Page 1 of Game of Hell
CHAPTER ONE
Ember
“Whispers of self doubt weaken the mind, leaving behind a shell of a girl.”
I lay back on my hammock reading a classic my brother gave me. It’s pretty cold but the beating sun keeps me warm enough as I snuggle farther under my blanket.
Tonight is the very well knownHallow's Inn—House of Horrors party.It’s the kind of party you hear about all October. By the end of the night, you’re blindfolded and taken to an escape room with a stranger and forced into a twisted game. Many roam my neighborhood getting ready, anticipation thick in the air.
I’m not going.
I never do. It sounds like a waste of money and time. I’ve never been the party type and the thought of being in a random room with a stranger makes me uncomfortable.
How do people feel comfortable at such things?
I look down at my pitiful state. I’m currently living with my parents, single, and a college drop out. Being 24 sucks, I never imagined I would turn out this way.
In high school, I was the perfect student. I won valedictorian and had all A’s. My teachers praised and loved me. I went off to college with that same light in my chest. I thought I planned it out right. Then my grades started slipping into failing and my professors revealed themselves as ruthless critics.
It broke me. I don’t know when it slipped away from me, but I ache for my old life. I want to be the sweet, smart girl next door, the one who thrived, who made a difference and changed lives.
Tears form in the corners of my eyes, but I force them away. No matter how long I self indulge in it, it won't bring back that girl—that life. I’m stronger than the past that tried to drown me.
My brother, Emerson, comes from around the back yard and sits on the wooden rocking chair beside me. His pale blue eyes and straight ginger hair are identical to mine. I have mom’s straight nose while he has dads slightly crooked nose, but most of our features are exactly the same. We’re identical twins, almost everything we do is together. He was born just two seconds before me and almost strangled me with his umbilical cord but I guess I won't hold that over him.
“Are you going to get ready for Halloween? Aren't there any parties you want to go to?” I place my book down and turn to him, confused.
“When have I ever gone to a party, Emerson?” I draw out his name sarcastically and frown.
“It’s about time you changed that, Ember.” He copies my tone and continues. “You can’t keep sulking around the house because of what happened. Call your friend Sophie and go with her. She posted on her socials that she would be at Hallows Inn.” I stare at him for a moment, thinking over his words.
He’s right.
I’ve been inside since dropping out of college, meaning around two and a half years. I barely go out to get stuff I need or go see Sophie anymore. Half the time she comes here or we skype each other.
“I don’t know. I don’t even think I know how to socialize anymore. What if I see people from college there?” I nervously bite my lower lip. My teeth grind against the delicate skin in rough motions.
“You’ll never know unless you try. It doesn’t matter what any of them think. You did your best and that’s all that matters to me. You can still change your life, Ember.”
I nod at his words and pick my book back up.
“I’ll think about it. We still have all day.” He nods and gets up.
“Well I’m heading out with Tanner. Talk to you later.” He places a light kiss on my forehead and walks off the porch and down the sidewalk.
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CHAPTER TWO
Ember
“He smelled of danger and she inhaled too long.”
“You’re lying?” Sophie squeals over the phone. I giggle and flip the skype camera on.
Her blonde hair is up in a lazy bun and her sparkling green eyes stare back at me. Her thin lips are wide open as she looks at me surprised.
“Is this the face of a liar?” I laugh and watch as she jumps up and down.
