Stockholm Syndrome // sm

Chapter Twelve

When I woke up, the house was dead silent, and dark on top of that. Usually the hallway light was on, or the television downstairs played, but nothing. I heard nothing. I saw nothing.

I got out of bed, cold shivers running up my spine as I looked around to pitch black darkness. The harsh taps of rain against the window was making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and the rumble that ripped from the sky shook my bones.

I ran to the light switch, flipping it up, but the light didn't turn on. I repeatedly switched it on and off, only to stay engulfed in darkness. The power must have gone out.

In my attempt to get back to the bed, I fell over. I don't know what I tripped on. I did know however, that it hurt a lot.

I groaned and reached around, feeling around for what it was. I felt leather and laces, so I only assumed it was a boot that I had forgotten to put away, or was too lazy to.

I stood up, wincing as a dull ache formed in the bend of my knees. I sat down on the bed and then rubbed my eyes, throwing the blanket over me.

My stomach rumbled and I sighed, wanting food but not exactly wanting to eat. It's not purposely. It's weird to openly cook yourself food in a house you're uncomfortable being in. I felt awkward here.

I threw the blanket off of me and stood up, realizing I could just grab a fruit or something. All I've really eaten here was french toast, fruit, and pizza that one time he was too tired to cook. I honestly refuse to eat anything he cooks for me. Maybe I'm just stubborn, but I don't want him to think I'm comfortable. It's not that I don't trust him cooking for me, that's a cover-up for the real reason.

I opened the door, slowly walking into the pitch black hallway. There was light downstairs and when I stepped into the living room, I realized that it was just the ghost of the moonlight running through the open curtains. Everything down here was turned off aswell.

Shawn wasn't by the piano, and it was kind of shocking. I usually found him down here, but since he wasn't, I figured he was asleep. It must be late, but I wouldn't know. The clocks in the rooms are down because of the power shortage, and the ones hanging on the wall is covered in a thick blanket of darkness.

On my way to the kitchen, I ran into someone and I screamed, only to be held tightly. "Shh, it's alright. It's just me." I heard Shawn say and I hit his chest.

"Don't do that to me!"

"I can barely see you, how was I supposed to know you were there?" He asked and I was silent. He has a point.

"What are you doing up? Were you in the kitchen?" I questioned since I've somewhat memorized how the house was set up in the days I've been here.

"Uh, yeah. I was getting water." He answered and I nodded though he couldn't see me. "Why are you up?"

"I uh... I got thirsty too." I lied and he grabbed my arm, leading me to the kitchen. The cold tiled floors gave it away.

I stood by the counter, the cold granite tops under my fingers as I heard a cabinet open and close. The faucet was running, and suddenly a bright light was flashing across the sky, illuminating the room for a split second.

Lightning.

"Here." I heard Shawn say and he grabbed my hand. I opened it and a glass was placed in my grasp. "Don't spill it."

"I won't."

I raised the glass to my lips and tipped it back, taking a drink from it. "The power should be on in a bit." He informed me and I set the cup down.