Gloucester’s Witch Academy 1

by Jessica Baker

  “Reports reaching us this morning is that more people have gone missing right here, in the state of Boston. Now over 30 people have disappeared and have been declared missing in the past two weeks. Investigations are ongoing as to the whereabouts of these people, or to find out if they are alive. Even though different conspiracies theories are circulating through the city, the authorities still do not have a lead on this and are presently welcoming tips from the public in case you have some useful information that would help the investigation. But all residents are charged to not panic as more police officers will be on parole throughout the city. Caution should be taken as we are not sure as to why or where these missing people have been abducted. The government has promised to take urgent measures to protect the lives and properties of the residents of the city. Also, the law enforcement, through a press conference held today by the Commissioner of police, has promised that they will not relent in their efforts to reunite the missing people with their loved ones and will continue to communicate to us any new development that comes up regarding this case. A curfew is currently in place Boston city so no one should stay out later the curfew. It’s a crazy world out there, people. Please, be careful and let's lookout for one another.”

  Oh my God! This getting out of hand. There are now thirty people missing in just two weeks. And the terrifying part of this is that they claim to have no leads or suspects and don’t even know if these people will ever be found alive. They could be dead. I can't begin to imagine what is happening to the families of these people being taken. Not knowing has got to be one of the worse things anyone can ever go through.

  I don’t know why this news just got me more worried about Mark. I took my phone and dialed his number. I just have to know that he is safe. That’s all. He does not respond the first time. Then I try again. Call me crazy but I really need to know that he is okay. He still does not pick after I have tried it and left him maybe the hundredth message. Five minutes later, my phone rings and I almost jump out of the skin when I saw the caller ID. I quickly pick the call.

  “Mark, hi. Oh my God, I have been going crazy since yesterday when I did not hear from you. With the whole missing people pandemic happening in the city, I was so scared something had happened to you-“

  “Now isn’t that so sweet? Our poor little Jane has been so worried.”

  It felt like all the air in the lungs was sucked out. No. This could not be real. Did I just hear Jennifer’s voice? On Mark’s phone? Maybe she stole it or something. Of course, there had to be a reasonable explanation for this.

  “What is wrong, princess? Cat got your tongue?” Jennifer asked in a mocking tone.

  “I uh…uh… what are you doing with Mark’s phone, Jennifer?”

  “Oh well, since you asked. Well, he is sleeping and he looked so adorable and exhausted after our night of rendezvous that I just had to pick the call so he could sleep peacefully.”

  “Your night of what!? Jennifer, what did you do?” Even I could not recognize the mortification in my voice.

  “You mean, what did we not do? Your man is a horse, to be honest. I was pleasantly surprised by his prowess in the bedroom. Oh, wait, sorry. You guys haven’t gone that far yet. My bad.”

  “What is wrong with you, Jennifer? Why would you even do this?”

  “Why not? Do you think you are the only one that wants to have a future doctor as a partner? Trust me, even I am more open to the thought after last night. Being with a doctor will be really nice, don’t you think?”

  “I don’t believe you. Mark will never do this to me.” I scoffed with disbelief. “I am sure you just stole his phone and he is not even there with you. So, this is your plan to rile me up? It is not working, Jennifer. I don’t believe you.”

  “Tsk tsk tsk, Princess. Relax. How about I send you some incentive of what led to our exotic night of lovemaking.”

  My phone beeped as some messages entered from Mark’s number. I open them and they are pictures from my date with Franklin. From when we met down my block, to the restaurant, the front of the mall and even when he dropped me off.

  Oh, No. No. No. No. All these were taken at very implicating angles. To make it look like more than it was. If Mark had seen this, surely he must have thought it was so much worse. Oh, God. To think, I didn’t even tell him about Franklin. Oh, this is bad. This is really bad.

  I even forgot that Jennifer was still on the phone until I heard her laugh.

  “Shut up, Jennifer. Give the phone to Mark. I want to speak to him now. I am not playing around with you, Jennifer. Who took these pictures?! Who? Was it you? Oh God, you are despicable. Why would you even do this to me? Why?”

  “Why would I not? Do you think you can have all the men pining for you, reject me and then flaunt your doctor beau in my face? While taking money from Franklin and still acting like you are better than the rest of us. Oh, you silly bitch!”

  “But this was a platonic date. Nothing is going on between me and Franklin”

  She hangs up the phone on me.

  I can't believe she would do this to me. Why did she hate me this much? And Mark. Oh, Mark. I try to call him again but she no longer picks up.

  I have to find them. No. I have to find Mark and explain. But I don’t even know where he lives. Or where Jennifer lives, that’s if they had gone to her apartment. The only way I could find was at the bar and her shifts start in the evening. I let a few hours pass before I take a shower and leave the apartment. I had to confront Jennifer with a level head at the bar.

  I arrive at the bar and look around but did not find her. She is not here yet. I must have looked upset because when Ray suddenly appeared, he asked me what is wrong with me with a seemingly worried expression on his face.

  “I am fine. I’m just looking for Jenifer. Do you know where she is? She is supposed to be on shift tonight.”

  “Why are looking for her? You look worried. What is going on?”

  “It is nothing. I just have to find her, that’s all.”

  “I’m not sure she is coming in today but I do know where she lives. I can take you there if you want.”

  “Really? You would? I would appreciate that. Thank you.”

  Ray smiles. “Sure. It’s no problem. I will always take care of you.”

  I get a weird feeling with the way he said those words but at this point, I don’t care. I have to find Jennifer and then Mark. And put an end to this whole nightmare.

  As I leave the bar with Ray. I could not shake off the feeling that Ray sends me really malicious vibes. When we walked to his car, a sleek black jaguar, every sensible instinct in my body told me not to get in the car with him. But I ignore it. It was probably just a silly premonition. Of course, everything will be fine.

  Chapter 11

  We drive for a couple of minutes and every second I grow even more anxious. Something was wrong. Very wrong. I don’t even know how to explain this but I just feel like being a thousand miles from where I am right now. I look outside and see that we were in a neighborhood I have never been to before. The rain was not helping. It just kept falling furiously like it was trying to prove a point to me. This was not the type of night you got in cars with strangers you don’t trust. As the raindrops hit the window glass, it made me realize how alone I felt. Getting inside this car and even asking Ray for help was very stupid. I look around. Everywhere looks deserted, drab and dull. Like all the life has been sucked out of the place. This is where Jennifer lived? I mean, she looked like she could afford better. I slowly looked across to where Ray was sitting and driving. How did it get so dark in just a few minutes? It was almost like I could not make out his face even in the car. Something was definitely not right here.

  The car stopped and I almost took a breath of relief. I am not sure I can stand being in this car with Ray any longer. His whole presence was starting to get under my skin for reasons even strange to me. I could not believe I used to have a crush on him. Oh wait, I could not believe I had even gotten in the
car with him. Well, I was looking for the crazy Jennifer who is trying to sabotage the best thing that ever happened to me. I couldn’t believe she would even do that to me. Maybe I am as naïve as she said.

  Ray switched off the engine and signaled I get down. I open the door and quickly alight the car as I ran into the sidewalk of the rundown neighborhood.

  “Is this is it? This is where Jennifer lives?” I asked as I looked around unsure if anyone even lived here.

  “She is here.” He answered shortly. I still wasn’t sold.

  “Are you sure? This place does not look like somewhere any human lives.”

  “Oh, there are some humans. Like you will soon see.” I am not sure but I think I heard a scoff there. And could even see an evil smile somewhere on his face. Shivers ran through my skin. I wanted to scream but even that would not make a difference with this pounding rain pour.

  Oh, Jane. What have you done? What are you doing here? I look around again. This looks like a place no one would ever want to come to intentionally. Wait. All those missing people! They could be in a place like this and no one would ever know. Could Ray have had something to do with that? There was something evil about the vibes he was sending right now. The way he looked at me like I am an object. A toy he could not wait to play with. Oh my God! Is he going to rape me?!? Or even kill me?! Is he a psychopath? There is something predatory about the way he is looking at me. I can't name it.

  I have to get out of here. But first, I have to play it cool.

  Just play along, Jane. Everything will be fine. I tried to reassure myself and keep my panic from being obvious. But what if he had something to do with those people that are missing? I have this premonition that he did.

  We continue walking through the sidewalk of deserted depilated buildings. I had a feeling that if I enter wherever we are going, it is not going to end well. I decide to try another approach.

  “You know what, Ray?” I stop walking and turn to face him. “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t care about seeing Jennifer. There is somewhere else I need to be.” I hope my voice was devoid of the fear I was feeling.

  He stopped beside me, pointed at a building that looked like a warehouse and just kept on walking.

  “That’s too late. We are here.”

  “I mean, I don’t think I want to do this anymore. We can talk later.” I try to turn and start walking in the opposite direction.

  “Well, now you have to.” His arms reach and guide me back. It was not forceful but its intent was clear. There is definitely no chance of me going back.

  We arrive at the front of the building and to my surprise, two huge men were guarding the door. Their eyes seem to lit up with malicious gleams in their penetrating gaze when they saw me. And just like that, within a split second, they ignored me and faced Ray. Without saying a word, it seemed like they had some sort of weird communication that I could not seem to understand but definitely felt. Was it telepathy or just signals? That does not seem to be my problem right now. I don’t know what is behind these huge doors but I knew it was not good and it will no doubt change my life forever. But since running is not an option with these three imposing men, I just have to brace myself for the worst.

  One of the men steps back to open the door for us. And to my surprise, it just opened up to a spiral staircase. Ray nudged me forward into the door and we start climbing down. We keep going down for what seemed like an eternity. It was getting colder and the walls became damp. There was no way I was going to walk into my death trap. I have to find a way out of here before I get in so deep. Immediately we were about to reach what seemed like the end of the stairs, I quickly turn around and try to push him down the stairs but it seems like he read my mind because he immediately caught my hands in the air and gave a devilish grin, as he used his second hand to grab me by my throat and raised me up. With his hand around my neck, he started to squeeze the air out of my lungs and I struggle to breathe. I could almost feel life seeping out of me as I slapped his hand and dangled my legs in the air. He did not even bat an eye as my face turned red and grew limp and weak. Then, when I thought it was over, he threw me to the ground and the last thing I remember is my head hitting the floor and everything went black.

  I wake up in what seemed like a bunker. Everywhere was dark and my head is pounding. Almost like a migraine. I hold my hand to my head and tried to relieve the pain but nothing could work. I need a cold shower and two days of sleep. Then my memories start coming back and it hit me in a rush. I had tried to find Jennifer and Ray had offered to help. We had gotten in his car and he drove to an abandoned neighborhood which got creepier by the minute till we arrived at what seemed like a warehouse guarded with two guards. Then when we were on the stairs, I had tried to escape but he had caught and almost strangled me. That means we are still in the warehouse building. But I seem to be in some sort of bunker. My eyes begin to adjust to the darkness. I always had good eyesight. I look around me and observe it is a closed-off room with a tiny window located on the top left of the room.

  I have to find a way out of here. Who knows why he is keeping me here? Maybe to rape me?

  Then I hear something. For a moment, I thought it was coming from outside. But then, I saw her. With her head in between her legs. She was whimpering and shivering as she sat in the corner of the room. She did not even seem to know that I am in the room with her. I move close to her. And there she was, completely naked. With no stitch of clothes on. No wonder she was feeling cold. I could not imagine what she is going through. Maybe she was also kidnapped by Ray or some other people he is with. Have they molested her? She looked like she had been here for so long.

  “Hi. Hello?” I try to talk to her but she did not even bother to raise her head. Almost as if I was not there to her. But I am not giving up. I have to at least know what is wrong with her. There must be something I can do to help her. I quickly take off my black leather jacket and wrap it around her. She finally looked at me. She did not say anything but I could see the gratitude in her eyes. But she still did not talk. Maybe she is mute. But there was something else in her eyes. Like there was a battle going on in her mind. She had to have been traumatized. I know I would if I was in a bunker in the middle of nowhere, naked and alone.

  “My name is Jane. I am so sorry this happened to you. I will try to get us out of here and get us help.”

  She begins to shake her head vigorously. “Don’t worry. You will be fine. We will be fine. You’ll see. Just hang in there. Please.”

  With renewed motivation for escape, I run to the door and try to get it to open. The doorknob seemed to be jammed or stuck. I muster all my strength but it did not budge. I look round again and except for the small light that seemed to penetrate from the tiny window above, there did not seem to be another opening.

  I walk back to the lady and try to reassure her.

  “Don’t worry. We will find a way out of here, I promise. If we have to climb these walls to get to that window, then we will.”

  She grabs my hands and squeezes it tight while shaking it furiously. Like she was disapproving of my plan.

  “Look, I know you're scared but we will figure it out. We are in this together. We will survive this. No perverted sick psycho will get the best of us. Just trust me, okay?”

  I suddenly seem to gain courage because I felt like I had to be strong. For her, I seem to have renewed strength.

  “Is there anything you can tell me? How did you get here? How long have you been here? Your family? What have they been doing to you? Do they rape you and molest you? Are they psycho rapists?”

  I could see the fear in her eyes. The battle again. She still did not say anything. I wish I knew exactly how she got here. Oh my God, is this the same fate I was going to face? NO. NO. I have to be optimistic and think positive thoughts. There had to be a way to escape.

  “Does he come? Ray, I mean. Is there a way I can speak to him?”

  She was back to shaking her head. She even tried to hold m
e down like I was trying to leave her.

  “hey. I've got you. Don’t worry. We will deal with whatever happens together. I've got you.”

  Suddenly, the door open.

  And he stood there. Larger than life. Looking even more imposing than I have ever seen any man. Ray‘s eyes were red. Bloody red. This felt like a sci-fi movie. No way. This could not be happening. Why would he have red eyes? Oh my God, was he a- I quickly grabbed both hands and placed it over my mouth. I couldn’t even bring myself to say the words. No way, those do not exist outside movies and teenage fantasies.

  Ray steps into the room and starts to laugh. A mean degrading laughter aimed at me. I was so shocked and afraid. The echoes of his laughter sent chills down my bones. This seems like a different person but I am so sure that it is him. He just keeps this side of him hidden well behind that whole prince charming and dark horse persona. How could I have been so stupid? To think I even once found this evil person attractive and even fancied myself crushing on him. I almost puke in my mouth now at the thought.