The Betrayal

Barb

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, not hating what I saw, but I knew it was time. Time for a change. Getting older really sucked. The fine lines and wrinkles. The laugh lines. The noticeable sagging skin. I had lived a good life. So, maybe aging wasn’t so bad. “Barb, honey, you look amazing,” Sam called from the bedroom. I smiled slightly and chuckled. I had really lucked out in the husband department. For the past fifty years, I have been married to the love of my life. I know that sounds cliche but it’s the truth. And this weekend was bound to be priceless. Sam promised to make our anniversary one to remember. However, something in the pit of my stomach tells me that Sam has no idea how memorable it will be.

Bella

I looked over at Felix. We had been driving for about three hours and it had started to rain. We had been invited to his parents' anniversary celebration. Felix came from money. Old money. Myself, not so much. My mother struggled as a single parent without my dad being in the picture. I did my part, staying out of trouble and getting good grades. After high school, I was fortunate enough to get a prestigious scholarship to an out-of-state University. I met my best friend, Ivy, in freshman English and she introduced me to her friend group, which included Felix. It was love at first sight. I know, eyeroll, right? But, that’s how it was. Felix was everything a woman could want. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a physique to die for. And I was all his.

I had never met his family, so I was nervous. “What are you thinking about?” Felix said from that driver's seat. I looked at him and smiled. “I was thinking what a great time we are going to have.” He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. Just then my phone rang. I answered and Ivy’s distinct voice rang out. “Oh my god, can you believe this weather!” she cried. She was definitely the drama queen of the group but I loved her anyway.

“Is Justin driving?” I asked. “Of course. You know I hate his driving. And the two love birds in the back can’t keep their hands off each other.” Heath and Reba, our recently engaged couple, had been dating for far too long, but you wouldn’t know it by the way they acted.

“Don’t worry. We will be there soon and then we can party.”

“Damn right.” She said and hung up.

I put my phone down and looked over at Felix again. Our eyes met and my heart fluttered. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about meeting his parents. It was a big step in our relationship. What if I wasn’t what they expected? As always, Felix was there to reassure me. I stared ahead and sighed.

Barb

I slid the blue a-line dress down my body and slipped into a pair of Gucci heels. I admired my figure in the mirror. My slender frame was my pride. As I got older, I knew I had to watch what I ate, so I could still wear my favorite clothes. Being the wife of a United States Senator Sam Treagle wasn't easy, but I could do and look my part. I walked out of our walk-in closet and stopped in the bedroom. I walked to the dresser and opened the top drawer. I moved my undergarments out of the way until I found a small box. I withdrew the box and closed the drawer. I sat on the massive bed and opened it up. Inside was a small broach. I pinned it to the inside of my dress, closest to my heart where no one would see it. I replaced the box and walked out of the room.

Bella

We drove through the iron-wrought gates that encircled the property. The Tudor style mansion stood in front of us. It was easily the largest house I had ever seen. We drove around the circular drive and parked. Behind us came another car carrying our friends. I climbed out as Felix turned the car off. I clutched the center of my chest, feeling the necklace that fell on my skin. Our friends joined us. A man and a woman appeared on the front steps. The man needed no introduction. I recognized him immediately. Senator Treagle was a very important man in D.C. Some even said that he might make a run at the presidency. He was a very handsome man, like his son. A woman stood by his side. Although Felix has told me her age (which he should never have done), she was beautiful. Her gray hair was cut in a classic bob with side-swept bangs. Her make-up wasn’t overdone and highlighted her high cheekbones and full lips.

Felix grabbed my hand and led me to them. “Mom, Dad, this is Bella.” They were both smiling. They hugged Felix. I held out my hand to Mr. Treagle who took it gently and then guided me into a fatherly hug. It felt warm and inviting, like I was being enveloped into the family. When I stepped back, Mrs. Treagle stepped forward. She held out both hands and I placed my hands in hers. She looked me up and down, then pulled me into an embrace. A warmness spread through my stomach and I felt like I was home. Our friends were also greeted warmly and we were led into the house.

The foyer was large with a crystal chandelier and a large open staircase with broad steps and ornate railings. We were all led through an archway, down a wide hallway and into an enormous great room. Floor to ceiling windows provided natural light which permeated every single corner. I sat next to Felix on a blood red sofa and Mr. and Mrs. Treagle sat opposite us. Our friends sat in various loveseats and chairs. “You both have a beautiful home.” I said to the Treagle’s.

“This is our summer home. We spend a majority of our time in D.C but we are not in session at the moment. This is a nice getaway.” Mr. Treagle stated.

“Felix tells us you are an art history major? What career field do you see yourself entering into?” Mrs. Treagle asked.

“I’ve always been interested in art and history. In college, one of my professors counseled me into my major. I took a religious studies course and found it enlightening. I would like to mix the two. My love for art, history and religion. I would enjoy the opportunity to travel around the world, visiting religious and historical sites. There are so many diverse places I want to see.” I look over at Felix and smile.

“What about the rest of you? What is in your futures?” Mrs. Treagle pointedly questions my friends. Heath and Reba explain that they are planning their future, which includes getting married. Heath is studying architecture and Reba wants to be a kindergarten teacher. Ivy, tells Mrs. Treagle, that she wants to be a lawyer and her boyfriend, Justin, is about to be drafted to the NFL. “What amazing friends you have, Felix. So, outgoing and inspiring. Hopefully, we can get Felix an internship with his father for the summer.” She smiles and looks adoringly at her husband.

“Yes. D.C. could use a young buck like Felix. Someone who knows what they want in life. By the way, how is Professor Short? I heard he is thinking about retiring soon.”

“If he is retiring, that would be news to everyone. Shorty is in his prime. His lectures are in demand and all of the students adore him. I’ve come to greatly admire him. I’m thinking about asking him if I can be his TA next semester.”

“You do that. I’ll make sure to put in a good word.” Felix’s father smiled proudly at his son. I couldn’t help but notice how shockingly similar they both looked. They could have been brothers, one only a decade older. In the light, even Mrs. Treagle looked younger. I noticed that the sun was starting to set.

“Why don’t you all get settled and we start the festivities.” Mrs. Treagle said beaming.

“You don’t have to tell us twice.” Ivy shot out of her chair. “It is such a long drive out here from the city.” I glared at her as I rose from the sofa. “What?” she said. I rolled my eyes. A woman appeared in the doorway.

“Sonia, would you please escort our guests to their rooms? Dinner will be at eight.” Mrs. Treagle requested of the petit woman. “Yes, ma’am.” was her reply.

We all left the great room and made our way up the grand staircase. The maid led us into a wing that housed a set of guestrooms. Felix and I had our own room. It was stunning. The bed was a California king with an oak head and footboard. The dresser and chest of drawers were set up against the walls, while a large antique armoire sat beside the bathroom entrance. Our luggage was already in our room. I went to stand in front of the window and was presented with a view of the backyard. I was astonished with the grandeur and beauty. Woods bordered the house and there was a large swimming pool. I was excited and couldn’t wait for the festivities.

Barb

Perfection. They were all perfection. Smart, intelligent and driven. All of them. They were the perfect specimens.

Bella

The dinner was superb. What was I expecting? McDonald’s? The food was exquisite. I’m not much of a meat eater but the beef wellington was divine and for dessert, a beautiful coconut panna cotta. We were served a luscious cabernet sauvignon during the meal. More wine and cigars for men rounded out the evening in the sitting room. I ventured into the immense library. I’m a sucker for books of all kinds. I could have spent the rest of my life in the library alone. I found a few books for the night and was ready to tuck in. I went to collect Felix and we said our farewells for the night.

My dreams were filled with inky blackness, chanting, and candlelight. Dreams I had been having since I was a young child. Only this time, everything seemed to close in around me. A face, blurred. I couldn’t make out any details, but it loomed close to me. Close enough that if I wanted to I could reach out and touch it. Suddenly, light filled my eyes. “Wake up, sleepyhead!” Felix was staring at me. “You can’t sleep all day. Come on, let’s go swimming.” I crawled out of bed and went into the bathroom.

Barb

Beautiful. I watched each person individually. They were all so beautiful. Tan, strong bodies. Lean, slender forms. I could stare at them forever. I had to wait. Wait for the right moment. It was coming. Yes, it was coming.

Bella

The entire day was a blur. Swimming, laying out in the sun allowing it to warm my sunkissed body. Watching the boys play basketball and tennis. They were all so handsome. How was I so lucky to be in the presence of this incredible group of people. I loved them all. Justin, the popular college quarterback, would make millions in the NFL and Ivy, who would make a difference as a juvenile attorney. Heath, the genius architect, was making plans to build state-of-art nursing homes and Reba, who had a passion for children, would make the perfect teacher and wife. This was my group, my tribe. I was indeed lucky.

After another delicious meal that night, Mrs. Treagle pulled me off to the side. “I’m so happy that you are in Felix’s life. He’s happier than I’ve seen him in years.” I smiled at her.

“I’ve never known a man like Felix. Honestly, I never dated anyone in high school. I was so focused on my grades. Then I met Felix and everything changed. Thank you for inviting me for the weekend. I feel so at home here.”

Felix walks over to me and takes my hand. He nods to his mother. “May I have everyone’s attention?” He guides me to the front of the room. He looks at me adoringly. “Bella, since the moment I saw you, I have loved you. You are kind, gentle and everything I could want in a girlfriend. I want to continue my life, my journey in this life with you.” Felix drops to one knee and opens up a box. I immediately feel tears running down my face. “Felix.” I sob.

“Will you marry me?” He asks.

“Yes. Oh my god, yes.” He shake my head. He slips the small ring on my finger and grabs me in a hug. Everyone is clapping. I immediately feel myself pulled into embraces. It’s celebratory. Mr. Treagle calls for champagne and a glass is pressed into my hand. I look into Felix’s eyes. They are shining.

“May I propose a toast?” Mr. Treagle has the floor. “To my wonderful son and beautiful soon-to-be daughter-in-law. I am so happy for the two of you. I think I speak for my wife in granting our blessings to the both of you.”

A loud “cheers” rings out. I’m so happy. How is this my life? I drain my glass and I look to my friends. They are all smiles. I look at the Treagle’s. Then my world tilts and I fall.

Barb

Finally.

“Did you have to do it so soon? And right after his proposal?

“Honey, I’m sorry. It was the perfect moment. Everyone was happy and I couldn’t help it. Come on, help me with their bodies.”

Bella

Why do I feel so groggy and sluggish? And what’s that smell? I slowly open my eyes. I can’t move. What’s going on?

“Help!” “What’s going on?” shouts and cries ring out around me. I have to force myself to open my eyes. I look up and across from me I see Reba. But I’m confused. Reba is naked and sitting in a chair. No, she’s tied to a chair. I try to go to her, but I’m also tied to a chair. I look down at myself and I’m also naked. That’s when I notice the room. It seems to be an underground cave. No, that can’t be right. There are candles everywhere. I look at the ground. There are five points and at each point sits one of my friends. Felix sits in the middle.

Mr. and Mrs. Treagle walk in. They are both wearing black robes and are naked. They walk to what looks like an altar and Mrs. Treagle pulls out a long ceremonial dagger with a silver hilt. At this, my friends start begging and screaming. I can see tears running down Reba’s face. With brutal efficiency, Mrs. Treagle stands behind Heath. Oh my god, Heath. “No!” I scream out. The dagger slices through the skin of his throat. Blood squirts and runs down his chest. Mrs. Treagle leans down and kisses his mouth. I’m too horrified to speak. When she stands back up, her eyes shine pitch black and she starts to turn visibly younger. The next victim is Ivy. My sweet Ivy. I see the terror in her eyes as I watch it disappear to blankness. I watch the kiss. Reba is next. Poor Reba. The lives she will never have the chance to be a part of. She is gone. Last is Justin. The tough, proud football player, who will never know the impact he would have had on the football field. He is gone.

Mrs. Treagle looks at me. She appears to be in her twenties. How is that possible? I look at Felix, sitting in the middle, sobbing. Everything he has ever known, gone. “Why?” he croaks out.

“Darling, we have raised you with the best of everything. You have attended the best schools, had the best money could buy. You went to the best university and met the girl of your dreams. You would make the best politician. But, unfortunately, your father will carry on this tradition.”

Barb walks over to me. “Wipe your tears,” she says. She takes the dagger and she starts cutting my ropes. My ropes fall free and she takes my hand.

Our matching pendants swing in between our breasts. “You gave me the most precious gift. My daughter.” Felix suddenly looks at each of us. “What?”

“My daughter.” Barb says. “I have been searching for Bella for over a century and you brought her to me. For that I am grateful. Traditions must be carried on by our bloodline. This is for the best.”

I hold out my hand to her. “May I?” I motion to the dagger.

“Of course, my dear.” She hands it to me.

We are standing in front of Felix. Mother and daughter. “I’m sorry, my love. This has to be done.” I bend down and kiss his lips.

I stand up, look at my mother and cleanly slice through her neck. Blood runs down her chest, covering her breasts. Her eyes stare at me in betrayal. She falls to the floor. Mr. Treagle rushes to his wife’s side. I quickly grab a fistful of hair and run the blade across his throat. Felix looks at me and smiles. I cut his ropes and he joins me.

“Shall we?”

“Yes, my dear.” We drape their robes across our shoulders, step over their bodies, and walk out of the underground cavern. We are ready to begin our new lives as Mr. and Mrs. Treagle.