All Chapters of The Reaping: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

ThomasThe last couple of days at headquarters went quickly and both Cora and I both managed to stay out of the path of Michael and Megan. This morning we are leaving for our first visit to village number one. At the beginning of his control, my grandfather thought it best to not name the new villages. So many were dealing with the shock of what happened to our world that he thought it best to have a fresh start.Throughout my childhood, I would often hear stories about how he led the people to peace and stability. There were never any real in-depth details given but they always gave an overview of what happened. I am hoping that in seeing these villages and speaking with the leaders there, I will be able to uncover some of what happened in the past.“So what is the plan once we arrive?” Rebecca asks.“First we’ll head to the hotel and get you guys settled in. Until we know how the leaders feel about women, we need to keep you too

Cora For the next few days, we visited the villages that were closest to the headquarters and we found that they were each a little different, but nothing like what I had grown up in. The women were not as free as they were in Alfred’s village, but they were not being kidnapped and raped like they were in mine. My theory was that the further we got from headquarters the worse it would get. Elliot came up with the idea that in order for Rebecca and I to be able to go with them, we should say that we are there at the order of our men to help gather the information. We were to play dumb if anyone asked any questions and just push everything on Thomas and Elliot. If anyone gets too nosy about our involvement we should just pretend to have no idea why they want the information or what it even is that we are looking at. At the last village we were in there were some men who looked as if they were not very happy to see us looking through the books. When one man star

Cora As the words hang in the air and I can see that my family is nervous. More nervous than I have ever seen in the entire time that I lived with them. I take a deep breath and center my mind knowing that something is going on here and that it may change everything. “Look we have made sure that no one can hear a word you say. We are most certainly not going to do anything to hurt you, we just need to know what is going on.” Thomas says in his voice that he reserves for only those closest to him. I smile at him in thanks and turn back to my family. “I’m sure that you were coached on how to act in front of the leader. We are trying to do something that can help everyone but we need to know the truth of what is happening in the villages. Dad, I know that you are a man that follows what the Chosen says, but you need to know that what you have been told and what is the truth are not the same things.” “What do you mean by that? You know they could kill you

Cora As soon as the words left her mouth my anger raged inside me. When we were talking earlier I noticed how she was trying her hardest to not have to touch anyone and the looks that she was giving my family. She just avoided me altogether and I just wanted to know what was so wrong with me that she couldn’t even make an effort. It seems that now I have my answer, she doesn’t like people from the villages. The rest of Thomas’s family was amazing. His grandfather had me laughing the entire time we were talking. He said that I reminded him of his late wife and that I would be perfect for Thomas “What do you think I mean Dear? it is clear to me that my son has picked well below him in the Reaping.” Gasps were heard around the table and the sickly sweet smile that she is giving me is anything but friendly. “Caroline, what in the world are you talking about? You are from the villages!” Doug yells and I can see that he is losing his temper with her.

Cora I come to find Michael stripping my clothes off. My dress is gone and he is working to get my undergarments off. I start flailing around trying to stop his movements. He raises his fist and punches me in the face. “Stop fighting me dammit! You brought this on yourself!” He says into my ear in an almost whisper. “Please don’t do this Michael. Please don’t hurt me.” I feel myself beginning to lose control and the tears are starting to roll down my face. I want to stay strong but I am weak from being knocked out and I can feel the fear taking control. “I told you already, I should have been the one to have you first! I loved you and you just threw me away for what? Power, sex, money, or were you just trying to get me to prove myself to you? Why are you making me out to be the bad guy?” He slaps me a few more times and takes my underwear off and uses them to bind my hands together. He stands and starts to pull his pants down and all sane thou