The abyss of darkness pressed against them, a blue-tinged blackness that hinted at a night sky beyond old walls. One by one, the teenagers were dragged, hobbling and silent, onto broad shoulders and rough big hands. The big muscular men settled them in an already cleaned and dark room that smelled of damp stone and forgotten things. A weak nightlight revealed the faces young and terrified. Their mouths were sealed with thick tape, and their eyes, were bound by black cloth.
The rough fabric was tied tightly to their wrists and ankles as they were strapped to wooden chairs. They were all asleep, or feigning it, except for one boy. He was drawn against his restraints, the rough rope digging into his skin. What in hell is this? Why can't I move my body and my hands?
A sliver of light pierced the darkness as the door creaked open, the sound echoed in the suffocating silence. A wave of fear washed over them.
Then, their blindfolds were removed by those giant men, who wearing masks, and they were squinting their eyes, blinking against the dim light, they saw peeling old walls, and dust motes dancing in the air, unsettling sketches on the walls. The chairs scraped against the stone floor, the sound echoing in the silent night. Their eyes darted between each other, a silent language of confusion."
We have been kidnapped, the last chair boy thought, a cold dread settling in his stomach. Where's Zara? He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each face, but she was nowhere to be seen. Then, his eyes locked onto her, slumped in the chair beside him. She was sleeping peacefully, with no more action in her body. A knot of fear tightened in his chest. Why won't she wake up?
Nine Hours Earlier:
"Have you packed everything?" Jessy asked, her eyes scanning Zara's half-open bag.
"Yeah, " Zara mumbled, her eyes staring at her phone and texting her best friend, Ken, " Is Zade coming?" She texted.
The phone buzzed, and Ken's reply flashed across the screen" Yes, he is with friends. Don't worry about him, he'll talk to you."
"I don't think so. It hurts when he's mad, " Zara texted back.
"Everyone pack up your bags and come to the Bus," the teacher's voice from the hallway echoed to all the rooms.
"Ok, Ken. Mrs. Anna called us, Gotta goes" Zara texted Ken, then shoved her phone into her pocket.
Jessy and Zara joined the throng of students heading towards the waiting bus. Selfies flashed, laughter filled the air, and the trip began.
At the Front door of the bus, Zara stepped her first step on the stairs, On the other side Zade stepped his first step, her eyes meeting Zade's. Both watching each other, A silent exchange passed between them, a question hanging in the air. Zade looked away, his jaw tight, and went inside the bus.
Inside, only one seat remained at the center, and both glanced at each other, she sat first, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
Zade noticed her smile, and his gaze shifted to Harry's girlfriend, Lara "Can we switch our place, Lara?" he asked watching her.
Zara's smile faded and was consumed by sadness on her face and placed her hand on the window, watching outside absently.
Lara glanced at his boyfriend and said, "Sure...." she moved towards the Zara.
Zade took her seat, his eyes avoiding Zara's. He casually chats with his friends.
"Check nearby students," Anna said, marking the attendance.
The bus pulsed with music, and colorful lights, the students dancing and singing. Kylie pulled Jessy into the aisle.
Kylie asked Jessy "Come, Jess," she said, Vibe with music. Jessy glanced at Zara, waving to her. "Come on, Zara!" Jessy called.
Zara shook her as refused," I can't, I feel too tired," she said and placed her hand on his stomach.
Leave her, Jess" Ken said from the back seat. "If she's tired, she's tired"
Jessy nodded, vibing the music and making fun of each other.
After a brief dance and fun, the rhythm faded, and a drowsy silence settled over the bus. Zara scrolled through photos of herself and Zade, their smiles frozen in time. One image dominated the screen: a picture of them kissing in front of a mountain backdrop. Next, she gazed at the photo of her sleeping while her screen remained lit.
Zade moved towards his bag, he paused, his eyes drawn to Zara's sleeping form. The light from her phone illuminated her beautiful face, the mountain photo glowing. He checked Ken was asleep or not, after conforming to his doubt, then without a second thought, he switched off her phone screen and returned to his seat, pulling his earphones in, and closing his eyes, started hearing the song.
Seven hours later, the bus stopped. A strange, cloying sweetness filled the air – an anesthesia gas. The windows were sealed. students and teachers processing the current state. Before that one by one, the students were coughed and succumbed.
Zade's eyes flickered open, his gaze falling on Zara before darkness claimed him.
The black went to white; Zara opened her slowly and watched the rusty ceiling and a dull ache throbbed in her head. She tried to move, but her limbs were heavy and unresponsive.
Glancing at her friends sitting in front of her tied like her. Where are we? Why has everyone tied she thought.
Then her eyes moved Zade, sat next to her, watching him she sighed and his eyes wide with fear, and a wave of relief washed over her.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and everyone's eyes widened, body trembling in fear, "who was that"
A woman appeared her elegant black dress a stark contrast to the grime of the room. Her lips, a slash of crimson, curved into a chilling smile.
"Welcome to hell," she said, her voice smooth and cold.
What the hell, Hannah wondered Who she was?
She settled in a clean and big chair, cross-legged smoking her cigarette. "I know you're all wondering who I am," the woman said, her eyes glittering. "Anyone care to guess? There's a discount for the correct answer." She laughed, a sound that sent shivers down their spines.