“I met some people who helped me see things in a different way. It took a while but I eventually began to understand that life was more than what I saw.” He smiled sadly.
“I wasn’t raised the way Lisa was. Sometimes, my cousin and I don’t agree on most things because we don’t think the same way. Where she thinks negotiation is the best approach, I’d rather take it by violence. I had a rough childhood, that is if I really had a childhood at all.
“What about your parents?” I asked.
“They never got married and I was the bastard child who nobody wanted.
He looked up at the sky and that was when I noticed that it was getting darker.
A cool breeze blew and rustled the leaves of the tree we sat under. A wilted leaf fell unto my shoulder but before I could react, he picked it up and studied it.
“You see, I was like this leaf. Wilted and useless, even at such a young age, I felt I was inferior in every way to my peers
“How did you join THE REDS?”
“Years before, when I was about 18, I was recommended to a man who I didn’t know back then was a prominent member of ORION.
He said he saw potential in me and had a quick and easy way for me to earn some cash with my talents. I was quick on my feet and light with my hands, excellent skills for the job, he said.
And so I jumped in, carrying out minor tasks for him until he asked for my loyalty and since I had no better option, I chose to remain loyal by joining THE REDS. The members under ORION are known as The Reds.
You see most members have been there since they were much younger and
Only advance in rank when they show outstanding skills. I was one of those who fit the shoes for the successive Leader of THE REDS under the Dark Lord authority..”
Dark Lord…. The words rang a bell in my head and the image of the signature along.
“Do you by any chance know what this means?”
I brought out my phone and found the picture I took in the library.
“Where did you get this?” He frowned.
“It was in the library.”
“You’ve been researching on ORION?” He frowned.
“What’s the big deal about it?” I remembered Victor’s reaction too.
“Does anyone know about this?”
“Not really?”
“Just one person.”
“Who?”
“Like I said, what’s the big deal about it?”
“Just tell me who.” He clenched his jaw as if he was trying to contain himself.
“You wouldn’t even know him, his name is Victor.” I shivered slightly as the temperature dropped significantly. The sun had already set by now and it was quickly plunging us into darkness.
“You should go inside, it’s getting late.”
We stood up and left the environment.
Exams started two weeks later. I’d avoided any form of contact with Charles or Ryan and convinced myself that if I tried hard enough, I could be invisible to both of them.
“Monica, why are you doing this?” Lisa asked.
“Doing what?”
“You know what.”
“I honestly don’t know what you mean.”
“Listen, I don’t know what exactly is going on between you and my cousin but—”
“Nothing is going on.”
“Oh, will you calm down and let me finish?”
“Fine.”
“All I know is that my cousin is acting differently and I know you’re the reason. Oh and just so you know, I gave him your digits.”
“You did what?”
“He is family and despite our differences, I care about him.
Since he was so worried, I had to do something.” She shrugged.
“You could’ve asked for my permission.”
“Why would I do that when I know you wouldn’t agree?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, and don’t even try to avoid his calls.”
I was left staring at her with a gaping mouth as she walked away. Hours later, I found myself glancing furtively at my phone in case I received any call from an unknown number but none came that day. The following morning, I was studying when I received a call from an unknown number and my
Hands shook as I reached for it. I stopped at the last minute
And let it ring until it went silent.
Instead, a text message notification came through.
Monica, it’s Charles. Please pick up.
I sighed and raised my book up to my face to continue reading
But my phone beeped again. I tossed my book beside me on the bed and picked up my phone.
Please.
It was a single word yet I couldn’t ignore it this time. The next time the phone rang, I answered.
“Hello?” I said tentatively, clutching my book tightly for a ource of support.
“Monica, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“What do you want Charles?” I asked wearily.
“Just to talk, can I see you tomorrow?”
“I’m really busy, I’ve got exams to study for and-”
“I promise I won’t take much of your time.”
I considered it briefly before I agreed. “Alright,” I said.
“Thank you, is evening by six pm convenient?”
“Yes.” Just that, I’d agreed to the meeting that would not leave my memory in a hurry.
$$$
Narrator’s P.O.V (On the other side of campus)
In a secluded area off campus where large trees and dense
Bushes grew for miles and miles, Ryan stared down at the guy
Who stood before him. His stance was hard and unforgiving, every bit the ruthless cultist he was. He sneered at him in
Mockery as his men laughed again at the scene before them.
“So, you’re telling me you cannot do this simple task?” He
Asked.
“R-Ryan it’s t—too much—” The guy froze at the look on Ryan’s
Face. “Er, what I meant to say is that I need some more time
To-”
“How much more time? Or do you not care about your loyalty
To THE REDS anymore?”
“But I have been loyal. I’ve done so many things for the sake
Of THE REDS. I even gave you the information you needed for the
Raid.”
“Shut up, it’s not enough until I say it is.”
“I’m sorry.” He gulped and looked down, thinking that all of this had gone on for too long. He’d done all that had been asked of him for so long now it almost seemed like he would
Never get a break from the endless tasks.
“Listen very carefully Victor, ”Ryan leaned down closer to look
Him in the eye. “I don’t take things lightly with weaklings and
You better not prove yourself to be one. We don’t accept boys
But men. Now take this gun and shoot this guy.”
Ryan gestured at the cowering young man who seemed to be in
His late Twenties. His body shook convulsively and his hands
Were tied behind his back. His eyes were wide with fear and
Sweat dripped from his forehead.
“But, what did he do?” Victor asked as his hands gripped the
Gun reluctantly. He’d never been asked to physically hurt
Someone before. Ryan usually left that to the more skilled guys
In that area, guys like Vicker who he hadn’t seen in a while.
The words were barely out of his mouth when he was roughly
Grabbed by his shirt collar.
“You don’t get to ask questions. You just do as I say.” Ryan spat
Before he let go of him roughly.
Victor adjusted his shirt to buy some time in order to calm his
Racing heart as he remembered his reason for joining THE REDs in
The first place.
“Ryan…”
“Are you hesitating Victor?”
“I—I…” Victor stammered.
Before he knew it, Ryan grabbed the gun and shot the guy
Himself. Victor watched in shock as life was drained from him.
Dark, red blood pooled beneath his body and his eyes slid shut,
Never to open again. He’d just witnessed a murder.
“I knew you didn’t have it in you.” Ryan spat and shoved the
Gun in the waistband of his jeans. “Speak nothing about what
Happened today. Now, get out!”
Victor didn’t wait for a second warning before he made
Himself scarce.
.
.
.
...