MY KEEPER

COMMENT, VOTE, FAN.

-      Kelly.

Chapter 1

I was running as fast as I could, scrambling through the dark forest; my clothes catching on bramble thorns as I raced over the decayed leaves that carpeted the forest floor.  I needed to take chances; throw him off course. I couldn't believe what was happening.  I looked back; he's was getting nearer by the second.  My heart thumped violently and my breathing became heavy as I pushed myself to run harder. I winced as stitches stabbed my sides but I kept on running, my eyes full of fear. I looked back once again.  He was gone but I didn't stop. A flash of relief came over me until suddenly I felt something hit me; I fell flat on the face, my head pounding and my body aching everywhere. Then it all went black.

As I sat in the corner of the cold, damp room hugging my knees, I swept my fair blond locks back behind my ear and sniffed as a single drop of grief welled up in one side of my eye.  I clenched my fists as the last tear cascaded down my rosy cheeks and splashed onto my knee, making a small damp salty patch on my jeans. I sighed as I tightly squeezed my eyes shut before standing up. I opened my eyes as another salty bead was released from my eye. I lifted a trembling hand and wiped it from my porcelain skin. I dragged my feet as I shakily made my way to the shattered remains of what was a mirror. Looking in the reflection I saw the broken expression on my face as my once bright blue eyes now looked faded and grey. My clothes were torn and matted and my dry and my cracked lips were now as pale as snow. 'Why me' I croaked while I traced my hands against the cool grey concrete walls. It had been 2 days since I had seen sunlight or a human face.

I longed to be back home; back in my cosy bed. Back with my family, back with my friends and away from here. Here; the desolate damp, dark room. God knows where I was or why. But when will it end?

I fell to the floor; sliding my back against the cold wall and onto the dirty floor below. I closed my eyes for a short second until a sharp noise creaked from beyond the darkness.

A bright crack of light beamed through and hope glistened in my eyes once again before being shattered by the tall shadow of a man's silhouette.

'Oh god' I wept. This is it.

3 DAYS EARLIER:

I squinted as the suns bright beams blinded me while attempting to shade my sight with my right hand. I was on my way to the bank to deposit my first salary despite the melting weather; I continued to walk beneath the scorching sun without any sort of cover while the strong rays of fire blazed across my skin, most likely leaving me with sun burn. As I approached the tall grey building before me I released a long sigh as I had finally reached my destination. I reached my free arm towards the cool door bars and pushed. Despite my efforts, the doors stood firmly and remained securely locked.

I pinched the bridge of my nose in exasperation as the guards were busily talking to each other, clearly ignoring my very existence. I firmly pounded on the think bullet proofed glass door and waved my free hand crazily to catch their attention. When they eventually turned to face me I glowered in frustration while one of them pushed the door open for me.

"Sorry Ma’m. I didn't notice that you were there." the man holding the door spoke calmly. 'Yeah right, you were just busy creating an imaginary world with your friend there' I thought to myself, rolling my eyes as I strolled past.

The bank looked pretty busy today I acknowledged while glancing around; watching people weave between each other and lining up before the small counters.

I first made my way to the comfort room to fix myself, as I neared closer I reached out my arm and pushed the heavy swing door open before placing myself in front of the mirror. I dumped my small leather purse on the countertop and pulled out my brush. I combed through my long golden curls that cascaded just below my shoulders and pulled them into a tight ponytail.

After a short moment of fixing my makeup and I was ready to go out when I heard an alarming bang outside. I slowly paced towards the door and pushed it open slightly to see what was going on.

I gasped as a select group of black masked men inhabited the banks now tense atmosphere. I felt panicked as my eyes pricked with fear and my throat began to swell as my saliva thickened. The men stood confidently in their created cliché chaos while wearing thick woollen jacket and pants, outside each holding a machine gun.

'How could they even wear those outfits in this weather?!' I observed, overlooking the main issue.

My vision was soon fixed on the two figures lying on the ground, shaking in fear. 'Those were the guards, what did they do to them?' My mind began to spear in all directions trying to analyse the present situation.

I clenched my stomach as I examined the deep scarlet pool on the ground.

A cool shudder trickled down my spine as my body shook nervously before I quickly hid behind closed the door, securing it with my body. I traced my trembling fingers across the doors cool surface as I reached for the small silver chain lock and locked it up for my safety.

My heart pounded and jumped in my throat as the voices booming from outside became louder.

I closed my eyes as I focused on my senses. I clenched my fists tight as faint jingles and the closing of zippers echoed from outside. Adrenalin shot through my veins and I shuddered as I neared towards the door once again. I slid the lock across and peeked through a slither of space between the wall and door again. My eyes widened as the motionless atmosphere screamed fright.

My heart pounded heavily in my chest as I glanced around at the scattered bodies of innocent citizens and the thick pools of scarlet liquid coated the once flawless white room. They're all dead. Tears pricked my eyes and I gulped heavily.

I straightened myself out and squeezed my eyes tightly shut as I sighed heavily. I couldn't believe what was happening. I had to escape.

One more quick glance around the life-barren room and I decided it was time; time to make my move and leave before they found me.

Making sure that the robbers were gone; I slyly slid out of the washroom, on guard for any movement.

I stepped forward; edging towards an exit point, trying not to look at the motionless, limp bodies that lay scattered around.

Suddenly my breath was stolen from my lungs as a sharp stab of adrenalin plunged into my stomach and I fell to the floor as someone took firm hold  of both my ankles and pulled me down, dragging me. I winced as my chin slammed onto the hard marble floor. I couldn't scream; no matter how much I tried, no sound escaped my lungs. Tears filled my eyes with agony and fear.

Before I could come to grasp of what was happening there was a loud crack and everything went pitch black.