Unrequited

Chapter Nine: I Get Kidnapped

Song: Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional

"Meridian..." Josh's voice plagued my dreams, and I reached out to him, needing his touch. However, whenever I managed to touch him, his figure dissolved into smoke. I tossed and turned, unable to sleep properly due to my almost-nightmares. I woke up in the morning feeling fatigued and too lazy to go out. I stayed in bed, and decided that I would just deal with the consequences of my actions another time.

During my final night at my parents' house, I was anxious about finding a place to live, and I once again couldn't sleep. Around one in the morning, a figure appeared at the end of my bed. This time there was no mistaking it, as I was fully awake, and the moon was full, showing me Josh's face.

"Josh," I whispered, feeling love, warmth and terror rush through me all at the same time. I was unsure which one dominated, so I just stood stock still, mouth agape. He held out a hand, and though I couldn't see his expression in the low light, I guessed that he was smiling. It was easy to deceive myself into thinking that the Josh I knew and loved had returned. So, I made the worst decision in my life and took his hand. Immediately, his hand tensed around mine, almost to the point of being painful. A rushing sensation enveloped me, and I closed my eyes as nausea set deep into my stomach. When I felt like I could stand still without toppling over, I opened my eyes. I was in my perfect apartment, the one fit for two.

"Josh," I began, and he turned to me. In the bright lights, his expression was menacing, and he seemed hungry.

"Yes, dear?" His voice was sharp and caused fear to shoot through me like daggers.

"Why did you bring me here?" For a second, he seemed surprised that I'd asked the question, but it was only a fleeting change, so I probably imagined it.

"Because I love you, Mer." He made the word love sound almost dirty, like it was something far beneath him. I bit my lip, and he winked at me. "I really want to kiss you when you do that."

Before I knew what was happening, his rough lips were pressing against mine, and I felt tears leak from the corners of my eyes. My Josh, the boy that I loved, was completely gone. And it was all my fault.

Josh released me, and he gestured towards the bedroom.

"Go and get some sleep. You have a big day ahead of you." Before I knew it, I found my legs taking me to the bedroom almost with a mind of their own. I threw myself on the bed and lay against the pillow. My nights devoid of sleep had gotten to me, so I was asleep almost instantly.

***

"Meridian, get up." I opened my eyes and half-jumped out of bed, almost against my own will. I looked up and saw an unfamiliar male face close to mine. The man had greying hair and stubble on his chin. He was thin and wiry, and he was clothed entirely in black.

"Who the hell are you?" I asked, and his eyes narrowed.

"You don't get to ask me questions. Now drop down and give me thirty push ups. Then we'll see about letting you have breakfast." Thirty? I could barely do two. I dropped to all fours and pushed myself to do five before I collapsed on my stomach.

"I want thirty, or you will never eat again!" he growled, and I once again managed five. I stood up and faced him, taking a stand against him. I would not be pushed into doing something I couldn't. Suddenly, I felt a sharp sting across my cheek, and my head was jerked to the side. It took me a moment to realise that he had slapped me. I hissed in pain and anger, and then I kicked him in the groin. He didn't even flinch. He attacked me, and I fell to the floor, hitting my head on the wooden boards.