The Fear Of Falling Apart

-13-

Tanith's POV

I wake up in a bed. I don't know where I am, but I'm very certain that it's nowhere safe. I sit up, wincing as my muscles groan in protest. Glancing around the room, I notice the walls are made of brick and there are no windows. There's a dresser in the far corner, but nothing else. I groan as my mauscles protest about my movement.

Oh, that's right. Diane tasered me. They must be worn out from the electrocution.

I get to my feet, pulling my black jeans up a little and trudge out of the room, ready to leave wherever Diane bought me.

I enter a narrow corridor, and continue trudging along. The walls here were brick too, and the flooring is a dark red carpet. There are two doors on one side, and one on the other, and still no windows.
I open the nearest and find a bathroom. Just a toilet, shower and sink all crammed into the small room. The walls are mostly white tiles here, and the floor is slate.

Closing the door again, I continue on my way. The second contained a room similar to the one I had awoken in, but with a few more objects within. I notice a large basket of children's toys in one corner, and a crib in the other.

The third room is almost a living area, complete with sofas, chairs, bookshelves and even a TV. And guess what? Still no windows. There's a ladder beside one of the bookcases that leads to a metal hatch. I'm guessing I'm underground.

"Tanith, your up." Diane greets with a smile, getting up from her position in the armchair.

I flinch back, ready to fight for my life. I didn't see her, and I don't trust her.
She seems to notice this, and puts her hands up. "Relax, I'm not going to hurt you."

I narrow my eyes. "Last time I checked, you tasered me, and that hurt pretty bad."

She sighs. "I had to get you here. It was important."

"Well, I'm here. Congratulations, you've taken me away from everyone I love. Again. And if you don't mind, I'll be going home now." I move towards the ladder.

She shakes her head at me. "You can try the hatch if you want, but it's locked and I'm the only one who knows the code." She almost looks resentful.

"Fuck you." I spit. I try the hatch anyway, but she was right.

"I'm sorry I had to do this to you, Tan." She sighs.

That's it.

"Don't fucking call me that!" I scream. "It's what my family call me, okay?! You're not family to me, just some crazy woman who gave me my hair colour."

She actually looks hurt.

---

Brendon's POV

I put the phone to my ear, tapping my fingers rapidly on the desk as I pray that she picks up.

"Hey, this is Tan. I can't take your call for some reason, so leave me a message and I might call you back. Seeya!"

I bite my lip. "Hey, Tan, it's me. You were supposed to be home hours ago, and I'm kinda freaking out right now. Dallon says we'll go to the police in the morning, so I guess we'll be doing that tomorrow." I take a breath.

"Fuck, I hope your okay. Please call me back, Tan, please just-"

"Beep."

---

Tanith's POV

I've been down here for three hours, and I'm starting to loose my mind.

I sit in the other room (which I realised was Lucas') and stare at the wall. My hands are wrapped around my legs as I just exist for a little while. It's almost peaceful, just being. Not moving, not doing anything, just thinking.