Unlock the Past

Chapter 7

Chloe above:)
Sorry I don't know if you can see the picture. Let me know if you can:)

When I was first taken I dreamt of the moment I would see Ashton again. So many scenarios that only hollywood or disney could re-create played through my head while I had laid on the cold musty bed. Hours upon hours, thinking of what could happen, but it never did.

There were plenty that involved him coming to rescue me. Others fantasized me being found by police and seeing him with them by all the cop cars and ambulances.

Then there were the ones where I finally escaped and came home. But every time I dreamt those I'd be running into his arms and we would still end up like a disney movie.

After months and months of waiting to be found or saved my optimism failed me. I began to doubt everyones love in me. I began to think that they had forgotten me and let me go. Those dreams- well nightmares, really- were the worst.

I'd finally be found and the police would call my parents and Ashton, and they would have no idea who I was. Their blank faces are still etched in my memory, even if they aren't true.

Whenever I had those dreams, more hope would be drained out of me. I became a leaking dam, and then one day, I finally burst.

That was the day I escaped. I gathered up all of my sorrow and drowning pain and ran.

Standing here in front of Ashton makes me want to run again.

His eyes shine in desperation and pity. But it's not the pity that surprised me. It was the happiness that caused his eyes to almost glow, and his face to light up. Even though his face was slightly puffy and his eyes were red from crying, he looked like he was a man trapped in a desert for years without water, and it has finally rained.

"Chloe?" The corners of his mouth tilts up and he gives me a smile that could replace the sun, moon, and stars. My heart warms, and I can feel my barrier coming down. No, I feel nothing. Ashton takes a few hasty steps towards me. But it's not till he comes right in front of me, when I remember. I'm painfully aware of how close we are standing. I feel nothing. All the strength that I mustered up before dissipates and I'm left empty and afraid. 

My breathing becomes ragged and my hands start to feel moist. I look over at my father, but he doesn't notice the panic I'm going through and just smiles proudly at Ashton, feeling accomplished. "Chloe, it's Ashton. I'm so happy that you're home." the warmth in his words fail to heat me up, but instead they make my blood run colder.

Ashton moves his arms up to hug me, and my previous life flashes before me eyes. Every touch I received, good and bad. 

"NO, no, no, no, no!" I scream and hold my head as my body convulses. All I can hear is my blood pumping in my ears. 

I feel paralyzed until I remember the one thing that saved me. The one thing I've been trying to do this past week.

I run.

I sprint to the door and yank it open and make a bee line towards the road.

And I ignore all the calls from behind.