Mackenzie

As I expected, the party of Trey Hamilton at the lake house is in full swing. Song of Nicki Minaj is blaring from inside. The lawn is full of teenagers playing football despite the empty beer bottles, red cups, and empty soda cans littering all over.

I didn't want to come, but my good friend Rebecca insisted that I go to the party.

Her boyfriend James arrived earlier than us since he came directly from the game. He approaches us with a huge grin on his face.

"Babe, you made it! Thought you were joking," James says happily after giving her peck on her lips and a peck on my cheek. "Hey, Mack. Good to see you here I'd like you to meet someone!"

Rebecca pulls her hand back from James' grip and yells. "Not a chance, babe! I promised her mom that I'll take care of Mack. It means no meeting with horny football players."

"He's not a horny, Mack. Just meet him, and if you don't like him, just say excuses like going to the bathroom, or you have a stomach bug."

"Jeez, babe. You're so annoying." Becca rolls her eyes.

"Babe, trust me, okay? I'm not gonna just let Mack meet a jock because she's my friend too." James winks at me. "Relax."

"Fine. Whatever!" Rebecca is forced to agree.

"Who's he, James?" I ask.

"You'll find out soon," he answers. My brows meet together.

We stop in front of the group of guys that I recognize most of them as his teammates. He introduces me to them since they knew Rebecca.

"Guys, this is Becca's friend Mack. Mack, meet my teammates," James says. Everyone waves and says hi, and I wave back and smile shyly.

I tap Rebecca's shoulder, excuse myself before I leave. I walk down to the living room where everyone is still dancing, swaying, and jumping like there's no tomorrow. Everyone looks enjoying the party while I look lost.

"Leaving already?" A husky voice asks from behind that makes me stop to halt.

I turn around, and my eyes land to the broad chest. I move my gaze up to the one and only, a six—foot and two inches Trevor "Trey" Hamilton standing in front of me. I'm checking him out, and the only reason why I'm here.

I clear my throat. "Um, yeah. Just getting some fresh air." I look away. Lame excuse, I know because I saw him flirting with Lorrie "Bitch" Morgan slash the cheerleader when I was introduced to his teammates earlier.

"Let's go then, for some fresh air," he says with excitement in his voice, and my heart flutters.

I look up and meet his gaze. "Shouldn't you be with Lorrie?"

"She's a bitch. I don't like talking to someone while she's bitching all night telling me about the cheerleading like everyone doesn't know about already," he explains while looking at me in the eyes.

"Um, sure."

He smiles. "Follow me."

We scan the crowd to where fewer guys dancing that leads our way out of the house. I can't just avoid not to bump into the couples making out in the hallway—horny teenagers. We keep walking for a couple more steps until we get out of the house, and the night is getting cold, and the breeze makes me shiver.

"So, what's your plan for college?" He keeps looking at me, then he drops his gaze to my lips, making me a little bit self—conscious.

"I'm planning on staying here for college. My parents won't let me attend college away since I'm still not legally an adult.

"Wait. How old are you, Mack?" he quickly asks.

"Sixteen. I know I'm a freak," I answer as I look at him to see his reaction.

He chuckles. "You're not a freak Mack. You just excel, and you should be proud of yourself. Not like other girls who are busy putting makeup on their faces." Wow, Trey is not bad, after all.

I give him a tight smile. "Well, thanks. How about you, any plan for college?"

"Yeah. Got scholarship, and I'm not going anywhere far too." He smiles, and I want to giggle so badly because he's cute. No, he's hot.

"Congratulations! You deserved it." I tap his arm playfully.

"Thanks. I'll get us a drink. Stay here, okay? Be right back."

I nod and watch him walk away. I check my phone from the pocket of my jacket I wear over the red dress that Rebecca chose for me.

I stay for a while and wait for Trey to come back. The evening is so peaceful even if a little bit chilly.

Not bad, after all. I'll thank Rebecca later. I hear footsteps coming closer to me, and I turn my head in excitement to think that must be Trey, but I don't see anyone.

I feel goosebumps on my skin. The hair on my nape stands as I wrap my arms around me.

Just as I was wondering, someone suddenly grabbed my waist behind me. I struggled, but my nose and mouth were covered by a piece of cloth, and then I fell into a coma.

When I woke up, I found my hands were locked, my mouth was taped, and I couldn't move as well as call for help. It made me feel very scared.

I cry until I feel exhausted, and I abruptly stop when I hear a sound unlocking the door opens then closes. I hear footsteps—heavy footsteps. I am trembling with fear and from the cold.

I've never felt so helpless like this. I don't know what will happen to me here. My throat hurts, and my stomach just grumbles.

A lot of horrible scenarios pop in my head, and at that thought, my body starts to shake from frustrations, anger, hunger, and hopelessness.

Please, God. Please, don't let me die like this.

The high—pitched sounds irritate my ears.

Beep

Beep

Beep.