The Love of My Death

Part 5

   I'm not sure how long I was asleep, but my head hurts like I just woke up from a 24-hour nap. Did I sleep all morning? What time is it? My hand tries to reach for my phone on my nightstand, but it is restrained by something. Anthony is probably laying on my hand.

   "Anthony, you're on my hand," I say, as I yank my arm. I open my eyes to check if he's still asleep.

Instead, I notice that dark gray duct tape has been wrapped over both the chair's arm and mine, holding my hand down instead of Anthony. My legs are likewise, duct taped to the chair as I try to stand up.

Then everything begins to return back into my mind. The book. Lana. Desiree. My mom. The chair I'm sitting in is situated at one of the dining table's ends. Axel was at the other end, slouching in the chair with his head on the table as if he were sleeping. His arms were unbound though.

   On the table in front of me, I can see the book open. Page number 52 is visible when I glance at the bottom right corner. I began reading the page.

What a gorgeous November morning it is in Nebraska. When your hotel door is knocked on, you wake up. You yawn and raise your arms in the air. You smile knowing that today is the day. Your special day. Your wedding day.
You open the door for your best friend Tiffany. She hands you a coffee, and says, "Alright! Let's get going!" Because she is your maid of honor, she gets you ready for the big day ahead of you. She puts on your makeup, curls your hair, and helps you into your lovely white dress.
You soon find yourself making your way down the aisle while clutching a bouquet of white roses. Anthony, a good friend of yours still, is to your left. As he leads you down the aisle, your arm is firmly linked to his. Finally, you reach your soon-to-be husband. He raises your veil over your head and away from your face. "Your dress is stunning," Axel comments while smiling at you.

Before you know it, you and Axel are happily married, and you have changed your name to Leya Jones. Leya... Jones. Captivating to say, isn't it? Such a beautiful name. It's perfect.

   What sort of twisted game is this? "Axel! Axel, wake up!" I shout, across the table. I heard a man's voice coming from the hallway, saying, "He won't respond." Not just any voice, though. It can't be.

   The figure in all black enters the dining room after leaving the hallway. His mask is removed, revealing his face.

My face shrinks down. "Maliki? What are you-"

"I gave him this medication," he says, cutting me off, "it will prevent him from being responsive or resistant for at least 2 hours. You could compare him to a zombie, as of now." Maliki smiles.

   I fix my gaze on him as I begin to put the puzzle together. But why him out of all people?

"You seem confused," he says.

Why wouldn't I be?

   "I'll explain. I am The Author," he claims, placing his hand on his chest. I can't find my words as I look him up and then down. Why would Maliki do such a thing? I still don't understand.

"Surprised?" He smiles and says, "Well, neither was it quick nor cheap. I mean, I had to pay for the book's supplies, the desomorphine, and the voice box!" he chuckles.

"The voice box?" I ask. He grins and takes out a little white box from his pocket.

"How do you think I was able to call you without being recognized?" he says into the box while holding it up to his mouth and pressing a red button. He laughs louder. "But like I said, even though it wasn't cheap, I would pay more for your happiness than anything else. The cost has no importance compared to you."