Erin Westenbarger Mr. Payne English 7A April 10 A religious tradition has put a young girl on edge. She has been chosen to become the sacrifice and must find a way to escaped her terrible fate or except it bravely. Sacrificed Nothing is more important than this day, and nothing is more frightful. We clench our fists and breath heavily, all begging to get through this. Few people survive their years of qualification. Being chosen is the greatest honor, at least that s what we ve been told. The cold air chilled my skin, and I hugged myself. I glanced through the window of the house and watched silently as everybody danced around and laughed. It almost seemed like everyone was happy and joyful, but if you looked closer, you could see the fear in their eyes, the way they eyed the clock nervously. I took a deep breath and returned to the celebration. I forced myself to create a smile. My long dress swayed as I walked and my heels clicked on the floor. I was dieing to get out of this outfit, for it literally might kill me. Soft music played in the background, filling up the unnerving silence as midnight drew closer. Everyone stared at the clock, two minutes left. I glanced around at my friends, catching their eyes one by one. I gave each of them an encouraging nod, a signal to be brave. I turned back to the clock with deep breathes. Then the familiar sound we ve been waiting for appeared. All eyes shifted to the stairs as an old woman limped down the stairs. My mouth went dry in fright. Her old, wrinkled skin sagged as if it was hanging off a dead corpse. Her gray hair was greasy and stuck to her round face, but none of that was what caused my fear. It was her eyes. They were a light blue, and one eye was foggy and wouldn t move. Her other eye though was an intense blue and seemed to focus on each and every person. It took all of my courage not to slink into a corner and hide when her eye found mine. I trembled slightly when her eye wouldn t move on to the next person. She was staring at me. My hands were glued to my side. She looked at me for what seemed like an eternity before her focus was shifted to reaching the bottom of the stairs. I let out a shaky breath and clenched my arms. The old woman sat down at the end of the long table and flicked her eyes back and forth between my mother and I.We all sat down and continued our conversations, but they were now more refined. I nervously glanced at the old woman and her eyes were on me. Her one eye looked me up and down while the other one stayed still. My spine tingled and the hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up. No one else seemed to be experiencing the same discomfort as me. I desperately tried to look away from her intense stare, but it seemed as if someone was holding my head in place. Her croaky voice sliced through the air, It is time. All heads snapped to her. The music stopped. The talking stopped. The breathing stopped. The first one to stand up was my mother. She raised her head up high and her posture was perfect, but her eyes held something her body didn t. Fear danced across her eyes, it seemed to laugh at how pathetic she was.
Aunt Dara has spoken. My mother s voice wavered, Please, get in your line. I stood abruptly, along with six other people. My legs were weak as I walked, I felt like I was going to pass out. I stood next to Miliana, my cousin, and Andor, my friend. I felt Miliana shake next to me so I grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently, desperately trying to calm her and myself down. I watched as Aunt Dara staggered down the row, stopping at each person and shaking her head. Miliana Andrews, my mother introduced my cousin to Aunt Dara, She is eleven and a sweet little girl. She has a talent of drawing and cooking. I watched as Aunt Dara inspected Miliana. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw her shake her head. Jaliyah Burk, my name was announced and I froze, Her age is fifteen. She s a caring young woman and loves children. Aunt Dara studied my eyes. I stood there as still as possible as her menacing eyes looked me up and down. A small smile spread across her lips. She slowly turned around so her back was towards me, I have made a choice. I heard a scream and crying but I just stood there. I couldn t move. I couldn t breath. I was chosen, and now, I ll die. You should be happy. You re daughter is going to experience the greatest honor! I heard the familiar croaky voice of Aunt Dara. I don t care if it s supposed to be an honor! This tradition is old! Do you know how many cops I ve had to fend off because they suspected us of murder! my mother s voice dropped to just above a whisper, I will not protect you this time. This is my daughter. You d get in just as much trouble as I! You ve kept the sacrifices a secret! You ve lied to them many times! I can t believe. I groaned, interrupting the old woman. I soon felt my mother s hands holding mine. It s about time she woke up. My mother glared at her, She passed out for Pete sake! Show some compassion! I raised my hands to my head desperately trying to ease the pain. Compassion! Compassion is nothing but a lie! Stop now! I screamed but immediately regretted it as pain filled my head. Both women turned to me and gawked. Jaliya Christine Burk! You do not speak to people like that! My mother scolded me. I grabbed my head, tears welled up in my eyes when the pain wouldn t subside. Leave the girl alone Delilah. Can t you see she s in pain. My mother whipped her head to Aunt Dara. Now you want to care! After what you re putting her through, you don t deserve to care for her! Delilah, lower your voice. Can t you see it's hurting her? Aunt Dara scowled at my mother as she stomped out the door. Then once again, her icy blue eyes found my green ones. You do understand this must be done, right? I nodded my head, but I didn t believe it. The old woman pursed her lips and turned away. She mumbled something then suddenly started coughing. She grabbed an handkerchief from her pocket and placed it over her mouth. She quickly put it away once the coughing subsided, but I caught a glimpse of blood on the cloth. How long do I have? My voice was shaky and my pitch kept changing. A week. And with that she turned around and left me to my thoughts. The day passed quickly. I didn t move once from my bed. I didn t eat. I didn t cry. I didn t feel. I was numb. Slowly I drifted off to a nightmare filled sleep.
I awoke to the familiar clattering of pans. I sunk down deep into my blankets and tried to disappear forever. In a week I will, and nobody will help me. I slowly climbed out of my bed and stretched my tense limbs. There s no point in sitting around moping, I ll spend my last days enjoying myself, at least that s what I thought I was going to do. The minute my foot hit the kitchen floor my hopes shattered. My mother snapped her head towards me and snarled, Take this up to Aunt Dara now. She thrust a bowl of soup into my arms and pushed me towards the stairs. My stomach clenched as I slowly ascended the stairs. I held the shaking soup close to my chest as if it was a baby. Step by step I walked down the hall, breathing in the musty odor. The weight of the bowl seemed to grow heavier and heavier with each step. My lip quivered in fear and anticipation. I reached out to the door knob hesitantly but stopped when I heard voices. Your condition is becoming worse. With your financial problems, I don t think you ll be able to afford the treatment anymore. I m terribly sorry, but I suggest you give up now before leaving your family bankrupt. I heard a fit of coughing and hacking before a deep breath was taken, How long do I have? I remembered when those exact words escaped my lips. You have maybe, I m not sure.a week or two. I heard a sharp intake. I ll leave you to your thoughts. You re a brave woman for suffering through this for so long, but It s time to let go I took that as my signal to back up a few paces and start walking again, as if I was never there eavesdropping on their horrid conversation. I arrived at the door as soon as it opened. i plastered a smile on my face and murmured an acknowledgment. I quickly slipped through the closing door and into the greif filled room. What do you want? her voice was stern, but I could hear the sadness in it. I...uh, have some soup. I took a hesitant step forward and held out the soup to her. She eyed it momentarily then with shaky hands she reached out and grabbed it. You may go. Her voice was barely above a whisper. I turned to walk away but her coughing fit made me stop. Blood stained the floor as she kneeled there gasping for breath. I rushed to her side and gently rubbed her back. Her body tensed and she pushed me away. She quickly got on her feet and towered above me. I told you to go. My mouth was agape as I quickly stood up and rushed out the door. I slammed the door shut and leaned against it. I could forgive her, after all she just learned that she was going to die soon. Tears welled in my eyes and I wiped them furiously. They will not see me cry. I was standing outside her door. I wanted to run and hide. To never see her face again, but she needed someone. I knocked on the door softly and waited for a reply. There was nothing. I knocked again, louder this time, but once again there was silence. I grasped the doorknob and slowly turned it. With a small push, I opened the door and peered into her dark room. The curtains were drawn shut and all the lamps were turned off. I pushed the door open wider and I saw her sitting in her chair. Her head was laying back and loud snores filled my ears. As silently as I could, I crept over to her and sat down her lunch on the table next to her. I carefully set down my present to her and adjusted the bow on the top of the box. I glanced around the room and found a blanket and draped in on her sleeping body. Her breathing was slow and shallow as I stood there and watched her. Then, as silently as possible, I slipped out the door unnoticed. I awoke with a blanket covering me. I know for sure that I hadn t fallen asleep with one. My groggy eyes slowly came to focus as I sat up in my plush chair. My old bones creaked as I
slowly stood up. I was about to leave my room when something caught my eye. On the end table, there was a bowl of chili with a tiny present next to it. I gradually stepped forward and reached my hand out to the box. I grabbed the present carefully and examined it. I set it down and picked up the little card. I saw my name scribbled on it in cursive. I hesitantly undid the bow and opened the lid to the box. There, sat an unwrinkled, blood red handkerchief folded neatly. I pulled it out and sat it down. I stared at its bloody color. Part of me wanted to keep it. The color of it would easily hide the bloodstains. Then there was the possible chance it was poisoned. It could have been from Delilah. She s been distant lately. She was probably planning revenge for choosing her daughter. I picked it up and was about to throw it in the trash can when I smelled a pleasant aroma. After pressing the cloth against my nose, I slowly relaxed. I recognized this scent. It was a wonderful smell that only came from Jaliyah. It smelled of fresh grass and flowers. I sighed at the memory of my childhood. How I would prance around in the fields with my brothers and sisters. My very favorite was Kelly. She was always there for me. I loved her dearly until..i began to choke up. Tears stung my cheeks and fell into my lap. I m a dishonor to my family. Each and every one of my siblings were chosen, except me. Someone had to stay behind and keep the tradition running, and I was the only one left that could inherit the occupation of choosing. Most people think that it s easy choosing. They think that anyone can be a sacrifice. They are wrong. Only the fairest and most innocent can be chosen and Jayliah definitely fit the standards. She was intelligent, and kind. I could see it in her green eyes. She was the perfect choice, but now, as I stared at the silk cloth. I can t help but regret my choice. I couldn t sleep. I never can anymore. My nightmares will wake me up the moment I fall asleep. I ve become accustomed to restless nights. For four nights straight I could barely get an hour of sleep. I glanced over at my clock. It was nearly midnight and I sighed. Five days have passed since I was chosen and each day I lost more and more sleep. One and a half days left. At five minutes till twelve, Aunt Dara will begin the ritual. No one knows what happens behind the doorway. Some people say the floor swallows you whole. Others say spirits from past sacrifices eat you alive. I never believed those rumors. They were most likely spread to satisfy the undying curiosity of human kind. Hours passed with me deep in thought. I soon heard the familiar creaking of a door open. I step out of my bed and silently get dressed. I yawned as I opened my door and came face to face with a pair of blue eyes. I gasped and stumbled backwards. Her wrinkled hand reached out and grabbed me as I began to lose my balance. Aunt Dara. Wha..What are you doing here? She pursed her lips, This is my house. I have a right to be here. I gulped as she scowled at me. but unlike the first time I met her, her features were soft. I meant what are you doing in my room? She softly chuckled. I stood open mouthed as she laughed. You really are something Jayliah, and I m not in your room. I m in the hallway. My cheeks flushed but I giggled with her. The atmosphere was light and playful, something I wasn t used to with Aunt Dara. She cleared her throat and her lips formed her usual frown. Anyway, I came to give you the details. Tomorrow at eleven thirty you ll meet me in the sitting room. You can say your goodbyes then at five minutes till twelve we ll enter the room and My sobbing cut her off. I closed the door in her face and fell to my knees. I beat my hands against the floor while crying uncontrollably. I heard the door open and a pair of hands wrapped around me. I pushed them away and continued hitting the floor.
Shhh, Jayliah. I m here. It s okay My mother took me in her arms and whispered comforting words in my ear. She rocked me back and forth like she used to when I was a child. She gently stroked my hair and kissed my forehead. Don t worry Jay. We ll figure something out. It was time. I was wearing a long white dress and a pair of silver heels. I let my dark brown hair fall in waves around my shoulders. My breathing was sporadic and my hands were sweaty. Part of me wanted to run away like my mother suggested, but I knew deep down that I couldn t leave. If I did then they would most likely choose someone else, and I wouldn t be able to live with that guilt. The door slowly opened and my mother stepped in. Tears fell down her cheeks and she embraced me in a tight hug. I love you so much. I should have told you more, but I m telling you now. I hope you can forgive me for the way I treated you I nodded my head and tried desperately to not cry. I had to stay strong. She held on to me and kissed my cheek. Mom. It s time. I love you. Please be happy. Be happy for me. It was her turn to nod now. She pulled me into one last hug and watched as I walked out the door. I slowly walked to the sitting room where the rest of my family was waiting. The moment I walked to the door I felt two arms wrap around my waist. I looked down and found my cousin, Miliana, crying. Please! Please don t go! I hugged her tightly and smiled down at her sadly. Miliana, I need to go. If I don t then there s a chance that you ll have to go instead of me. I ll take your place! That way you can stay here! I stared at her crying face. I tried to memorize her beautiful face. She clung to my body but I carefully unwrapped her arms from my sides. I caught my father s eyes and a choked back a sob. Tears were falling down his brown eyes, something that I ve never seen before. He pulled me into his large arms and kissed the top of my head. Then I saw her. Aunt Dara was waiting patiently by a door. I glanced at the clock and it read six minutes till twelve. I inhaled sharply and began to shake in fear. All eyes were on me. My legs seemed to move on their own as I slowly walked to the door. Aunt Dara opened the door for me and I walked through. She closed the door cutting off all source of light, A crack and sizzle pierced the silence, followed by the smell of smoke. A flickering flame lit six candles on three of the walls. Aunt Dara began to mumble foreign words. The flames from the candle pressed against the walls creating a black spot. My eyes flicked back to Aunt Dara. Her hands were raised in the air and her words became louder and louder. O magni, hunc et dimitte nobis debita nostra innocens I was frozen in place. I closed my eyes and pictured Miliana s face. She was going to be the last thing I saw. Suddenly a flashinging light pierced through my eyelids. I felt an impact on my right hip and I hit the cold hard floor. My eyes opened just in time to see Aunt Dara s face slacken as a bright light ripped through her body. I wanted to scream but my voice was caught in my mouth. My mouth was hanging open and my eyes were wide. There was a sizzling hole through her chest, right where her heart was. I vomited uncontrollably. She was right there in front of me. Not blinking. Not moving. My breathing was rapid and I teared my eyes from the dead corpse. I crawled to the door and pressed my body against it. I banged my hands on the door and cried. I screamed for someone, anyone. The doorknob rattled but wouldn t turn all the way. Jayliah! Honey! Unlock the door! I can t get in! My mother s voice penetrated my eardrums and I sighed in relief, but where were the keys? My eyes fell on the body and I gulped. Her hand was clasped around it. I shuffled over to her body and carefully touched her hand. I felt
bile rise in my throat but I choked it down. I pulled the key from her hand and ran to the door. I unlocked it with shaky hands and as soon as the door opened I fell into my mother s arms. What happened? Tell me what happened! I sobbed and pointed to the room. Her gaze fell on Aunt Dara and gasped. You killed her! No! She saved me! I didn t kill her! I clung onto her arm, begging for her to believe me. You.I can t believe. She shook me off her arm, I expected more from you! Was that your plan all along? To murder her! Are you happy now? She screamed at me and pushed me to the ground. Please! Please believe me! I sobbed. She slapped my face. She lowered her voice to a whisper, You do realize what this means, right? I shook my head no as I stared up at her in fear, You are the new Aunt Dara. You must now choose.