| Fresh | Alternative Ending | All Credits to Film |

2: The Wife & Kids

Author's Note:

Hey guys! Thanks for reading this far! Characters featured in this chapter include: Steve, Ann, and their two kids: Hayden + Hunter. Next chapter will have more of Noa!

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-Ann-

   "Mommy, where's Daddy?" Hayden asks, his voice sounding as sad as raindrops on a grave. Brendan (Steve) had promised Hayden to watch the movie, 'Goosebumps,' with him tonight. He had been putting it off for weeks, but he had finally told Hayden he would watch it with him tonight.

   "I'm sorry sweetheart — I'm sure he just has a bit of extra work to do." Brendan hasn't texted or answered any of my calls for three hours. I've sent him exactly one-hundred and three texts. I've called him eight-teen times. Of course, I'm worried — but, Brendan's a six-foot man, with almost as much strength as a body-builder. I shouldn't be worried. But still, I am.

-Steve/Brendan-

After finishing up with Mollie, I walk to Noa's cell. I peak in, and see her curled up on the hard floor — maybe she would appreciate an actual bed? I contemplate this idea to myself, and head upstairs.

"Shit." I mutter to myself. My phone reads:

11:15PM
Friday, August 19th

Messages
ANN
115 Text Messages

Phone
ANN
20 Missed Calls

I should've brought my phone with me — Ann gets so worked up over things. She annoys me half to death. But, our marriage is beneficial for both of us. A wife and kids is the perfect cover-up and alibi for me. Nobody would suspect a loving, kind family-man. And, it benefits Ann — well — because it keeps her alive. If she wasn't my cover-up, I probably would have killed her long ago.

There was one point in time, when I was fond of Ann. I fucked her, before I revealed my cannibalistic side. Afterwards, nobody knew she was pregnant. I ended up removing two parts of her body before I noticed her pregnancy symptoms — vomiting, bloating, and extreme hunger.

When I gave her a pregnancy test, of course it came back positive. I was furious at first — I didn't want a family — Why would I? I didn't even like her much. Sure, she was pretty cool before I locked her up here — but afterwards, she turned into a whiny brat.

But, I knew having a family would be the perfect disguise — so, I accepted it. She was willing to do whatever it took to stay alive — Even if that meant marrying her captor.

After our marriage, Ann started to slowly accept it. I think she even started to care for me — she made me breakfast in bed, gave me endless kisses, and tried to sleep with me multiple times. Of course, I turned her down — but, I made up for it by buying her small gifts. If only she hadn't been so whiny, I might actually enjoy her presence.

I get into my car, a red 1966 Ford Mustang convertible. It's a magnet, honestly — wherever I go with it, the women follow shortly behind — Except for Noa. Noa didn't care about the shiny car, or the expensive house... She's a real one. She's special.

   While in the car, I space out to 'Le Jardin,' by La Femme. The melody is relaxing, and somewhat — romantic. It almost reminds me of her.

   After half an hour, I'm home. Ann will be furious — I still haven't responded to any of her texts yet. I sigh, and walk into the front door. I hang my coat up on the rack, set my bag down, and walk upstairs, into our shared bedroom.

   The bedroom is a big, spacious room with it's own private bathroom. Ann is in the bathroom, getting ready for bed.

   "Hey, honey. I'm home," I walk up to her, and plant a kiss on her cheek. She doesn't respond. She keeps looking at herself in the mirror. "Honey?" I ask, "Are you alright?" She turns towards me.

   "Where were you?" She asks, dangerously calm.

   I looked at her sternly — "I was working, like I always am?" I roll my eyes at her.

   "You told me you would be home by 8PM! I was worried sick. You didn't even text back! Plus, you promised Hayden you would watch 'Goosebumps' with him tonight!"

   "Okay, and? Sometimes I'm busy, Ann. Why can't you watch it with him instead?" I demanded.

   "He wanted you to watch it with him. Not me. Fucking dumbass." She stomps away.

   I grab her arm, and shove her towards the wall — "Where do you think you're going?! Hm?" I tower over her, demanding power.

   She starts to shake, and I start to feel guilty. I'm the one in the wrong.

   "Stop, Brendan. This isn't like you." She pleads, and a tear falls from her eye.

   I roll my eyes, "What do you mean, not like me? I'm a fucking killer, Ann! A monster! The only reason you're still alive is because you're an object — A pawn."

   She starts to sob, and I become apologetic. I immediately try to wrap an arm around her, and rub her shoulder — but, she shoves me off.

   "You're sleeping on the couch tonight, Brendan." She wipes off her tears, stands up, and stomps off to the bedroom.

   "Fine. I don't want to sleep by you anyways," I mumble.

   When I get to the couch, I see Hunter crying in a corner. I want to ignore him, but I can't. How can I ignore him when he's as loud as a whole ass marching band?

   I walk over to him, and sit against the wall beside him. I sigh, "Hey, Hunter. What's wrong?" I smile.

   "W-were you and mommy fighting?"

   "Ohhh, no baby. We were just having a little chat." I smile, kiss his forehead, and squeeze his hand.

   He smiles back, "Okay daddy. Can I sleep with you and mommy tonight? I was having nightmares."

   I smile, slightly. "Sure, kid. But I'm sleeping on the couch tonight. Do you want me or mommy?"

   "You!" He giggles, and jumps onto the couch with me. My lips curve upward, and I wrap my arm around him as we sleep. Maybe, kids aren't as bad as I thought they were.

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