The quest- Oneshot

The question hadn’t been directed to me, but I could still feel the anxiety hanging in the air. Someone had wanted her to answer and yet again it had cost her, her life. The bizarreness of the situation was rather astonishing. What had she done wrong? Was it my fault, Lisa, was now dead? 1

It could’ve been me, the thought echoed through my mind. The frightful feeling of losing one’s best friend sent a chill down my spine. I didn’t want the question to be asked once more, I was too afraid of the risk I was taking. My family would suffer because of the choices I would make. Indeed, they would, rather brutally. But still it was my life that was at stake. And I liked my life. 2

“Are you frightened?” Andres asked and leaned himself down, while standing next to me.3

My mouth was half open. A sign of me contemplating again. 4

“Yes” I whispered. 5

And soon my eyes were filled with tears. He wiped some of them away and took a firm hold of my left hand. 6

“Don’t be” He said with a shaky voice. 7

“I will help you.” 8

His reassurance was comforting, but it still didn’t take away the throbbing feeling of fear that lurched in my stomach.9

“OK” 10

A bell rang and a young girl came stepping out of the judging room. Her face was pale and the shocking news of her fate was marked on her forehead. Blood. 11

“No” She muttered while passing us.12

“It can’t be.” 13

My eyes started to tear again and I feared what they had done to her friend. She was probably dead. And the blood was a sign of the girl’s attempt of trying to save her. 14

“I wouldn’t want you to die” I whispered and looked at Andres. 15

His eyes had a hint of pain in them but he didn’t answer me. Instead he leaned himself on me and kissed my hair. His elegant fingers ran through my hair and he smelled it’s soft scent of strawberries. 16

“Andres Riccardo, Jessie Atwater!” 17

The sound of our names made me jump with fear. It couldn’t be me. It just couldn’t be us. Why? Why me?18

A sobbing sound left my throat and Andres squeezed my hand while dragging us to the door. Standing before the big white door, life suddenly left my face. I couldn’t breathe normally and my heart rate was quicker than usually. 19

“Please, step inside!”20

The door gave a little squeak when it opened. Both me and Andres stepped into the room and were instantly afraid when we were pushed into darkness by a force unknown.21

“Answer these following questions and you’ll be freed” The panel said, as our eyes started to adjust to the lack of light. 22

“Who was Andres biggest love?”23

This question was easy, but still unnerving. What would happen if I didn’t know the answer?24

“Sarah Rhodes.” I said.25

“Very well then.” The panel mused before carrying on the test.26

“What is the smell of Jessica’s hair?” 27

“Strawberries.”28

Andres voice was confident while answering, and during a split second I felt rather proud of him.29

“What is Andres motto to endure life?” 30

“Live life while you can.” I said. 31

Once again the panel mused.32

“Nobody has made it this far.” 33

“What are Jessica’s three goals in life?”34

“To live, learn and get married.” 35

I smiled through tears.36

“And to the final question.”37

“Who does Andres love, and has planned to marry?”38

My heart rate quickened, and suddenly all my nerves were set in place. Whom could he love? No one that I knew of.39

“Sarah Rhodes.” Was my answer, and I felt Andres tense next to me. 40

After that everything happened in a second. The lights were turned on and the hidden panel was now facing us. Gleeful smiles were marked all over their young faces.41

“Game over, Jessica.” They said.42

I stiffened. What?43

“He doesn’t love Sarah anymore and he’s damn sure about that!”44

“Hasn’t he told you yet than?” A sleazy youngster with a moustache said. 45

“I would, I just couldn’t find the chance.” Andres retorted. 46

His grip on my hand tightened. 47

“Take me instead of her. Please.”48

“Very well then.” 49

The lights suddenly went off again and a loud bang was heard. Andres gave a sigh and fell to the ground. My fingers looked for his in the midst of darkness. No, it couldn’t be. It just couldn’t. But still it was the reality and I once again heard a whisper from my lost partner. 50

“I love you, Jessica.”51

That had been the answer. His eyes were shining in the darkness. 52

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I didn’t know.” I sobbed and pressed my face on his chest. Burying all the feeling I didn’t want to expose. 53

Andres sighed once more before silenced forever. 54

“You can leave the room, please. Next!” The panel was furious and I was ushered out of the room.