Chapter 3 Angela

I grab my keys, heading out the door to my smart car. It's white. The license plate is custom made, it has 'Angl3' on it. As I start up the vehicle, I get a call on my phone. I connect to Bluetooth and answer. It's Darla.

"Hello?" I ask into the phone

"Hey Ang." She responds.

"Hey, Darla, what's up?"

"Nothing much, I was wondering if you could pick up some more milk and eggs at the store. And also, can you come out to the treehouse, I have something to give you."

"Yeah, sure. I'll stop and get the milk and eggs, then I'll come out, okay?"

"Okay, bye, see you soon Ang. And be careful on the roads."

"Don't worry Darla, I'll be fine."

    We end the conversation there. I head out to the store and check the mail while I'm out. It's only 6:40. I don't have to be at school till 8:00. As I open the mailbox, I notice that there is a large orangish-yellow envelope. One that holds important documents. I head back to the car and notice that it's addressed to both me and Darla. I head out to the treehouse. Darla will want to read this. 

    As I'm driving, however, I notice that there's a man on the side of the road. He's tall, muscular, wearing a suit, and has brown hair. His back is facing me, so I can't see a facial structure or anything. I decide to stop, just to be nice. The man turns around as the sounds of my car tires hit gravel. I step out of the vehicle, flattening out my skirt and walking up to the man.

    He had emerald eyes that shown in the early morning sun. He had a strong cheekbone and a slight stubble starting. I was surprised at his tan. It seemed a natural golden brown instead of those orange spray tans. It worked for him though. I, yes, found him attractive, but I'm not like Darla and I won't fall in love just off of looks. I walk up to him.

"Hello. Do you need any help?" I ask.

"Oh, hello. I appear to be lost. I'm looking for main st. Can you give me directions?" He responds.

"Oh, of course! You need to turn around and go down the road until you reach the sign that says 'whispering pines'. When you reach the sign turn left and continue on peak road until you come to a four-way and then turn right and after a couple of minutes, you'll be at main st." I explain.

"Oh, why thank you very much, ma'am. Have a nice day." He said flashing a smile that lit up the dark woods with a bright flash of white. 

"You're very welcome sir," I bend down at the hip to be respectful. Not a full out bow but just a slight bow.

    The man gets back into his vehicle and I get into mine, and we split ways. I got a weird feeling around him. I'm sure he's very nice. I continue my drive into the woods and come to the driveway of Darla and  Crystal's place. I support Darla's decision on Crystal. They are meant to be I suppose. I walk the rocky trail, taking in the beautiful scenery around me. I've been out here countless times but I still find myself in love with the scenery of the woods. It's beautiful. The birds sang a beautiful song as the squirrels chittered and played in the treetops. The trees appeared to dance and speak as the trees swayed along with the slight whispering wind. Everything out here made me feel at peace. Even the idea of the darkness of night seemed peaceful out here.

I get to the house and climb the steps to the door. I enter after ringing the doorbell. Darla and Crystal are sitting on the couch watching the news and sipping coffee. I walk over to the kitchen and put the milk and eggs in the fridge. I also got myself a doughnut since I was still hungry. I split the doughnut with Darla and Crystal. We sit in silence until Darla excuses herself to get something from upstairs. Me and Crystal sit in awkward silence. We've never bonded or anything, so we don't know anything about each other and I don't think we have much in common. Darla comes walking back downstairs with a box and drops it in my lap.

"So, me and Crystal have talked it over. And we wanted to give you this." Darla said, gesturing for me to open it. 

"Oh wow. A key?" I ask. In the box was a light blue key. On the key was the name, Angela.

"It's your decision of course, but we all know your parents are going to kick you too out after graduation, so, me and Darla wanted to invite you to live with us here," Crystal speaks up, giving a small smile. I notice a new bruise on her neck.

"Well, I'm not sure right now. I'll think about it. Darla. We got this letter in the mail. It's addressed to both of us." I say, changing the subject as I remember the envelope that I put on the counter.

"Oh? I wasn't expecting any mail." Darla said, getting up with me as we head to the kitchen.

    I open the folder, revealing two letters. One on light blue paper, one on a dark red. I take the light blue one, seeing what it said.

"Dear Mrs.Angela Heart,

    Your father, Mark Heart, has decided to trade you a way to erase debt from his gambling habits. We will be at your address of 243 Locus rd. at 1200. You better be there. Anyone else will be either killed or seen as useful. Pack a bag of clothes and any other things you may need(Feminine products, make-up, phone charger, etc.) If you are not there, your house will be destroyed and we will search the entire state for you."

I look at the red letter which is addressed to Darla. It reads the same thing. I look out the window at the woods. I turn to Crystal.

"You should leave," I say, keeping my voice cold and ungentle.

"What? Why?" She asks, a look of fear and confusion on her face. 

"Crystal, listen… our dad made a mistake and instead of just sucking it up and being a man, he decided to be a big pussy and offer his own daughters away. Now we're in danger and I don't want to know what they'll do to you." Darla explained, not looking at Crystal.

"No. I refuse to leave. What if they do something to you and I never see you again? What if you're gone forever and I never move on? I think, no matter what's going on, I'm going to stay by your side, no matter what," Crystal said, very matter-of-factly.

I called the school and told them we wouldn't be in for a while, our family was going on vacation to Peru. We go back to the mansion and walk into the kitchen where there was a note sitting on the counter in our mother's handwriting. I open it, reading out loud what it said.

"Dear Darla, Angela, and Crystal,

    You may be wondering how I knew Crystal would be there too. Well, I know Darla and Crystal are together. As much as I hate it, I know I can't do anything against it. I know about your Father selling you two away. I don't like it, but he did it, and there's no way of getting out of it at this point. Listen, Darla, take Angela and Crystal to your treehouse, I'll be sending a good friend of mine named Caliban there.

    Remove all traces of there even being a treehouse so then that way the men after you don't suspect anything. I told you to take Crystal with you because they know about Crystal, and now want her too. Wait at the treehouse, be sure to grab supplies, and when you get there, call this number, (607)591-3605, ask for a man named Caliban. Tell him you're my daughter, he should recognize my name. Grab food and something to do.

I love you both

-Janice Heart"