Dark desires (18+)

Chapter 2

Lila stood in front of the mirror in the corridor, looking at her reflection with an expression that only emphasized her inner tension. On the floor next to her lay a small black suitcase and a tattered backpack, filled with everything she thought she might need. She glanced at the luggage and felt anxiety rise in her stomach. The question of what she had gotten herself into echoed through her thoughts again. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought that she was now part of some strange society that could be called... no, it's even scary to say.

As if on purpose, her sister appeared next to her, beaming with excitement and almost jumping with impatience. Scarlett, with her light pink makeup, perfectly tied ponytail and fashionable autumn coat in a bright color, seemed the epitome of ease and confidence. She beamed with optimism and looked as if she was going not into the unknown, but to a long-awaited event.

"Hey, Lils! Well, are you ready to hit the road?" Scarlett smiled charmingly and straightened one blond strand that had fallen out of her ponytail, looking at her displeased sister with a quick, attentive glance.

Lila, in contrast, was calmer, more reserved. She wore a dark, tailored coat, thick jeans, and sturdy boots, as if she preferred practicality to everything else. Her short bob haircut, emphasizing her oval face, completed the image of a confident, serious girl who seemed to deliberately avoid unnecessary attention to her appearance. Looking at her sister, she shook her head slightly, but allowed herself a soft, short smile. "I have never been and never will be ready," Lila muttered, restrainedly picking up her suitcase.

Scarlett giggled and easily picked up Lila's suitcase as if she had done it a thousand times already. "Come on, Lils! This will be great," she said with a mischievous wink.

Lila looked at her sister, noting how her blonde hair shone in the morning light, and felt that same worry again. Scarlett, with her bright appearance and infectious energy, did not at all fit in with the gloomy thoughts tormenting Lila. But, taking a deep breath, she accepted that it was too late to retreat.

Lila buttoned the last button on her coat and looked around the apartment, as if hoping to find something in it that could stop her. But, just like in the mirror, there was nothing - only silence, empty walls and a slight heaviness in my chest. After closing the door, she pulled out her keys and began to carefully check the locks, as if this could delay the moment when she would find herself on the street. The sister, beaming with enthusiasm, had already rushed forward.

"I'll go and pump out the car!" turning around, Scarlett shouted. Easily jumping over the puddles, she turned towards the garage, leaving Lila alone under the gray, low sky.

Lila exhaled quietly, ran her hand along the door frame and finally dropped the keys into her bag. Walking out onto the porch, she felt the cool air envelop her in a light, piercing cold. The drizzle had just stopped, and drops were still rolling down the eaves, falling into dusty puddles. The gray sky was reflected in them, creating a strange, slightly alarming feeling. Lila looked around intently, as if trying to catch even the slightest hint that the day would not be as gloomy as her mood.

A steady roar of an engine was heard from the garage, and soon a car pulled out to the sidewalk. Scarlett, sitting inside the car, looked as if everything around her was just a backdrop for her unquenchable energy. Smiling from behind the wheel, she shouted: "Come on, Lils, faster! We already barely have time!"

Lila sauntered up to the car, clutching the strap of her bag. Sitting in the salon, she muffledly slammed the door and brushed a tiny drop left after the drizzle from her knee. Scarlett tapped her fingers lightly on the steering wheel, patiently waiting for Lila to get comfortable.

The car hums to life as Scarlett turns the key, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement behind the wheel. "Oh, this will be so fun, Lils!" Scarlett exclaims, adjusting the mirrors and checking her blind spots. "Just imagine how many crazy stories we'll have to tell when we get back!"