PANDORA

by Rebecca Hamilton

  “It’s going to be okay,” assured the medic. “You’re safe now.”

  Tears streaked down my face. “I thought she was going to kill me!”

  The medic placed my arm around his shoulder and called for assistance.

  It didn’t seem real as we made our way to the ambulance. Police officers rushed in and out of the house as the lights from their cars flashed in my face. I’m going to live . . . I’m going to live!

  Unconsciousness soon overtook my body and for the second time that night, everything went black.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alexa

  “That piece of . . . UGH!” I cursed to myself.

  What am I going to do with this stupid gun and his cell phone? Idiot!

  I shook my head and wiped a smear of blood off my cheek. He better be dead! A smile crept up on the corners of my lips as I thought back to the moment I pulled the trigger. Recalling Easton’s pure look of terror sent shivers down my spine. That felt sooo good! I took a deep breath and savored the memory.

  Okay, get it together, Alexa! Where are you going to get rid of this stuff? I looked over at Easton’s burner phone and the 9 mm handgun I bought from some loser online. People will give you anything when you pay them the right price, I thought with a chuckle.

  Biting my lip, I looked in my rearview mirror. The sun threatened to peak out of the horizon at any moment. “What if someone already heard the gunshot?” I murmured. I let out a frustrated sigh and banged my hand on the steering wheel. “Isn’t there a lake around here somewhere?”

  I pulled over and grabbed my cell phone. My fingers trembled with excitement. I shot someone! I actually did it! Feeling no remorse, I smiled. I can’t wait until the next time . . . Opening Google Maps, I selected “Current Location” and zoomed out on my location until a small body of water popped up. Done! I tapped a few buttons and a few moments later, the directions loaded onto the screen.

  As I drove down a small country lane, Abriana’s face floated into my mind. What did he do with you? Are you even alive? Or, I thought with an evil smile, are you locked up somewhere starving to death? Unable to decide which made me happier, I pushed her dark eyes and pouty lips out of my thoughts.

  A few minutes later, my headlights reflected off a small lake. Relief filtered through me as the calm body of water came into view. I reached over and wiped off the cell phone and the gun with an extra t-shirt balled up on the floor. Bye bye, evidence, I thought as I tossed the phone on to the damp ground. Stomping down with all of my might, I broke the phone in half and shattered the screen.

  I picked up the broken phone with a t-shirt-covered hand and threw it into the lake. A quiet gulp broke the silence as the lake swallowed anything linking me with Easton. Much better.

  Cocking my head to the side, I looked at the gun one last time. Such a shame . . . I would have loved to pull that trigger again . . . Oh, well! Then, without another thought, I chucked the gun into the middle of the lake. Plop.

  After the rings of water made their way to the bank, I looked down on my clothing. Gross! Easton’s blood had managed to stain my shirt and shorts. At least I came prepared . . . Stripping down, I tossed the soiled clothes into a plastic bag with a couple of heavy rocks sitting near the water. Once I had thrown the bag into the water, I knelt down next to the chilly water and washed any remaining signs of Easton off my body.

  “Much better,” I proclaimed as I inspected my limbs with the flashlight on my phone. Standing up, I let the water droplets glide off my body and down toward the damp grass.

  Once I felt sufficiently dry, I leaned inside of my car door and popped the trunk. The glow of the interior light revealed a pair of running shorts and a white tank top.

  After sliding on the clean clothes, I checked the time and huffed. I needed to get home before my parents got up.

  As I put my car into drive, I looked into the rearview mirror. Finally, no more Abriana! Now, it’s all going to be about me!

  ***

  Turning off the headlights, I pulled into a spot in front of our house. I slid the keys out of the ignition and slipped out of the car as quietly as possible. Cringing as the door shut, I looked up at the house for signs of someone being awake. Total darkness met my gaze.

  As I crept around the side of the house, my phone buzzed. I reached around and pulled it out of the waistline of my shorts. My heart started to pound as the screen lit up with a text message from my mother.

  They found her! We’re on our way to the hospital!

  We couldn’t find you! Please come meet us at Meriter Hospital!

  Slapping a hand to my mouth, I let out a muffled scream and dropped to my knees. I couldn’t believe Abriana was alive! All of my hard work had been for nothing! Rage exploded throughout my body like fireworks going off on the Fourth of July. No, no, NO!

  Tears of pure hatred dripped down my face as the rage continued to build up inside. Shaking, I pulled my body up from the grass and forced my legs to propel my body toward the house.

  Twisting my lips, I looked up toward Abriana’s old bedroom. Don’t worry, big sister. I can be patient and when the time finally presents itself again, I’ll finish the job once and for all.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Abriana

  I awoke to a steady beeping. As my eyes fluttered open, they landed on my mother’s concerned face and her hands clasped in prayer. I must be dreaming.

  Beep, beep, beep.

  “¡Mi hija!” She rushed over to me and wrapped her arms around me, squeezing tightly. “You’re awake! Victor! Victor! ¡Ven! ¡EstÁ despierta!”

  “Mom?” I croaked. “Is that really you?”

  “Yes, my sweet daughter!”

  I looked around in confusion. “Where am I?”

  My father rushed into the room with two coffees sloshing around in styrofoam cups. “Abriana!” he cried as he rushed over. One of the cups spilled as he set it down hastily on the counter.

  “You’re in the hospital. The police found you!” His aftershave enveloped me and brought back memories of my childhood. Tears sprung to my eyes as he gave me a tight hug.

  “We were so worried,” he exclaimed. “Are you okay? How do you feel?”

  I nodded. “I think I’m okay,” I said. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. “Can I please have some water?”

  “Of course,” my mother answered with a relieved smile.

  As my mother filled a small plastic glass with water and wiped up the spilled coffee, a nurse dressed in white scrubs entered the small room.

  “Abriana,” she said with a warm smile. “I’m Nurse Teresa West. Do you mind if I give you a quick exam?”

  Before I could respond, Alexa burst through the door with tears in her eyes. “Bri!” she gasped. “Bri! I’m so sorry! I couldn’t sleep so I went for a walk. I rushed over here as soon as I got mom’s text! Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  I managed a small smile. “I think I’m okay.”

  Without waiting a second later, Alexa hopped on to my small cot and threw her arms around me. Her voice cracked, “I was so worried.”

  “Me too, Lex,” I admitted.

  She sat up and wiped a tear off her cheek. “They got him. You know that right?”

  My brain tried to process her statement. “What?”

  She grabbed my hand and held it. “Easton. The guy that kidnapped you! The police got him.”

  My heart started to race and my anxiety skyrocketed. I looked at my sister as she smiled broadly. “Got him? Is he alive? Wasn’t he shot?”

  The nurse came over and gently interrupted, “I think that’s enough for right now. She’s been through a lot.”

  I watched as a deep crease formed across my father’s brow and my mother blinked back tears.

  “Alexa, we mustn’t upset your sister right now,” said my father.

  The room started to spin. “Is he alive? Is Easton alive?”

  The nurse frowned and injected something into my IV. “She needs to re
st.”

  My father stood up. “Come here, Lex. There will be time to tell her everything later.”

  “Why won’t anyone tell me what’s going on?” I asked in a slurred voice.

  Giving me a sad smile, my mother turned to my father and whispered, “We should tell Detective Lock to stop by in the morning. She needs to rest and talking about that . . . ” she paused, “talking about him will only upset her.”

  I watched my father nod in agreement as my eyelids began to get heavy.

  “Alexa, could you stay with your sister while your father and I go talk to Detective Lock?”

  “Of course,” she vowed as she turned toward me and raised an eyebrow. “I’ll always be here to take care of my big sister.”

  ***

  I awoke to a pillow being held over my face. I tried to scream, but the oxygen in my lungs had depleted.

  “I’m going to kill you,” whispered a nefarious voice.

  I tried to scream, but I didn’t have enough oxygen or strength. Someone please help me!

  Hot breath on my neck made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “No one can hear you. It’s just you and me,” hissed the voice.

  My heart continued to race as I tried clawing at the pillow.

  Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep.

  As my surroundings began to fade, a loud alarm went off and suddenly the pillow disappeared.

  A man in deep blue scrubs rushed in and placed an oxygen mask over my face. He rolled me over and jabbed me in the thigh with a needle.

  Before I could protest, an instant feeling of warmth and serenity overtook my body. Unable to keep my eyes open, I passed out into a deep and troubled sleep.

  ***

  Soft warm light filled the room. My eyes fluttered open and landed on my sister’s face. Her lips were pursed and her brow furrowed.

  “Lex?”

  The look instantly faded. “Bri! You’re up!”

  A dull ache in the back of my head caused me to wince as I tried to sit up.

  “Here,” said Alexa as she rushed and grabbed two extra pillows off a nearby chair.

  A smile broke out on my face as she gently placed them behind my head.

  “Better?”

  I winced as I tried to nod. “Much.” I looked around the room and closed my eyes. “I had such a terrible dream last night.”

  Alexa stood and took a step toward the door. “I should get the-”

  “Wait,” I said, reaching out for her arm. “Easton, is he still alive?”

  She bit her lower lip. “Bri, do you really want to know?”

  “Yes,” I responded. “I need to know!” I didn’t care if I sounded desperate. I had to know.

  Alexa sat down on the edge of my bed and looked toward the door. “He’s alive.”

  A mixture of relief and anger crashed through my body.

  “But,” said Alexa with a grim expression on her face, “he’s in a coma.”

  “A coma,” I repeated.

  “Yeah,” Alexa answered. “He had a gunshot wound to the head.”

  My lips trembled as the memories started to flood my mind. The loud boom, followed by the warm sticky substance dripping down my face.

  Putting her hand on my shoulder, Alexa looked deep into my eyes. “No one blames you,” she said.

  “What?”

  She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “No one blames you for shooting him. I mean, come on! The guy kidnapped you and held you hostage!”

  “Wait,” I said sitting up in the small hospital bed. “I didn’t-”

  Before I could finish, my mother walked into the room carrying two large vases of flowers.

  “Abriana! You’re awake!” she exclaimed.

  I smiled as she set down the flowers and pulled Alexa and I in for a big hug.

  “Listen, I know it will be difficult, but are you up for talking to the detective this morning? He really needs to take your statement.”

  “Okay, but I didn’t-”

  Alexa gave me a funny look. Shhhh! She mouthed.

  “You didn’t what, sweetheart?” asked my mother with a concerned look on her face.

  I shifted my weight uncomfortably. “Um . . . I didn’t, I mean I haven’t eaten anything in a long time and I’m starving.”

  “Oh! Of course,” she said. “I’ll buzz the nurse and make sure it’s okay.”

  “Thanks, MamÁ .”

  Shortly after my mother had talked to the nurse, an orderly entered the room with a covered tray. “Scrambled eggs and oatmeal,” he said as he placed the tray on a small table next to my bed. “With a fresh orange juice.”

  My stomach growled loudly.

  “Just take it slow,” advised a voice from the door.

  I looked up and saw a tall woman wearing a white doctor’s coat with a stethoscope hanging from her neck. Her shoes clicked as she walked over to my bed. She extended her hand. “I’m Doctor Mikhaela Porter.”

  “I’m Abriana,” I said, trying to push the delicious smell out of my mind. Focus on the doctor. You can eat in a minute.

  My stomach growled again. This time everyone in the room could hear it.

  Doctor Porter let out a chuckle. “How about you eat your breakfast, talk to the detective, and then I’ll stop by after that?”

  “Sounds good,” I replied as I reached for the tray.

  My mouth watered as I scooped up a heaping spoonful of oatmeal. I sighed as I swallowed my first bite of the sweet sticky substance. This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten, I thought to myself.

  “Remember,” said Alexa. “Take it slow.”

  I forced myself to stop and take a sip of orange juice. “I know,” I said, taking another sip. “It’s just, I haven’t eaten much lately, and I’m so hungry.”

  “We just don’t want you to get sick,” my mother said. She walked over and rubbed my back. “Once we’re home, I’ll make you all of your favorites! Caldo tlalpeÑo, arroz con pollo, cochinita pibil, anything your heart desires!”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said with a big smile. “Mmmmm . . . Chicken and rice sounds so good right now!”

  My mother’s smile quickly faded and tears filled her eyes.

  I dropped the spoon on the tray. “What’s wrong, Mom? Did I say something wrong?”

  “No,” she said, rushing over to me and embracing me. “We just missed you so much! We’re just so thankful you are back safe and sound!”

  A moment later, her phone buzzed. “Yes,” she responded. “Yes, she’s awake. Okay, let me see.” She lowered the phone. “Abriana, are you ready to talk to Detective Lock now?”

  I nodded.

  “Yes,” she replied. “She’s ready. Okay, I love you too. Bye.”

  I took another bite of oatmeal and then moved on to my eggs.

  My mother slipped the phone back into her pocket. “That was your father. He said the detective is on his way up.”

  “Okay,” I said with a mouthful of fluffy eggs.

  “I’m going to go get something to eat,” said Alexa. “I’ll see you in a bit?”

  “Mmmm hmmm,” I said as I chewed on a bite of dry toast.

  After finishing the last of the food and the orange juice, I sat up and tried to brush the crumbs off my hospital gown. Realizing how exposed I looked, I pulled up a scratchy blanket and held it in place with my arms across my chest.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  “May I come in?” drawled a southern voice.

  My eyes fell on a tall man standing in the doorframe. He wore a dark gray suit with a light blue shirt and a black tie. He had sandy blond hair with pale blue eyes.

  He walked over to me and shook my hand. “Abriana, I’m Detective Sam Lock. I’ve been the lead investigator on your case.”

  “Thank you,” I replied. “Thank you for finding me.”

  Detective Lock turned toward my mother. “Would you mind if I spoke with your daughter alone?”

  “Abriana,” she looked at me, “is that okay with you?”

 
“Of course, Mom,” I said, reassuring her.

  My mother gave me an encouraging smile before she turned and left the room.

  Detective Lock pulled up a chair next to my bed and eased himself into it. “You’ve been through quite the ordeal. How are you feeling?”

  I shrugged, immediately flinching in pain. “Last night was pretty rough. I think they gave me something to help me sleep.”

  He reached down and rubbed a spot on his worn leather shoes. “We’ve got the guy. I’m sure someone already told you that. But, we’ve got Easton.”

  Pushing my lips together, I exhaled out of my nose.

  “He’s in a coma,” continued Detective Lock, “and he hasn’t regained consciousness yet.”

  I absent-mindedly rubbed my chapped lower lip with my pointer finger.

  Detective Lock leaned forward. I caught a whiff of his cologne. He smelled like a cedar forest after a fresh rain. MatÍ as often wore something similar and the scent put me at ease.

  “Abriana, do you think you can walk me through everything that happened?”

  I chewed on my thumbnail nervously. Can I do it? Can I relive that nightmare?

  As if he read my mind, he looked into my eyes and gave me an encouraging nod. “It’s okay to be scared. If you need to take a break, just let me know.”

  “Okay,” I paused, taking a deep breath. “I met Easton online a few weeks ago . . . He asked me out on a dinner date and I agreed to meet him at Graze. He sent me a text message to say he was cutting through the alley. I waited for him, but then he fell. I thought he was hurt, so I ran to him . . . ” I paused and blinked back the unshed tears.

  Detective Lock stood up and grabbed a box of tissues off the counter. “Here,” he said as he handed them to me.

  “Thanks.” Grabbing a tissue, I dabbed the corner of my eyes.

  “So after you ran to check on him, what happened?”

  A single tear fell. “He grabbed me and slammed me into the pavement.” I took a deep breath and then continued, “I managed to get away . . . but then he caught me.”

  The tears began to fall freely. “He had me in the trunk of a vehicle and then we stayed somewhere overnight. He drugged me and took me somewhere else. That’s where you found me.”