Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 00:41:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nate House <extreamlucky14@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Silent Cellist 12-13:  Heart of Darkness part 1

  Hello everyone! I apologize for this taking over a month to get out,
but I've been working a lot more and have rarely been on my computer. I'm
glad to have heard from those who wrote and I decided to take the advice
of your e-mails. I hope you like this installment of "The Silent
Cellist".

*********************************************

Chapter Twelve: Diary Entry of a Sane Mad-Girl

September 15, 2154

Dearest Illitor,

    Hello my new friend. These are the first words I write in your new
facade. I really couldn't find anything that would do you justice so I
relented and got you a new body not unlike your previous one. About the
only difference is the age of this shell is considerably less than what
we're use to. I still think you are charming as ever, my friend, but it
is good to get reacquainted. I'm debating on whether of not to let
Brittany talk to you. You see, we had a fairly in-depth conversation
yesterday and I learned a great deal about how much alike the two of us
are. She, too, lost her father and brother but fortunately for her, her
tragedy was accidental; you know how mine went.
    That reminds me, I also did something I didn't think I would ever do:
I actually called Brittany my girlfriend. That damned ex-girlfriend of
Brittany has got more balls than Sgt. Cook. She had the audacity to
approach me on the last day of this thing called "Hell Week" demanding I
tell her why I was there. She spent a great deal of time trying to get
the truth out of me all week, but I managed to hold back. Then, on the
last day of this "Hell Week", I was walking back towards the bookstore
when that insane girl approached me, with her stoic yet loyal sidekick in
tow.  As soon as the word "Brittany" left my lips she went absolutely
insane... and I know what to look for. I don't know why she flipped out,
to tell you the truth I really don't care either, but something in her
brain snapped and she commenced to give me a beating that was just enough
to piss me off. Then, out of nowhere, Brittany appeared. Almost instantly
all of their attention turned to her and I knew what she was in for. That
ex-girlfriend of hers started to initiate some manner of conversation
about her delusion of love and affection, but I could hear through the
lie. I beat that subordinate "girlfriend" of hers with a concrete block ,
then turned my efforts towards the leader. I don't mind a beating on my
own behalf brought forth by some deranged psychopath with  rage in their
heart, but I won't allow that same rage to transfer towards some one else
if I can stop it. And stop it I did. I made damn sure that never again
will that crazy bitch claim Brittany as her own. I doubt they will even
remember what happened when they fully regain consciousness.
    Brittany and I sat down and had our first face-to-face conversation
after the dust settled. I must give that mother of hers some credit, she
did a fine job of raising her daughter. Brittany is very well mannered,
polite, not to mention she's smart and very studious. I get the feeling
she gives everything she does more than a hundred percent and doesn't
stop until she either can go no further or she succeeds. Hell, look at
her resolve about me. She had no real reason, at least as far as I can
tell, for tracking me down and getting to know me through Roger, but she
did and she did it well. Albeit the circumstances of our latest encounter
were somewhat less than gracious, but she stuck with it until everything
was over. She could have ran away at any minute to save her own skin. She
could have let me take the beating and leave me on my own, but rather she
stayed and confronted those who tried to harm me. Indeed, this by itself
is intriguing when I step back and look at it. We never mentioned her
motives for why she did what she did. I guess that's irrelevant anyway,
we'll have plenty of time to discuss that on our trip next week.
    That reminds me, Brittany is going with me and Roger to visit Sarah
and the place that made me. I don't think I've ever been more scared in
my life. I know I can handle what we're going to encounter, but I don't
know if Brittany can. I don't doubt her heart, only the strength of her
stomach. The smell alone can make the most hardened prisoner-of-war
vomit, let alone the psychological effect of knowing what that place is.
My skin is crawling at the mere memory of it all. I can feel my heart
aching for my beloved Sarah and that awful place  in which she slumbers
eternal.
    Sarah's been talking to me much more recently. I hear her in my
mind's ear when I'm playing in front of the store. I speak to her in my
dreams and when I see her in the mirror. She is so beautiful, Illitor,
I'm sure you remember her smile, her fair complexion and lovely eyes. Do
you remember when she would hold you when I could not... those dark and
frightful nights when I would be locked away in some place I never again
want to revisit? How I wish I can unlive those days. The only reason I am
still alive writing these words is because of my Sarah. If not for her, I
would have ended the pain a long time ago just like He wants me to. Sarah
was my reason for living back then, my friend, but I know not what is
now. I hear her voice telling me that Brittany needs me more than we both
realize but I fail to see it. If more incidents like the one yesterday
then the path will be much clearer, however, Kayla and her loyal lapdog
are very much out of commission right now and will be for a while longer
if I did the job right. But like I always remind myself, only time will
tell.
    Inikye is wanting me to say goodnight to him one last time, my
friend. I think we will play one more song, perhaps one of Roger's
favorites, before we go to bed. So I will say goodnight to you, my dear
Illitor. I will have much to tell you after this weekend and next.

Love,
Amanda

Chapter Thirteen: An Unwelcome Relief

    Brittany found herself walking out onto the field alone. No one was
there to back her up, no one was there to support her. She had to fight
her opponents on her own, a fearful prospect if she were any weaker of
person. But Brittany's resolve is that of iron. No one can break her
down, no one can just walk all over her, especially not on her home turf.
This is her house and should she face this enemy alone then by god just
let them fucking bring it. Many have fallen at her feet and begged for
mercy; she has no intention of being that weak.
    As she walked towards the start station with her mask down and her
breath visible in the air, she began to feel something amiss. There was
the enemy's five on the other end, trying in vain to intimidate the
superstar, but she was not as alone as she once thought. Waiting for her
at the start station were two figures with their masks down and awaiting
her arrival. Confused but confident, Brittany felt her heart speed up and
her adrenalin turn on knowing that two of her teammates are here to aid
in the fight.
    The figures turn their backs on her as soon as she arrives and pull
off their masks. Kayla and Samantha both put the muzzles of their Angels
on Brittany's head and open fire. Brittany fell to the ground in complete
shock and pain, the likes of which she has never felt before. She can
hear the two of them laughing the entire time they are shooting her
mercilessly. When they finally run out of paint, the people from the
other team step up to take their places and open fire on her helpless
body while Kayla and Samantha reload. Brittany is out of breath and is
bleeding badly from the amount of shots her body's received. This goes on
until all seven of them have unloaded all of their paint onto her.
Brittany is nearing unconsciousness when Kayla kneels down to her. She
lovingly strokes her matted hair and carefully removes her mask. She
plants a tender kiss upon her lips and whispers, "I love you, Brittany,
and I always will. Don't forget that."
    Brittany awoke from her dream in a cold sweat. Her heart racing under
her breast as she tried to slow her breathing, her eyes were wide with
fear as she looked around her room, trying to make sense of why she was
still in her room. "I was just getting my ass kicked by that crazy
bitch..." only after saying it aloud did she realize it was a mere dream.
She pulled her blanket up over her head and tried to get back to sleep,
however, her dreams that night would be plagued again and again of
recurring nightmares; her dark dreams of the conversation with Amanda
would be tied in with her fear of losing the tournament this weekend
coupled with terrible thoughts of Kayla and Samantha.
    All day on Friday she couldn't shake her fear of what would happen to
her once Kayla and Samantha's friends got word of Thursday's events. She
would walk with her head permanently turned over her shoulders. Even when
she was around her own friends, her hands would shake uncontrollably and
without warning. That afternoon she decided to go to the bookstore and
watch her new friend perform one of her shows, but her drive to the
bookstore was not solitary. Once again, just like she's been feeling for
a while, the skin-tingling sensation of being watched washed over her
once again. Every once in a while she looked over her shoulder, up to the
trees or at the other vehicles trying once again to put a face to this
nameless voyeur.
    Brittany began her walk to the door, following the music coming from
Amanda's cello. The sounds lifted the ominous feeling that befell her
just minutes earlier. No longer did she feel the need to keep her eyes in
the back of her head. Rather she felt elation coming from her heart and
comfort took her hand. Brittany felt a smile come to her lips once more;
her pace quickened to arrive at the source of her happiness, walking
hand-in-hand with her friend.
    Amanda was in her chair, with her eyes closed and playing her heart
out. Her fingers danced in concert with Inikye's musing. The majestic
harmony came from Amanda's soul and touched those of everyone watching,
Brittany included. She, along with the other three dozen people, couldn't
hold back the tears for long. Inikye's happiness and Amanda's joy-filled
sorrow held thick in the air, even after the song ended. In a class act
on Amanda's part, she stood up and took a bow for the first time. Once
she regained her composure, she performed her signature sign-off wave.
Some people threw money into Inikye's case as the crowd dispersed;
Brittany made her way to her friend.
    "Amanda!" Brittany called out as she neared.
    Amanda looked in the direction of the familiar voice coming from
behind her. When she saw Brittany approaching, with that determined look
in her eyes, all she could do was smile. There was something in her
expression that had a way of making her heart melt. Amanda saw in her the
same strength and kindness Sarah had for everyone. With those thoughts
being beckoned to the forefront of her mind, she walked over to her new
friend and greeted her.
    "Amanda, that was beautiful," Brittany said smiling after they broke
off the embrace. Once again, all Amanda could do was smile and nod her
head for Brittany to follow her back.
    She put Inikye away in the closet and lead Brittany back to Roger's
office. Amanda pulled Brittany's chair out for her to take a seat as she
knew why she came here. Amanda pulled Roger's chair to the front of the
desk and took her notepad out. "thank you for your kind words earlier"
she wrote smiling from ear to ear.
    "No problem, babe," Brittany said, returning the gesture.
    "what brings you here today?"
    "Well, as you already know we have a tournament this weekend and I
want you to be there," Brittany said in full confidence.
    "that's not the whole truth is it, Brittany?" Amanda wrote with a
serious expression on her face, seeing through to Brittany's core.
    "No," she admitted openly and in a hushed tone. "Lately I've had this
weird feeling that I'm being watched by someone, but whenever I look
around I see nothing, but whenever I'm training or playing or around you
it goes away. I don't know what to make of it."
    "what makes you think I do?"
    "Don't you dare think I'm that stupid," Brittany nearly yelled, with
her eyes starting to water, "I can do the fucking math. I've told you
once before that I've lost sleep over you and you've been in my dreams
more than once. I know you know something!" Brittany took a deep breath,
trying to regain her composure. Amanda herself was taken aback by her
sudden change in demeanor.
    "that was uncalled for, Brittany," Amanda's shocked expression spoke
the words her mouth could not.
    "Sorry," Brittany said honestly, but her blood continued to rush
through her, "I didn't mean to be harsh, but I just hate it when people
try to play mind games with me."
    Amanda's expression changed to a curious stare. She had no initial
intention of offending Brittany, but had to have her say it out loud.
"funny me too"
    "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Brittany asked, her voice
rising with each word.
    "I am not normal, Brittany. There are things about my nature that
allow me to see through to the real truth. All I wanted you to do was say
it for yourself."
    Brittany took another deep breath and searched for the right words,
but came up empty. There was nothing for her to say on that matter, what
can someone possibly say to that?
    "to answer your question yes I do know something of it." Amanda wrote
holding a serious look on her face. "one might say I am the root of it
all, but an ominous feeling such as yours goes much deeper than you
realize. I had every intention of telling you all of this on our trip,
but you seem to want to know now. am I wrong?"
    "No, you're right," Brittany said trying her best to absorb it all.
"I want answers and I want them now. Is that so bad or selfish? This is
my life and how fucked up it's becoming. I beg you: please tell me." By
now she was in tears, her heart sat heavy in her chest.
    "may I ask a favor of you first?" Amanda's serious expression never
waned, but she could feel herself being torn apart inside. She wanted to
know for sure if Brittany was ready to listen, not to mention if she had
the resolve to tell her the story.
    "Sure, anything," Brittany answered anxious, yet reserved.
    "don't interrupt me, don't judge me and don't feel sorry for me. you
think you can do that?"
    "Yes, just give me the damn answer." Once again Brittany felt herself
not only begging, but wanting it so much it hurt and Amanda saw that hurt
in eyes.
    "Very well then. I was imprisoned in that place since I was thirteen.
Under some weird statute that I don't full understand, teenagers and
adults are to be kept in the same wards and live along side each other.
You must understand the people that live there are pedophiles, rapists,
murders and just plain crazies. Fortunately for me I was labeled among
the latter so I wasn't expected to do much. My first year went by without
much incident. I would get into an occasional fight over an orange, or
something equally stupid, but nothing major.
    "On my first anniversary, I was forced to make a decision: I could
either be brutalized or I could die. One of the shift sergeants by the
name of SGT. Cook took me aside one day and ordered me to remove all my
clothing. I refused and  that refusal earned me a punch in the face. He
gave the order again and I once again refused. Once more I was given a
hard punch to the face. This went on for awhile. After I lost the ability
to see, he took the initiative and removed my clothing for me. Keep in
mind, I was only fourteen at the time. Once I was naked he proceeded to
'break me in' as he called it. I don't know how long I was raped, but I
know it was more than that one person who partook in the activities. I
could feel their vileness, and my blood, running down my thighs. It was
that day when I started to become what I am now. I lost all sense of
self-worth and began to not care if I was killed or not. I think that
second year was the worst for me. Everyday, every single day, I was
raped, brutalized both physically and emotionally. You don't know
depression until you lose the ability to care if you get raped or not.
    "Three days after my second anniversary, I was moved to a different
cell block and met someone I will never forget. Her name was Sarah."
Amanda stopped her story for a moment to keep herself from crying.She
looked over at Brittany and saw that she was nearly in shock. Amanda
could sense the sorrow-filled doubt she must be feeling. Deciding it best
to continue, touched her hand and continued.
    "Sarah was my angel in this Hell. On the first night we shared a
cell, she held me close. I still don't understand why, but she came to me
that night and wrapped me into her loving care. I remember crying my eyes
out in one of fits of depression then felt a warmth consume me. I roll ed
into her chest and let go of my heartache and despair. Even through me
selfish sorrow, I could feel her heart beating. She stayed with me all
night and I woke up with her still holding onto me. From that point on we
were inseparable; we did everything together from our therapy sessions to
our meals. I believe that was my best year in that living hell. Not only
did I manage to get away from SGT. Cook, but I found a person who had a
heart and soul. However, it was not to last.
    "SGT. Cook managed to get himself reassigned to my new cell block and
it started all over again. He and his crew of loathsome beasts picked up
right where they left off. They would do everything in their power to
keep Sarah and I separated from each other. I was locked in the dungeons
of the asylum for days on end with no food or water. They would pull me
out of my therapy sessions just to beat and rape me while they made Sarah
watch. After that year, SGT Cook gave me a present for some reason. He
took me, quite gingerly actually, to the music room and told me to pick
any instrument I wanted. That's when I first met Inikye, the cello I know
play. After I picked him out, he took him away and had him restored like
new. All that week Sarah and I were spared our, by now, routine torment.
But once he learned of the promises Sarah and I made to each other,
everything went back to normal."
    Once again, Amanda had to stop and wipe the tears from her eyes.
Brittany could tell by now that this was no fabrication, this was the
honest truth. With tears streaming down her eyes, she reached out and
touched Amanda's shaking hand. Amanda raised her ebony pearls to meet
Brittany's eyes and smiled. She nodded, telling Brittany to ask any
questions on her mind.
    "That's awful," Brittany said sobbing. "I can't begin to even fathom
what that must have been like."
    "it gets worse" Amanda wrote with a grimace.
    "I hate to ask, but how?"
    "Well, Sarah and I did all we could to keep our promises to each
other, but the guards and staff seemed hell-bent on making us liars. It
was around this time that I was assigned to Dr. Sarah Jackson. I believe
you already know of Roger's hatred of that woman. She took me away from
not only SGT. Cook, but from all ties to humanity, however, I managed to
keep Sarah out it. I became her slave on the promise that she wouldn't
allow anyone to lay a finger on my wife. Once again, I don't understand
why, but she agreed to my terms and Sarah was never again touched. I,
however, was put through a new dimension of hell that Donte could never
imagine. I was to give this doctor sex, clean up her messes, of any sort
and I was used as a lab rat for every new medicine that came though the
facility. I was also forced to not only watch, but partake in the
torturous executions of my fellow inmates and other criminals. If you
ever want the full details, Illitor would gladly explain them all to you.
He is my diary and he found me in the library on a day I managed to get
away from those inhuman creatures.
    "Even though I was allowed back in my cell on the good days and Sarah
and I had each other, I knew it would never end while I was alive. Dr.
Jackson passed me around to her colleagues as their personal sex object
and human punching bag. SGT. Cook 'rescued' me from some of the rooms
they kept me locked in but would then think it my fault for being a
'dirty whore'. At the time I couldn't believe that my existence could get
any worse, but it did and it happened the week of my happiest day. Sarah
and I, plus about fifty of the others, were scheduled for release at
week's end. The whole cell block was excited, but after everything I've
been through I should have known something was going to happen to me. And
what happened is what haunts us know."
    That last line made Brittany's eyes go wide with wonder. Amanda's
face was not sad, but dead serious. "What are you talking about?"
    "I admit to being the first person to have been watching you, but I
was not the last." Once more, Amanda wiped the tears from her eyes and
hesitated a moment. "As Sarah and I were walking down our hallway, one of
our mutual cell block friends, who got passed over for release, came up
to me with a shank in his hand. He thrust it forward at me, but Sarah,
who kept me safe as best she could for years, threw herself between us
and the blade entered her body instead of mine. Seeing that he hit a
person, he continued to cut and stab her body even after the guards
pulled him off. She looked at me"...
    Amanda stopped for a moment, reliving the memory of that day. She
looked at Brittany and saw the same pain in her eyes. "she said that she
loved me, then she bled to death in my arms. That remains the worst day
of my miserable, meaningless life. I know it's her ghost, spirit, call it
what you will that is watching over you. I know she wishes the best for
me since I was robbed of her. She tells me that she wishes the best for
you too."
    Brittany immediately took Amanda into her arms and just let her get
it out. Brittany found herself joining her in mourning her loss. They
remained there, in each others arms, just comforting each other as best
they could. Amanda not only forced herself to relive that day, but forced
it on her only friend and that made her feel that much worse.
     "That sure was a hell of a story," Brittany said after they broke
off the hug, some ten minutes later. Amanda sat back in her seat, trying
to regain herself. "Feel better?"
    Amanda moved her lips as if to laugh, but no sound came out. "I think
I should be asking you that."
    Brittany chuckled at that thought. "Yes I do actually."
    "Good. Sarah never harmed a soul in her life. She only wishes the
best for people. She was a very kind-hearted woman and sought to help all
those who asked. Don't be afraid of what you cannot see. Sarah is there
to keep and eye on you... for me, she says."
    A thought came to Brittany as she looked back over Amanda's very full
writing pad. "You called her your wife in all of this. Is that true?"
    Amanda smiled warmly. "Yes. She promised herself to me and I to her.
They would never acknowledge our marriage, but we felt they didn't have
to. After that first night, we had a connection that not even her death
could sever."
    Out of either habit or trepidation, Brittany looked down at her watch
and realized just how late it was getting. "Oh shit. Amanda, I should
have been home, like, yesterday." Brittany went to the door with Amanda
close behind. "I guess I'll see you this weekend. Thank you, by the way."
She gave her friend one last hug and Amanda returned the gesture and
added a kiss on the cheek before Brittany took off towards her car. As
she drove off, passing the bookstore, she saw Amanda had taken Inikye out
of the closet and was once again playing, most like an ode to her Sarah.

Chapter Fourteen: A Trip to Remember

    When she got home, Brittany immediately went to work getting her gear
ready for this weekend's tournament. Even though she wouldn't be playing
tomorrow, she still made a habit of keeping her equipment ready to be
loaned out should someone forget or break something. Brittany was just
finishing up with getting her stuff packed away when her mother came into
her room.
    "Are you hungry at all?" she asked softly. "I can heat something up
for you if you want."
    "Yeah, could you please," Brittany answered beaming. The look on her
face shocked her mother, who had been worried sick the whole time she was
gone.
    "O.K. honey, meet me downstairs." Mrs. Williams took her leave to
oblige her daughter.
    Brittany packed away her two gun set-ups and made her way downstairs.
She'd been feeling such a relief after listening to her friend explain
everything. She'd been thinking that most of what Amanda said could be
easily doubted, but someone could not make that kind of stuff up and then
act it out that well. Brittany noticed that the sensation of being
watched no longer frightened her. In fact, she welcomed it, providing
what Amanda said was true.
    Brittany made no mention of Amanda's story to her mother during her
quasi-dinner. She did mention going to the bookstore to see her play and
that they spoke for a little while, but made it a point to omit the true
nature of their conversation. After their quick meal, both of them went
off to bed, since they had to be up before sunrise tomorrow; however,
Brittany could not sleep a wink, not from fear or trepidation or fear,
but from anxiety. The promised trip with Amanda to see the asylum and
this Sarah's grave kept her night in stir. Brittany's memory shifted from
the bus ride itself to the photo she saw of Sarah and Amanda, and how
happy they looked together, to what she might, or might not, see or
experience. It didn't hit her until the alarm went off that she never
once had a thought about the tournament.
    The Williams' arrived at the field just after a few of the coaches
and JV squad members. They were busy, under the lights of course, getting
the team's gear prepared to go while the reffing crew were busy with the
field work. Brittany and her mom did whatever they had to do to get them
ready while waiting for the rest of the team to show up. Coach Wilson was
busy getting the game plans ready before the captain's meeting in just a
couple of hours.
    Once the captain's meeting concluded, the teams dispersed into their
staging areas and prepared themselves for the day. Coach Wilson went over
the game plans with his JV squad while his varsity players set about
watching some of the games. Kennview wasn't scheduled to play until
mid-morning, giving them a chance to see how the fields played out and,
more importantly, who was looking hot.
    Kennview started their event facing Henderson. The match was nowhere
close to even. The first two points were scored in under a minute in the
home team's favor and they showed no sign of slowing down. During the
entire first half, all anyone saw was Henderson's players walking off
completely covered in orange paint. The referees had a hard time keeping
up with them as the points ended too quickly to effectively do their job,
except to pull out those who were shot up. Henderson's coaches didn't
think that first half would ever end, but fortunately it did before
Kennview could break twenty. Coach Wilson was absolutely speechless
during halftime. His kids were playing this game at a level no one could
imagine. Brittany and Brian congratulated them on their nearly flawless
performance and their fans were chanting their name the entire halftime
break. The second half was nothing different. Kennview broke their own
record set two weeks ago by game's end. No one thought that score was
even physically possible, but the spectacle everyone just witnessed
proved the otherwise. By the time the game ended Kennview showed who was
here to win and the 27 to 0 score proved it. It was hard enough to
believe the score, but what most people either failed to notice was
Henderson got to the point of celebrating shooting anyone out since that
was a rarity in itself all game.
    The rest of the preliminary round went by much to the admiration of
Kennview's hometown fans. They didn't achieve the same kind of score
again, but they definitely showed they belonged in the semi-finals,
outscoring their opponents 56 to 13 in all three games. Once in the
semis, however, the other teams seemed to catch on how to play this game,
or maybe Kennview's JV team lost steam, but whatever it was they actually
lost their first game of the series, and the season, to Clemson in
overtime 9 to 8. Clemson's pits were out of their heads with excitement,
if for nothing else, proving that Kennview is in fact mortal.
     "This is the first time this season we've tasted defeat," Coach
Wilson as the team readied for the second game of the series, "and I know
you know it tastes disgusting; it's all you tasted last year. Yeah they
finally found a way to beat us, but it only took them almost two
tournaments to do it. They got lucky on a couple of points, that's all...
just pure fucking luck. We're going to go out there and show them what
skill is all about. They are garbage, now go out there and prove it to
them!"
    Even though the team felt the surge pour through them, they still had
their hands full during the second game. They scored a quick two points,
taking some of the fire out of Clemson's squad, but not totally
extinguishing it. The next three points swung both ways and were fights
to the end. By halftime, no one had a clear advantage, but Kennview led 6
to 4. The fight lasted to the final whistle. Neither side wanting to give
up an inch. Kennview needed the win to stay alive in the series and
Clemson needed the win to move on for first place, but when the dust
settled, Kennview came out on top by a single point, 10 to 9, and forcing
a third game.
    No one knew what happened as the teams entered the nets to face each
other for the last time. Maybe it was the excitement and drama that was
at hand or maybe it was simple butterflies, but the third game was a
disappointment compared to the last two. Kennview absolutely murdered
Clemson without much of a fight. Coach Wilson couldn't believe it was the
same team that actually beat them just two games ago they were facing,
but Clemson just fell apart. Kennview had the match won and their place
in the finals was secured by a commanding 12 to 3 victory.
    Kennview faced Springfield for the title of there first home event.
By now, most of the crowd was pulling for the hometown favorites to take
it all the way home. Brittany went over some last minute strategy while
the coaches wished each other good luck through the nets. As the players
entered the field, they too exchanged word of luck and trash-talk. Under
the "late night lights", as the finals are often referred, the games for
the win got underway.
    Just like in the first game, Kennview had their hands full. As the
first point concluded, the head referee assessed Kennview with their
first major penalty of the year to Tony for "overshooting with malicious
intent", which meant they would have to play most of the first half a man
down. Despite this set back, the kids still managed to hang in the game.
The first half ended in a tie 3 to 3, a very boring half for the
spectators, but it wasn't about to stay that way. All throughout the
second half, Kennview smashed down on Springfield's throats. This was the
first time in years Springfield made it to the finals and their lack of
experience was starting to show. Kennview won the first game 10 to 5 and
then turned around and won the second, 11 to 4.
    Brittany, Brian and the rest of the pit crew flew out to the team as
they gathered in a huddle around the team. Everyone was cheering and
jumping around, crying and hugging. Coach Wilson jumped into the waiting
arms of the kids as they continued cheering. Tony came out of the huddle
and pumped his fist towards his classmates, yelling at the top of his
lungs. It seemed like he was the center of attention as everyone
converged on him and followed suit. The fans eagerly yelled back at their
team.
    A short time later, the award ceremony got underway and once more
Kennview accepted the trophy they worked so hard to achieve. Tony and
Coach Wilson raised the over-sized cup of their heads, showing off their
glory to everyone still watching.
    "No speeches necessary," Coach Wilson said as the team was packing up
their gear, "I'm proud of all of you. All last week no one fell out of a
run, no one complained and everyone pulled together to keep going." He
held up the cup, "and this is what all that hard work is for. This is why
we keep pushing and grinding and in less than two months we are going to
take home the freaking World Cup!"
    Brittany was walking out of the pits with Tina and Ashley after all
the gear and extra paint was packed away for tomorrow. Brittany and Tina
couldn't stop telling the freshman how well she played, both individually
and as a team player. They were soon passing jokes about how she'll never
be as good as Brittany as they walked. The three of them were passing by
the bleachers when Brittany spotted Amanda getting Inikye out to play.
She continued with her friends while keeping her eyes and ears out for
Amanda to start playing.
    The trio stopped dead in their tracks when Inikye played his first
note. All three of them looked at the girl under the bleachers as she
played her song of victory and triumph. Amanda, with eyes closed, moved
her head side to side with the music, showing how much from the heart it
truly was. Brittany began to feel her legs go weak while Ashley blushed
at the thought of someone commending her victory in such a lovely way.
Tina saw the abandonment in Brittany's eyes as she lost herself in
Inikye's song.
    "I'll catch up to you guys later," Brittany said after the song
ended. Tina took Ashley to her car and drove home; Brittany's eyes remain
transfixed on Amanda and Inikye. She approached her friend as if she were
floating on air, her steps light and quick. Brittany threw her arms
around Amanda's neck as if she hadn't seen her in years. She could tell
Amanda wanted to do something special for her friends, but all that
mattered was she held her now.
    Amanda waved her hand in front of Brittany's eyes, bringing her out
of her daydream. Brittany fluttered her eyes before realizing that she
was, in fact, dreaming. Amanda was wearing a smile that could warm the
heart of anyone. Inikye was already packed away and strung onto his
owner's back, which brought the question to Brittany's mind: "How long
have I been standing here?".
    "That was a lovely song, Amanda," Brittany though quick, trying not
to look overly dumb. Amanda didn't say anything, rather she threw her
arms around Brittany's neck and pulled her in tight. This was all the
answer necessary. Brittany held onto Amanda, feeling her soft hair
against her cheek, smelling her beautiful scent. Amanda laid her head
against Brittany's well developed chest, listening to her heart beat.
Neither of them wanted the embrace to end, but sadly, as both of them no
all too well, all good things must come to an end.
    "Can I walk you back to your mom's car?" Amanda wrote on her pad.
    "Sure," Brittany answered upbeat and happy.
    Amanda snaked her arm under Brittany's and took off towards the
Williams' vehicle. Brittany couldn't help but feel a bit giddy about her
friend, especially after doing such a good thing for her teammates. As
they walked, Brittany began wondering how Amanda knew where her mom was
parked and she didn't. Sure enough, Amanda led Brittany right to her
patiently waiting mother who already had the door open for her.
    "Thank you again, Amanda for that nice thing you did for Ashley,"
Brittany said, a broad smile across her lips. "Will you be here
tomorrow?"
    Amanda just closed her eyes and nodded, thinking to herself how dumb
of a question that was. Amanda pulled her in for one last hug before she
began her walk back to the bookstore downtown. She refused Mrs. Williams'
offer of a ride earlier. Mrs. Williams waited until Amanda was out of
sight before she took off.
    Brittany and her mother were the first ones to the field the next
morning. The sun was still asleep and so was the rest of the team. The
Williams' got busy with getting some of the gear ready to go as something
to pass the time. Granted she arrived two hours earlier than necessary,
but it through no fault of her own; she simply couldn't sleep. Her
thoughts kept drifting off to where she was going in a few days. Amanda
promised it would be a place not easily forgotten. Brittany couldn't
quite decide if that was a good thing or bad, but knowing what happened
to her friend while committed was proof of the negative. Brittany kept
running through the hallways in her mind's eye, trying to get an idea of
what it will look like--Amanda did keep much of the details from her.
Would there be a lot of people out and about? Will the floors and walls
be clean and orderly? What will the staff look like? How will they act to
a couple of visitors, one of whom being a past resident? The questions
never stopped.
    Brittany, Brian, Frank and Coach Peterson came out of the captain's
meeting bored out of their skulls. These things are as necessary as tits
on a boar hog. The only thing they felt they accomplished was getting
their schedule back to Coach Wilson and the rest of the team, who had
finished prepping all of the equipment.
    "Everyone listen up!" Coach Wilson called out to his team. "We have
the first game on center court today against Crossland in about twenty
minutes, then we have a break until 10:45. So get the shit wired and
start heading over there."
    The team loaded up the wagons and started on their way. Most of the
team was talking about how much the JV team has accomplished already this
year. Tina already gave them a state title and her sister an MVP award.
As impressive as they've played, this is only September... a state title
is a long way away. Brittany had high hopes for her team, of course, but
felt as reserved just like the coaches.
    "Tina," Brittany said evenly, "Ashley is one hell of a player... for
her level. Our JV team does have a shot at the title, yes, but for them
to win at the state level tournament is a bit premature. You don't know
what they're up against and it's a lesson that will be learned at World
Cup. If they manage to even score points there, then I'll share that
sentiment."
    Brittany's words always have their way of being true about things
like these. Hell she's the only person on the team that's ever played at
the Division One level and that was with a team much stronger than what
they have. Brian and Frank have played several national level tournaments
with Division Three teams, but nothing more. and they didn't do so well.
Everyone took a second for her words to sink in before coming up with
their own opinions, which they kept to themselves.
    The kids organized all of their gear within the pit area while the
refs had a little meeting at the X. They still had about ten minutes
before the game was to start so Coach Wilson went over the lines and
plans one more time. Brian got his line ready to go while Brittany
started to get her line ready for the next point. The head ref announced
the names of the two teams and Kennview's fans went ballistic seeing
their team take the field. The two teams exchanged a bit of trash talk,
mixed with the "good luck" handshakes. Brittany looked out into the
stands and saw her mother sitting front row. Next to Amanda and Inikye.
"Does she ever leave that thing in the closet?" Brittany thought to
herself.
    That first point proved why Kennview is the reigning national
champions. As soon as the head ref blew the whistle, three of Kennview's
players ran the length of the field, completely annihilating Crossland in
under ten seconds. Brian waved his flag-filled fist in the direction of
his fans right before slapping it against the player-filled dead box.
Everyone inside that dead box could feel this was going to be a long
match.
    Coach Wilson decided to play Brian's line for a couple more points
and see how Crossland would counter. Unfortunately, no one really got see
much of a counter as Brian brought the flag in two more times within the
first two minutes. Finally, Brittany and her line got to take the field.
She chanted and hollered out some of her signature rants.
    "LISTEN MOTHERFUCKERS... WE ARE WINNERS, THEY ARE NOT. THIS IS OUR
HOUSE... NO ONE GETS A FUCKING INCH INSIDE OUR HOUSE. TAKE EVERYTHING..."
to which her line added, "GIVE NOTHING BACK!" Brittany put her hand into
the huddle, "GET IT UP MOTHERFUCKERS. RAM IT DOWN THEIR FUCKING COCK
SUCKERS!"
    Right after her rant, the entire fan base went nuts about their star
player's words. They loved it. Brittany could hear them chanting the
school's name and hers. Her mom on the other hand could only grimace and
turn red. Once again, she had to remind herself, it's how she plays this
sport and that energy is makes them win. Not to mention she is one of the
best players and you don't get that way by being quiet.
    The head ref blew the whistle to start the point and once again,
Crossland fell under the weight of Kennview's onslaught. Brittany waved
the flag over head while shooting out the last player for the point. An
act of arrogance and disrespect intentionally set on demoralizing them
even more. But once again, her fans loved it. Three more times she lined
up her squad and continued the beatdown of these "nobodies" as she called
them several times.
    Coach Wilson had to slow down his players for him to get an idea of
future strategy. His players are trained to play it point by point and
not think in the longterm, and they are trained well, but it's that same
mentality is what makes it hard to see how the lines are playing as a
whole. Frank's line was the only scored upon in the entire game as
Kennview easily took their first match 17 to 3.
     Brian gathered the team around for a little meeting before the next
stage of the tournament. They blasted their way through Crossland,
McGregor and Sommersville in the preliminaries and now faced Henderson
for their semi-final match. "Listen guys," Brian said looking everyone in
the eye, "Don't think for one second that these guys are pushovers. Yeah
we've been training our asses off all week, but guess what so have they.
We faced them last time in the semis and yeah we may have rolled their
asses, but these guys are renowned for learning quick. They've been
watching us all day, writing down everything we do. Just keep your heads
on your shoulders and your guns and mouths rolling. Remember it's not
over until we're standing on top of that podium with that trophy over out
heads. Frank, Brittany, anything to add?"
    "Hey, we have more skill, talent and heart than everyone here,"
Brittany said in her captain's voice. "If we continue to play our game,
our way there isn't a single team here that can touch us. i don't know
about you, but I love making them watch the game with a dead-box view.
It's what I fucking live for! We're here to win, on our home field... in
front of our friends and school. We're here to teach these little bitches
what it takes to win and all day we've given them that lesson. I don't
know about you all, but I want to go out there and blast their fucking
faces off! I want them to feel disrespected and hurt. I want them to
remember the day they tried to beat us in front of our entire school. But
mostly, I want to be holding and kissing that trophy one more time, in
front of the TV cameras and right in front of them."
    Brian broke off the team meeting and got them ready for the next
round. Coach Wilson, who listened to the entire thing, couldn't add
anything that wasn't already said. He casually went over the changes to
the lines and gameplans. He too knows that McGregor is looking for some
payback after their humiliating loss from last time, but his kids want
their finals spot even more. And all throughout the first game they were
going to prove it.
    McGregor beat Kennview to the punch with a not-so-easy first point
and Brian was given a major penalty for having a "hot gun", which drove
Coach Wilson absolutely nuts. They would have to play most of the first
half down a player, but that's what all those extra drill s are for. Even
being down a player, Kennview bounced back and scored three points while
McGregor could only manage one more. The first half concluded with
Brittany battling with three "bad guys" until the whistle, which kept the
game tied at four all.
    Kennview, with the penalty time expired and their spirits running
high off of Brittany keeping the score tied came out swinging, but
McGregor was blocking. The second half was a slugfest as bodies were
traded, the one to die last scored the points. As the time wore down and
score tied, Brittany pulled off a move that she's been praised, and
scolded, for doing. Even though she was by herself, once again, and up
against two of them, she took off down the home side's tapeline and, from
across the field, shot out both of them. She quickly grabbed the flag and
sprinted for the dead-box and hung the flag with half a second left on
the clock, assuring their win.
    Coach Wilson hates it when Brittany tries moves like that, but at the
same time he loves her ability to somehow manage to pull them off every
time. He's always chalked it up as they didn't know she was going to do
it until she was already shooting them in the face. Brittany walked back
to the pits with her team rushing her like she just won the tournament,
but they've still got one more game to play. Brittany being Brittany, she
didn't think too much of her game-winning move as she got her team ready
to play the next game. McGregor's coach just conceded the next point to
expire the clock. He wanted to get his team ready to play the next game
just as hard as they played this one.
    Brian led his line out onto the field for the start of the second
game to a crowd eager for them. A smile came across his face as they
chanted the school's name until the first whistle blew. Once again, it
was a slugfest. Both teams trading bodies and points. Brittany received
an individual chant as she led her line out for her first set of points
in this game. She couldn't help but get even more pumped up. She yelled
back at them, then turned to her line and got them on her level. Once
that next whistle blew, just like Coach Wilson predicted, most of the
guns would follow Brittany which showed Kennview every flaw in their
gameplan to exploit. And the exploited them. McGregor didn't score a
single point against Brittany's line the entire game, giving Kennview the
advantage needed to advance to the finals, against Clemson.
    Brian called for everyone to drop what they were doing and go out to
the center X. He looked over at Clemson's captain, Travis Dugeay, a
friend of his for a long time, and nodded. Clemson's players followed
suit and went out to meet them. Once again, in a true act of
sportsmanship and respect, the two finals teams met at center field to
wish each other good luck. This earned both teams a standing ovation from
the crowds on both sides. But it's what they did next is what made people
talk. The two teams intermixed and held hands. The faced the home team
stands and took a bow, then turned around and bowed to the visitor's
stands. As the teams dispersed back to the pits, they were followed by
the refs thanking them for the clean play both teams have showed all day
and respect they showed each other.
    Coach Wilson was on the brink of crying knowing his kids had that
much love and sportsmanship in them at such a young age, but now was not
the time to get sentimental. He told Brittany that she was to be the
first line this game, while Brian and the rest of the team got down to
the trash-talk through the nets between the pits.
    Once again, Brittany received an individual ovation from her friends
and fans. She looked up at her mother and Amanda to see them smiling and
waving at her. Even though she was in captain mode, she couldn't help but
smile. However, once she saw the start station, she got right down to
business.
    The entire first half was a blood bath. Both teams seemed as if they
forgot they respected each other just a few minutes ago. Point after
point both teams seemed to grow more angry. Each time they lined up,
their anger for each other seeped out of their pores. Even though it made
for good paintball, it didn't make it easy on the refs. Both teams were
given several penalties for various infractions. For the last point of
the half, bot teams started out with only two players lined up rather
than the five they started with. The half ended with Tina scoring to give
Kennview a 6 to 5 lead.
    After some halftime berating from Coach Wilson for their
penalty-friendly half, they got back to planning. Coach Wilson could hear
Clemson's coach saying almost the same thing. Frank was told that his
line would go out first, just to see if they could draw more penalties
from Clemson. His line was ordered to to nothing but play like always and
NOT retaliate if they saw someone getting chopped up.
    Coach Wilson's plan worked. Clemson quickly wrapped up some serious
penalty time and thus had to play three players down for the rest of the
game. Brittany and Brian's lines just decimated their opponents after
that. The first game ended with a score of 17 to 6.
    It was clear during the second game that Clemson no longer could keep
up with the home team. Kennview's constant pounding, coupled with their
ferocious speed and stamina kept them on the advantage. Even though the
amount of penalties in the second game dropped to zero, Clemson felt as
if they dies in that first game... and it showed on their faces.
Brittany's line was to end out the game and she continued to spank
Clemson for trying to keep her from the podium. As she was running the
last flag in to be hung, she stopped a foot from the dead-box and handed
the flag to Tina so she could score the last point of the tournament and
put them on top once again with a final score of 10 to 4.
    Kennview's pits flooded onto the field right after Tina hung the
flag. The elation and pride swelling out of all of them. Coach Wilson
shook Clemson's coach's hand before joining his kids in the huddle/pile
of bodies. Mrs. Williams was crying while Amanda tried to comfort her.
She just watched her daughter not only win the tournament, but
demonstrate just how good of a person she truly is. There were no words
to describe what she was feeling for her daughter in that moment.
    Kennview was awarded their trophy and individual medals as they stood
atop the podium. Brittany was given the MVP of the Tournament Award for
how well she played in clutch situations, while Brian and Travis shared
the Sportsmanship Award for what they orchestrated before the finals.
Coach Wilson received the five thousand dollar check and recognition from
the league president for both of his teams winning both tournaments so
far. He could only smile and say "It's all on them once they step into
the nets". After all the formalities finished, Brian took the trophy over
his head and pumped into the air, yelling out to his school. Everyone
yelled back at him and his team. Brittany looked right at Amanda then
turned and kissed the trophy, just like her tradition dictated.
    Back in the pits, Coach Wilson and his staff told the kids not to
worry about the team equipment and just get their personal stuff; they'll
take care of putting everything away. Brittany gathered up all of her
stuff and got out as quickly as she could. She gave her congratulatory
hugs to her teammates as she passed them. Tina held her longer than
anyone else, but only the two of them and Ashley really knew why. She
waved bye to the coaching staff and they had to congratulate her on her
performance today, which held her a few minutes longer. They went on and
on about how much of an asset she is to the team and a natural born
leader; all she did was nod and agree. Finally, she managed to get out of
there.
    Just like yesterday, Amanda was waiting for her in the same spot with
Inkye out of his case. The remaining fans of the team didn't pay her much
mind as they exited the stands and into the parking lot. Most of them
were anxious to congratulate Brittany on her playing tonight. And they
soon got their wish. She was mobbed as she approached her friend sitting
alone under the steel. They hugged her, high-fived her and a couple tried
to kiss her. Brittany could only smile and thank them, even thought she
prayed for a way out.
    Just as that thought left her head, Amanda began playing a similar
song to yesterday. This made everyone cease at once; they remained where
they stood. No one made a sound, all eyes were on Amanda. Brittany
watched her play and play with the same emotion she played her game.
Amanda's fingers danced and sprinted up and down on Inikye's neck, all
the while she kept her eyes closed. Tina came up behind Brittany and was
caught up in the emotion of Amanda's playing, no different from when
she's sitting in front of the bookstore. The song went on and on as if
the ending has yet to be written.
    Amanda held the last note as long as she was able before standing up
to take a bow of her own. The entire audience of students, parents and
faculty alike were applauding her for her tribute. As the audience
clapped and whistled, she pointed over to Brittany and Tina as if to say
it was for them and the team. Brittany went over to her friend and hugged
her tight, whispering, "Thank you, Amanda," into her ear. She packed away
Inikye as the crowd began to disperse and go about their business. Tina
gave Brittany one last hug before she took her own leave.
    Amanda walked her over to her mom's van, just like yesterday. And
just like yesterday, she refused any ride home. Even though Brittany and
her mother tried to insist, Amanda just smiled and went on her way. On
the ride home, Mrs. Williams kept praising Brittany for her victory and
candor. She made a note to praise her for letting Tina hang the last
point. Brittany blushed at the memory of Tina trying to convince her to
do so all week.
    Right after Brittany put her tournament clothes into the washing
machine, she headed for the shower and bed. She felt her head floating in
the clouds as the hot water cascaded down her developed form. She felt
her fingers massaging into the skin of her sore legs and the sensations
of relaxation soon filled her completely. She had to get out of the
shower and go to bed before she got too carried away with herself, she
was exhausted, excited and her mind was still riding the high of
victory... not to mention she does have school tomorrow and it's already
almost midnight.
    Brittany's head hit the pillow and she was out. This was the crucial
missing piece of her state of mind, something comfortable to on which to
lie. In her head she saw herself standing on the podium with her medal
around her neck, her individual award in one hand at the other hand on
the team trophy, but the deep recesses of her brain was seeing something
entirely different. There, the horrors that Amanda described tormented
her with fear and dread. Grim and ghastly images played out in her head,
completely overshadowing what happened tonight.
    She saw Amanda standing on a chair in the room she spoke of with a
noose around her neck. As Brittany entered the room, Amanda looked right
at her with those black eyes of hers and stepped off the chair. She
couldn't move, she couldn't scream for help. All she could do was watch
Amanda struggle for air while the rope burned into her throat. The
sickening sound of the rope creek as her lifeless body filled her ears.
Amanda's eyes remained open, looking right her as if trying to tell her
something, but the message was never received. Brittany fell to the
floor, crying into her hands but no sound came from her lips. All she
could hear was Amanda's body swinging from the rafter from which the rope
was tied.
    Brittany looked up from her hands to find Amanda's body moved. She
was standing by her dresser, completely covered in someone's blood. She
could see Amanda got back her birth eyes and they were aflame with anger
and hatred. Amanda grabbed the lone picture frame from the vanity and
glared at it. It was the picture of her and Sarah from a long time ago.
That's when Brittany looked down at Amanda's feet, she was standing in a
puddle of blood coming from Sarah's mutilated corpse. Amanda spent many
minutes staring at the picture, contemplating her next action. Suddenly,
she smashed the frame into her face, letting the glass cut into her
decaying skin.
    Brittany still couldn't move or scream, all she could do was watch
this all unfold. her tears were flowing down her face. Amanda looked down
at the subdued girl with an angry, evil expression on her lips. Her eyes
showed Brittany that she truly was insane. Amanda let the picture fall
into the pool of blood and picked up two of the glass shards. Still
looking at Brittany, she shoved them into her eyes, trying to cut them
out. The black blood and puss followed the same path down Amanda's face
she Brittany's tears on hers.
    This is when she heard Amanda's voice for the first time. She heard
her say, "Brittany, why didn't you save me?"
    Brittany awoke in a cold sweat and warm tears streaming down her
face.



    to be continued...