A Fresh Ending

Chapter 4

I haven't felt the sun on my face for so long. The warmth of the yellow star in the sky shone down on my face, pulling me from the most profound slumber I had ever experienced. I turned my face away from the light, opening my eyes, trying to adjust to my new surroundings. I wasn't in my cell, and I'm more than sure I wasn't in Steve's house anymore. My room looked like your typical bedroom with a bed, dresser, and places for many belongings.

Rising from the bed, I moved to the large picture window, taking in the beautiful scenery. The leaves were beginning to change color, displaying autumn was in full swing. Not knowing the current date, I concluded that I had been Steve's prisoner for over a month. Summer was about to end right before I ended up in my cell. A tall metal fence surrounded the property, accompanied by uniformed guards. At that moment, I peered down at my form, finding myself covered in a white sleeping gown and silver bracelets around my wrists. Upon examining the bands, I found electricity piercing through my body each time I tried to take them off. 

Confusion struck me upon turning in the direction of my door. It was open with no guard around to keep me inside.  The bracelets had to be what kept me from escaping. Taking a deep breath, I stepped outside the room, looking up and down the hall, finding them empty. I patted down the hall towards what I could only figure was the living room. Entering the living room, I discovered what I could only assume were the people who cared for the house. I caught the attention of a few of them, but they went quickly back to their work.

I explored a bit more, finding my way to the kitchen. A little old lady smiled upon seeing me, walking towards me.

"You're finally awake, Ms. Y/L/N. Mr. Kemp told me to get you whatever you wanted when you came to," she told me. "I'm Ms. White, but you can call me Elise."

Mr. Kemp? Did that mean that Steve was still alive? I didn't know what happened after picking up the gun, but I didn't expect Steve to survive. I remembered vaguely what he looked like that night, but the rest of the evening was a blur. I'm guessing all the trauma caused me to black everything out. I didn't want to remember any of it. I prayed I wouldn't have to pay for what I might have done. Would Steve come for my body when he recovered from his injuries?

"Ma'am," Ms. White called to me. "Are you okay?" she asked, bringing me to the table.

I remained quiet, unsure if speaking was the best idea. Remaining mute seemed to keep me safe for this long. No harm could come from continuing my silence.

"Ah, Mr. Kemp did say that it might be hard for you to find words," she commented, cupping my face. "Let me get you some food. I'm sure you are famished. Then you can explore more. I'm sure being in those dreadful cells..."

The woman trailed off. She knew what Steve did, yet, still took care of him, or, at least, took care of his victims. Everyone here seemed to be okay with Steve's lifestyle, which caused me to wonder if they were just like him. My heart raced inside my chest, feeling as if I could be a meal for just about anyone that strolled about the property.

I jumped when Ms. White placed a plate in front of me. I looked down at the food, then back up at her. She must have seen the fear in my eyes. She smiled, leaning forward, taking my face in her hands.

"Mr. Kemp's lifestyle remains his. I only prepare food for his people. He prepares all his own food," she explained. "Eat, please."

I relaxed a bit, feeling safe with this woman. It was the first time I felt safe in a long time. I didn't know how long that feeling would last, but I was going to hold onto it.

I finished my breakfast, leaving my plate behind as I left the kitchen to see more of this place. It felt good to walk around instead of being trapped in a ten-by-ten cell. Excitement coursed through my body when I saw the pool just beyond the patio door. Would I be able to use it before winter arrived?

I quickened my pace, ready to feel the sun on my face when a cracked door caught my attention. With caution, I stepped toward the door, pushing it open. I found an unconscious Steve in an oversized bed. I glanced over my shoulder before entering the room. I stood at the foot of the bed, staring at his marred body. His face was extremely bruised and swollen with many cuts. Bandages covered his legs, with a thin sheet covering his middle half. He definitely took a beating that night.

I stepped around the side of the bed, sitting on the edge, eyes glued on Steve. I could hear my beating inside my chest as I took a rag from the bowl next to the bed, and placed it over his forehead. He felt hot to the touch, making me believe he was fighting infection due to all his injuries. I took another rag and slowly ran it over his exposed skin. I did my best to keep the cloth from the cuts so as not to cause more pain for the man.

I turned to place the rag in the bowl when Steve caught my arm. I gasped, the first sound I had ever made since being captured. I looked down at him, his eyes opening, gazing directly at me. I began to panic, waiting for what he might do, or say.

"My sweet, Y/N," Steve whispered. "Don't leave me."

It was all he said before dropping my wrist and falling back into a state of unconsciousness. I rose to my feet, staring down at the man. I didn't know what to do, so I dropped the rag into the bowl and hurried back to my room. I spent the rest of my day there, with Ms. White bringing me my meal.

Steve's words echoed through my brain the rest of the day and later that night. I was unsure of how I felt about the man's words. Did he want me not to leave him due to how much Noa lied to him or needed my flesh for future transactions with his clients? The part that scared me in all this was I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay with Steve and treat him better than Noa ever could.