Silent Emily

Pigs and Blood

His mustache rose up as his lips did.

It was a sad attempt for a grin, more of a sneer if anything.

"How's it hanging?" He asked, laughing.

That was the worst joke ever.

"Fine." I answered. My eyes landed back on the blood that splattered on his sleeve. He followed my eyes, raising it up.

"Just a pig," He said. "Don't worry now. You're not in danger yet."

I sighed, a bit of relief escaping through my breath. I was probably still in danger but the simple words helped a hair.

"Do you want down?" The john asked me. I nodded but the laugh that slithered from his lips told me he had no intention of letting me down. "You're a funny one, you. A skank on the streets and dumb for believing I'd let you down."

"What am I doing here?" I asked, my teeth grinding.

"What are you doing here?" He restated, tapping a finger against his chin again. I realized how much I was starting to hate that little action. "I don't know, think about it a little longer." He turned to walk back out the doors stopping as I screamed.

"At least tell me your name." I called. "It's the least you could do for your guest." He let out a cackle, turning to face me.

"My name? You're so worried about my name, eh? It's Axel. Welcome to the barn, girl." He turned again, his footsteps heavy against the hay and straw that lined the floors. I watched as the door slammed shut, leaving me and my wall alone again.

"Hello?" A voice whispered. My head snapped forward, my eyes scanning the barn. I couldn't see the person, but I could hear them struggling against the chains.

"Is someone there?" I yelled out.

"Yes. I'm way back here. Are you on the wall too?" The voice sounded feminine, dainty.

"Yeah I'm chained up." I answered. "What are we doing here?" I heard the chains rattle again, listened as I heard grunts of pain.

"I don't know. When did you get here?" I thought for a second, unsure of how long I had been in the trunk before I got pulled out. I was still unconscious when he strapped me up in here. The chains rattled again and I just listened. I had thought I was alone in here but I was wrong.

"I'm not sure." I said. "Maybe yesterday or earlier today?" The chains stopped rattling, the voice quiet as it whispered.

"That means I'm next." The words hung heavy in the air, something like dread weighing with them.

"What does that even mean? I thought you didn't know why we were here." I was nervous now, wondered if this person was actually chained up or if it was some sick game.

"No, I don't know but I had a friend. Leanne. We were both brought here by that man and he chained us up. They took Leanne a couple nights ago, she hasn't been back since. Since you're here now, it must be my turn. Maybe they'll free me."

My teeth were grinding again, this time so hard it caused my jaw to hurt.

Free?

They couldn't possibly just take us to let us go again? Maybe we were on a twisted game show? Hookers in the Barn or something. Maybe the other person was a hooker as well. Like me and Arnya.

~

I wasn't sure how long we were in the barn before the doors opened again. Light poured in as Axel walked toward me. His mustache was glistened with sweat as he stood, nose to nose with me. I could smell the manure and something else that I couldn't put my finger on wafting off of his clothes.