A Disaster in Paradise

Chapter 5

Sophia

I make my usual way onto the charter bus, and off to the trail. The sun not trying to pry me open today was making me a lot more motivated. I make my way off the bus and look at my surroundings. Everything was the same, green trees, flowers, streams. The only difference about today was how vacant the trail is. I couldn't see anyone.

The cloudy weather was making an impact for sure. I come up to the split of the trail, and for once decide to take the longer one. I've never had the time to do it since it's three miles longer, but I had nothing better to do than to cause my wallet grief, so today was going to be a change. The sound of running water and nature calm me, my earbuds ending up in my shorts pocket. I stick my phone in my bra, my pockets not able to store a iPhone 6s.

Halfway through the trail, I decide to take a break and eat the strawberry granola bar Isabella gave me. The sight was breathtaking. I'd never seen this part of the trail. The geese in the small, clear lake making me smile. I turn around to see the same grey SUV parked across the trail, in an opening for cars, for what I can assume was for the purpose of fishing. It wasn't there five minutes ago. Odd, but it could just be coincidence, so I just shrug it off. Once I'm done eating, and ready to finish the trail strong, I turn around and begin to jog. A few steps in I trip over what I'm guessing is a tree root.

When I try to get back up, I'm pushed back down. A pair of hands grab my waist and feet, while another pair takes my hands and my mouth to muffle my screams. "Is this her? You're sure?" A deep voice whispers.

"Yes, this is princess. You popped the trunk right?" Another one replies.

"Good." I hear a sound and the men throw me into the trunk closing it behind me. Once I hear the car start to move, I take out my phone. Surprised they didn't search me. I text one person I can trust: Jay.

Jay help I've been kidnapped.trail.princess.

I turn off my phone, sliding it back into my bra. Tears start to exist in my eyes, falling out. Was this really happening? Am.. am I going to die? Will I ever see Jay again?

#
When I wake up, I try to move. Impossible. I try to scream. Impossible. I open my eyes, and look around. I'm all alone. In a hotel room I'm assuming. My hands and feet bound to a office chair with duct tape and rope. My mouth gagged with duct tape. I hear the door open and two men appear. My eyes widen, and my heart starts to beat rapidly.

Charles Weston.

"Wes, she's awake. What do you want me to do with her?"

"Check her over. I already turned off her phone and locked it up. Just make sure she has nothing else on her." Weston replies, picking up his phone to call, who I can only assume is one of the Hathley's.

The younger man, looking about late 20's, starts to approach me. My whole body tenses, filling with fear. His dark brown hair, framing his face, and sunglasses covering his eyes. He pats my feet all the way up to my neck in a proper manner. "No yelling or there will be a consequence."

He starts to peel off the duct tape on my mouth, feeling like I was on a bed of nails and getting shot at the same time. I decide not to yell and remain calm, not wanting to get anymore traumatized. I gulp and take a deep breathe when its off, tears welling in my eyes, threatening to fall.

Weston comes back into the room and I give him a deathly stare. "Cut it out with the glare. It's just making the situation worse. Are you hungry or something. I'm required to feed you, but if it was my choice you'd already be dead in the sea."

Brutal much? Be nice and stay calm Soph. Breathe. "Water and a grilled cheese." I reply timidly.

"Carter, call room service. Now. I'm going to move her into the closet where she can't be seen or heard." Weston takes the office chair I'm on, duct tape, rope, and scissors and drags me over to the closet around the corner. I'm assuming it the master closet. The space confirming my question.

I look over to see there is a cot in there. Shit. My heart starts to beat, faster than it ever has before. I'm pretty sure it's about to explode or I'm about to pass out. He unties my hands and feet, pinning my hands above my head. "Scream and there will be major consequences." His rough hand slapping me across my face.

I nod my head in agreement, understanding every word, not daring to intimidate him. He places my hands on the top part of the bed, duct taping them and tying them with rope excessively to the posts, and the same with my feet. He  slams duct tape to my mouth, turns off the light, and closes the door, leaving me questioning my future.

#

I open my eyes to see the same view I have had for the past two days. I do the math and that means eight days until competition. If I ever get out of here anyways. I already knew who was behind this. The Hathley's. I should've saw something coming with that weird SUV parked at the trail everyday, and the strange encounter with Katherine. I'm smarter and should have put two and two together.

Did Jay ever get the messages? Does he care? Is he doing anything? Does anyone know I'm gone?

"I didn't think it would be this big?! They have the whole island looking for her! You better keep this on the down low for another two weeks until competition is over Charles." A deep voice was arguing, in distress.

"Mr. Hathley, I assure you I have everything under control. She's being fed and hasn't even tried to scream. I told her if it was up to me she'd be dead somewhere in the sea."

"Charles?! I told you to keep her calm. Not traumatize her! What about her phone, could the police track you?"

"Not a chance. I turned it off when I searched her and locked it up in the desk. And Mr. Hathley she is kidnapped so she already is traumatized. I think we should just kill her and dump her in the sea using your cousin's boat."

"Charles!! Not happening. I got my wife to agree to this, and also Katherine. We will not kill her. Just let her go after all of Katherine's competitions. Just make sure you are feeding her. And no abusing the girl either. Charles, I know you are overprotective on Katherine, and you've been a part of this family since Katherine was four. You are part of the family and she loves you like an uncle. Don't ruin it."

"Yes Mr. Hathley."

I hear footsteps- then silence. What was that? He wants to kill me? I cant. I have so much I haven't done. Why am I so stupid. I just want my family back. My friends. I have dreams I want to reach. I miss cheering and being on the basketball and volleyball court. I miss it all. I miss everything. I took everything for granted. I want it all back. I want Jay back.