Over the next couple of weeks, the twins visited Justin frequently. They would talk about the outside world that they seemed to be unaware of. Justin even taught them some history and told them stories which they both loved. The twins seemed to be lacking a proper education, but were both smart children who learned fast.
One day the twins told Justin that their 13th birthday was coming up and their parents had told them that there would be a special celebration for them. Justin told the kids that he would love to come and he asked what day it would be on. Arbus said, “we’re celebrating our birthday on the 18th.“
He thought it was strange that Mr. Agraman had told him to remain in the house the day they were celebrating the children's birthday. It was less than a week away, so maybe he could convince Mr. Agraman to allow him to attend the celebration.
***
Days later, he approached Mr. Agraman about the celebration. He told him that he had learned that the children’s birthday was on the day he had been asked to stay at the house. He asked Mr. Agraman if he could have permission to visit the children or even be a part of the celebration.
Mr. Agraman responded with a loud fist to his desk. “Leave immediately if you can't abide by the rules.” Justin apologized and left Mr. Agraman’s office feeling very upset and worried. Something wasn’t right about this town and he worried about the celebration for the twins.
***
Justin explained to the twins that he wouldn’t be able to see them at their celebration. They were upset and didn’t understand, but he had told them they would do something special the next day.
He decided to spend the day writing. Having just changed location to the bedroom he sat on the bed and began to write on his tablet.
He dropped his stylus on the floor. It rolled and finally came to a stop on a board that didn’t lay flat. A nail was raised up, and he jiggled it out after realizing that it was loose. The board popped up on one end as nothing held it in place anymore. He noticed something shiny underneath and pulled the old board the rest of the way up. It was a pistol laying on top of a journal. He placed the pistol carefully on the nightstand. He pulled the small journal out and flipped it open. He set back on the bed and began to read. It was a journal from Todd’s brother Jasper. He read a couple of pages and began to feel sick. If what was written in here was true he needed to get out of this town quickly and contact the authorities. He continued to read:
November 2,
They have asked me to take part in this year's ceremony. The last time twins were born was almost 13 years ago. Todd and I thought about kidnapping the young children and running away but for some reason or another we never did. Now here we are and they are approaching their birthday as well as the day they will be offered to the sea. I have decided to try to save them. I only have a couple of days until the full moon so I need to talk to Todd and see if he will help me.
November 4th,
I think that they know what I am up to. Mr. Agraman has been acting strangely around me. I also think that someone has been watching me because I keep hearing noises outside my house. Tomorrow is the ceremony, Todd has decided not to help me. He says he is afraid of them but he won’t tell them what I am planning. I trust my brother at least.
***
Justin looked at his watch. It was getting late and tonight was the full moon. He grabbed the pistol as he ran out the door, all he could think about was Arbus and Verana. The journal told a lot about the ceremony, including where it takes place. He ran as fast as he could towards the area. He could hear voices as he got closer. He froze in the mass of trees as his vision began to focus.
He stood in the distance watching the nightmare unfold. He could hear the twins crying but he didn’t know what to do. He held the small pistol in his hands. He had enough bullets for maybe a distraction at the most. Arbus was yelling “Please Dad, let me go” to the man holding him. The man held him tight as if his words didn’t phase him. Mr. Agraman’s finger dug into Verana’s arms as she tried to get loose of his deadly grip. Mariana stood ankle deep in water in front of them chanting and marking each child with something. He could hear the children continue to beg their parents to stop, but their words got no response. Mariana pulled a silver dagger from her belt and held it up towards the darkening sky. She motioned for Mr. Agraman to step forward with Verana. She held the dagger towards Verana while chanting. As Justin saw the dagger move towards Verana he panicked and fired the pistol aiming above the child hoping his aim was accurate and he could hit Mr. Agraman.
Mr. Agraman released his grip on Verana and fell in a heap to the ground.
Verana screamed and tried to run but Mariana hit her across the face with the blunt end of the dagger. The child fell to the ground while her brother thrashed and called her name.
Arbus thrust his head back and kicked free of Drake diving to his sister’s side. Justin fired another shot at the water close to Mariana.
The adults looked in his direction as he was running towards the children. Arbus placed his arms around his sister and was desperately trying to pull her through the water and sand. Drake moved closer to the children and Justin fired another shot into the red water swirling around Mr. Agraman’s body, causing the man to stop in his footsteps. Justin stood motionless realizing he had killed the man only seconds before he heard Arbus yell “Please help us!”
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