Seven Nights and Seven Roses

Chapter One

I woke up again, this time I was in a different place. I was in a bed, maybe it had all been a dream? But why couldn't I remember my name, or where I was? I looked around trying to find a clue or hint as to who I was or where I was for that matter. The man had left but I still felt his presence on my arm from where he had hit me. By now my vision had returned to normal, but I was still dizzy from whatever may have happened.

Just as I was coming to my senses, the door began to open. The man stepped, I cringed, remembering my bruised arm. With the light and my vision back to normal, I saw his face. He was young, maybe in his early twenties, at least. His piercing green eyes noticed me studying his features. When he walked, it wasn't intimidating - no, it was calming. He carried himself with such pride and confidence it made you feel safe. But, I knew I was not safe. "Who are you?" I stood up as he was walking closer.

"Who I am doesn't matter, Rose." He grazed my shoulder, caressing my bruise.

"No, I'm not Rose. Stop calling me that. Who are you!? Who am I!?" I threw his hand off my arm.

He chuckled, "Oh, you have a lot to learn Rose, my darling." And with that, he left. Like nothing had happened, I was left alone in the room again. Maybe this was a type of torture; being left alone with your thoughts to drive you crazy. The thought that I didn't know who I was drove me insane through what felt like night. Did I have a family somewhere looking for me? Was this my new reality? The unanswered questions clawed in the back of my mind, not wanting to be put to rest, only growing more and more apparent with each waking minute.

"Rose?" Go away, go away, go away. I'm not Rose. "Rose? Are you okay?" This wasn't the man. This was a girl, her voice was soothing.

"I am not Rose," I said so softly barely I could hear myself. This new voice came closer and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Okay, what's your name then?" You could feel the tenderness in her voice, it was like a motherly hug.

"I - I don't know, that man won't tell me. He keeps calling me Rose! Where are we? Please tell me, I'm going crazy."

The girl sighed, "Listen to me, you need to understand everything I say. You need to do exactly what I tell you in order to survive here."

I saw her dark brown eyes fill worry and regret as I said, "Survive?"