Coming of Age

Chapter 1

Dan had a feeling someone was following him home from school. Why didn’t he tell his parents? God, they could have—well, he’s not sure what they could have done, but maybe if he told someone he wouldn’t be tied up, blindfolded, and gagged in the back of a stranger’s car. He’s not even sure how the intruders got in. They made no sound at all and the only reason he woke up was because he felt something tugging at his hands to bring them together. Right as he was about to scream, the man put his fingers on Dan’s forehead making him feel dizzy and pass out almost immediately. They didn’t bother clothing him either—leaving him in his sleeping attire—only a pair of boxer-briefs. Now though, he was wide awake, terrified out of his mind wondering what his kidnappers wanted from him. Were they going to hold a ransom over him? Or prostitute him? Or would they kill him and sell his organs on the black market?

He let out a quiet whimper wanting to cry but knowing he shouldn’t. He can’t show weakness. He can’t let them know that he’s afraid of them otherwise they’ll have him right where they want him.

“I think someone’s awake,” one of his captors mocked in a raspy voice. “I can hear his heart pounding.”

“Stop it. He’s not yours. We’ll find out what we’re to do with him later,” the other replied, though that one sounded feminine.

“Just a little taste? I’m so hungry! No one has to know.”

“No. You’re going to ruin everything if you taint him in any way. We’ll go hunting later tonight.”

Dan did his best not to make any more noises but couldn’t help but wonder what they meant by ‘just a little taste’. Were they going to eat him? Chop him up into their stew or slice him up for a sandwich? Oh god, they’re cannibals. He’s going to be eaten by cannibals because he was snatched up right from his bed in his room. Why didn’t he double check the locks on the windows?

“He smells so good though,” the raspy voice one whined. “Can’t you smell the fear? My god, his heart is going to give out on him at this rate—”

“Shut up Julian!” the female growled making the car swerve.

Dan heard a shriek—most likely from Julian—as the car righted itself and continued along the road. He didn’t say anything else from the car ride leading Dan to conclude the female must have hurt him in some way. What if he was next?

He was unsure of how much time passed—minutes? Hours? No matter: he was far from home and wouldn’t be getting back easily. By the time his parents wake up and put out a police report, he’ll be dead and gone, probably half-digested in someone’s stomach. He wanted to throw up just thinking of it, but wouldn’t dare for fear of choking on his own vomit due to his mouth gag.

“Come on, get out,” Julian’s voice ordered opening the back car door.

Dan did his best to scoot away from him. He’s going to die—the least he could do is give them a hard time. He’s not going down without a fight.

“Useless,” the female mumbled opening the other door making Dan fall out.

Before he hit the ground, he was scooped up effortlessly into the female voice’s arms. But how is that possible? Dan isn’t a heavy kid really—about the same weight as everyone else in his grade, but he’s still heavy enough. She shouldn’t be able to lift and hold him like he’s just a baby. And how was she able to grab him before he hit the ground? The car didn’t feel exactly spacious—probably nothing more than a standard five-seater—so he didn’t have far to fall. Who are these people?

He heard a heavy door opening—something like an old warehouse by the way things echoed. He wished he could tear his blindfold off or have his hands free. He felt so trapped—so restrained. He felt his heart thudding loudly in his chest—no doubt that they could hear it too, especially since he’s being cradled in one of their arms.