A Life in Hell

Something wasn't right. I couldn't remember what had happened the night before. I didn't remember getting to my bed. I didn't remember telling Mikey goodnight. I didn't even remember walking home. I opened my eyes, but nothing changed. The room was just as dark as my eyelids. Was I...naked? And what was around my neck? It felt like...a collar. I was really starting to freak out.

Before I could settle down enough to figure out what was going on, someone turned on the light in the room, blinding me. I whimpered, scrambling to the back of the...cage, I guess. The man leaned down and looked at me. I couldn't get a good look because my eyes still hurt from the sudden light, but the look in his eyes was unmistakable. He had the look of a predator that was about to snag his first prey of the night.

He purred at me. "Hey there, Red. I've been waiting for you for quite a long time. What's your name, baby? I've got people that want to know."

I averted my eyes, and tried to collapse in on myself as much as I could, but that just seemed to make him mad. He slammed his fists into the cage, startling me.

"We can do this the easy way, or the hard way, Red. I just want to know your name. And trust me, it's gonna be easier for you to just tell me know."

I managed to choke out "Gerard."

"See, that wasn't so bad, now was it?" He unlocked the cage, and called me to him. I began to cry.

"Please, I want to go home. I want you to leave me alone."

"I can't do that. I've got customers with their eye on you. Believe me, I want nothing more than to keep you for myself, but someone is here who is willing to pay too high of a price to pass up. I'll be right back."

He left, and let the door slam behind him. I leaned my face into my arm and cried. How did I end up like this? 12 hours ago, I was happy. I was living with my little brother. Now I'm alone, caged up like an animal. I wonder what Mikey is doing, if he's worried about me. I was startled by the sound of the door slamming shut.

"Come on Gerard. Look at me, baby. I have someone here who really wants to see that face of yours up close."

I pulled my head up and looked at the men, one relatively familiar and one new. The new guy looked me over, like I was a piece of meat, or a prize winning animal. His dark hair flipped over to one side, and, from what I could tell, he was covered in tattoos.

"Come over here."

I glanced at the first man, who gave me a look that pretty much made the decision for me. I timidly crawled over to the front of the cage, acutely conscious of my nakedness. The black-haired man opened the door, and gently caressed my face.

"Wow. Even when streaked with tears, this face is beautiful. I love the depth of his eyes." The black-haired man looked over at the first man. "I like him. I really like him. I can't wait for the auction." He turned back to me. "Listen baby, I can't wait to spend more time with you." He grabbed my chin. "Don't forget me. I'll see you soon." He let go of my chin, practically throwing it back. I scrambled to the back of the cage as the black haired man shut it. The pair left the room.

I leaned against the back of my cage, and cried.

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