Like Hell

Chapter 2: The Demon Drives a Prius?

It's 6:59, and I'm standing dutifully at the curb with my all of my earthy possessions packed into two small duffel bags. Seeing my things fit so easily into such pitiful cargo reminds me just how poor my family really is. No wonder my parents wanted me gone, they can barely afford to keep me.

I can't say that I expected a tearful goodbye, but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't sting a little that my own parents didn't bother getting out of bed to see me off. Will they even miss me?

In the blink of an eye, the last second ticks down on my old beat up wristwatch, and a shiny powder blue Prius appears as if from thin air. Right on time, and not even a second early or late. Luc really wasn't exaggerating about his driver's timeliness.

The fuel efficient vehicle pulls up, rolling to a stop right before me, and a tall, formally dressed man exits the driver-side door. With a slight bow, and a professional close-lipped smile, he greets me and opens the passenger door.

"Good morning, Miss Snead, my name is Henri and I am to be your personal driver during your tenure at HellCorp." His brow crinkles briefly in a show of confusion as he takes in the sight before him. "Are these the only belongings you wish to bring with you? I assure you that there is far more cargo space in the trunk than there appears."

My cheeks redden slightly, ashamed of my humiliating lack of wealth. As a HellCorp employee he must be used to driving Harvard Grads and billionaires. Not penniless nobodies like me.

"This is all I have.. there is nothing else to bring with me." I give him a small smile and lower my gaze, hoping he will drop the subject and end my embarrassment.

"Oh I do apologize miss! I truly hope I haven't offended you, and I'm sure that will change very shortly. I'm told you are to be made an executive, and that comes with a great deal of perks."

He smiles warmly, ushering me into the vehicle. I sit patiently, marveling at the shocking nice interiors of the hybrid car. Who knew these could be so luxurious? He swiftly carries my luggage to the trunk and returns to the seat beside me, preparing the car, and setting the built-in GPS to escort me to my new home.

"You know they say chivalry is dead. Clearly they were mistaken."

"Not at all miss, chivalry is most certainly dead. It's actually in Hell.. Incorporated." He gives me a cheeky wink and I can't help but laugh at his corny joke.

My heart warms at the realization that I may have just made my first new friend. I could get used to this.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Considering how early I had to wake up this morning, and how late I stayed up anxiously worrying last night, it's not at all surprising that I dozed off for most of the trip. Henri was kind enough to let me rest, and even played some soothing music to "improve my experience". Honestly, the guy is a godsend.

If Luc fires me on the spot because of my complete and utter lack of eligibility for the job, I know I'll miss Henri more than anything else. He woke me a minute or two ago, clearing his throat gently to indicate that we were finally arriving at headquarters. As soon as I regained consciousness, he explained that Luc would like to personally welcome me and get me set up with access codes and necessary supplies before sending me to my new home, so we are naturally going to have to visit the office first thing.

I turn to look out the car window to take in my new surroundings, and am met with the strangest landscape I've ever seen. Astounding shiny rippled black and charcoal-gray rock formations cover the majority of the land itself, adorned with patches of sand and small clustered outcrops of green and tan grass-like plants. The only place I can think of that looks this way is Big Island, Hawaii, and I've only ever seen it in the pictures that a couple wealthier kids posted to Facebook back in high school. But that can't possibly be where we are right now.