Chapter 1

While lying somewhat bored on the long chair in the veranda, Kyra had noticed her parents fidgeting with their coats for some reason. Mr and Mrs Auburn seemed to go out, which excited Kyra. Her mom even seemed somewhat dressed up, which she rarely ever did. Maybe they’re going to a play or so, this evening. Kyra immediately messaged Chrissy, who lived a few blocks away.

“Hey you’re up for some fun tonight? Looks like my parents are as good as gone.”

It only took a few seconds before she received a reply.

“I was about to ask you the same, my parents just left too. Let’s hope this is going to be a regular shared day out.”

What to do? She walked downstairs to the cabinet. The bottles were still there, just the way she had found them and placed them back again. She had tried her first shots two weeks back with Chrissy, They didn’t like the taste, but alcohol was alcohol and her parents’ were for free. Almost impossible to obtain with all these unfair restrictions for teenagers, anyway - unless you knew someone older.

She took all the six bottles and placed them on the glass table. We could invite some more friends, she was just thinking when the bell already rang, what the hell?

“I’ll get it” she shouted for no particular reason, and walked to the door opener. Chrissy was there already.

“You’re fast!’

“Vroom!” Chrissy replied with a smile.

“You took the car!”

“Yeah, well it gets all dark outside and I was so afraid, and mommy and daddy weren’t around to ask!” she said with her feigned sweet innocent voice.

“Cool! Wait up, I have some liquor ... The hard stuff.” Kyra said with a designated pause. “I’ll just be out in a sec!”

She moved to the table taking the bottles, one almost slipped from her fingers.

We’re going to get so wasted! She thought. This evening had taken an unexpected turn for the better, it seemed. Maybe we can pick up some guys, too. She thought again, as she operated the door with her right elbow.

“Here, take these.” Kyra handed Chrissy the bottles, who somewhat juggled with the encumbrance.

“Sorry, have to close the door. Just put them in the trunk! And let’s call some more friends.”

“Yeah, Great idea! We can call Dwight, he may even have some pot. Maybe we can hang out near the lake, our parents will never know where we are.” she said as she put the bottles in a crate in the trunk.

“Yeah or maybe, if some of the better houses are empty ... we could have a look.” But Kyra knew already Chrissy wouldn’t have the guts.

“You know my dad’s a lawyer!” she replied in shock.

“Yeah ... so?”

“Well, he might just murder me.” Wham! Trunk shut.

“ ... and that will be the end of his career... ‘ I approached through the gravel.

“exactly!” she replied intently, clearly unaware of the irony.

“Why so serious! You know some of these houses are for sale, and no-one comes there in the evenings. We’ll have all night. Some of them may even have a pool or sauna.” - The plan was simply terrific.

“No!” Chrissy refused stubbornly.

well, damn. Let’s not spoil the night already – Kyra resolved - Maybe after some drinks she’ll come by...

“Well ok then, lets get rolling, Chrissy give me your phone.”

“What, why?”

“So I can message Dwight while you drive!”

“Why don’t you use your own then?” she asked.

“I have low battery.” Chrissy lied. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hand Dwight her number just like that. He was somewhat of a pervert and his eyes were also all over her when he thought she didn’t notice. Her chest just generally attracted such stares, but from family or friends they made her feel uncomfortable at times. With Dwight she wasn’t exactly sure she liked it. He was kind of a dwighlight case.

“Ok, I have to drive anyway” Chrissy replied handing Kyra her phone. Chrissy barely had a chest problem and was still naive of that aspect.

The doors to the auditorium had opened and various men and women entered. Ages ranged somewhere between 25 and 50, with the majority near 40. Many knew one another, causing clusters of people that sat down in places. The flow of attendees didn’t stop there, however; couples filled in most of the gaps next, until all the initial people groups met.

People entering thereafter anxiously stood for a moment at the door, to spot a place for them to sit down. Couples had to split, but were willing to accept this slight inconvenience if it allowed them to attend this meeting seated.

The tension after all these years was understandable, but there really was reason for anyone to worry they wouldn’t have a seat. The organization knew exactly how many people would arrive, and there were enough seats for everyone. Present were exactly all parents in this community.

The woman in the center was overseeing the audience with a minute smile. It was almost time. A few moments more were allowed, to start exactly on schedule. The light in the room was then dimmed somewhat, leaving only the one spot in the center as a focal point.

The audience lost all attention for distraction, and in a matter of seconds the noise had dimmed to the extent that a leaflet that fell from the lap of one of the younger attendees stroke the floor like a tree branch.

“Thank you all for coming here today. Finally the subjects you have been raising have reached the age where we can set our plans in motion.” The audience, some of which had feared delay, reacted with a cheer and slight applause of relief. The woman stood up to cut the applause short.

“But this is just the set in motion; by far not yet the accomplishment of our goals! You have prepared your brood for this day; received extensive training, tailored to the subject in your care. Successful continuation requires your daily commitment. If everyone acts according to their protocols, then progression should go according to our plans, and we should see the first results before the end of this year.”

The regained attention allowed the speaker to continue with a slightly lower volume.

“Today you have all received a package, along with protocols, and stowed both away for safeguarding. You all know these schedules by heart and are familiar with the package contents, but still, and I cannot stress this enough: go through each of the steps before each daily actions. Do it right, as you have practiced, do this at a quiet convenient time, when the girl is at school or away, safely under our surveillance.”