Darkest Enigma (Chapter One)

Her name is Adriana. Covered in blood, she gazes into the river. Reflecting on the past events that had changed her life and the lives of many forever. She thought to herself how only six months earlier things were much different.
The family was moving into a beautiful new home. For years, they had lived in the city, and wanted a change. So, they moved to the small town of Conforto. Adriana, the oldest daughter born to Alberto and Eveleen Maestri, was carrying in a medium size box; the couples second child, Kristie, was sitting on a chair in front of their house talking to a friend on the phone, and their youngest, Renzo, was being a typical kid, running around pretending to be a superhero.
Alberto and Eveleen looked around at their amazing new home, and their amazing children, and smiled with pride. The house was so much bigger than their previous home they did not even know where to begin. Nevertheless, you have to start somewhere, right?

The whole family began carrying in furniture and boxes. It was the middle of August, and very hot out. Eveleen went to make some sandwiches and get some drinks, while everyone rested.
Eveleen return about fifteen minutes later with the food. They sat on the grass in the front yard, and gazed in amazement at just how large their property was. There was only one other house nearby. They soon got back to work, and before they knew it, it was completely dark out, and everyone was exhausted.
None of the rooms were ready yet, so everyone slept on the floor. The next day everyone woke up early, and got back to work. Hours past by and soon it was night again, and they were done. Everyone was glad to finally be able to rest and sleep in their own beds instead of the hardwood floors.

The next day everyone was up bright and early. Kristie and Renzo went for a walk to check out their new town; Alberto was fixing up some things in the home; Eveleen was watering the lawn and Adriana was doing what she always does... reading!
Alberto needed to buy some nails. He was about to get into his car and leave when he noticed the people from across the street walking over. He decided to stay and introduce himself, and maybe find out where to buy nails.
They all started talking.
"Ciao!

My name is Chaira. It is so nice to meet you. We have been waiting for such a long time for someone to move into this place. This is my husband Maurizio and our daughter Sophie. We wanted to meet you and introduce ourselves."
Eveleen said, "I am Eveleen. This is my husband Alberto and our daughter Adriana. We have two other kids, but their not home at the moment."
"Well, I would really like to meet them." Stated Chaira.
"Maybe if you're not too busy you could come over to our house for dinner sometime?"
Eveleen thought for a moment before replying, "Sure. We would like that. Is Monday night Okay?"
Chaira responded with a smile, "It's perfect! We have some errands to run. We will talk more then. Arrivederci!"
Chaira had started walking away when Eveleen said,
"What did you mean when you said, 'We have been waiting for such a long time for someone to move into this place?'"

Chaira stopped and looked back while Alberto and Sophie continued walking home.
"Like I said, we'll talk more at dinner."
She then just walked away.
Eveleen slightly frowned.
"How odd!" she thought to herself before returning to her yard work. Around 45 minutes later Renzo and Kristie returned home.
"So, what do you kids think about the town?" said Eveleen. The kids looked at each other, then back to their mother, and said slightly sarcastically,
"There really isn't anything to say because there isn't anything to do. This is like a 'Ghost Town' How are we going to survive here? This is terrible!"

They then ran up to their rooms. Eveleen just smiled and shook her head. She knew the size of their new town was going to be a problem. Adriana did not seem to mind. She mainly stayed quiet. She never used to be that way. She was always such a lively, happy girl until two years ago when she just changed. No one knows what happened to her. She never told anything as far as the family knew.

~Two Days Later~

Eveleen was making breakfast; Alberto was drinking coffee and reading the daily news; Renzo and Kristie were still sleeping and Adriana was sitting on the table reading a story about a man who murdered his wife.
Eveleen called for her sleeping children. She served breakfast. Everyone was enjoying their meal, but Adriana did not even touch it.
"Adriana, your mother went out of her way to make this delicious meal for you, and you insult her by not eating it. So... start eating."
Alberto shouted at her.
"I'm not hungry." stated Adriana.
Alberto shook his head.
Eveleen said, "It's alright. You don't have to eat if you don't have to." Adriana got up off the table and ran up to her room.
"What has happened to our daughter?" asked Alberto.
"She used to be such a good daughter. Now, I don't even know who she is anymore."
"We have to be patient with her." said Eveleen.
"She obviously has her reasons. We just need to leave her alone, and let her work things out for herself."

Everyone finished eating. Eveleen cleaned up and went up to Adriana's room. She knocked on the door, and Adriana shouted,
"Go away!"
Eveleen decided to walk in anyway. Adriana was lying face down on her bed. Eveleen sat down at the edge of it, and said,
"Hey, what's wrong? Please tell me. I'm sure if you tell me I can help."
Adriana turned around, and said angrily, "I don't want to be here. I do not understand why we have to be here. Why such a small town?" There is nothing to do here."
Eveleen said, "I thought it would be good for you. You were so unhappy when we lived in the city. Besides, why do you need a big city? It's not like you ever did anything when we lived in one."
Adriana said, "I said to go away. Why are you here?"
Eveleen answered, "I told you. Because I want to help you."
"Well, you can't, so go away."
Eveleen got up calmly, and walked out of the room.

Adriana angrily yelled and threw a pillow against the wall. She hit the back of her head on the wall, shut her eyes and sighed. She put on a pair of brown boots, and left the house. She grabbed the keys to her mother's vehicle and drove away. She was not headed for anywhere specific, just needed to get out and clear her head. While she was driving, she passed a small, black house that looked suspicious. She was curious about what was inside, but soon forgot about it. A few blocks away she saw a grocery store with the sign 'Help Wanted' in the window. She stopped and walked in. She thought it might be a good idea to get a job. That way she could save up enough money to move away. She asked this man at the counter about it, and he said that she was one of the only people to ask about it, and if she wanted the job, it was hers. He told her to start Monday morning at 8:00.
"Hopefully the pay is good, and I'll be out of this God forsaken place soon."
She said to herself before exiting the building. She continued to drive north. Finally, after two hours of non-stop driving, she pulled over by a field, laid out a blanket, got out a book and began reading.

(To Be Continued)