GUM

Prologue

Prologue

Maxine

"Mommy! I'm all ready for school!" I screamed while rushing down the stairs excitedly. Mom was waiting for me in the living room. She's going to be the one who will bring me to school.

"Hey baby. So, shall we go?" Mom asked me with her soothing voice that is perfect for relaxing during a hard day's work. Her voice assures me when I am worrying about something. She's the best mom ever existing. I would not trade her for riches or for anything. I could not imagine the world without her.

"Uh-huh!" I replied with a smile and glowing eyes. I am so happy that I have the best parents that the whole world knows.

Mom and I went in her car to bring me to school. I am studying in Zion Academy. Our family runs that school which is over a hundred years old. My great, great grandfather founded the school, Sir Cerberus Gates. Im a 6th grader and the one who tops every exams. Good thing about my parents, they don't pressure me to do this and that, to reach that goal and that, to achieve this and that, they love me for who I am and not what they want me to be. I could not ask for anything else.

We arrived in Zion Academy having enough time before classes start. Mom kissed my forehead and waved me goodbye.

"Have fun in school baby. Mommy will fetch you later, ok? Don't go with anyone else who fetches you besides me and your father. Remember that." Mom reminded me when I got off the car.

"Ok Mommy." I replied with a smile.

She smiled back and drove the car until it disappeared from my view.

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School was done and I was waiting for mom or dad to fetch me. I was sitting on the bench near the exit of the gates of the school. This is where I usually wait whenever none of my parents have arrived early. I took out my paper and some colored pencils from my bag and started drawing. I started with a little girl dressed in Zion Academy's uniform held by two adults who were dressed as business people. They had huge smiles on their face showing how happy they are as a family. The little girl was the happiest.

I enjoy watching the picture I draw when someone tapped my shoulder from behind. When I saw the person who tapped me, he was wearing a business suit with hair that is parted in almost at the sides and combed neatly and not a single strand to be seen.

"Hello Maxine. I am your Uncle Nero." He told me.

"Are you really my uncle? He lived in another country. Why are you here?" I asked him showing a puzzled face.

"Well, I'm here now aren't I? What'sthe problem? Don't you miss your uncle? I just came from the airport and your parents asked me if I can pick you up because they are busy at the office. You know, so many paperworks to be signed and meetings to attend. What do you say little niece, let's go?" He told me sweetly and showing a smile that makes him handsome. But something is wrong. I don't know what but I can sense that something is not right. He smiles honestly but his eyes showed a deep dark black color that resembles the abyss of no one knows where. Something is not right. I can really sense it. I am becoming pretty nervous about this.

"I don't know uncle. I better wait for my parents. They will be here soon. It's okay, you can go first if you want to. I know you are tired from the trip and I am sure that mom and dad are excited to see you." I replied but this doubt I feel inside me was still making me nervous upon talking to this person.

"Come on now Maxine. Don't be hard-headed. I've had enough depression today and don't add yourself to my problems." He raised his voice louder than the recent tone he used but not loud enough to produce a scandalous scene around the school. His voice thundered inside of me sending shivers down my spine which makes my knees shiver. No one had ever raised there voice on me not even my parents. It was my first time to be treated like this. I was so scared that I decided to come with him.

"I'm sorry uncle. I will never disobey you again." I told him softly.

He grabbed my arm and slowly walked toward the exit approaching a black limousine that waits for the both of us. A bodyguard was holding the door open waiting for us to come inside.

"That's a good girl. Now, you must sleep." I was confused with what he said then everything started to make sense. He was not my uncle. I was kidnapped but it was too late to realize that. As soon as I reached for the door of the limo that man whom I don't know drugged me then I started feeling sleepy until I finally lost consciousness.

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I woke up feeling a little bit dizzy. When I finally came back to my senses, I noticed I was sitting on a chair with my hands tied on the back of the chair. I was in an old warehouse that I've never been before. I was so scared because I'm all alone. If ony I had listen to mom, I should not be here now. I need mommy and daddy now.

Mom, Dad...I'm so scared. Please help me.

"Well, well...It seems that the little brat is awake. Did you had a good night sleep huh little niece?" The kidnapper told me when he appeared from nowhere. A couple of men was following him guarding his back. It seems that they are his bodyguards. They were all holding rifles and some extra guns which I don't know what they were called. The one who pretended to be my uncle Nero was wearing a dark, evilish grin.

"I am not your niece, you kidnapper! My uncle would never do this to me! Mom and dad will soon be here along with the police and they will catch you and put you to jail, you bad guy!" I screamed with al my might hoping that he will free me.

"Oooh...I'm scared. Aren't you guys scared too?" Referring to his allies.

"Yes boss. We are so scared! Hahaha!" They all said in unison then all of them bursted into loud laughs, not afraid that someone may hear them.

"Help! Somebody! Please help me!" I screamed loudly almost using all the voice I had.

"Scream all you want little girl. No one will hear you. We are in an abandoned warehouse in the middle of the fields. Don't worry, your mama and dada will come for you for sure, with my money of course! they would not let any harm done to their tinee winnie baby don't they? Hahaha." He teased me and slowly turned his back on me walking slowly towards the dark portion of the room with his foot steps sounding loudly.

"Wait! Who are you and what do you want with me?" I asked him, trying to sound brave even though deep inside I can no longer tolerate my fear.

"I am your kidnapper. Is it not obvious? And my what do I want with you? Simple...MONEY of course! Are you thinking of other reasons for me to kidnap you? Unless of course if you are already a young adult or a teenager. Maybe then I shall enjoy the company of your body against mine. If you know what I mean. Haha!" He told me then cracked a loud laugh echoing all over the room.

"You pervert! My parents will send you to jail for sure! They will! Just wait for them to arrive." I scared him but I failed on scaring him.

"That is...If they come little Gates. You see, they don't love you! They would rather keep their money than save you. In case that happens..." He touched my chin and slid his fingers down my neck with a pervert face. "...in the right time when those develop..." Pointing to my chest. "...you shall make a good prostitute whenever my nights or days are cold. Hahaha!" Then he finally turned his back on me and disappeared in the shadows. I cried there all night waiting for my parents to arrive.