The Forgotten Ones

Chapter 29: Shattered Mirrors

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

Her glare was cold; icy blue eyes staring directly at Elias. The sight of the black metal weapon in her hand sent a surge of adrenaline through his veins.

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

She didn't move. No one moved, and as much as his body urged him to, Elias couldn't either. Everyone stared--only stared. No one knew what came next. The atmosphere was chilling; a moment of pure silence between them. There was only the faint howling of wind and the heavy beat against the inside of Eli's chest, through his jacket, resonating in his head.

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

"I'd die to know what you all are thinking right now." It was like her voice pressed play, forcing everyone to continue forward into their uncertain fate. "That look, God that look. I've seen those faces before, and as priceless as they are, I really didn't want to do this again."

"Do what?" Porter asked. "What are you talking about--"

Everyone tensed up as she suddenly raised the gun; it's barrel pointed directly at Elias. Her blue eyes glanced at everyone, amused.

"Harley. What are you doing?" Eli stepped back slightly, carefully watching her.

"Don't look so surprised. Work with me guys. You know it would make sense to take out the strongest first. Then, Cush. Then, Porter, and of course I'll save you for last Beverly--for old time sakes. Don't worry. It's loaded this time. This'll be quick. Don't run, and don't move--"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Harley, there's no need for that." Porter stuttered, watching her with widened eyes.

"Shut up!" She screamed, and everyone winced as her grip on the gun tightened. "Don't play dumb."

"Maybe we should just talk about this." Beverly spoke cautiously, trying to conceal the shakiness in her voice. "Whatever the problem is. We'll listen. Right guys?"

"Don't do that." Harley glared at her. "Don't talk to me like I'm crazy."

Her cold blue eyes roamed the room, her brows slowly furrowing at everyone's deep stillness. "Don't tell me..." She laughed slightly. "You still don't get it...?" She asked, suddenly interested. "All of you...still don't see?"

Elias was unsettled as the tiny breathy chuckle through her nose slowly manifested into an unnerving bout of hysterical laughs. There was something about them that felt so crooked as they dwindled into their last sinister cackles. There was something about them that made Eli's heart sink within his chest--that made him realize.

She covered her mouth from her last squeaks, taking in a deep breath; her eyes watching Elias almost playfully. "Wow, you really are dumb aren't you? Here I thought you had it all figured out. You only scratched the surface."

"It was you...?" Cush's low voice entered the room. Everyone turned to him as his dark eyes narrowed. "You did this...?" His pale finger pointed to the large stains along the floor as his eyes swelled with anger at the sight of her. "You did this to them!?"

Elias quickly held him back with all he had as he forcefully trudged forward, his fists bawling as he screamed, "You did this to Al!?"

"Bingo." A sly smile appeared on her face. "At least someone got it. God, you know, I always liked you Cush. Even when we were younger--even though you never liked me back. You were always different." She nodded in approval furrowing her brows slightly. "Isn't it funny? You didn't even remember me at first." She tilted her head. "I bet you'll never forget me now huh?"