Studying late in the library was never a good idea. I groaned, cracking my neck in pain. God, hours of macromolecular atoms was not my idea of a good Friday night. I was gonna be celebrating my 20th birthday soon after all. What a lonely life. Needing the fresh air, I walked home and it was already pretty late by then.
I decided on a shortcut that I heard about from my friend since I just wanted to get back to my room as soon as possible. The air was cold and my surroundings blanketed with an eerie silence. I gulped and walked faster, hearing the chirps of crickets and the hoots of owls in the forest.
The shortcut led me through a dark forest with one paved road. There was only one way in and one way out. When I saw the flicker of lights up ahead, I was thankful. At least I wasn't alone. Little did I know I would come to regret thinking in such a way.
I drew closer to the truck and this frantic man came up to me. "Oh, miss, miss! Can you help me?"
Blinking several times, I managed a curt nod. He was balding and had a slight beer belly but his arms looked toned even though they were hairy. He had slight stubble but it made him look more rugged rather than hobo-like.
I saw the logo on the van was for a pet shop. "This dog went jumpy in there so I kind of panicked. I thought that we could use a woman's touch in order to calm it down." He gestured to the truck.
"We?"
"My friend and I. He's still inside the truck now."
"Oh. But I don't hear anything."
"That dog is resting between fits. I'm just scared that something's wrong with it. And you seem very knowledgeable, ma'am." He flattered me with a pleading look.
I sighed. What's another few minutes? The inside of the truck was dark when he helped me up into the back. But once there was light that lit up the back, I realized that the place was empty. "Wait, whatβ"
"Listen up, you little slut, you better do as we say or we'll make you regret it." The man earlier sneered. I realized he had dark messy hair beneath his cap. On the other hand, his companion had red hair and a beard. He was skinny and tall, a complete contrast.
I reared back, "But you saidβ"
"That was a fucking lie. Now shut the fuck up and get on the floor." He smirked, glancing down at the carpeted floor.