Torment

Chapter One - 7:03pm

The glowing yellow sun had started to set, and the sounds of the twigs and leaves being crushed under the wheel of the four wheel drive vehicle was inaudible over the music playing from the brunette's mobile device. She peered out the window and noticed as the dirt road before them had come to an end, and the car had stopped moving. "Earth to Riley, it's time to get out of the car," she could barely hear his voice over the music, and he reached his arm over to tug out the white earphone, causing her to glance over to him, "hello? Can you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry dad." Riley nervously chuckled, as she realised that the car was stationary, as a large gate had blocked the path. She looked over and noticed his graying blonde hair in front of his face, which he tucked back as he opened the car door, "why are you getting out?"

Riley questioned him as she unbuckled her seatbelt, and opened the car door, and slammed it shut. It was in rough condition, with scratches and dents all over the red four wheel drive, but her father wasn't worried about aesthetic, only convenience. "What? Can't your ol' pops go in and join the ol' meet and greet with the pals?"

She smirked, pulling her long brown hair out from under her pink backpack which she had put on, and glanced at her father. "Dad, it's just a small hike through the trail to get to the cabin. Don't worry about me, okay? Nothing's going to happen."

"Aren't you a little concerned about how spooky it is for five high school friends to meet up in a cabin in the woods, alone from civilization on summer break?" Her dad playfully replied, attempting to scare her, which wasn't working. "Come on, I know you were always frightened by those cheesy movies me and your mom watched."

Riley rolled her eyes, still cracking a small smile. "Oh my gosh, what kind of eight year old wouldn't be terrified by a serial killer?" She walked around to her dad's side of the car, and nudged him gently, while laughing. "And besides, we're all very mature students. I doubt God will be punishing us this weekend."

"I don't know, Riley," he folded his arms, looking down at his daughter, "I do think he'd be quite disappointed in the fact that you didn't make your bed like I told you to this morning. You should be grateful I drove you out here for that little stunt."

"I'm sorry," Riley sarcastically replied, and leaned in for a tight hug from her father, still feeling unsure about the cabin retreat idea, but it was too late to back out, "won't you ever forgive me for that, father?"

He raised his eyebrows, trying to not to crack a smile and keep his serious tone, which didn't seem to work. "I don't know if I can. But remember, no sex, no drugs, no alcohol, and most importantly, no serial killers, okay? You know what? Forget the first three, I can't stop that, but remember, jump out the window, don't hide under the bed. Go for the front door, don't run up the stairs. And stay a virgin, alright?"

"But, you said to forget not having sex, but now I've got to stay a virgin?" Riley picked up a hole in his logic, and he gently punched her in the shoulder. "Wow, I'm so telling mom you're being inappropriate and dumb."

"Should I tell her you didn't make your bed?" He replied, shaking his head at her actions. "Yeah, that's what I thought honey. Anyway, just forget about your ol' pops again, have fun and don't do too much illegal activities? Alright?"

Riley nodded. "Yes dad, I promise to be a mature law abiding citizen."

He smirked, giving her another hug as he found himself opening the car door, ready to head back home. "That's my girl. Have a good weekend, darling." The car engine started up loudly, and the lights immediately switched on, startling Riley, but she waved to him telling him goodbye, as the car began to reverse, and turn back down the track.