I Am Gemma

It was around five-thirty when Mark peaked over the partition that separated their cubicles as he put on his jacket. "Don't stay too late, okay?"

"Just one more thing," Gemma promised with a warm smile, "I have big plans tonight."

"Hot date?" he joked

"I wish," she sighed, "Family bonding."

Mark chuckled and shook his head, "Could be worse. Have a good weekend!" Gemma wished him the same as he took off.

She gathered her things and bid farewell to the office janitor after another hour. Gemma swiftly made way for her luxury SUV, the last remaining in the parking garage. She positioned her keys in between her fingers, clenched in a tight fist, as her high heels clicked against the pavement. She sighed with relief as she plopped into the driver's seat. Her phone chimed as she put the car in drive: Mom. She hit "Decline" on the second ring and drove off.

She pulled up a steep hill, into the long driveway that lead to her home. The heated feature eased her nerves for black ice. She rolled down the driver's side window to trigger the facial recognition system and the gates opened on command. She pulled into the garage and made her way up the stairs into the abode: Dark, quiet and still, as she left it earlier that morning.

Gemma trotted to the wine fridge and helped herself to a glass of pinot noir before making her way to the basement. She heard the chains jingle as her high heels clicked down the concrete steps. She casually strutted into the boiler room towards the woman she held captive, her hair was matted and skin thick from days of pollution. She perked up at the sight of Gemma, her eyebrows raised with hunger. Gemma squatted and met the young woman at eye level. It was like looking in the mirror. Only this young woman was filthy and dank; desperate.

"Did you miss me?" Gemma held the young woman's chin in her manicured hand.

"Please, Evelyn," the woman begged.

The sweetness fell from Gemma's face and she smacked the woman across the cheek with the hand that once coddled her. "I am Gemma," she shook with rage and her eyes grew wide, "You are Evelyn now, remember?"

"Gemma," the woman sobbed, "Please, this isn't the way. I can help you."

Gemma let out a hearty laugh, aware that the basement is soundproof, "But you are helping me, sister! You have sacrificed your freedom to give me the life I deserve."

Evelyn spat blood onto the concrete floor, "You can't get away with this. Someone will notice."

Gemma took a swig from her wine glass and pursed her lips, "You're right. I'm not you. I look like you and I sound like you. But, I'm stronger than you'll ever be." Gemma turned on her heels and made her way up the steps as Evelyn cried from the boiler room for mercy, keeping her composure. 

"Please, Gemma!" she screamed, "PLEASE!"