Forced Into Insanity

Chapter 15: Privilege

— Francesca —

I get up to get a pair of gloves for both of us and we both slowly unwrap the ominous brown package.

I first pull out a clear, crystal jar.

I can only describe the contents inside it as horrifying.

The jar contains an eye. A very real, very bloody eye. It also contains a horrid picture of Thomas. The very same Thomas I knew for years. The feeling I'm experiencing is worse than fear. It's an uncomfortable, inherently twisted sense of nostalgia. A sense of dread laced with sorrow and helplessness overwhelms me. My chest feels tight.

I have never felt this much fear. Am I next?

I look to Oliver for comfort and he gives me a sad look. Not one felt because I'm panicking but one filled with disappointment. I don't think about it and continue to look through the contents of the package.

The last item I find is the worst, it's the dagger in the photo.

This is the moment Oliver finally speaks.
"Fran, I want you to calm down because I think I know what's going on here." His eyes are no longer stoic. They glow the more he says.
"I want to strike a deal with you."

This is the moment it all clicks in my mind. Don't say what I think you are going to say, Oliver.

"Remember when I told you to die for me and only for me?"

Where is he going with this? I only manage to nod.

His hands hold mine and for only this moment, we are both covered in blood without a care in the world. He takes off one of his gloves and pulls on my shirt.

"I pull you closer because I want to fall in love with you but can't."

"Why not?" I tilt my head.

His grip on my hand tightens but it's not uncomfortable.

"I want you to follow whatever orders I give you."
"D-don't- no! Oh god no, ew!" I try to break away before he can do what I think he's going to do.
"I want you to carry your brother somewhere for me."

Huh?

"What are you talking about?"

"You'll end up even worse than Thomas if you try to alert anyone or run from me. I can track you down whenever I want. If you do as I say, I'll give you the best life you could hope for."
"How would it be the best life when you killed off my best friend and boss just to make me obey some stupid orders?!" I yell incomprehensibly due to the tears welling up in my eyes.
"The life I'm promising you is one where I give you a large, comfortable home with anything you want. I'll always be beside you and your identity will stay anonymous so you won't ever have to worry about going to jail or paying bills or anything of the sort. If you also want, we could get married or we could stay as we are. However —his grip starts to become uncomfortable— if you don't agree to this deal, you'll be killed right now using your favourite sleeping pills. I won't let you feel any of the pain I'll inflict on you so rest assured."

"Do you or do you not agree?"

My face is calm, my whole body is relaxed.

"Would I be obliged to...y'know?"
"No. Desires are just desires, they can be controlled."
"You are...surprisingly lenient, what if you were to change after years of marriage and become abusive?"
"Then our deal would be over. You would be free to run off or do whatever. I am a gentleman when it comes to these things."

"I...I love my brother, Oliver. Can't I kill Katherine?"
"I have special plans for her. See, her and I used to date until she....decided to leave a scar by killing someone dear to me."

My eyes widen once more.

"Who?"
"Fran, it's irrelevant. Do you agree to my deal or not?"

"I agree."

"Good. Shall we get started?"

—~~~—

— Francesca —

I asked Gabriel to meet up at a nearby coffee shop. He replied that he's already working a shift and that I can come anytime.

Well, I guess it makes things easier.

I put on a pair of leggings and a light blouse. I look strange but it'll make moving a lot easier. I made the mistake of wearing some newer shoes, which are starting to hurt my feet. I do not know how I will feel after it is done with but I hope I can keep some sense of rationality.

The door swings open and hits the bell at the front of the shop, signalling that a customer has entered. Gabe looks up and smiles wider than I've ever seen him smile before. I do not reciprocate however, which causes him to tilt his head in confusion.
"You okay?" He mouthes.
"Can we talk outside, it's a bit crowded here."
"Sure."

I lead him far away from the ever so familiar wooden coloumns of our family restaurant. He then stops me abruptly.
"Where..are we going?"

My nerves are unsteady, my hands are shaking so badly I'm about to let the gun given to me fall to the ground. There is overwhelming dread in my heart and then,

I take a shot and Gabriel Heart falls to the ground. The gunshot resonates so loudly that I drop the gun then and there. I do as I am told and start running towards the location Oliver planned.

The rain above me is ruthless, the body over my shoulder is my brother's. I am selfish.

I am nothing.

There is nothing left for me.