Learn to Conquer

Chapter 1: Recruitment

All I can think of is what led up to this moment. I stare down at my blood covered hands and wonder, what happened? We went out, came back, entered my home, drank a glass of alcohol, and after that everything is a blur. No cameras, no proof, no reassurance. I can't remember, and to be honest, I don't want to remember. But at the same time, I'm so focused on what happened before.

Tom, my boyfriend, was walking me home from our coffee date. We had only been going out for a couple weeks, which was partly shocking for me. He was head of the debate team, really attractive, social, and our future valedictorian. And Tom noticed me, someone who doodles on her jeans. And yet here we were. 

"Carmen," he began as we approached my gate, "I don't want to go home."

That made the color flush immediately to my cheeks, I wasn't really interested in what he was implying, but I didn't think inviting him inside would do any harm."Well, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do."

I hit the buzzer, and my family's butler answered, "Sorry, no one's home right now." 

"Relax David, it's me." I reassured, which he complied with buzzing us into the courtyard. Yes, I have a big manor, it's because of my dad. He is the main supplier of weaponry for the army. They pay him a lot in these times.  

We walked through the courtyard, talking about everything we could think of. I really wasn't a person to hold up a conversation well, but he seemed to compensate for me. When we reached my front door, I went to turn the handle. But Tom being the playful guy he is, spun me around and kissed me, simply taking my breath away. I haven't kissed too many guys, and definitely not this early on in a relationship. But, I rolled with it anyway, grabbing his hand to drag him inside.

I led him to the living room, and we sat down on the couch. The room was larger than the average living room. Book cases lined the walls and the fireplace was lit for some romantic mood lighting. Our couches were made from red velvet material, and there was a brown Indian rug underneath the mahogany table. 

Tom laid his arm across the top of the couch, near my shoulders. My blush was getting darker the further his arm crept up to reach me. That's when I saw something that averted my attention away from his steely blue gaze.

"Want a drink?" I asked, gesturing to the scotch on the mantle. 

Tom smiled, "That sounds great." His voice was quieter and slightly deeper. 

I got up off the couch and grabbed two glasses. Taking the lid off, I began to pour our drinks. As I began pouring, Tom's hands landed on my hips, and he began sucking my neck gently. I flinched and spun around in a rush. Immediately cursing myself after seeing his confused gaze.

"I-I'm sorry. I'm just not used to this kind of thing." I apologized, rubbing my arm nervously. 

"It's cool. We can take it by hour, see how the night goes." Tom tilted his hand towards me, clinking our glasses. "Here's to one night that could forever change us." 

We both poured the strong liquid down our throats, and I grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently. Then lead him over to the couch. It didn't take too long for me to start feeling a little dizzy. Before I knew it, I blacked out.

~*~

"And that's the last thing I remember." I told Detective Giles. I leaned over my folded hands that were still covered in blood. They wouldn't let me shower, they said something about "tampering with evidence". I sniffled from the tears still falling down just remembering. 

The detective walked over and leaned against the wall. "C'mon Carmen. You're a smart kid. You know that I can't help you unless you help me. Now tell the truth, what happened?"