immediately looked up with a look of terror and plea in her eyes, her mouth gaped open in shock and to let out a scream. Tears continued to roll down her eyes as she clenched her knees - trying to soothe the sharp pain she was feeling. But before she could utter another word - Hands grabbed her by the hair and she let out a blood curdling scream. With one swift movement - Hands struck down and hit Virginia on the top of her skull. Her scream suddenly stopped as his large hand slipped out of her short blonde hair - which was now becoming red due to the very large gash on her forehead. Her limp body fell to the floor as her eyes remained open. Blood poured from down her face and hair, onto the floor, and even into her eyes. Her eyes remained open and lifeless as they gazed into mine - the look of pure terror in her eyes before she died.

Virginia died scared, trying to help me escape, while looking for her lost son. The last thing she saw was Hands and I. She died not knowing where her son was.

I let out a blood curdling scream at the site. The screwdriver and bolt cutters slipped from my grasp as I saw Virginia's lifeless body on the floor. I've seen my dad's lifeless body before but he died peacefully with us around. The site before me was nothing close to that. Past the large amount of blood, I could see broken skull fragments and her brain scattered across her face and the floor. Hands looked up from the fresh corpse as he looked up at me - as another pair of boots stomped down the stairs. Looking over to see who it was I noticed it was-

"Maria?!" Johnny gasped out as his eyes widened. He looked over at Hands who glanced between the two of us - not moving a muscle. Johnny's gaze then went to the floor where he saw Virginia. His head snapped over in my direction as he not just noticed I escaped - but also saw Hands take the life of Virginia. "Maria... it's not what it looks like."

The fuck is it supposed to look like then?!

I didn't say anything as I backed up against a wall. Johnny slowly took a few steps towards me as he held out his hands - trying to calm me down. His voice was soft as a wave of concern washed over his face - scared of what will happen next. Why the hell should he be scared? I'm the one who could be next! Head bashed in, cut up, and served up for dinner. Oh God. OH MY FUCKING GOD! They're going to do that to Virginia! Next to me was a large shelf with antique dusty books that hasn't been touched in years. I picked one up and threw one at Johnny who quickly dodged it.

"Maria - just calm down. It's going to be-"

"GET AWAY!" I screamed and threw another book in his direction. Every time I blinked, I saw Virginia's lifeless face. I couldn't go a second of closing my eyes because my brain refused to disregard the heroic woman. She died trying to get me out of here. She died trying to find her son. I stood back and watched when I could've attempted to help her. She's dead and it's all my fault. All of this is my fault! That should be me on the floor instead of Virginia!

"Hey, hey!" Johnny's voice was gentle as he took another step towards me. My back was pressed against the peeling wallpaper of the house of horrors as he gave me a small smile. "Just take my hand, sunshine. It's going to be okay. I'm here, okay?! It was just an accident."

"FUCKING GET AWAY!" I screamed and threw another book. This time it hit Johnny right in the face. Dust flew all around him as he let out a painful hiss. He held the side of his head where the book hit him. I took this as my opportunity to run. I needed to run as fast as I can - maybe break through a window and just keep running. I don't know! I just knew that I was going to be next if I stayed here any second longer. As Johnny had his head down, clenching it with his hand, while coughing and grunting in pain - I decided to make a run for it. I shoved past Hands who didn't bother to touch or run after me. I ran past the sun room, the gore room, and into the kitchen. I heard Johnny's boots following me.

"This is pointless, y'know? Quit stallin'." He sighed out. He was entering the sunroom. Shit, maybe I should try and hide to wait it out? I saw the freezer in the kitchen and lifted the lid. The smell of rotting meat - most likely human flesh - filled my nose as I fought back another wave of vomit. Now was definitely not the time! I raised one leg and dumped it into the freezer. The squelching sound as my foot hit the rotting material and murky water made me want to upchuck everything again. I fought through it as I lifted my other leg and crouched down in the small space - sharing it with whatever deceased person or animal who claimed this area before me. I peeked my eyes out and noticed the butcher knife.

Through the reflection of the knife I saw both Johnny and Hands. Hands had bent forward, without saying a word, and picking Virginia up. He slung her over his shoulder as if she was a sack of produce - weighing almost like nothing. Hands let out a grunt as he turned towards the staircase and began to carry her lifeless corpse down to the basement. Johnny, on the other hand, stood in the doorframe between where Virginia was killed and the sun room. Despite knowing he always carried that large knife with him, he had it on the side of his belt, not using it to hunt me down. His eyes scanned all over the room for any trace of me before down to the floor. His brows knitted together as he noticed something on the rotting wooden boards.

Johnny slowly crouched down to better examine whatever he saw. Using his index and middle finger, he touched something before rubbing both fingers against his thumb and looking up. His gaze scanned around the room before noticing the butcher knife in the kitchen - seeing his own reflection. However, from my end, it looked like he was staring right into my eyes. My blood ran cold as he stood up and kept his head down to the floor - following some type of trail. I was curious to see what he was looking at and slowly following. I moved closer to the edge of the freezer and peeked into the reflection closely. His boots shuffled across the floor as he inched his way closer... following a blood trail.

Shit! SHIT! My injured hand!

I looked down at my hand that still had the large gash which I accidentally set my hand free with Nubbins' knife. I didn't realize the amount of blood that was pouring out of it which probably left a trail. Tears whelmed in my eyes as fear consumed me. He's going to find me! He's going to find me and kill me. I'm going to be just like Virginia and probably her son.

Johnny inched his way closer into the gore room - where all the strung up corpses and body parts were. His eyes squinted together as he tried to make out my fresh blood trail in the room with the most blood and in the dark. But somehow, he managed to do it. His loud boots slowly thumped closer to where I was. The sound of his boots almost aligned with my rapid heart beat - skipping every few seconds. I closed my eyes as tears continued to roll down my face. This was the end. Danny and Ana were never going to find out where I was. Connie and Julie were never going to my bridesmaids at my wedding. I would never take Danny's last name. I would never fully be able to give myself to him - resulting in our child to carry on our undying love's legacy. Sonny will lose a friend to tell his Star Trek facts without judging him. Leland will lose his own personal photographer for his wrestling matches. Ana and ma would mourn over not just dad but me next. Danny would never see me walk down the aisle for him.

Johnny stopped right next to the freezer. His eyes slowly scanned up the side of the freezer where I assumed my hand had slid across the metal and plastic surface. I let out a little whimper as I couldn't hold in my fear anymore. Johnny's fingertips went under the top door - right where my eyes were peeking out of. Using little strength, he popped it open and looked down at me. I gazed into his eyes - mine full of tears and fear as he had some empathetic ones. He gave me a soft smile as he kept one hand up on the door above me while his other hand was turned, his palm facing me, offering me to take his hand.

"You should know better than that, come on out now." Johnny said softly.

I shook my head, "Please... no!"

Johnny's soft smile and gaze started to slowly dim once I told him no. A new expression on his face; annoyance. He let out a frustrated sigh with an eye roll. He shifted his body weight onto one of his boots as he stared down at me - growing impatient.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way." Johnny muttered out. I shook my head again and looked down. The smell of the flesh became more prominent due to that simple action. I didn't want to look at him. After all, he's still the reason why I'm here. He's still the reason why I tried to escape. He's the reason why Virginia is dead. However, he is the person who tried to convince me not to eat the chili. He's the reason why most of my injuries didn't go unnoticed. He's the reason why I'm staying alive because of his stupid families wanting to continue their legacy. He's the reason why I found comfort in all this madness.

"No!" I cried out softly and shook my head again, "Please don't kill me! Please! I'll do anything, I swear!"

Johnny looked down at me with a stupid grin, "Kill you?! Sunshine, I would've done that by now."

Wow, that was very reassuring. Johnny made a "come here" motion with his free palm once again. But I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything but try and cower like a small child - scared of some big bad wolf. Oh, what big ears he had to listen to my pleas. Oh, what beautiful brown eyes he had to track me down. Oh, what large hands he has to comfort me before strangling me to death. Oh, what mouth he has - the lips of an angel that spoke sweet words before reminding he can kill me any second. It was as if I was a little red riding hood and he was the big bad wolf. Except for being rescued, I was about to be eaten alive. Literally.

"You have the count of three." Johnny warned me. His look was stern and no longer comforting or playful. I shook my head violently as my eyes widened more in fear. Any larger and I swear they'll just fall out. With the hand on the freezer, Johnny's index finger began to tap impatiently on the surface. He opened his mouth as he raised a brow up at me - waiting for my response. I remained still - frozen to the rotting meat beneath me. Johnny opened his mouth and began to count;

"One."

My blood ran cold. Maybe I can punch him and make a run?!

"Two."

My mouth dried up as I could no longer speak. Maybe I can make a break for it and open the door?

"Three."

All my thoughts weren't set in stone as I remained in the dirty and moldy freezer. Johnny forcefully grabbed my arm and pulled me up before dragging me out of the freezer. On the way to the floor, my arm grazed against the butcher knife that was stuck in the wooden table - piercing and slicing down the back of my bicep, down my elbow, and back of my left forearm. All my smart ass remarks to him looked like child's-play as I cowered on the floor beneath Johnny. The man grabbed me by both of my shoulders and forced me to stand up. I didn't have enough time to recover from the fall and new injury as he threw me over his shoulder with such ease - like Hands did with Virginia's corpse.

"LET GO OF ME!" I yelled out and began to kick my legs around. Johnny wrapped his arm around my knees to prevent me from kicking in the face as he carried me into the area where the wall of multiple animal skulls were with the red painted wall. He started to walk down the staircase to the basement as I let out loud cries and wails of pleading and help - as if anyone in this messed up family could help me. Once we made it to the bottom - Johnny used his free hand to open the metal sliding door. I gripped onto the wall in a desperate attempt to get out of his grasp. I held onto the wall and door as Johnny forcefully yanked me off of it in one motion. I couldn't fight against him no matter how hard I tried - he was too strong.

"Stop!" Johnny sighed out, "Just fuckin' stop! You're fine!"

"FUCK YOU!" I screamed back as I desperately tried to grip onto anything else to stall or even help me. But nothing. It all slipped from my grasp due to the sweat, blood, and disgusting water on my hands and arms. Sure enough, Johnny had put me right back in my room. He slammed me against the bed before I immediately tried to fight back. I pushed him away and jumped up - trying to book it to the door. Johnny was quicker than me. He rushed over and slammed his body weight against it and blocked it from me.

"Maria... rela-"

"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" I screamed back and slapped him across the face, "¡TE ODIO! ¡ESPERO QUE MUERTAS!"

Johnny's face turned from the large amount of impact from me hitting him. He closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose, trying to calm himself down, before exhaling and opening his eyes back open. Johnny slowly looked over at me and shook his head.

"I didn't want to do this but you don't give me a fuckin' choice, sunshine." With that Johnny shoved me onto the bed. My eyes widened as he got on top of me. He grabbed my arms and pinned them to the side of my face - my arm burning from rubbing against the now damp mattress due to my blood getting everywhere. I let out a scream of mixed emotions. Anger, sadness, and fear. Johnny pinned my legs down using his knees as my body flared against him. He had a saddened expression on his face as he watched me fight and struggle underneath his strong grip. I let out a loud scream before hearing something. His voice was gently shushing me. I didn't care! I continued to scream louder as a large wail escaped from me - ringing throughout the small room. Johnny bit his lower lip as he watched me - almost looking like he was fighting back tears of his own.

"LET ME GO! LET ME FUCKING- FUCK! Fuck... please, let me go!" I cried out before my voice got weaker, "Please... let me go... please!" I was losing my strength and will to fight. Johnny continued to gently shush into my ear along with whispering comforting phrases. I stopped struggling as my tears started to lighten up slightly. I gazed into Johnny's big brown eyes that definitely had tears of his own now. He leaned forward and gently pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead as I completely stopped struggling against him.

"It's okay, I know." Johnny whispered into my ear as his grip slowly loosened, "I'm here. It's going to be okay, sunshine."

"He... he killed her!" I cried out and closed my eyes.

Johnny nodded, "I know. I know that, darlin'."

"Why?!" My own voice was a whisper as I scanned all over his facial features, "Why her? She was just trying to help me." Johnny gave me a sad small but reassuring smile - refusing to answer. One of his hands released my grip as he wiped the tears from my face. I melted against his touch - longing for any type of comfort. His warm and rough thumb slid across my cheek as the rest of his hand cradled my neck. I leaned into his touch as I gazed into his eyes. Johnny's smile softly dimmed as his eyes trailed down my face and stopped at my lips. I did the same. My eyes left his as I scanned over his sharp cheekbones and his intense jawline. Despite those two dominant features, I could still see some of his boy-ish features. Such as how his cheeks still had some of his baby fat. He gently licked his lips before leaning forward. I didn't fight it - not that I was paralyzed from fear - but simply because I didn't want to. His lips connected with mine gently. His lips were smooth compared to his rough hands - offering me a new type of comfort. My own probably tasted of my salty tears which he didn't seem to mind. Johnny's eyes closed as mine fluttered shut - a single tear rolling down my face.

It didn't feel wrong. It felt... right.

After a second of the gentle kiss, Johnny leaned back and looked me in the eyes. I swallowed hard as I quickly gazed over his expression. He seemed... at peace. Johnny's shoulders relaxed as I saw him gaze at me differently. It was the same type of gaze I would catch Danny giving me - the one where his eyes would twinkle as a soft smile would be on his face. It was an expression of happiness. It was an expression of peace. It was an expression of love.

"Maria..." I didn't say anything as I listened to what he said next; "I'm in love with you."

I was the one who then kissed him.