Papillon - HS

Chapter 34

We are currently travelling all the way to Toronto. Michael had us wake up extra early since it is somewhat of a long drive and we also have to go through customs. The Canadian border is not that far from where we are now but since we have many different buses travelling with us, Michael wants to be extra careful. 

We all decide to wait in the lounge, cuddled up against each other while we wait for customs to clear us before heading into the bunk beds. It would be easier to stay awake given we were the first bus and then sleep peacefully as we continue going north.  After border patrol and giving the officers our documents, we were free to go back to sleep for a bit.

I sleepily made my way back my bunk bed, barely waving goodnight to the guys and settling in. I wrapped my blanket around me, fluffed the pillow and closed my eyes. The late nights and early mornings were really getting a toll on me. Besides, the emotional rollercoaster that was my life right now was definitely not 100 percent helpful. Being sad and angry all the time left me constantly tired and way too drained.

I was glad to get a moment of sleep now, even if it was in a bus.

So I did just that. 

I closed my eyes, breathed in and out until I felt my body resting and everything around me stood still.

I gasped for air, my arms flailing beside me, my feet moving fast against the concrete.

I kept turning behind me, finding the three men with determination in their faces, a sinister smirk adorning their scraped up faces.

I faced the front again, trying to push myself further towards the end of the alleyway. I could see the light, it was not far from where I was.

I could hear the men behind me laughing, taunting me.

"Don't you worry doll, we like the chase" their voices echoed around me and kept repeating in my head. Deep, horrendous laugther following suit.

Come on Victoria, just a little bit more, I thought.

My legs hurt with each time my feet hit the ground.

I could feel myself running out of breath and my body was completely exhausted but I knew I could get to the end, I had to. I was not about to let myself be taken by these men.

So I kept running and running and running until I was finally able to round the corner and hide behind a car. I crouched down, trying to catch my breath. Eyes closed, afraid to open them and find the three men staring down at me.

I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and I jumped for a tiny second before I recognized the familiar warmth and scent of the one who always protected me. I open my eyes, my body no longer shaking as uncontrollably and slowly turned my head to find the green eyes I knew too well.

"You're safe now V, I won't ever let anything happen to you" he said and I knew it in my heart to be true. He had never said meant something so deeply, said something so truthful.

I exhaled in relief as he lifted us up, no longer crouching behind a car. We were in the clear now, he made sure of it.

I looked up at him, messy hair and tear stained eyes. Cheeks red from the effort. Tiny drops of sweat falling slowly down my temples.

He gave me a small smile, thumbs rubbing my cheeks as he craddled my face.

"My pretty girl, you're safe now, yeah?" he asked and I simply nodded. "You trust me don't you, pretty girl?"