The Lost Fourth

Chapter 1: The Note

I stand frozen as I keep my eyes focused on the man directly in front of me. His long, black coat with the collar turned up hid him from me but I could still see his eyes.

The cold, hateful eyes that I was accustomed to. They were an icy blue that held me captive as I waited with baited breath for him to speak.

I hide my shaking hands in the pocket of my light overcoat, unwilling to be weak.

"Little Katerina has lost her way along with all of her pride. How tragic. Did you think that I wouldn't be able to find you? That I would give up?" He boasts as he steps forward, beginning to close the distance between us.

I keep my feet planted firmly. I couldn't trust myself not to run away. I wanted to face my tormentor finally. I didn't want to look over my shoulder anymore. I wanted to feel safe and make a home.

"Katerina, why haven't you started running yet? Do I not frighten you anymore? Does the face of a man like me not frighten you?"

I shake my head, keeping my eyes focused on his face. My gaze is unwavering.

"Pity. The chase was always fun," he scolded before yanking a gun out of his coat.

I gasp and close my eyes, wishing for death to come. I wanted the chase to end. I wanted to be free. I stand as steadfast as possible as he pulls the trigger, the gunshot reverberating off the walls of the tunnel. The noise causes a ringing in my ears as a sharp pain goes through my stomach and my entire torso begins to burn.

I stumble a bit before collapsing to the ground, gasping. I feel a small smile settle onto my face as tears begin to roll down my face.

"Thank you," I mumble as I began to drift.

The man draws nearer and kneels over me with a chilling smirk, "You wish it was that easy, sweet dreams, princess."

I wake up gasping for air as I run my hands over my stomach frantically. I finally catch my breath and throw the blanket off of me, sitting up on the bed and running my hands through my hair.

I slide out of the bed and stumble into the kitchen, clamoring for a glass. I grab a small glass from the cabinet and fill it with water from the sink.

I gulp it down until the glass is empty, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. I toss the glass into the sink without a second thought before making my way down the short hallway to the bathroom.

I stare at myself in the mirror, memorizing my new appearance for the next month. My long hair was dyed black with choppy, blunt bangs. My brown eyes were muddy and sunken with deep eye bags from restless nights and constant fear. My skin, albeit tan, was paler than it had been before making my ethnicity a bit more undetectable. I sigh, pushing the straps of my blue night gown neatly back onto my shoulders.

I walk back to the bedroom before climbing back into bed.

But I just sit there, unwilling to succumb to my thoughts and dreams again tonight. I bring my knees up to my chest and cradle myself. I take deep breaths as I attempt to calm myself.

There I sit quietly at the early hours of the morning. I sit until the daylight breaks and there is no darkness or shadows waiting to come for me.

I sigh as I get out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. I strip down and prepare a shower with burning hot water. I step into the shower and wince as the hot water scalds my skin. I grab the washcloth and pour soap onto it before angrily scrubbing my skin, hoping to cleanse myself of all my anxiety and stress. No such luck. I continuously scrub all over my body as hot tears mix into the hot water. I rinse quickly and get out the shower.

I wrap the towel around my body and look in the fog covered mirror. I write my name on it as a reminder of who I was despite my character this month.

"Katerina," I whisper to myself before swiping my hand over the word to erase it. "You are Katie now. Katie."

I quickly brush my teeth before going back to the bathroom.

I sigh and slip into underwear before pulling on ripped jeans and a large navy blue sweater. I pull on some socks, sighing as one of my toes peeks out the end. I never mind it and pull on scuffed up black converse. I pull my wet hair into a ponytail and grab my bag.

I make sure my keys are in my bag before walking out of my small apartment. I head down the several flights of stairs before stepping out onto the sidewalk.

I look across the road at a woman as she walked with her child. Our eyes met and I forced a smile before putting my head down and walking towards the library.

The neighborhood was quiet which I was thankful. I didn't run into anyone and I didn't have to make conversation.

I took a deep breath of the crisp, autumn air, the cool temperature making me shiver slightly. I cross my arms to keep my fingers warm.

It was a short walk to the library and before long I was pushing the heavy door open and stepping inside. I greeted the librarian, a guy whose nametag said Grayson.

After spending everyday here this week, he has become a familiar face.

He gives me a big smile and waves at me. "Hi, Katie! Welcome back."

I force a smile and head to the aisle where my favorite book was located. Jane Eyre. The library only had one copy so it was preferred that I stayed here to read it. I came in and chose the same book every day, losing myself in the beautiful torture of the strong Jane.

I grab the book and gravitate towards a table in the back. I sit my bag next to me and sit comfortably. With a soft smile I open the book to the first chapter.

Suddenly, a piece of paper falls out. I hesitantly pick up the paper and open it.

Dear Katerina,

We see you. We know where you are. You can't hide from us.

We miss your pretty face and all the fun we used to have using you.

Don't forget us.

Impatiently Waiting,

The Triad