The Kiss From Hell

6

"Get packing! Hurry up kids we have to leave in 2 hours!" Williams voice traveled up the stairs.

Susan was calling out instructions like an army General. "Got your toothbrushes? What about toothpaste! Bring your comb Gage, you know your hair gets wild without our water treatments! Eliza, pack enough underwear, just in case!" Embarassed, I rolled my eyes at her words. Grateful that she cared but also hoping that Gage didn't hear her. His laughter confirmed that he did, indeed hear her and I probably wouldn't hear the end of the reminder for days. Smiling silently to myself, I felt like the hustle and bustle of packing was ramping up my excitement.

This was it! 2 days after my 16th, we were headed out into the Woodlands for the monthly family trip! I could barely contain my excitement as Gage finally burst into my room and sat on my bed. His hair was wild, a comb sticking out of it as he wildly tried brushing it through through jerky movements. Taking the comb from him, I started rhythmically brushing the knots out as he spoke at a rapid pace.

"You ready, sis?" He said, ruffling my hair as he said it. "You're a woman now, you ready for all the family secrets?"

My eyes snapped to his and I saw the twinkle reflecting back at me. I relaxed my suddenly tense shoulders and sat next to him.

"Of course I am. You think this is my first vacation?" I chuckled, of course it was though. I'd never been on one before and my body was just brimming with excitement.

Gage knowingly laughed and punched me on the shoulder before ducking my well placed pillow throw.

"Ow, you asshole!" I launched at him, expertly wielding my pillow as a sword.

He threw his hands in the air as I pummeled him with the soft down. "I give up! I give up! Parley!"

Just then, I saw Williams head peek through through door at the rukus.

"You kids look like you're having fun," he smiles as he comes through the door with his own pillow and joins in on the fun.

Out of breath and sweaty, I conceded my loss as William and Gage laughed and exited my room.

I sat in wonder as I looked outside to see the first of the snowflakes for the season drift slowly down before getting caught on the first bitten grass.

Sighing happily, I finished my packing and closed my bag. Last item was my large parka hanging inside my door. Pulling it on, switching off my light, I stepped down the hall and made my way to the kitchen.

The smell of bacon and eggs reached me nose and I happily skipped around the corner to find myself face to face with a Handler from the orphanage.

He shoved his face close to mine and I could smell his noxious breath as he said, "hello Abyzou" so quietly the family didn't catch it.

"Oh, Eliza you're here! Your old worker just stopped by to see how you're doing! Come sit he's joining us for breakfast."

I groaned. They had no idea what this "man" did to me while I was residing there. Luckily, he declined and made his way to the front door.

"Remember your purpose, Abyzou." I heard his voice but could have sworn he never even moved his lips. Just as fast as I had time to ponder that thought, he was gone.

Shaking my head of his presence, I sat at the table. I refuse to let anyone take this trip away from me. Susan served me a mound of bacon, eggs, orange juice and I helped myself to a large helping of chocolate chip pancakes. Gage joined me and together, we almost polished off the feast before us.

Stretching and leaning back in his chair, Gage yawned. "Man, I am stuffed!"

"Good, we have a long trip ahead of us, you both go put the stuff in the car, we are leaving in 15 minutes!" William entered the kitchen and snatched a piece of bacon off my plate with a smile. "I'll bring us some coffee for the road!"

With that, Gage and I scrambled to gather our things and shove them in the big Escalade parked out front. My favorite of the family vehicles because it was so roomy. William had outfitted it with a DVD player so we could watch whatever we wanted, this time I picked and I was really excited to settle in for my third rewatch of The Matrix. Always a favorite with me and Gage for movie nights!

Once everything was packed and everyone was in, William handed out disposable cups of coffee and we sat down to enjoy the smooth aroma as it slid down our throats. I took the time to savor every sip as I usually wasn't allowed coffee. Something about "stunting my brain growth" according to Susan. I thought it was slightly hypocritical since Gage was 17 and he drank coffee all the time. Enjoying my drink, Susan handed out some snacks. Pretzels, mini cookies and a big bowl of fruit salad each. Excited to go on my very first road trip, I squealed as William pealed out the driveway, the tires screeching over the gravel as we barreled towards the gate. Expecting the coffee to hit me anytime now, I turned on the DVD player and put on my headset, waiting for Gage to be ready for our movie.

Only this time, instead of making me feel wired, I only felt sleepy. I glanced at Gage as eyes started to feel heavy and saw him looking at me funny before he turned to William with questioning eyes.

"You know she can't see where we are going until the council has approved her transition, Gage. I have no choice. Be a good brother and tuck her in so she has a good sleep." I heard William mutter before it was lights out.