In The End

Bring me to life

After our stop off at Walmart we drove another 20 minutes in silence until we pulled off onto a sleepy path. The road bent round and we followed it until we reached what looked like a check point. White barriers prevented you from going any further down the road and a small brick hut like building sat between what I assumed was the entrance and exit. Axel wasn't kidding about the security. Several CCTV cameras focused on the hut and the road. Axel raised his hand as we approached the hut and the barrier began to lift.

"Evening Mr Black." A large stern looking man in his early forties leaned out of the window and Axel slowed the bike to a stop.

"Evening John, Stan." Axel lifted his visor and shouted through his helmet as I dipped my head to see a very similar looking man sitting next to who I presumed was John. Both dressed in prestine light blue uniforms that said security in bold yellow lettering and the exact same military buzz cut.

"Your other visitors have already arrived and gone up to the house. Isabelle was still home so welcomed them." John continued to update Axel.

"Cool." Axel carelessly responded. "This is Olivia Anderson. You can add her to the register. Her and Eden." He paused and turned his head towards me.

"Martinez." I shouted through my tinted visor.

"Eden Martinez." He turned back to John who was taping on the screen in front of him. "Both will be staying with me for a while so they'll need permit passes."

"Sure thing Mr Black. If you send through a photo of each of them we could have their passes ready for the morning." John leaned forward slightly and eyed me through the window.

"Cool, see ya around guys." Axel sped forward before they could respond and we followed the winding road up the hills. I tried to eye the passing houses, although it was difficult to make much out with the dim lighting and each property had its own individual gate so the actual houses sat far back from the main road. We continued to climb until large black iron gates blocked the final stretch of road. They slowly began to open as we approached, Axel didn't slow, slipping through the gap with ease. I heard the clunk as they stopped then retreated back to being closed. The road surface had changed to gravel and I could feel the difference of the bike underneath me as the wheels adapted to the change in surface. The road took one last bend before the most beautiful gothic looking mansion came into view. The drive split off  and curved around an elaborate black fountain, illuminated by soft white lighting that complimented the same up lighting that surrounded the building. Axel continued past the house and followed a side road around to the back of the property. I continued to marvel at the grandur of the building. It had to be three storeys high, complete with Victorian style turrets completing its theme. The back of the house was just as elaborate as the front, however, more updated with it large pool and entertainment area. Just off to the side was a long building with several garage doors. The end was open and the light was on inside. It could easily have been another house it was that spacious. Axel slowed the bike, carefully guiding it inside and parked it next to several others of varying makes and models. I eyed the rest of the building whilst he got off and removed his helmet. Although there were many garage doors, it was open plan inside and you could see car after car lined up some with dust covers over them. I felt his hand pull mine as he stood in front of me and helped me off the bike. What was now becoming a routine he unclipped my helmet and carefully lifted it off giving me time to fix my hair whilst he stored the helmet on the bike. He remained quiet as he tugged to straps off my shoulders and threw the bag onto his own back.

"You Ok?" He finally spoke.

I wasn't, I was cold, tired, hungry, had a killer headache and had been subjected to a horrific violation. "Yeah." I lied through my half smile.