Into the Unknown

t w o

A/N: Please read carefully, so you'll understand everything that's happening.

Aileen was lying on the king sized bed, her right hand handcuffed to the headboard, the other holding a hair pin, because she knew where to hide it well, trying to unlock the metal object. Vincent was asleep face down beside her, a whip still in his hand.

She had spent the last two weeks planning her escape, memorising the guards' shedule, their petrol routes, finding exits all around and outside the mansion and analysing all the possible escape plans.

She could easily jump down from her balcony, but the distance between where she would land and the nearest exit was too big. She would be seen and caught. After that, she considered the small opening in the bushes on the side of the house, but it was too  risky, she would definately get caught by one of the guards.

And so eventually, she figured it out. In the kitchen, there was a door that lead to the cook house, where that delicious food was made. She had learned that by talking to one of the cooks, Barbara, who was not only nice, but also useful, as it turned out.

Inside the cook house, there was another door. This one lead outside, to a small, isolated garden near the back. At the end of a garden, a wooden fence, easy to jump off. It was perfect.

Afterwards, she would steal a nearby car. Rory's older brother had taught them both how to do that when they were kids. He was in jail now. Aileen had studied a few maps, she knew how to get to the main road and into the city, out of this horrendous mess.

She finally managed to unlock the handcuff. Now that everyone was asleep (except a few guards, but they were located at the front), it was the ideal time to execute her plan.

She slowly rised from the bed, wincing when it creaked a bit. Vincent stirred in his sleep, mumbling a few incoherent words. She exhaled silently, when he didn't wake up.

On her toes, she walked towards the door and opened it slightly. She slipped through and closed the door behind her.

The hallway was dimly lighted and you could see a few strays of dust in the air. It was quiet, almost eerie.

Aileen walked as quietly as she could down the first flight of stairs and ended up on the first floor. So far so good. She tiptoed lightly past the rooms where the stuff slept.

She could hear soft snores from the maids as she past them, as quiet as a ghost and finally reached the stairs. She put her foot on the wooden step and it made a loud creaking sound. She stopped, hearing for any awoken stuff.

After five seconds, she decided no one had woken up and she climbed quickly down the rest of the stairs. Once she reached the bottom, she made her way into the kitchen.

It was a fairly large room, with a large wooden table in the middle, a white counter with a sink and some utensils, some cupboards... Yeah it doesn't matter. All that matters is the door in the back, the one that would lead her to her freedom.

She moved towards it, when suddenly: "Miss Johnson, what are you doing here?" Dammit, she thought and turned around slowly. It was Phillip, the butler.

"I just wanted to get something from the kitchen. Nothing to worry about, Phil." she smiled at him. "I'm sorry miss, but you can't be here" he said. "I have to call someone" he said and turned to the exit.

"Oh no you won't" she said as she grabbed the side of his head and banged it against the wall. Then she grabbed him by the collar and pinned him hard on the table, while he was still dizzy. With one hand, she put a hand on his mouth and with the other she grabbed a sharp, silver knife from the kitchen counter and held it to his throat.

His dull eyes must have been green once, like hers. Now, they were looking up at her in fear and shock as she stood above him, breathing heavily, her long curly hair falling on his face. She pressed the knife deeper in his skin, deep enough to draw blood.

He yelped slightly inside his muffled mouth, his eyes widened and he started trembling slightly. At that moment, Aileen realised something.

It was up to her. She controlled wheather this man would live or die. She could end his life with one swift move...or she could let him go. She was in comlete control.

And that...that made her feel powerful.

She raised the knife, but wheather it was to drop it or slice it across the butler's exposed throat, we cannot know, because shouts were heard from the stairs and people came tumbling down.

Oh no. The knife fell from her hand, as she sprang toward the door, pushed it open and ran without looking back, ran until she reached the very back and came out in the garden.

Fresh air hit her face, but she didn't stop running. This was her last chance. Behind her, she heard the guards' voices, and Vincent shouting "No don't shoot her you idiot!".

She could see the wooden fence aprroaching. Just a little bit closer. Just a little bit... Suddenly, she felt two pairs of strong arms wrap around her.
"No!" she shouted as she tried to wiggle out, but to no avail. This couldn't be happening, she was so damn close!

The arms held her tightly, until she calmed down and accepted that she couldn't do anything now. Aileen sighed and turned around. Vincent was looking at her, no expression on his face. "Impressive stunt you pulled there, pet. Unfortunately, it goes against my rules, so you'll recieve a big punishment." The smirk returned to his otherwise handsome face.

"Looking forward to it" she spat, returning the smirk. "Master".
"That's my girl" he said and turned to leave.

Aileen glared at him, shooting daggers in his back. She'd be damned if she gave up now. Maybe she couldn't escape on her own, there were too many people, too many obstacles.

Maybe the only way she could ever be free, is if Vincent let her go himself. So she would have to find a way to convince him. A weak spot, that she could use to her advantage. She smiled. She had an idea.