Unsaid

Chapter 19

Lauren POV

"Don't touch those flowers dear! Those are poisonous."

I heard my grandpa shout from a distance. I was about to touch those beautiful white flowers.

"But grandpa , they are so pretty!" I said while playing with my tiny fingers.

He approached me and sat beside me, "Veratrum. They look beautiful and attract people ; but are dangerous."

"I want to touch them! They are quite attractive." I asked. He laughed at my silliness.

"Not everything that looks attractive, is benevolent." He said with a smile. For a nine year old it was confusing to understand such a thing. But now I do.

I woke up hastily from my dream or my lost memory, sometimes I hate reminiscing. It was 11 in the morning, I moved away from my bed and went into the kitchen. I took out a water bottle and drank. Then I realize , it wasn't helping, my thoughts were suffocating me.

Seth.

This name was suffocating me. My parents were in the living room, probably watching another movie.

"I'm going out , to get some air. I'll be back in an hour." I announced. They didn't say anything ; just nodded their head. I took that as my cue to leave. I slipped my shoes on and went outside. Before closing the door behind me , I heard my mom's voice.

"Be careful!" I smiled to myself and walked away.

The street was silent, not a single sound around. I closed my eyes, put my earplugs in and played my favorite song-Rise up by Andra Day. I walked down, I wasn't familiar with this place yet-but I wanted to be alone.

I was humming , just then I had a glimpse on a figure at the corner, I ignored and kept walking ; until I realized a shadow forming beside my shadow. I stopped the song on my phone and started walking faster, the shadow was getting bigger. I was about to turn around-somebody covered my mouth with a hand. I tried to scream but his grip over my mouth was real tight. I kicked and punched him too , but my all efforts were a waste. My heart was beating very fast, he dragged me. I did not have any idea what was this person trying to do- where he was dragging me. I just knew that I want to get rid of him.

I kicked him again and this time he flinched. I kicked him harder and he moved his hand from my waist. I felt something hard on my face. He just slapped me.

How many times am I gonna get slapped by strangers?

I moved backward but I fell on the ground and my head landed on something hard. The last thing I saw , were glasses.

***

Be careful.

Song.

Slap.

Spectacles.

My eyes shot open , I was panting and my head was heavy. My throat was dry-I looked around and realize I was laying on a cold floor in a room which only had a small window ; through which sunlight was coming. It was quite dark, an old wooden table was there with few things on it. Last night's events revolved in my mind, I was kidnapped.

Uh- oh

This wasn't good, I was freaking kidnapped by some stranger. Panic rushed inside me, I tried to get up and stood on my feet . Okay, first I needed to calm down and find a way out. I ran up to the door and tried opening it - locked ! right , why would any kidnapper leave the door unlocked?

I paced around a few times , thinking what am I suppose to do. I had left my phone at home, wow Lauren just great! Just then I heard something, the door opened and a figure stood in front of me. My jaw dropped open in awe, my body tensed up. My bottom lip started to shake, how could this be possible?

"No.." I said.

"Hi there." he said.

He stood still at the door, I couldn't see any emotion on his face. His eyes were boring at me, I felt uncomfortable under his gaze , yet I used to be so comfortable around him.

"Remember me?" He spoke without moving his gaze.

"Where am I?" I asked, ignoring his question.

"Somewhere , no one can find us."

"Did you kidnap me?" I said hiding all the emotions in my voice.

"What do you think?" His face was still blank.

Then it hit me, he was my kidnapper. He was the one sending me messages. He harmed my dad.

"Why?"

"Still don't get it?" He chuckled.

"Sugar. That's the name he gave you right? You know Lauren, you're too innocent to be with a guy like Seth."

"I'm not dating him."

"As if I'm stupid . I know you like him. You always did but you never saw me."

"You were just a friend to me."

He chuckled again. How come I never realize he likes me?

He came forward, I took a step back. He extended his hand and grabbed mine firmly. I flinched at his touch. He dragged me out of the room, the grip of his hand was hurting me. I tried to get rid of it , but it was no use.

He opened a door and pulled me into a room. He finally let go off me. I looked around my surroundings, the sight horrified me. The white wall in front of me was covered in pictures. It was me. He had my pictures, the middle school one, high school one. The pictures I posted on my social media. He was spying on me, he took pictures of me outside the company. My head was running in circles.

"Now you see , how much I like you."

My breath hitched, I couldn't speak. After taking in all the courage I spoke, "You're mad."
"I'm mad for you."

Can somebody just tell me how many guys are after me? I mean , my history with men is the worst.

"Jake.."

"You were too blind to see me. I was always there, maybe I liked you the day I saw you in hallway. I was rude to you at first -that was my way to get to know you. I helped you, saved you so many times. I was there for you , but the only the person you cared for was Seth!" His voice was shaking, I saw tears escaping from his eyes.

I didn't say anything . I was scared. He moved to a corner and continued.

"When I saw you with Hayden, I couldn't believe at first-the person I always wanted ; was standing in front of me. Do you know how much it hurts , when I couldn't even take you in my arms! I liked you. I always did. But that motherfucka Seth came in between."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"Would that make any difference?" He said looking straight in my eyes.

I bit the inside of my cheek and shook my head. He leaned forward and grabbed me by my shoulders. I shivered under his touch.

"You are mine." He said sternly.