The Captured

Chapter 15

Guys,

I hope you are doing good. Here's the midnight Thursday episode for y'all to enjoy. A calm before the storm kinda episodes *spoiler* *spoiler*

P.S new book cover update. <3

"ANNNAAAA! ANNNAAAA! WAKE UP! IT'S 10:30, WE'RE ALL GETTING LATE! ANNAA!"

My eyes shot open, assaulted by the urgency in Sylvia's voice. For a moment, I was disoriented, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep and make sense of the chaos around me.

Faces hovered over me, their impatience palpable. How on earth did I end up here on the couch? And why hadn't anyone woken me sooner?

"Anna?"

Sylvia stood before me, already fully dressed with a hint of makeup adorning her features.

When did she find the time for that?

I glanced around and realized that everyone else was also decked out, even the guys had managed to put on their shoes. Why were they all so ready when it felt like the day had just begun?

"Jesus! Girl, stop yelling in my ear! What's wrong with you?"

I backed away from her, her shrill tone doing nothing to ease my throbbing head.

"We're all going to be late for the movie because of you. Would you mind changing your outfit, or do you want us to take you out like that?"

Sylvia's words were laced with irritation, but underneath, I could sense her concern. With a sheepish smile, I nodded, acknowledging my fault, and rushed out of the gaming room.

It had been a hectic day. I had helped bathe the horses, but fatigue had caught up with me. Later, I had gone hiking with Rim and Lydia. We had returned to the gaming room after lunch, where my cousins were engrossed in various activities. Some were gaming, a few were playing snooker, and others were absorbed in a game of chess. Meanwhile, I lounged on a small sofa, nursing my sore back.

The gaming room had a distinct atmosphere, with its white tiles and black ceilings. The furniture was sleek and predominantly black, complemented by the reflective glass walls that shimmered in the light. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos with my phone, although I had nowhere to post them. Mom had forced me to deactivate my previous accounts, leaving me with only one secret identity for connecting with school friends.

Now, as I stumbled through the house in search of a change of clothes, I couldn't help but wonder how I managed to sleep through the morning. It was like time had slipped away from me, leaving me stranded in a world moving at lightning speed.

Entering my room, I made a beeline for the closet, grateful for the solitude. As I sifted through my clothes, my mind wandered, replaying the events of the day. How had I let things get so out of hand? And why did I feel like I was always one step behind everyone else?

Eventually, I found a suitable outfit and quickly changed, eager to catch up with the rest of my family. But as I glanced in the mirror, a nagging sense of unease washed over me. Something didn't feel right, and try as I might, I couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be one of those days.

I decided to change clothes again to get rid of the unease feeling.

The bathroom door swung open with a force that made me jump, my towel still pressed against my face as I desperately tried to rid myself of the homemade concoction. Without bothering to glance up, I heard a familiar voice pierce through my frantic attempts.

"Girl, are you trying to take your skin off?"

The absurdity of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks, and I burst into laughter, my shoulders shaking with mirth. When I finally looked up, there was Sylvia, wearing a smirk that matched the amusement dancing in her eyes.

I stumbled out of the bathroom, her laughter infectious as it bubbled out of me. Moving to my wardrobe, I rifled through my clothes, searching for something comfortable to wear. Loose trousers and a t-shirt seemed like the perfect choice, given the sweltering heat outside. Thankfully, my stylist was nowhere in sight, and I relished the freedom to dress as I pleased.

"Why don't you turn around and face the mirror?"

Sylvia's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I obliged, turning to see what had amused her so.

"Oh! What the--" My words were cut off by another wave of laughter from Sylvia, and I couldn't blame her. In the mirror, my face resembled a tomato, red and blotchy from my overzealous attempts to dry it.

Grabbing my trusty liquid foundation, I set to work, determined to salvage what was left of my complexion.

Sylvia's laughter continued to echo in the background, but I ignored it, focusing solely on covering up my embarrassment.

"What's the matter with you, Sylvia?"

Mom's voice broke through the laughter, and I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. If she saw my face like this, I was dead.

Thankfully, Sylvia came to my rescue, explaining away my appearance with a casual shrug. As she left the room, Mom's gaze fell on me, her expression unreadable. I felt like a deer caught in headlights, my mind racing with a thousand excuses.

"Why are you applying that makeup on your face?"

Mom's question hung in the air, her stance rigid and authoritative.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself to face her interrogation. But before I could utter a word, Sylvia intervened, deflecting Mom's attention and diffusing the tension in an instant.

With a grateful smile, Mom enveloped her in a hug, her embrace a silent reassurance that everything would be okay.

As they pulled away, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, longing for the same reassurance from my mother. But as Mom's eyes met mine, I knew that the conversation was far from over.

Let me know how you liked the book so far? Have a good day! :)