Blood and roses

Chapter 6

I can't believe she doesn't recognize me. We walk to the back of the picnic park, and I can see the excitement in her eyes.

"Wow, Elex, this is beautiful!"

"You like it?"

"I love it!"

My heart starts to beat faster and faster as she rushes to the small pond. Watching her, I find myself smiling—something I rarely do. Slowly walking, she turns around, smiling.

"Elex, look at the ducks."

Standing there, just looking at her, I reply, "They are beautiful, indeed."

She turns to me with a confused look. "Are you okay?"

As I delve deeper into my thoughts, my mood fades; I find myself unable to continue. I need to think of something so she can't be near me; she can't like me. My feelings for her need to stop because she is my weakness. In my world, there is no room for weakness.

"Alex, hello, I lost you there. Are you okay?"

"Yes, sorry Elara, but something came up and I need to go. Hope you understand."

"Oh, it's fine, you don't have to worry. Thank you for bringing me."

"Let me call Neo to take you home, okay?"

"Thank you, Elex."

I can see the hurt in her eyes as she walks away. Why? Let me call Blake to see if he's up for a drink or two. I know it's still early, but I need to blow off some steam.

"Boss, another branch spotted a small-town gang attempting to steal our allotment, but we apprehended them. What do we do with them?"

"Take them all to the cells and wait for me. Neo, did you drop the girl home?"

"No, sir, she asked me to drop her off at the bakery."

"Okay, take me to the warehouse."

In 15 minutes, we arrive at the warehouse.

"Blake, where are they?"

"They are in the basement, ready for you."

In the basement, I can see six scared boys.

"Tell me why you tried to steal my stuff. Who do you work for?" I demanded, but still, they did not answer. So, I started to walk towards my whip collection. Picking up the one I know very well will make them cry. Walking slowly towards them, I can see the fear in their eyes. With a smile on my face, standing there, I ask them again, "Who do you work for?"

Still no answer. With all my anger, I start to beat them with the whip on their backs, blood splashing all around. Still no answer. I turn around to catch my breath for a few seconds. Starting to walk to my blade collection, I pick up the sharpest one.

"Fine, if you don't want to talk, it's your choice."

One by one, I killed them all.