My book

The first chapter of what I have been working on.....

Ventroice Territory

CHAPTER 1

I remember vividly that day at work. I was talking with Andree about her date the night before. I poured her a cup of coffee and she handed me the sugar. We were in our art studio, that we opened about 1 year ago. As we walked to the back of the building she told me about her and Tyans date that they had went on. "He kept showing me his arms calling them his guns" haha! "so I felt them" sighed Andree. They were like jelly, with no muscle definition. Not attractive at all. In the back ground, I could here our co worker Tal yell "Sir you cannot be in here". Others in the office started shrieking "GUN" I turned to look over my shoulder just as a bullet flew past my head, hitting Andree in the chest, the sound was a horrifying whip past my ear.

   I was already in shock, but I knew i had to do something or I was going to be next. I dropped to my knees as I heard shot after shot. I crawled to the nearest cubicle and I could feel the tears flaming up in my eyes as I looked over and could see Andree's lifeless body laying there, her eyes still open. I could feel her pain, her need to finish life, her families tortured emotions. I shuttered at every gun shot and scream that I kept hearing. I crawled as far under a desk as I could so I was hidden, for I am sure he knew I was some where. I covered my mouth, I could hear footsteps on broken glass from the earlier shots. I could only see part of the office since I was hiding under the desk. I seen legs walking towards me, with a gun dangling in his hand. I took a short breath, held my emotions and closed my eyes not wanting to see what was going to happen. I felt something cold and wet come over my mouth my eyes shot open, fear rushed through me as if a drug pulsed through a vien. He was trying to make me pass out, I held my breath for as long as I could. My world was getting dark and I could feel myself slipping into the clouded thoughts of my own mind.  

 I woke up in a cold sweat, panic with my heart about to race out of my chest. The clock says 2:05 A.M. This will be the third time within the last week that I have had the exact same dream. It always starts off with Andree, and I. He has dark black hair slicked back and in a pony tail. I don't recognize him at all. 

   Like I do every time I have a nightmare, I turn on a comedy to take my mind away from the terrible things. Along with a glass of ice water to calm my nerves. Tonight was different, I couldn't help but to think about Layla and Andree. I literally have not talked to Layla since graduation. Last I knew, Layla was headed out of state. Andree and I started a business together, but she has been away with family. It has now been 4 years since I graduated from High School and I am actually doing well. On another note when you are chasing your dreams, you can't help but to think about friends who were once close to you. Tomorrow I am going to give Layla and Andree a call. I miss my girls. As I laid there I could feel myself drifting into sleep, 

   8 A.M. came rushing down on me, and my bed always feels much more comfortable when I can't stay in it all day. My silk blanket feels even more comfortable in the morning then it does any other time. I sit up to put my fluffy slippers on, I never could stand the feeling of hardwood floors on my bare feet. "Knock, Knock." I grab a quick glance in the mirror before I grab the door. I am sure no one needs to see me before I get ready.

 I open the door to see a delivery man. "Are you Darci Morrigan?" I glanced for a name tag, Gavin. His name is Gavin.

"Yes that is me." He hands me a small package wrapped in brown paper, tied with green ribbon.

"I need you to sign here Darci." He requested.

I signed and thanked him, closing the door as he walked down to his delivery van.

The package didn't feel heavy nor light. There is no return address. I hesitate opening anything without a return address. I headed into the kitchen and sat down on the stool at my island counter. I pulled the ribbon and opened the brown paper wrapper. There is a birthday card, my birthday isn't for three more weeks.

On the front of the card it says"Happy Birthday Darci." Maybe I shouldn't open this yet.

Curiousity gets the best of me and I decide to open the card to see what it says. Inside there is a note, the hand writing is very scribbled,

"You will need this to become yourself, and overcome the changes you are about to have. What change? Here is my journal that I kept while I went through my 23rd birthday.                              Casaya.                      "PS There is a key to unlock the journal on your birthday, only you will know where to find it." 

  Casaya, I know that name from somewhere. Maybe someone on my mothers side? My mother has never talked about her side of the family. She has one sisters and two brothers. I have never known who her sister is nor her name. I really have no clue where a key is. Maybe I will get a key for my birthday? I pulled out the tattered journal. It is black in color and seems as though the pages are weathered, it looks like the book or journal has been read many times. The bind of the book says "Ventroice." I couldn't stop thinking about the book and how I knew where "Ventroice" came from.

Shoot! Its already 8:20 AM and I need to get down to the studio. I dabbed a little make up on, and swiped on some mascara.  I could hear this time the doorbell was ringing, I jumped as it startled me. I threw on my jacket and walk to unlocked the door.  Who could this be?