Taken

Chapter 2

I woke up early and headed out to apply for jobs. I made sure to leave Tim his money, I wanted to be gone by the time he arrived.

"Hi, I saw the help wanted ad on the newspaper and I want to apply," I told the lady at the desk.

"People still read that thing?" She asked before handing me an application. I politely smiled and filled out the application.

"Dang you're fast," she said as I handed her my application.

"I really do need a job and the faster I turn it in the closer I am to getting a job," I said.

"Okay, well the manager will review your application and he will call you for an interview" she said.

"Thanks," I said and left. I had a great feeling about that job.

I walked a block down and went inside a bakery.

"Hi, are they still hiring?" I asked one of the employees.

"Yes we are. Let me get you an application." The employee said and disappeared behind the counter. When she handed it to me, I quickly filled it out and returned it to her.

"Okay, wait for a call about an interview" she said while smiling.

"Thanks," I said and smiled back.

I spent half the day walking around looking for a job. I was tired and felt weak, I hadn't ate anything yet.

"Shhhh" I whispered to my stomach that started sounding like chewbaca. The hotel was just 2 blocks down. I will make a reservation for today and tomorrow I'll figure out the rest. Maybe I'll end up in a homeless shelter, at least I would be fed. That actually didn't sound as bad. I'll have a roof over me, a bed, people to talk to, and food. What more could I ask for? I probably didn't have to pay anything, or they'll help me get a job... I was starting to consider whether to go to a shelter or stay at a hotel. But I felt weaker each step I took, I felt light headed. The hotel was closer. I could eat there.

I walked in and the hotel wasn't as crappy as I imagined. Room prices started from $50. Maybe I could stay for 2 nights.

"Are you okay ma'am? you look pale," the lady at the front desk asked. I hadn't been eating right the last week and having no food at all today was a mistake.

"Yea, I'm fine," I lied. "Can you give me your cheapest room?" I asked.

"Sure thing," she said and started typing stuff on her computer.

"Well, the cheapest available room we have right now is 110, is that okay?" She asked.

"Mmmmmmm," I said. I guess i was going to a shelter tomorrow.

"Sure I'll take it." I said.

"How long are you staying?"

"Just for tonight,"I said. She checked me in and I paid her.

"Oh, when is food served?" I asked. I knew they had free meals or snacks.

"You just missed lunch, but we have bread over there," she pointed and I went to where the bread was at. They were croissants. I guess that was going to be my breakfast and lunch. After stuffing my face with as much bread as possible, I took some in my purse and headed to my room.

My room was small and had a tv. No kitchen but a bathroom. I laid on my bed.

6:46pm my phone read. I didn't want the day to end. Who knew what would happen tomorrow.

I turned on the tv. Only romantic comedies and happy people were on tv. I envied them. They were in their house, worry free. I on the other hand was on the other side of the spectrum.

I started feeling nauseated and as if I was suffocating. Maybe I was becoming claustrophobic since each day the place I stay at shrinks. I head out to the hallway, clutching onto the walls for balance. With one arm I hugged my purse and with the other I pulled myself with the walls to head outside the hotel. When I reached to the lobby, I found it empty. Thank god. I didn't want anyone to see me like this. Maybe once I'm outside and I breathe fresh air, I'll feel better.

Outside was empty too, except for some cars that seemed to pass every 10 minutes. There was no one shopping outside since the stores closed at 7.

The air made me feel a bit better. But I was still nauseas and a bit dizzy.

I was about to head back to the hotel when I feel two strong arms wrap around my waist and mouth.

I started squirming and screaming. My screams were muffled by the cloth that he had pressed over my mouth and nose. I tried taking his arms off, and scratching him but it was no use, I was too weak and he knew it.

"Shhhhh," he whispered in my ear and neck. I felt my tiny hairs stand up from all over my body.

"Breathe beautiful, breathe," he said pressing the cloth harder on my mouth and nose. I saw someone coming towards us from 3 blocks away and I started feeling relieved. The man must have seen him too because he cursed.

I started screaming but I was running out of air. I sucked in air and screamed for my life. But it was no use, my screams were barely audible, and I slowly became weaker and tired by the second. Soon the whole world blacked out.