One Step Is All It Takes

Chapter 3 (POV Edward)

I walk through the halls of The Center, searching for the room Esmerelda was in. My father insisted I talk to her about breaking her criminal acts, blah blah blah. But really, I'm more interested in what she looks like. After all, if I'm going to marry her, I should at least know her hair color.

I continue searching, my eyes roaming around the bland decor. This place sure could use some imagination, or at least a houseplant. Ah, room #1352, Esmerelda's room. I knock on the door and stand patiently waiting. I was used to long waits when my mother had to get 'ready'.

When Esmerelda opens the door, all thoughts of parents rush out of my head. I just stand there and stare. She's beautiful.

"You- huh- uh- are-" I can't get the words out of my mouth. So much for that speech. I close my mouth and began to put together a more dignified response when all of a sudden she shuts the door in my face. I am forced to shove my foot in the dwindling gap. Ow. I wince as a sharp pain travels up my spine. That's going to leave a bruise.

She motions for me to speak with a glint of hope in her...her beautiful eyes. This made me look at her face completely differently. I need to have her. Oh goodness this is the first time I've ever felt this way about a woman. I'm more in love with Esmerelda than ever. She coughs then motions for me to speak again.

"Hello Miss Esmerelda, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance." I grab her had, and bend over to kiss it in politeness, but she quickly snatches it away. I straighten my back. This time she looks up at me with an annoyed look. I cough. Well this is awkward. I clear my throat and then say, "I'm Edward, and I'm here because my father wanted me to-" The door slams shut. Suddenly I hear a crash. It came from inside Esmerelda's room. I debate on whether opening the door, or leaving her when a couple minutes later I hear a muffled scream. Oh my goodness she's being kidnapped!

"Esmerelda!" I cry and fling open the door. There's a kidnapper, I'd know a kidnapper anywhere, and he'd flung Esmerelda over his shoulder. He looks up and sees me, then drops her hard on the tile floor. There's a loud snap, I hear a muffled cry and cringe. The masked figure holds a gun up to her head. I look down at Esmerelda, her hands and feet are bound and she is gagged. There are tears streaming down her face. I'm suddenly filled in with a fit of rage. I'm about to run to the figure he says, "One more step and I will shoot her." I freeze, rage subsiding. I'm torn. The woman I'm in love with is about to die.

"One step is all it takes." The man says again before hoisting Esmerelda over his shoulder, he turns to leave. I silently approach him from behind and tackle him to the ground, I then use his own gun and point it at him. He quickly gets up and jumps out of the window. Darn it! Another escapee. I look down at Esmerelda. Her eyes show relief, but yet tears keep streaming out of them. I untie the rope preventing her from moving and take out the gag. She stands up, and hugs me. But unluckily for me, that's as romantic as it gets for now.