Eve of Destruction

Chapter 2

Eve

I moved to campus, according to plan. However, I couldn’t miss saying goodbye to Ophelia. My parents bought me a roundtrip ticket so I could attend her funeral.

I knew she was well-liked and pretty popular, but hearing basically the entire city say such great things about her warmed my heart. I stood beside her brother, who held my hand the entire time.

Everly had Downs Syndrome. She made sure people treated him with respect and nothing less. He loved her more than anything. I knew this would be especially tough for him.

I looked down at her beauty queen, flawless face for the last time. Her blonde hair was curled perfectly, not a strand of hair out of place. The make-up was blended correctly, as she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She had a tiara on top of her head to remind us she was beauty pageant royalty. A sigh escaped my lips.

Her small milky-white hands were crossed over her chest. The lavender silk dress she wore was pressed; not a single wrinkle in sight. She was holding lavender in her hand.

Even in death, she was stunning. My eyes welled with tears as I lightly nudged Everly so the next couple could get one last look at her.

I didn’t bother attending the reception following the burial. Her boyfriend attempted to jump into the hole as they lowered her casket. It caused a huge scene and made her mother upset. Her grandmother fainted. Several people had to pull him out. It was honestly disgusting.

My parents took me directly to the airport following the funeral. I missed the first day of classes and wanted to get back as soon as possible. Fortunately, my professors were aware of the situation and emailed first-day assignments to me so I could stay plugged in. The car ride was silent, except for the radio playing some oldies.

My parents kissed me goodbye, while my mom held back tears watching me enter the airport.

The flight wasn't anything special and I was glad it was short. I was a little on edge after landing, but quickly recouped. There was a man standing, waiting for someone. I felt drawn to him for some reason. I shook it off and grabbed my bag. When I turned, I almost ran into him.

He growled and I was startled for a minute.

Then he said something that made my jaw drop.

“Mine.”

I glanced around the airport and everything seemed to be frozen in place. He cupped my chin in his large hand leaned in closer, sniffing me. I thought that was strange, but I couldn't move.

He lightly growled again.

"Come with me." He grabbed my hand and began to walk. I pulled away and tilted my head to the side. I must've looked as bewildered as I felt. He searched my face for a second before frowning.

Unexpectedly, he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, then grabbed my bag, walking straight out of the airport. A woman was running behind him attempting to get his attention.

I lifted my head enough to see her confusion.

“I’ll explain when we get to the packhouse.” His voice was a little intimidating.

Packhouse? That sounded like some drug king pin business. I shuddered at the thought.

"Put me down, please. I can walk."

The man stopped and gently placed me on my feet.

"Don't even think about running." He stared into my eyes and I could only nod. I was slightly scared, but also very confused about what was happening.

"W-where are we going?"

"Home."

I furrowed my brows.

"Where is that? It's not my home."

"It will be."

He took my hand once again and yanked hard enough to pull me along to a big black pick-up truck.

I tried pulling away and he only tightened his grip. I glanced at the woman who was side-eyeing him.

My mind kept telling me to scream for help, but my heart was conflicted. It was like I was in a trance and couldn't snap out of it. He opened the door to the backseat of the truck and shoved me in. As the truck pulled out of the parking space, I realized what was happening.

"Um, please tell me w--"

"I like to ride in silence."

I gulped. My mouth felt dry.

The woman kept peeking at me through the rearview mirror. I was about to hyperventilate. Am I being abducted? The terrifying thought of not knowing what was about to transpire made vomit rise in my throat. I swallowed hard and took deep, calming breaths. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest. There wasn't enough time to think about my escape as the busy road turned into a winding dirt path deep in a heavily wooded area. I sat frozen, unable to free myself of the strong need to be near the mysterious, quiet man.

But I was scared. What if they were a part of some cult or human trafficking ring? What if I was about to be sacrificed? Things could end badly for me. There was no one around that I could signal to. I shook my head.

"I have to get back to school. My professors are awaiting my return." My voice was almost unrecognizable.

He remained silent and continued racing down the dirt path. I made note of my surroundings and said a silent prayer. We finally reached what looked like a town. There were people everywhere. They were all huge, like the quiet man and skeptical woman.

And somehow, they were all so ... gorgeous. I was shaken by the sudden change in my environment. I watched as we raced past people who were shopping, eating outside of restaurants, coming or going from their homes, etc. After about 15 more minutes, we reached a massive white house with red shudders covering the windows and a red door.

The woman exited the truck first, smoothing out the dress she was wearing. I waited to see what was going to happen next. I was already plotting how to get out of this situation alive. My thoughts were racing as the door swung open and I was pulled out by the man. He hastily walked while I tried to keep up with his steps.

I caught the surprised glances and whispers of people inside the house. An elevator took us up to the top floor. As soon as the elevator doors closed, the man pressed me against the wall and put his face in my hair, breathing in deeply. His hands were placed on my hips and he remained close to me until the ding of the elevator got his attention. He rushed me to a room that was huge. It was like an apartment inside of the house. I scanned the room, not realizing my jaw had dropped. He lightly tapped my chin and I snapped out of my dumbfounded state.

"Your name?" He glared at me. His eye contact was making me shake in the knees a bit.

"Uh, my name ..." My voice was shaking.

"Eve."