Blood Red

Blood Red (3)

~9 years later~

I vaulted over the balcony and landed lightly. Sprinting away, I was laughing like a maniac. My goal? Make sure my enemy doesn't kill me. My enemy? Aaron.

You see, about ten minutes ago, he wouldn't wake up. So... I kinda poured some water on him. He wasn't very happy. Aaron's DEFINATELY not a morning person.

"When I catch you Scarlett, I'm going to cut off all that pretty long hair of yours," he called out threateningly. I chuckled, but my heart was pounding from nerves. He was catching up with me already. But just because he's older, stronger, and knew the manor better, that didn't mean I would be an easy catch.

I somehow evaded a huge sculpture and swerved behind the fireplace. I heard a banging sound behind me. Aaron wasn't as graceful as I was. I was like a cat.

I dove into the kitchen and hid under the sink in the cabnet. Thank goodness no maids were in here. They would have thought I went crazy. I heard Aaron enter the room.

"Wheeere's Scarlett? Is she HERE?!" he called out, swinging open a cabnet. No luck.

"Wheeere's Scarlett? Is she HERE?!" he repeated, swooping down to check under the long mahogany table. He kept repeating this until he was at my cabnet.

"Wheeere's Scarlett? THERE SHE IS!" he laughed evily. I shrieked as he grabbed me and swung me over on his shoulder. I proceeded to kick and punch him but it was no use.

"Let me go now, Aaron or you're going to wake up bald!" I growled angrily. He chuckled and started to walk up the stairs.

"You're about to get a taste of your own medicine. And lay off the junk food. My back can only take so much," he replied smugly. I glared but my head was turned the wrong way.

He entered my room and through me on the bed, then ran out of there, locking the door as he left. Oh great.

I started knocking loudly on the door, hoping Mr. Garner or a maid would come save me. Wasn't my lucky day though. Two minutes later I heard Aaron's voice outside the dooor.

"Unlock the door and back away or I'm going to kick it down," he called out. I hurried and sat on my bed. I wasn't taking any chances.

He entered the room with a bucket full of water. I gasped in fear. I HATED water! That's why I've never gone swimming before! Especially with this evil lunatic! I started to yell out my protests, but he didn't listen. Just as he was about to throw the icy water on me, we heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

Aaron rushed to hide the bucket under my bed. He sat down next to me. We both put on innocent faces as Mr. Garner came in. He gave us a weird look.

Why is he looking at us like that? Oh god... he can't be thinking... EWW! I would never do that! Not with Aaron! I blushed furiously and looked away.

"Children... er.... I'm having company over again, but this time, Aaron, I want you to join us. Sorry Scarlett, but you'll have to stay up here," he stated apologetically. I bit my lip and nodded.

"Yes Father," answered Aaron and Mr. Garner left the room.

"Why do YOU get to listen in on the creepy guys?" I complained. He smiled at me. Maybe it was because he was eighteen now. So not fair.

"I have no idea, but I'll tell you everything once the meeting is over," he assured. I stuck out my pinky. He took his and we shook. Now he HAD to tell me after the meeting.

Aaron left the room to go get ready. I wandered out to the hall and to the balcony with the stairs that faced the front door. Suddenly, the three men came in. I hid behind the corner and peeped. Even though I have gotten older, it seems like they haven't. I didn't like these men...

"Relax," breathed a voice in my ear. I jumped and turned around in fright. There stood Aaron, wearing black dress pants and a white collared long sleeve with the buttons undone. He grinned as I was gawking at him. I've never really seen him dress like this.

He glided away from me and down the staircase. The men shook his hand and they all dissapeared into the study.

I frowned, not knowing what I could do to pass the time. I have read half the books in the library already. And Aaron had some sort of video game system that I watch him play a lot, but I have no idea how it's done. I sighed and started wandering around the upstairs.

Somehow I ended up in Aaron's room. I smiled because I liked his room. Black walls, midnight blue covers to his bed. The faces of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix surrounded the walls. I laid lazily on his bed then something caught my eye. On his end table was a photo frame.

I looked to be around 9 years old in it and I wore a big smile. I was sitting on the swing out in the side yard under the willow tree. Aaron was behind me grinning and holding the ropes on each end, looking really tall compared to me. Smiling in sweet memory, I started to day dream of the past.

~Aaron's Point of View~

I burst through the study doors and ran out of the manor. I wasn't going to let them do this to me. I knew father was one of them... but... I didn't want to become one too.

The night sky started to rain as I tore down the hill into the city. My body was shaking in fear. That man, they're leader... was about to bite me. I could tell. And father was just going to stand there and let him.

I ducked into an alley way and sat there against the filthy wall, tears running down my cheeks. I didn't want to be different. I didn't want to join them. I wanted to be normal.

"What is such a handsome guy doing out here alone?" purred a voice suddenly. I jerked my head up to see a girl approach me. She looked to be about twenty. Pursed red lips, very dark red hair, dark purple eyes, a silver nose piercing and a slim body.

"What do you want?" I questioned softly but comfidently, standing up and taking three steps from the wall. For some reason, fear was running through my body. I knew this woman was going to be bad business.

"You," she said and lurched towards me. I cried out in shock as she threw me up against the wall. I managed to punch her face. She backed away and leaned over like she was about to fall, her hand now holding her cheek, which was now bruised. I stood there in shock and fear, staring at her.

Suddenly, she lurched again with a killers crazy smile, her eyes flashing. Her hand was now around my throat. I was amazed at her strength. I let out a scream as she drastically bit my neck. Blood drickled down my arm.

This was the worst pain I have ever felt. It was like she was draining all the life out of me and I was powerless. I heard running footsteps towards me.

An arm shot through her stomach and she screamed. Blood started to pour from her onto the ground. My eyes widened at the sight of my father. He threw her against the wall behind him with such force, I heard a cracking noise and she was dead.

I started to softly sob and fell forwards, feeling my father catch me.

~Scarlett's Point of View~

I woke up to the sound of the front door being slammed. I jumped out of Aaron's bed and ran to the balcony. I gasped in horror at the sight of Mr. Garner stumbling in, carrying Aaron bridal style. Aaron's eyes were shut and his body was limp. I ran down the stairs, not caring if the creep men saw me.

I instantly tried to help Mr. Garner carry Aaron to his room. I was surprised to see Mr. Garner not having that much trouble carrying him. Opening the bedroom door for them, he gently laid Aaron down.

"Get the maids," grumbled Mr. Garner. I ran to find them and found two instantly. They had gotten a bowl of water and bandages and hurried into the room. Taking off his bloody shirt, they nursed his wounds. I stood there watching the whole time, my heart racing. What happened?! Why is Aaron hurt?! It looks like only his neck was affected, why? After a while, the women left.

"He just needs rest now. He'll be ok. Get some sleep Scarlett," said Mr. Garner as he headed for the door. He stared at his son in worry, then left.

I sat gently next to Aaron on the bed and watched him. The moonlight poured through the window against his face. After what seemed like hours, my head bent down sleepily. I had to go to bed, but I didn't want to leave Aaron. I sat there in conflict until I just fell on the floor and passed out.