A hand laid on the floor, in between the door and the door frame, hopelessly waiting for someone to realize. “Mom!” Athena yelled, running to her mother’s unconscious body. Athena began to cry as she felt no pulse coming from her mother’s wrists. She couldn't stop panting, as her heart dropped even more. Worried about her mother’s wellbeing Athena ran into the kitchen in search of the telephone to dial 911.
Everything became a blurry vision of sad memories and forgotten good, just as things couldn't get any worse, Athena was left alone once more. She screamed over to the operator to be fast, crying became a regular practice for her eyes to excrete tears on a regular basis. Athena ran back into the room and sat next to her mother, holding her hand, at that moment flash backs couldn't stop from entering her mind. Her mother holding her hand as she walked her to school, or across the road; back to the time she was around more often than never.
Her cold pale skin unrecognized by Athena’s eyes. “Mom, please don't leave me too!” She cried out as Melissa was just lying there, without moving, without breathing. Her heart has stopped, just like it stopped before the day she entered the first EA building in Washington. Promised dreams stood in front of her, and she didn't hesitate to grab every last bit of it.
Athena stood up as she heard the ambulance arriving at the bottom of the apartment building. Something caught her eye; a blue capsule box inhabited the space offered under the bathroom sink, opened with 2 blue pills lying on the vanity counter. Athena bent down and picked up the empty box, with no description on it, nor a prescription label.
Athena crumbled it up and stuffed it in her back pocket, while the medics stood at the door waiting for her to open it. She quickly ran and showed them the way to the bathroom, with 2 police officers accompanying the medics in case any violent person was lurking in the shadows of the apartment. No sign of forced entry was found as Melissa was rolled away on a gurney heading straight to the hospital in hopes they can revive her heart, hoping to make it beat once more. Athena couldn't stop crying as the officers did their job, interrogating her.
“Miss, my name is Clark and my partner here is Logan, we are the lead crime scene detectives on this case as it might be a suicide or homicide attempt.” The officers sat down, ready to talk. “So can you please tell me from the beginning how your day began.” An officer sat across from her, on the couch facing the window behind Athena. “I told the officer before you, I woke up and started a fire because it was cold, I made tea and sat here reading a book. Then I fell asleep and woke up by the clock making it’s usually 12pm noise, so I wondered why she isn’t awake yet and I went to check. That’s when I found her and called 911.” Athena mumbles, as her words were hard to let out. The emotions hanged heavy on Athena’s lips. Detective Logan wrote everything down on a little black note book for safe keeping.
“Al right, thank you for your co-operation, we’ll be in touch. The medics took your mother to the Bay-ridge hospital; if you want we can give you a ride there.” Clark stood up and took his hat off in respect. “No, I’ll drive myself, thanks.” Athena felt crushed. Thinking how she can recover from this even though Melissa wasn't presumed dead on the scene. Minutes later a team of investigators and forensic detectives closed the apartment down for further investigations. Athena packed a small bag, enough to last her for 3 days in a motel out of town.
The next day Athena went to the hospital, in hopes they didn't mark her down as deceased. Walking through the hall way, she could only imagine one hand holding her own; a hand that would never be forgotten.
Melissa was kept in the ICU unit, as machines kept her alive for the time being. Athena took a deep breath and walked into the room, proceeding to stand next to her almost-death bed.
Athena held her hand firmly. “Mom, please don't die.” She whispered as tears ran down her cheeks. Athena took a piece of her hair and set it behind her head carefully. She moved closer to Melissa’s ear and whispered. “If you can hear me, I love you mom.”
At the moment Detective Clark popped his head in from the door, signaling Athena to step outside with him. She walked to the waiting area, filled with families being worried and chit-chats being passed along the way of their loved one battling for their lives. Clark walked up to her with a cup of coffee in his right hand, clearly showing of his ring finger. “Athena, I want to talk with you, please sit down; but I'm not sure how you would react when I do tell you.” Clark and Athena took a seat on the far end of the waiting benches, away from all the noise. “What is it?” Athena sat with her elbows comfortably sitting on her thighs.
“Well, we went through your mothers records; do you know where she worked?” Clark took a quick sip from his hot coffee, trying not to burn his lips. “Yeah, she worked in Alaska doing business, that’s all I know.” Athena seemed confused at why he's asking such a question. “Athena, your mother was a director of an experimental company and a pharmaceutical company as they merged in 2005. With that being said, let me explain a bit of what she did on a daily basis. She has test subjects, people just like you and me, and she experiments drugs on these people so that those drugs can be approved during human trials. Usually people volunteer to do something like this but others weren’t offered to be there.” Clark took another sip as his mouth became dry. Athena couldn't believe what she was hearing, thinking her own mother wouldn't lie to her in the end. “Our friends in Alaska quickly jumped on the case and found out that she was doing illegal experiments too. For example they found a drug that would make you into a sex crazed zombie, which was just weird. But anyway, there’s a lot more to the story like misconduct, and such. One thing did interest me though is that, she offered broke parents to sell over their children to her in exchange for money. These kids could be any age and even if their parents wanted them back, they signed a contract which could be legally won in court by your mother. The longest subjects she had however were two guys which she had for 12 years, but I can’t seem to find any records of them except a release form. And most of them either died or just disappeared. To make a long story short, the police received a warrant to do further investigation into this EA business. Other than that, if or when your mother gets out of the ICU she will be detained and taken in for questioning.” Athena stood up. “I think that’s enough, I'm going to go now.” She quivered.
Athena walked away and felt his hand grabbing her arm. “Wait, there’s something else which is really important.” Athena shook her arm out of his grip. “What?” She asked. “You were one of the experiments.” Clark looked her in the eye, witnessing how a girl’s heart could break more than it already has. “Let me explain. Your mother assigned 2 guys, one which has to fall in love with you, and the other has to be backup in a way. It was all to prove how a heart breaks and heals after time. We found video footage while you were in college that your whole dorm was monitored by hidden microphones and apparently a teddy bear with a camera installed in it.” Clark talked, as his voice was unheard by Athena as her chest tightened. “What were their names?” Athena asked; just to make sure he's not telling any lies to her.
“Daniel Cole and Will Baker, Those are the same two guys who have been there for 12 years, and your roommate Jenny Stone? Yeah, she was assigned to physically monitor you as well.” Athena couldn't believe the words coming out of Clark’s mouth, a nightmare that waited to happen for so long, and just to think her mother was the cause of it all. Athena looked Clark in the eye for one last time, with watery eyes and walked away, back into the room where her mother resided on the bed. Athena pulled the chair closer to the bed and sat down.
“How could you do this to me?” Athena broke down; laying her head down on the bed crying like no one was around. Letting out every single feeling she has been keeping bottled up. Everything came out like a waterfall, with no end to it. Through Athena’s mind she couldn't contemplate whether or not it was really true, or just fake. The love she felt, the connection that has been lost, couldn't resurface once more. Her heart longed for Daniel’s comf
ort and touch, just him being there would have made everything go away. But in return of being a good girl that she thought she was, hell rained down upon her; with no sign of ever stopping, or of mercy emerging in her favor.
Chapter 15
“Will, I want to go on a road trip with you.” Allison asked as she was lying within his arms on the bed they have shared together for the past 4 months. Various phone calls have been exchanged between Allison and Naomi for those past couple of months, as she told her mother everything that have happened over the course of time. Will turned and looked at her. “And where would you like to go baby?”
“I want you to go meet my mother, in Washington.” Allison went back into her cave, scared of what his reaction might be. “That sounds good, why not? Let’s do it.” Will smiled happily, as the thoughts went through his mind of the day she might want to meet his parents; the ones that don't exist to him anymore. “Really, you don't mind?” Allison walked out as she felt comfort blazing from his dark skin pigment.
“Why would I? It’s your mother. I’d be more than happy to meet the woman that gave birth to such a beautiful woman like you.” He chuckled with confidence. “Okay, how does now sound?” Allison laid her chin on his chest, awaiting an answer. “Fuck it; it’s a long drive though are you sure you just don't want to fly?” Will confirmed. “Yeah I’m sure; I always wanted to take a road trip with someone I love.” Allison shyly leaned forward and kissed Will on his lips.
Wind blew through the window, a mild hot air rarely felt in New York City. “It’s a beautiful day, so how about you call her and tell her we’ll be on our way.” Will smiled, as he lived to make her happy, for he would be happy in return. “Al right, I’ll call her right now.” Allison sat up and reached for her cellphone which was lying out of charge on her bedside table, for she had better things to do than worry about her cellphone being out of charge. She carefully leaned down to the floor and picked the charger up, plugging her phone in to make the call she desperately wanted to make for so long. For the only thing she ever wanted to do is show off the man that came in to her life, and turned everything upside down. She planned on keeping him for as long as she walked on this earth, making sure that every step she took would be a step into a stronger and more stable relationship. Will stood up and stretched, trying to wake up from a night filled with laughter and heavy drinking.
Bottles laid around, with confetti finding their own individual place on the floor. “Remind me to never let you throw my birthday party again. You gave me a hell of a hangover.” Will chuckled jokingly walking to the bathroom to take a leak. “Shut up, you loved every bit of it.” Allison smiled as her phone finally turned on after countless tries to make the start button work. “Of course I loved it; it was just me and my lady. No other random fuck ups trying to spoil the day.” Sadness filled Will’s heart, as flash backs overcame his consciousness, thinking it’s the first time Daniel hasn't wished him a happy birthday in 13 years. The only person he had, in the darkest of times didn't make an appearance.
“Hey mom, how are you?” Allison made the call hoping to hear good news. “Hey darling, I'm fine, Banjo is just giving me problems, he keeps sitting at the front door.” “I can’t wait to see Banjo! I miss him so much; listen mom, Will and I will come and visit for a couple of days is that okay?” Allison’s face had uncertainty written all over it. “Of course, you're still my baby girl and there will always be a place for you here. When are you coming?” Allison pointed a thumbs up notion to Will as he walked out of the bathroom. “We will reach by tonight, or tomorrow morning depending how fast we drive.” Allison giggled knowing in her heart how fucked up Will can drive.
“So soon, call me again when you're an hour away from the house okay? I need time to get ready and meet the man of your dreams.” Naomi laughed over the phone, intriguing Banjo to run inside, looking curiously on what’s going on. “Okay sure, we’ll get ready now and be on our way.” “See you soon sweetie.”
Naomi ended the call filled with joy, as it felt she hasn't seen her daughter for more than a decade. “Banjo! Allison is coming home!” Naomi yelled and kneeled down, rubbing Banjo’s belly. She stood up quickly and tidied the house, for she lost herself being alone with no one to talk to for so long.
“Well, mom seemed very happy to hear that we are coming.” Allison got out of bed and jumped on Will’s back furiously. “Was she ecstatic to hear I'm coming too?” Will chuckled holding her thighs around his waist. “Oh, of course, why wouldn't she be?”
Allison kissed Will on the cheek. Holding him tightly, smelling his natural body scent. “You smell so good.” Allison buried her face in Will’s neck as her hair made him ticklish, laughing until Will landed on the bed, feeling her grip loosening. Allison climbed on top of him quickly, holding him down. “Can I check your phone? It vibrated while you were in the bathroom.” Allison smirked and grabbed his phone without Will replying. “Baby, what’s mine is yours, I have nothing to hide.” Will chuckled as he tried to move his head towards her nipple to nibble on it.
“Baby.” Allison sat on Will with a straight face. “What, what is it?” Will gulped deeply as she handed him the phone. Wills eyes became larger while staring at a deposit that has gone into his bank account for $4.2 million dollars; deposited from a Swiss bank in Geneva.
Daniel.
Will thought; as he refreshed his email once again he received an email from Daniel with an unknown email address.
Brother, sorry I haven't wished you a happy birthday yesterday, I hope this makes you a little happy as I wanted to send it to you yesterday but the bank was closed. So far I’m not doing well. Ran into some bar fights, some shit with the police. I really miss her man, can barely function without her. I miss you too.
Daniel.
Will felt a tear emerging from his left eye and quickly made it go away, not wanting Allison to find out anything that’s going on. Waiting for the right moment to tell her everything he threw the phone on the pillow and attacked her. “How does it feel to be a millionaire?” Will chuckled as he laid there in between her legs. “I’m still confused about that, you have to explain yourself young man.”
Allison crossed her arms and pouted to Will, demanding some answers. “I told you, my dad owns a big company and little stores on the side, and apparently it makes a lot of money.” Will chuckled. “But, what the fuck will we do with all that money?” She asked. “We are going to buy our dream house, get 5 kids and live quietly on the beach for the rest of our lives, and maybe work here and there. Or even start our own business, the possibilities are endless. Now let’s just enjoy it okay.” Will smirked and tickled Allison to the point she couldn't breathe.
“Okay! Okay! We will enjoy it just don't tickle me!” Allison laughed hard, trying to get out of the grip Will was holding her in. “Okay good, that’s what I wanted to hear.” Will chuckled and let go. “We have to get ready, we burnt enough daylight.” Allison stood up and hopped in the shower. Will stood from a distance and watched her every move, soon after he had no choice but to join her in the hot steamy shower.
A couple minutes later they were all set and ready to go; Will carried the bags down to the car as Allison made sure they didn’t leave anything behind and locked the door. “Sweetheart, you didn't forget the jar did you?” Will asked as he placed the bags in the trunk, making sure the backseats would have space for last minute shopping in Washington Dc. “Yup I got it.” Allison confirmed as she showed him a mason jar full of marijuana.
“Okay good, we have to worry about your mom finding out, not the cops.” Will laughed while getting into the driver’s seat. “So this is the plan. I drive halfway while you roll up and pick the music. And then vice versa until we reach.” Will smirked at Allison, thinking she wouldn't accept the challenge that waited ahead. “Deal.” Allison wore her intimidating expression which gave Will the chills. “Al right, I hope we can handle this long drive.” Will wore his sun glasses and drove out of the underground parking.
While they were at the outskirts of New York, Allison couldn’t help but get lost with the beauty of nature that engulfed them whole, with nothing but trees and sand around them, she enjoyed looking out the window. Not even noticing Will was speaking to her till he squeezed her hand. She looked up at him and smiled softly, kissing his hand. “You okay there baby?” Will asked, rubbing her knuckles. “Yeah it’s just so beautiful out here. No busy streets no nothing, just us.” Will grinned at that and looked around for something. “You know what that means.” He handed her the Mason jar and laughed. “Oh god you’re right! Its time.” Allison said as she started to roll up.
5 hours passed as Will decided to pull over into a gas station to stretch his legs. Allison fell asleep earlier, lying peacefully; a peace that Will didn't want to disturb. He got out of the car and walked around for a good 10 minutes and finally decided to go use the restroom. As he walked in he smelt a stench coming from one of the stalls and quickly made his way to the urinals to finish his business. High out of his mind Will had a sudden burst of paranoia flowing through him, as he thought that same stench came from a dead body lying in one of the stalls. His eyes began to move frantically as his fear slowly freaked him out of his mind. He finished quickly and ran out of the restroom without looking back.
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