Taken

The Border

I woke up to Jason packing our things. He looked like he had been busy.

"Its time to go." he said harshly and threw me some clothes. As I sat up I ran my fingers through my short hair....I felt dizzy and my body was in immense pain. I hadn't eaten since he had taken me and it was starting to take a toll along with what happened the night before. He could tell I was having trouble so out of irritation or maybe guilt he came over and helped me get dressed. I let him for the fact that I couldn't fight anymore. He helped me up and out the door. My heart sank when I looked at out new ride. He had been busy that morning.

"Where's the Honda?"

He gave me a funny look.."I had to get something different after you made those phone calls. I know there was more than one. If you're going to call it would be smart to delete them after."

How stupid of me to forget that part.

"I can't have them stopping us at the border."

I thought it's not all lost I could try and get the attention of the border officers. He pulled out a bottle and a rag. Everything was gone now I knew what it was for he was going to make sure I couldn't do that either. He was one step ahead of me at all times.

"I'm sorry.." he grabbed my face with the rag and I was out. He loaded me up in an old suburban and covered my body with some blankets.

When I came to I looked out the back window and could see the border in the distance. Jason had made it through and this was either my new home or where I would die. All hope drained from my body. Michael and my future with him was gone. A tear ran down my bruised cheek saying goodbye to my life.

The offices that had occupied my home slowly gathered their equipment over time and left Michael. There had been no contact for months and no one ever found me at the border. They had been there waiting for a blue Honda that never showed.
Michael laid on my couch for days not eating, unshaven, and with no hope. He had thought so many times to come looking for me but he didn't know where to begin. Barns would stop in and check on him. Michael didn't know how to move on not knowing if I was dead or alive.

Jason and I had been in Mexico for a few months. He had set up us at a little motel that he called safe. There was a little bar that we would visit occasionally he felt safe taking me out since I had followed all his rules. I kept my head down when we were there with this cap he made me wear. He would go and make a lot of phone calls. I wasn't sure what for but I'm guessing it was drug related for money. My mind would wonder why he still had me and why he hadn't killed me yet. Maybe I was just a companion for him. He still forced himself on me at times but nothing like the night before the border. His reactions to me would be as we were a couple. I just did what I was told so that I didn't get hurt I know it sounds weak but after the last beating I knew what he was capable of and I didn't what it to happen again. We stayed clear of people and kept closed up except for the bar. I actually looked forward to those days because it was better then sitting in the stale room all day.

"We need to go over to the cantina, so I can make some calls. Remember head down and talk to no one." He had to remind me every time. I nodded and put my cap on over my horrible hair cut he had given me so many months ago. We walked out into the bright hot sun. It felt good on my pale skin I could smell the food from the little bar. I liked their food it was better than the sandwiches he would buy from the gas station across the street. I looked forward to these trips for real food. We walked into the dark bar and the bartender nodded at Jason. We had become known as regulars. I sat in my usual spot and the bartender handed me my usual diet pop and some tamales that I loved. I nodded at him. As I sat there eating there was something unfolding on the other side of the bar that would change my life.

There was little old couple that loved this little bar too. They had been coming here for years. The Stapletons, Joan and Arthur would become my hero's. They had come down on vacation a few days ago and made their usual stop. As they sat and ate lunch Joan looked around noticing the girl at the bar with the cap on with her head down. She knew I had looked familiar and she couldn't place where she had seen me. Author could tell something was bothering his wife.

"What is it Joan?"

"What dear?"

"You've been staring at that little girl up there at the bar for awhile. So you know her?"

"She looks so familiar and so sad."

"Maybe she was here last time we were."

"No it's more important then that. She is someone important I feel."

Joan sat there trying place me..then it hit her..."The news she is missing." she could barely contain her revelation. Author looked at her to keep it down. She knew she had to do something to help me or see if I needed help. Author told her to keep out of it but Joan looked around for Jason she remembered what he looked like too; it was all coming back to her. She saw him at the pay phone. As she watched him she stood up to walk over to me. Author grabbed her arm to stop her but she was on a mission. She had to make sure for herself before she made the call. Joan sat one seat over to not look obvious. She waited for the bartender to walk away cleared her throat and whispered..."Are you Amy Carson?"

I felt a jolt go through me who would know my name here?

I was scared to say anything afraid this could be another test from Jason. If I said yes I would pay.

Again she spoke.."I'm not here to hurt you I saw you on the news. That guy on the phone is the one who took you. I want to help you but you have to let me know if I'm right."

I moved my hand slowly over to her and tapped the bar.

She knew that was her answer and walked away. Tears ran down my face as I continued to look down. Joy began to run through my body but I had to keep calm. I could see the couple leave the bar out of the corner of my eye.