Inhale Exhale

Chapter 12

Dedicated to infinitykariuki

Lorna

Wow, if this was death, then it was a welcome thing. So quiet. Nothing actually hurts. I just feel like I'm floating, in darkness. Nothingness. At least i didn't go to hell. Death isn't as bad as I always thought it would be. I just wish they'd get us some music in the afterlife because it really is too quiet. And why don't I remember my death? Did I go out in style? I try to remember and I regret it instantly.

My eye lids that had been closed slowly try to peel open, with a very harsh onset of pain. This really is the greatest amount of pain known to man. Everything hurts. My palms throb for all they are worth, and my head feels as though people are playing ping pong in there with jackhammers. It feels as though a pneumatic drill is working on my skull. Surely, this is not death. No. I am very much alive, and I have the pain to show for it.

My final attempt at opening my eyes is successful. And upon opening them, I am met with another pair of eyes. They are staring right into mine. They are a deep emerald color. So pretty. And they are very bright. The owner of the face is hovering above me, their face mere inches away from my own. Then I realise the weirdness of the situation. And it's like they do too. The owner of the eyes moves back to stand straight, and I move forward. Bad move.

Pain shoots through my back and I almost cry out at the intensity. I lower myself back down. And stare ahead, after wincing.

The owner of the eyes is a girl. A really pretty girl. She is beautiful, gorgeous. She looks about my age, probably a little older. That face looks wise. Her long black hair cascades to the middle of her back, pin-straight. It's highlighted in light pink, green, blue and maybe maroon streaks. I can't see properly from here. Cute button nose and lips that would take almost half a million dollars to perfect using surgery. Her eyes are sharp and large. Her beauty is almost ethereal.

And she has the body to match. Even with the white crop top and grey and white camo pants that she is putting on on, her figure is still flattered. Her flat stomach is toned and her legs are clearly long. She really would mint money from modeling. Black combat boots complete her attire. Completely my style. And a book is in her hand. However, I do not recognize her.

I take a look at my surroundings. I am actually on a bed, which is really soft. A chandelier hangs off the ceiling of the room, which has white walls and two doors and a tiled floor. I think the other door leads to the bathroom. A sofa is situated under the French windows, whose blinds are drawn, at the side of the spacious room. There is a dresser and vanity mirror near the door. A nightstand is to the left of the huge bed and a chair to the right. Certainly not familiar environment. That only means one thing, another kidnapping. I am really starting to get worked up from falling into the hands of kidnapper after kidnapper. It's like I am merchandise, no control of my life at all. This kidnapper tried though, my palms are bandaged, I am in a pair of comfy pajamas and at least the room is hospitable. That does not make me any less angry however.

I remember. The hands. Noah's minions. Atara. God, I hope Atara is okay. I turn to the girl, who is still watching me with no expre3on her face. "Who are you and where am I? Why am I here? I ask.

She sits on the chair and puts down her book.

"My name is Liz. I am sure my brother will answer all your questions once I take you to meet him. But you need to rest first. How are you feeling?"

Liz. Brother? So her brother kidnapped me? I didn't see who killed Noah's brutes but I know it was a man. I really have no time for social pleasantries at the moment. I am on a mission. I need to find the Aaron guy since I am running on borrowed time. The sooner I get out of here, the better for me and Atara. So I cooperate.