Trinity

By T.A Crosby

Alex felt the secrets and lies day in and day out, but only evening would come to show the deceitful agony. Her lifetimes had revolved around control, pain, misery, and shame. Could life be altered in unexplained events? As Alex transcended into this life, her passion became stronger and was awoken by a dark, mysterious presence. Could this time be different? As her eighteenth birthday approached, her life changed in a single heartbeat on that fateful night.

Alex leaped forward into this unknown journey and forged alliances with two younger girls. As they traveled, their lives merged into a band of three. Unbeknownst to them, the thievery, lies, and secrets were at their heels. Not only did the three girls find out that they belong together as a trinity, but they soon discover that fate has brought them together with a purpose. Alex found out she was "marked."

Could there be forces that expose the truths and love which "the One" never knew existed? Or would the lives this time again be conquered by hatred and despair?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662470714

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Trinity

T.A Crosby

Copyright © 2022 T.A Crosby

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-6624-7070-7 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-6624-7071-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

About the Author

Secrets and lies usually go hand in hand. Life comes at you in many unexplained events. Sometimes it is what has been said that gets one thinking. Could life be altered and really not be what it seems? Could there be other forces driving what we believe is real? Secrets and lies are made of hate, and the heart is what exposes the truth because of love. Can love conquer all?

The fields were changing from the dry-brown dead foliage to the lush-green grasses that only come when spring has bloomed its glorious beauty. The trees were busting with a light hue of greens and reds. The tulips and lilac bushes filled the warm morning air. From the window, birds could be heard chirping and in the shadow of the rising sun sat a young girl, all alone in the morning. She was only seventeen and had seen horrors beyond horrors. Never feeling wanted or loved. The town always sneered behind her back, There goes poor Alex, not worthy.

Alex felt the secrets and lies every day and every night. The nights were long and the days were too short. For daylight gave her some peace. The pain was inflicted later when the sun had reached its peak in the sky and begun to descend into the horizon. See, that is when they all were awake and home. Alex treasured the quiet warm mornings for she never slept long.

The house stood small among the other houses but looked as if it was haunted. It was haunted by memories of misery, violence, and pain. The loneliness and agony Alex dealt with would drive anyone else insane. Her punishers were only called Mother and Father. They despised her with all that they were. She was a sad and lonely girl with nothing to live for.

Chapter 1

The Start

Alex was lost in her thoughts as she walked down the busy road from work.

Only six days left until you leave this place, breath, just breath. Alex, you got this. I am just an ordinary girl who has no idea who the hell I really am or where I come from. Why can't I find someone? I'm not materialistic. I'm nice. Probably because I'm five-four and a blond. On top of it, I still don't get why people look at me that my picnic basket is short a few sandwiches. I'm really not sure what that saying actually means, but it definitely gives the impression that I'm stupid. I'm not, I just enjoy the simpler things. Dam! It hurts that everyone around me looks at me like I'm a dumbass. I have to simmer down. I've been through worse, so I guess being alone is something I'm used to. Shit! There is nothing worse than these feelings of deprivation and agony. It is hard to place a time or even a meaning to the things that I have experienced.

Why are my thoughts always different than anyone around me? The inner emotion that is inside of me has been repressed for too long. It's never gonna end. The things that seem to surround me, I just don't have a way to fight. I hate the pain, the misery, the everything that is me. I will never be good enough. I will never be worth living for. It is always happening, pain, night after night, daylight brings time to heal. Short as that is, it is as good as gold to me, escaping to another place. Anywhere but here.

I know that there is a world that awaits me but just don't know my purpose. It begins with one event and ends with one. The nights leave me bleeding and alone. Love cannot exist. What is it anyway? Why would I ever trust or give my all to someone anyway? There are dark desires that reside inside of my soul, the ability to let myself go. To be able to feel my heart, soul, and body taste trust, love, and completeness. Just for a moment but the nights come too fast. Why do Mother and Father try to subdue my inner hunger for life? Just need someone to talk to. Screw it, stop thinking.

*****

The traffic was becoming heavier, and Alex stood at the corner of Naples Road, waiting for the go-ahead to cross. The noise from the street was louder than usual, but she didn't seem to notice as she crossed the road a red Chevy Silverado followed slowly behind her. The truck pulled ahead and swerved in front of her. Alex stopped dead in her tracks. The darkened passenger window rolled down, and a voice came from inside.

Didn't mean to startle you, can you help me find a street? Alex walked up to the side of the truck and peered in.

I will try. I'm not really good with directions. I get lost in a phone booth. Alex noticed the young man behind the wheel was wearing dark sunglasses, a black hoodie that went over his head, and a wisp of black hair could be seen. She felt intrigued by the sound of his voice. His face had a close-shaven beard, and his chin was strong. He looked at her as if he wanted something more than directions.

I'm trying to find Arson Drive. Have you heard of it?

Alex smiled as she now was leaning against the door. Yeah, actually I know exactly where that is. I live on that street. I'm headed that way now.

He smiled softly. I can give you a ride there, if you want?

Alex stood back from the door. Ah, I'm not sure. I am supposed to be home. I'm late already.

Then hop in. I'm not an axe murderer or anything.

Alex's mind began to roam and decided, What the hell. Sure, I will take you to the street. Thank you for the ride. Alex opened the door carefully and climbed in. The interior was black leather, and the radio was playing quietly; Tonight by Enrique Iglesias.

My name is Alex. Who are you?

He had his left hand at the top of the steering wheel and was leaning on his right elbow. He turned his head and looked at her. I'm just someone passing through. Now where do I turn?

Alex laughed. No, I didn't mean what you're doing here but your name. Oh! Turn right then the first left all the way to the end and then that is Arson Drive.

He turned right and then turned at the first left. Alex was watching him carefully. The energy in the truck was making Alex feel warm and safe. For a brief moment, she wished the ride would never end.

You can drop me right here at the corner, I only live two houses away.

He stopped at the corner, and Alex jumped out of the truck. Thanks for the lift, but I still didn't catch your name.

He leaned toward her. I didn't throw it. Catch you later. Thanks for the directions.

Alex pushed the door closed and stepped up on the curb. She couldn't keep her eyes off the red vehicle as it drove away. Alex turned around and looked at her house and began thinking, I have to be losing it. I don't take rides from strangers. I don't trust anyone. Shit! I am really late. There is going to be hell to pay. But to feel like that, definitely worth it His voice seemed to go through me, and he smelled like heaven. I can't imagine what he looks like behind those sunglasses. I have to get these thoughts out of my mind. They are waiting for me.

Alex walked up the cracked black top driveway and noticed Mother waiting for her in the doorway.

Where the hell have you been? You have work to do before Father and our company arrives.

Alex took the three steps slowly into the house. I was held at work late. Someone had called in.

Mother grabbed Alex's arm and squeezed tightly. I don't give a rat's ass what goes on at work. You are to be here when I tell you to be. Now! Move your ass and wash the kitchen floor.

Alex tried to break free from the grip, but Mother pushed her into the wall. I said move! Use your toothbrush too. You are useless!

Alex walked through the living room into the kitchen and filled a bucket of water and Pine-Sol. She got down on her hands and knees. She began to scrub the kitchen floor with her blue sparkle toothbrush when she felt a cold object at her throat and then the warm sensation trailing down her neck onto the floor. Alex's eyes stared at the drips of blood falling to the floor. Mother was standing over her with a butcher's knife at her throat.

Now! You pay for being late.

Alex gasped for air and tried to be still. Stop! Please! You're going to kill me!

Mother stood up and kicked Alex in the stomach. Alex fell to her side holding her stomach and burning throat. You are such a dumb shit! You are not going to die now, later though. Finish the floor.

Alex tried to stand, but the searing pain was keeping her from moving. Mother began yelling from the living room, You were never wanted! Father, sister, and brother cannot stand you. We deserve better than you. You might be ‘the One,' at least one we wanted is not you. You will die, not now but later.

Alex got to her feet and sneaked by Mother to bandage her neck in the bathroom. She saw that there were still three dots on the left side of her neck. One at the top and two below but further apart. Alex heard voices and started thinking, Great, now what? She walked out to the kitchen to finish her chore. She didn't want to pay for not finishing. Alex reached for her toothbrush when a raspy voice came from behind her.

Alex, the time has come. You are to leave with me in the morning. I am Erebus.

She turned around, and a tall skinny older man stood in front of her. He pressed her against the stove with his hand on her throat. He squeezed the cut, and the blood was soaking through the bandage. He smelled of vodka, cigarettes, and Old Spice.

Ah! You are still pure. It smells like candy. Good girl. Now stop what you are doing and go clean up. He released his hand, and she then heard Father talking.

Yes, Erebus, we will ensure her delivery tomorrow morning, here at seven precisely.

Mother then grabbed Alex's arm and forced her into her bedroom. She locked the door, and Alex was trapped, locked up in a dark room with nowhere to go. Alex fell to her knees and began to pray with desperation.

Oh, dear God! Please help me. I don't know what is happening. My life is going to end, and it hasn't even begun. I want to find my heaven and get out of this hell that I live. Please give me the strength to move, to be brave. Alex stood up and began to concoct a plan.

Chapter 2

The Run

Alex

I looked around my room; it was empty. The room was small and dark. There used to be a mattress on the floor and a short black dresser, but that was gone. The walls looked a faded yellow, and the paint was peeling. I started to pace back and forth trying to come up with an idea.

How the hell was I gonna get out of here? Who the hell was Erebus? Where was I supposed to go? Getting knifed was a usual deal, but it all felt different this time. Dam! I'm two stories up. My backpack. I grabbed the pocket knife out of the back pocket of my worn blue jeans and unscrewed the register vent. I hid money and clothes in the heating vent. I hid this stuff just in case of an emergency; this was more than an emergency. I looked out the window and quietly lifted it open. Here goes nothing. I had nothing else to lose.

The air was chilly from up here. I took my right foot and stuck it out the window. I grabbed the first filing I could feel. It was the phone line. That wouldn't hold me, so I reached for the gutter. I held on tight, and my feet were trying to support me against the ugly green house. I slowly climbed sideways, holding on to the gutter, and made it to the down spout. I hated heights. I slid down, but then the gutter came loose, and I fell about ten feet, my shoulder and head took much of the fall.

Father heard the noise and saw me. I looked at him as he ran at me. He grabbed me and took his fist and slammed as hard as he could on the side of my mouth. I fell to the ground and saw my bag. I knew I had to get out. I kicked him in the knee and grabbed my bag. I struggled to get up, and I ran smack into Mother.

Hey! Bitch! Where do think you're going?

She grabbed my ponytail and threw me on the ground. She leaped on top of me and smacked my face. Then she started to choke me. I couldn't tell you how angry I got. I reached for her wrists and pulled her thin, bony hands off my throat. I then pushed her off. By the time I got to my feet, Father was standing in front of me.

You have disobeyed. You are not part of our breed!

I looked at him with such contempt. I didn't know what came over me, but I kicked him in the groin. He went to the ground. I turned around and threw a right hook at Mother. She fell backward. I picked my bag up and ran down the street into the darkness. I actually got away. I'm so confused about all their talk. I didn't know. There's no time to think about that now. Keep running. But finally, I was free from the anguish that has been put on me. Almost eighteen, and I'm gonna be free.

*****

I did know the train depot was four miles from home. Last train departed at midnight, every night. The train depot was busy for this time of night, but I didn't care. I needed to get on board. There was a sign that read: Ticket Counter Follow Arrows.

The arrows were quite bold. They were really thick and in bright orange. I guess that was so jackasses like me can find the ticket counter and not have to bother an employee. Behind the tall counter was an older lady with small glasses that sat at the end of her nose.

Hello, young lady. Can I help you?

Hello, I'm sorry. Where does this train travel to?

All towns from here to the West Coast. Actually, forty-seven to choose from.

Oh, how about somewhere that is quiet and a little less metro?

"How about Genoa, Colorado. Not too many folk there, and there is the World's Wonder View Tower. Ripley's Believe it or Not actually proved you can see six states from the top."

Thanks, it sounds like just what the doctor ordered.

You in some kind of accident? You're covered in blood, and that burn on the side of your neck looks pretty ugly.

Yeah, I had a run-in with an old friend. I really want to get cleaned up. Can I board the train now?

The old lady looked at me intensely. First, I need ID.

I don't have it with me, I'm sorry. Please, I need to get on that train.

Well, I guess I can bend the rules again. I've already done that twice tonight.

I looked at her with great appreciation. Thank you so much. Can I board now?

She placed the ticket on the counter. Yes, dear, go through terminal six and board on platform eight. Good luck with your travels.

Thank you for your help and have a great day, bye. I put the hundred and three dollars down, placed the ticket in my pocket, and walked down the ramp to terminal six.

The train conductor waved me on, and I boarded the train. The aisles weren't too narrow, and the seats looked comfortable. Thank God because I really needed to sleep. Someday, I will be free from this day-after-day shitty deal that keeps inflicting this agony on me. There just seems that there was nothing or anyone that could help. I had always slept with one eye open. I had always been able to dream of him, didn't know who he was, but I felt him close. That was all that kept me from diving off a bridge—my dreams. This train better take me somewhere better.

There I was escaping the only life I have ever known. I am all alone; no one has ever been there for me when I fall. If I had just a chance, I think I'm worth it. I can do this… I know I can. Whatever has been written, I knew I could do it. What? I didn't know. I just needed to get stronger. Have you ever thought you weren't strong enough? That you were supposed to be at everyone's beck and call? I just can't anymore. I'm so dam tired. I hurt all over.

I leaned back in the comfortable seat and was still deeply stuck in my thoughts when I heard a quiet voice.

Hi, I'm Nickie.

I sat up and saw a girl standing in front of me. Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Alex.

She looked at me as if I were from outer space.

There a problem, little girl?

I'm not a little girl, I am fifteen, and I'm on my way to La Junta, Colorado. The state is sending me there. Since I don't have family, I gotta go there.

I'm sorry about not having family, I don't either. You were looking at me funny, and I thought great, this gonna be a long ride.

Nickie sighed. Do you mind if I sit next to you? And, no, I wasn't looking at you funny. I was wondering why you look so beat up, and I was checking out that mark on your neck. What happened?

I'm guessing from the fight I was in, and I can't get a good look at it, but the old lady at the ticket counter said it was ugly. Nice, right?

It looks cool. The shape is like a triangle with some blob in the middle. Like you had it tattooed or branded on.

Shit, are you serious?

Yeah, I will take a picture of it and show you. Nickie pulled out of her red fleece North Face jacket a red digital camera. Turn your head to your right.

She showed me the image, and I was amazed at what I saw. I always had three points etched into my neck as far as I could remember but never did the points attach with lines, and there was never anything in the middle. I sat there quiet for a moment thinking that I was marked. But for what and from who? Nickie and I chatted for a while, and finally, I fell asleep.

The sun began to rise, and I woke to Nickie snoring next to me. I heard voices that sounded familiar but couldn't see where they were coming from. I took the blue blanket off me and placed it on Nickie. I couldn't help but think. She, too, was sorta like me, no family. I definitely need to know her story.

The train was quiet with most of the passengers sleeping. So I went looking for the voices that I heard. At the end of the corridor was the entrance to the dining car. The smell of pancakes and syrup filled my head. Not having eaten in two days, I felt nauseous but could have devoured a skunk, whole. I walked through to the dining car and saw wall sconces on each side all the way down the entire car. The tables looked like six could be seated at, and the booths were black leather. I felt like I was in a very nice restaurant. The chef was making pancakes, and the waiter was making the tables up.

I walked over to the chef and asked, Excuse me, can we eat now, or is there a certain time? The chef was a dark man with years on his face.

For someone that looks as hungry and rough as you do, please grab a table, I will fix you right up.

Thank you. Do you think the waiter could wake my friend? She is on her own and is quite young.

Yes, of course. He yelled over my head, James, wake up her companion!

The waiter walked over to me and asked, What area of the train, Miss?

I sat there trying to think, but my stomach was taking over. It is the car behind you, and she is fifteen with two blankets on and snoring really loud. I'm sorry I can't remember my seat.

No worries, young lady, I can find anyone. He walked through the doorway, and I asked the chef if anyone else was awake.

Naw, all those burns will be up around eight. You got a lot of time to relax and eat.

That works, don't need people around me, too much on my mind.

My name is Chef Carl, and you can tell me your woes.

Thanks, Chef Carl, but if it's all right, I would rather just sit here and enjoy some of your fine cooking.

No problem, coming right up. I will make my famous eggs benedicts for you, and you are more than welcome to start with pancakes.

Chef Carl brought over to the table ten pancakes with syrup, and the butter was melting down the sides of the huge stack. I was in heaven. Just as I was going to take a bite, a girl sat down and helped herself to the toast that was on the table.

Excuse me, do you mind?

Now I was getting irritated. No, I don't mind. Do you? I looked at this girl like who the hell do you think you are?

May I ask who are you?

Oh! I'm sorry for being rude. My name is Lee, and I haven't seen food in three days.

You sound like me. Help yourself. My name is Alex, and there will be one more joining us, a girl I just met. Her name is Nickie.

I watched this girl and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Here I am bitching and moaning about my crappy life, and I have just met two girls who obviously have no one. I looked at Lee and asked her about her story.

The dining hall car door slide open, and James had found Nickie. She walked over to the table with eyes half opened.

Morning, Nickie, this is Lee. She will be hanging with us for the rest of the trip. She, too, is headed towards Colorado.

Nickie sat down and grabbed two pancakes from the gold platter and drowned them in syrup. Cool, nice to meet ya!

I asked Lee again about herself.

Well, I really have nothing to say, really. I am fifteen and kind of smart. I already graduated from school, and now I have to go stay with my parents' friend. They told me that they have given up their parental rights. My family moved to Paris, and I really don't like the French. So here I am. Lee drank a small glass of orange juice and continued.

My family left me three days ago. They didn't even say goodbye. They wouldn't even give me time to reconsider my options. Lee's eyes began to tear up, and Nickie interjected.

Goodbyes are overrated. My family left me too, but that was ten years ago. I have been shuffled back and forth from foster home to foster home. No one wants to adopt me.

Nickie and Lee became quiet. Chef Carl came to the table after a few moments of silence. I guess silence was something he couldn't stand.

Hey, hey? Why so glum? Three pretty girls should be full of laughter and mischief. I have seen over the years a lot of things that would make anyone leave screaming. But I still go on, and you all will too.

I stood up and looked at Chef Carl. Can I ask you a super huge favor?

Yes. What do you need? Maybe I can cook you up a few blintzes.

No, no. Thank you. I was wondering if I could sneak a shower and if you would keep an eye on these two. They are too young to be traveling by themselves.

Chef Carl smiled. That would be my privilege. You are a good person. He put his hand on my shoulder and directed me to the showers.

I walked through the sliding door and saw showers written on a door. Thank you. A shower. I could smell myself. I took off my bloody jeans and T-shirt and soaked them in the sink with warm water and shampoo. The water in the shower felt really good. I was hoping that no one would ask about all the cuts, bruises, and scars that were all over me. My shoulder was killing me.

I finished washing the past off me, and I stepped out of the stall, and I felt odd. Someone was watching me, but how? I locked the door! I took a big white fluffy towel and wrapped it around me quickly, and I could barely make out a shadow through all the steam. It felt like someone was penetrating my thoughts and my desires. For a brief moment, it was like someone had their hands on my back.

Anyone there? I know someone is there. Who is there?

I whipped the towel that was hanging on a hook at what I think was a person, and it sailed through the steamy air and hit the wall. No one was there. Dam, I was getting paranoid. I had to relax. I finally finished drying off and pulled a black pair of jeans and a black T-shirt out of my backpack. I liked wearing black. It hides me. No flashy shit for me. I didn't want people noticing me. I took the soaking clothes and finished washing them. I laced up my Chucks and headed back to the dining car to find it's empty.

Where the hell did everyone go?