Project Powers

Chapter Four

"Jace! Jace wake up!" A familiar voice cried. Yawning I awoke from a peaceful dream, looking at Avery with tired eyes. She had a bright smile and her black hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She wore an unfamiliar T-shirt and shorts.

"What is it Av?" I asked, sitting up. We found an empty sleeping spot a few floors below the roof. Aaron was a floor below us. 

"Breakfast has arrived! It's downstairs!" She cried happily, grabbing my arm. I was pulled from my sleeping bag, which was the comfiest I'd slept in for ages and drowsily followed my over-excited sister to the stairs. Dozens of others had the same idea, the smell of B.O and alcohol filling my nostrils. We bustled down to the first floor where we followed the crowd outside. A large white truck was pulled up near the curb, two men in black suits sitting in the front. Fred's Food Truck was printed on the side in black lettering. 

"Let's get breakfast!" Avery said, dragging me through the crowd. The smell of bacon and pancakes wafted through the air and suddenly I was starving as I eagerly followed my little sister. People grumbled as we arrived at the back, where a small ramp led up to the truck. A thick plastic curtain hung in the entrance, a trail of homeless moving through it. 

We merged in the single file line, awaiting the delicious food that smelled so good. I spotted Miles ahead of us, entering the curtain. I relaxed, happy to not worry about getting food for us. After ten minutes we finally were able to enter, pushing the flap aside. Exactly as I entered, I felt something sharp sting my neck. Everything became dizzy as I stumbled forward, looking around. It was dark, that or my vision was fading. Avery had already dropped, drool leaking from the side of her mouth. Confusion and panic sunk in as I to fell, everything spinning away.

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I awoke slowly, drugs laced through my veins. I could feel my arms and legs tied together, a piece of duck tape covering my mouth. I looked around in shock. Other homeless people were tied up as well, fear and anger clear in their eyes. Some struggled angrily while others tried screaming against the tape. 

We seemed to be in a large cage, like a cell. The floor was cement, along with the ceiling, however steel bars surrounded us, the size of a school bus. Avery. I searched the faces around me for someone familiar, anyone, but came up fruitless. 

"MMMMFF!" Someone cried beside me, I turned to see Aaron, his eyes wide and a large bruise on his forehead. I scooted closer to him, trying to communicate, but unable to. He looked terrified, but I gave him a nod for encouragement.

Suddenly, the door opened and a man in black came in, his eyes scanning the crowd. His eyes fell on Aaron and he walked forward, grabbing him by his shirt. I screamed against my tape as he lifted Aaron and dragged him out. 

The last thing I saw was his eyes, screaming; HELP ME.

NOTES

So, the plot is finally setting in. Pop some popcorn and buckle up. This is getting good.

Thanks for reading,

Bailey