The Nerve Wreckers

part 9: trouble

Carrie's

It's been a week since I turned 17, a week since I had the time of my life. I didn't bother telling Marcus off for just dumping me there without telling me he was calling it off, because he helped set fire to the romance. I owed him for that. I was hoping to muster enough courage to confess to Drew in the next few weeks- what would his reaction be?

I just remembered, since Marcus has already asked Sophie out, I think I can get my bracelet back now! That bimbo better not make any excurse to back out, because she made the offer, so she should honor it! I decided to look for her after class.

"Hey there Sophie! I was just wondering if I could get back my bracelet now, since, you know?" I tried to be as polite as possible. It was hard remembering my manners when talking to her.

"Oh hello darling! I am so sorry I didn't bring it today, remind me another time will you?"

Oh bother. I huffed. "Well I guess I'll just have to wait till the next lesson then!" Just when I was a bout to walk away, she motioned for me to stay put.

"Anyway, here! Have some ice tea. Its new at Starbucks, but only for the VIPs!" She cooed, shoving the drink into my face. Something was fishy, she was so nice to me all of a sudden.

"Oh never mind-" But she cut me off before I could finish my sentence.

"Take it as an apology!" She seemed really persistent on me having the iced tea. So, as expected, I obliged. Who could say no to the queen bee, really.

I took it back and sat at the benches, waiting. Drew said he could pick me up today, but he could only come at 9 o'clock. I didn't mind waiting two hours, as long as I got to spend quality time with him.

Beep* My phone buzzed. A text from Drew read: Sorry Carrie I don't think I can fetch u anymore, My lecture has been extended till 9:30pm, why don't you make ur own way back? Rly sorry!

What a letdown. I replied, "Okay don't worry! Be safe!" I shoved all my things into my bag. But the moment I stood up and was ready to go, I felt very heavy-headed. I blinked several times and shook my head to wake myself up. Gosh I'm such a pig, it was only 8:30pm, and I am tired already?

I decided to take the back alley. The more I walked, the more I felt like just lying down and taking a nap in the middle of the streets. If I took a shortcut, it would save me more time, and I would get home early. It was dangerous for a girl to be alone at the back alley at this hour, but I took the risk.

I trod on-not knowing where exactly I was going-trying to reach the end of the alley. and suddenly a pair of arms grabbed me from behind and threw me onto the pile of cardboard people had dumped there. I flustered. Not knowing what to do, I immediately screamed at the top of my lungs for help, but he stuffed my mouth with a kitchen cloth. He forcefully bound my hands together with rope. I couldn't make out who he was, the lighting was mediocre. I was at my wits end. Wild thoughts raced through my mind. 'This is it. I was going to be kidnapped, sold to a slavery company'

The next thing I knew, my kidnappers rough hands started ripping off my clothes. He tore away the buttons of my cardigan and pulled the fabric apart. I kicked my legs furiously, but that didn't stop him. Oh no, he was going to rape me! Tears started gushing out of my eyes as my scream was muffled down to a few decibels. No one could hear my pleas for help. Once again, I was a damsel in distress. I could feel my energy feeling drained. I could no longer fight...

Just when he tried to pull apart my tank top strap, I used all my remaining energy and spit out the kitchen cloth. I bit down on his hand hard, making him back away in pain.

"HELP SOMEONE PLEASE HELP-" But he shut my mouth in a few microseconds, shoving the kitchen towel aggressively into my mouth and slapped me. That's when I lost consciousness.

Marcus's

"HELP SOMEONE PLEASE HELP" I was heading home when I heard the scream of... Carrie?

Oh no, she was in trouble! I quickened my pace and ran in the direction where I thought the pleas for S.O.S. were coming from. I prayed hard that it wasn't her; she was safe at home.

I rushed into the back alley and saw heard a lot of ruffling and grunting sounds. "Hey! Stop it!" I yelled, if there even was anyone there. It was so dark, you could barely see your own hands.

As if on command, the noises stop and footsteps of a stranger could be heard, trailing away. Someone had escaped, probably the attacker. I wonder why he didn't put up any resistance.

I whipped out my phone and turned on the torchlight and took slow footsteps forward, only to see a helpless Carrie on the floor, hands bound, clothes torn, mouth stuffed with cloth. Her arms had scratches and her face was sore and red. There were stray tears lingering on her cheeks. Poor girl, why were you so stupid to take the back alley?

There was no more time to waste. I untied the rope, freeing her arms and removed the cloth. I took her in my arms, looking over her in despair. "Carrie! Carrie!" I shook her gently, but to no avail. She probably lost consciousness in as she overstressed and panicked.

I wiped the tears off and scooped her up. "Don't worry, we're going home."