Page 6 of In the Light of Day

I dare not move, the moment is almost here where I will see all of my friends, Lizzie, and Johnny Mathers. Of course, I will behave myself so as not to make my mother upset.Ladies are controlled.She will no doubt have to make an appearance because otherwise, people would talk. Maybe, even my father will come, make an effort to escape from his study for the evening and celebrate me.

Turning eighteen is the birthday people remember. The one they talk about. I can drink alcohol, vote ... and even move out of home if I want to. I almost chastise myself for thinking it because Davis women only move out when they’re married but maybe, just maybe, my mother will let me.

“Sweetie-pie, it's ready. I’m going to lead you down some steps now, just hold me close and everything will be okay.”

The warm hands of Uncle Tommy wrap around my waist as he guides me where I need to go, telling me to step down or stay put. The mildew in the air is stronger now and I can feel the temperature drop against my skin. I hope everyone has a cardigan seeing it is a little chilly down here. Even though we’re in the last months of summer, I didn't anticipate the temperature change the further we go into the bunker.

All the guests must not want to ruin the surprise either because other than the two of us I cannot hear a single sound, our movement echoing across the enclosed space.

“Here, hold onto this rail, I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

He places my hand onto the cold metal handrail as I hear him stomp down the stairs, or maybe he is going up them. I can't tell anymore, but I have the rail to hold onto, an anchor.

A loud bang erupts above me, causing my ears to ring from the sound of it before I can make out Uncle Tommy's footsteps again. His unexpected touch to my waist causing me to cry out in fright.

“Can I take the blindfold off now ...please,” I whisper. I think one surprise party in my life is enough, this isn't what I imagined it would feel like.

I don't think I like them after all.

Pulling my back into his chest, he's only slightly taller than me and his arms fit awkwardly wrapped around my waist.

“You can take it off now,” he says, his breath a little too warm on my neck. Reaching up, I pull down the blindfold without hesitation, the sudden brightness of the stark space causing me to wince as my eyes adjust.

Nothing

The space is empty. Dark round tunnel-like walls surround us as Uncle Tommy pulls away from me, excitedly pointing down each tunnel, talking about the bathroom, kitchen and living space.

I don't understand. What's happening? This is my birthday party, where are the people? Where is the music?Why am I here?

Stepping into me again, Uncle Tommy begins to rub my arms. The slow up and down movement trying to comfort me as I make sense of what's happening.

“Give it a little time to get familiar, but this is our new beginning sweetie-pie. We can finally be together. I've made all of the arrangements. No one will find us here. It's just you and me, together forever like we’ve always wanted.”

A sob escapes me as I look around the space, shocked by the words I'm hearing.

“Be together? ... But you're my Uncle? I don't understand, whereiseveryone?”

The sobs come out harder now and he pulls me further into a dimly lit tunnel. A few battery-operated candles next to a large bed taking up almost all of the space.

“Tonight is the night you become a woman, Nova. Your eighteenth birthday. One you will never forget.”

His hand moves to the shoulder strap of the pretty dress I picked out.

The pretty dress I wore for Johnny Mathers.

The dress Uncle Tommy bought for me.

The dress I know he likes.

Pulling me toward the bed, I try to tug my arm free but he holds on tightly, hurting me.

Why is he hurting me?

Struggling against him, he pushes me down onto the bed, firmly holding my head against the mattress as a piercing scream escapes me. My cries for help ringing out to only the monsters in the darkness. Maybe someone's hiding in one of the cupboards and this is just a big joke. I don't think it's funny but someone has to hear me if I scream loud enough.Ladies don't cause a scene. My mother's words parrot back at me, like somehow this is all my fault and I scrunch my face up willing someone to hear my cries.

“Don't fight it now, Nova. I’ve waited a long time for this,” he grunts, as I hear the fabric of my dress tear, the cold rotten air stifling my skin.My beautiful dress I wore for Johnny Mathers, destroyed.

“Someone ... anyone ... mummy ... help me.”

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