The One

Part 4: Backwards

Stranger

"Are they getting close?"he asks frantically pacing back and forth. "No, but if you had listened to me this wouldn't be happening." I yell frustrated. "It's too many girls that have gone missing. The timing is too small and killing that kid, really?" "He was in the way, and that was too perfect of an opportunity to pass up. She NEEDS us. Didn't you see her?" "Yes, I've seen her and I told you to leave her." "But I'd been watching her for so many days and nights. She was going to come with us. She IS going to be a part of this family. The others weren't right. You know that. That's why they had to go, but this one. She's the one I just know it. Now help me bring this stuff down stairs." he says walking over to the couch and picking up some blankets and a sleeping bag. I grab the tray of food sitting on the coffee table and the crowbar lying next to it and follow him outside. The air feels cool against my cheeks and fallen leaves and branches crunch beneath my feet. I never thought it would escalate this much. Three girls missing not including the one in the cellar. We're getting too much attention, and he shows no sign of stopping. I thought the first time would be the last but he won't stop until he finds the one. Hopefully she really is the one. The double doors creak as he struggles to open them. "Hello?" she says weakly as we descend the steps down to her. Once he reaches the bottom he pulls on the string to the light. When she sees him she looks disappointed and scared. I keep myself at a distance making sure to stay hidden in the shadows and away from the light and place the crowbar on the ground, letting it lean against the wall. "Here. We brought you some more blankets." he says kneeling down to place them next to her. She flinches away moving closer to the wall. "It's okay. I know you'll warm up to us and once you do, you won't have to be stuck down here. You'll get your old room back with all your toys and and posters. Just be good." He gives her a warm smile but she just looks at him with big eyes. "Bring the food." he says beckoning me with his hand. I push the tray out but stay rooted in my spot. I don't want her to see me. She looks over at me and even though she can't see me she tries searching for my face, pleading with me with her eyes. I turn my face and push the tray forward a little more. He scoffs and gets up to grab it. "You're going to have to show your face at some point. You don't want to make her feel uncomfortable do you? She's part of this family."