Chapter 2: The Great Flight of Benjamin

RAAAAWWWRRR!!!!

Without looking back, I ran as fast as I could. I knew that the creature was on my back chasing me as I can hear its loud steps approaching at fast speed.

While I was holding the lighter to light my way through the darkness, I was looking for a way to outrun the creature.

'Oh no….' I thought as I saw the end of the cave; a dead end. As I approached near the end, I realized that it was not a dead end. I saw another passage on my right.

The creature began to catch up and charged me with its horns. I ran faster and I took a hard turn right to the passage. The creature couldn’t stop its momentum and collided on the cavern walls. It was stunned. Seeing this as an opportunity, I ran as fast as I can.

My breathe was starting to get short. I was getting tired from running. Maybe I should stop smoking. 'Did I lose him?'

RAAAAAWWWRRR! RAAAAAWWWWRRR!

From what I heard, the creature seems to be extremely angry as its prey slipped from its grasps. I was too tired to keep going. I found a small hole near the walls. I checked the hole and found that I can fit right into it.

I decided to hide for a moment.

My adrenaline rush started to subside and I felt more tiredness from my body. ‘How do I get out of here? God, I’m thirsty!’ 

Booooogg…. Booooogg….

I could hear loud steps. I can only assume it was the creature. It was trying to find me. My heartbeat began to rise and my breathing went faster. I was praying to all gods I knew just to help me survive.

The steps began to fade as the creature past my hiding spot. I closed my eyes for a bit as I was too tired to keep going. I fell asleep.

Leah’s POV

Knock…. Knock….

“Come in…”

A man came in and closed the door. The man stands at 5’7 tall. He’s an average looking guy with jet black hair and his body were neither thin nor fat. At least he’s not a guy who looked like a hulk with loads of muscles. I hate those kinds of guys.

“Ah, Benjamin Cruz…” I smiled. Benjamin was late again. I couldn’t help but to be angry at him. He knew the company’s policy on tardiness and yet, here he is, late for the third time.

“I thought we had an agreement. You promised that you’ll come to work on time.”

He couldn’t reply. He was giving me another of those cute puppy eyes as if begging me to let him off the hook. Although, he’s one of my favourite subordinates, I shouldn’t give him a special treatment. Rules are rules.

I was getting impatient for a reply so I asked another question. “What’s your excuse this time?”

“I overslept and I don’t have a valid excuse to give…” Ben replied.

 “I’ll give you a week to properly turnover your work to Julie.” It was painful for me since it’s my first time to fire an employee. “Talk to Marcy about your separation pay.”

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Ben nodded and he looked down.

I wish I could give him another chance but my career would also be on the line if I did. Ben was a hardworking man and pretty much reliable. If I ask him to stay overnight to finish a report, he would do it without hesitation and complaints. The truth is, he doesn't talk much or maybe he just keeps it to himself but that attitude is what I like. Very professional except for the fact that he always comes late to work. 

He left the room and I opened my laptop to browse for my email. I couldn’t get his face out of my mind. I kept seeing his sad face looking down over and over again. I should focus on my work.

When I took the position as Vice president in this department, everyone congratulated me. After a few weeks of smiles and congratulations, I felt that my subordinates were resisting me because of my age. They only showed respect whenever I was in front of them and they would stab on my back whenever they're not except for Ben. I even heard a rumor in the office that I sucked a dick to get a promotion. I can assure you that it wasn't the case. I worked harder than most to get this position. I even sacrificed my own social life and I had sleepless nights just to be better than others. 

I thought Ben would be the one who would feel a lot bitter because he already served the company for seven years with no promotion. He treated me with the respect I deserved. I flushed when I heard him arguing with another employee who spread the rumors. 

I read an email from Mr. Smith, the vice president from operations department. He was trying to get me approve another project. Goddamit! How many times do I have to tell this idiot that we do not have enough resources to fund his stupid project?

After I finished my reply to Mr. Smith, I went down to the first floor and get some coffee from the vendo-machines. I need to let off some steam and a good dose of caffeine really helps.

Suddenly, the ground shook. It was probably the strongest earthquake I ever felt. I was on first floor when it happened so I dashed outside the building. It was dark outside. I looked at my watch and it’s only 9:30 a.m. Weird.

I looked up in the sky and the clouds were swirling like a storm. I had a goose bump; a premonition that something bad was going to happen.

A blinding light flashed from the sky.

I covered my eyes and after a few seconds, the light faded. As soon as I opened my eyes, I realized I was in a different place.

I was surrounded by beautiful scenery. A lush green pastures as far as an eye can see. On the hills from north, I can see a wall which I assume a city. We do not have walled cities in our country. Where am I?

I looked up in the sky and I was surprised. The sun and the moon, well two moons, can be seen above the sky. Then I realized, I was no longer on Earth.