Held For Ransom

f o u r

The excitement of being able to shower is short lived. After turning on the water and pulling the curtain around the tub, I realize how little soap is available. A single soap box is all that's there. Thankfully it's never been used. I strip out of my- well, what's left of my dress.

I step into the shower, the pipes groaning and squeaking as hot water pumps through them. I try to ignore the filthy tub and the strange smell the water gives off.

I scrub myself with the bar of soap, wishing I had the luxury of a razor and shampoo. Sadly, it's some things I don't think I'll see for a while.

I let the warm water cascade over my shoulders, washing as well as I can. My head spins as I try to make sense of my situation. This all feels like a dream- no, not a dream, a nightmare.

How could it be that just days ago I was sitting at home, begging Jessica to go to that stupid party? Everything feels so surreal.

My father must be beside himself with grief. His only daughter, gone. He doesn't know if I'm even alive.

I struggle to breath around the lump that's formed in my throat. Or has he even realized I'm gone yet? Many times I've gone MIA after a massive party like that. My father's always so busy, what if he hasn't even realized I'm missing yet?

I fight against the idea. My body guard Julian will definitely notice. My dad's rule is when I'm not with Jessica I must have Julian with me. My dad wants me to be able to have my freedom and live normally when possible.

Sometimes Julian tags along for parties but I'd given him the night off this time because I wanted to spend time with Jessica. How could I be so dumb?

The pipes squeal and the water turns cold. I've overstayed my welcome in here. I turn off the water and stand there, dripping wet. I wring out my hair and pull back the curtain, a chill running through me as the cold air nips my bare skin.

I stand for a moment, numb and cold, zoned out. An impatient knock on the door snaps me out of my reverie.

"What do you want?" I snap.

"Well, I figured you'd want a towel and some clothes, but maybe I was wrong." Landon retorts. I hear him walking away from the door.

"Wait!"

The footsteps stop. "Yes?" Landon calls, dragging out the word.

"I'd like my clothes and towel,"

The footsteps come closer to the door. "You'd what?" Landon taunts. I groan internally, not wanting to play around.

"I'd like my clothes and towel," I repeat stubbornly.

"Hmm..." Landons tone is snarky and arrogant. "I don't think so. You seem to be forgetting the magic words."

"Abrah cadabrah."

He barks out a laugh. "Funny princess. But wrong."

For a moment I debate just sleeping naked in the tub.

"Well princess? I'm waiting," he sings.

I sigh deeply. "May I have my clothes and towel? Please?" I spit out the please. The door handle turns and the door opens just enough for him to toss the bundle of stuff into the bathroom.

Once the clothes and towel are safe with me I slam the door shut. Fortunately for him, his fast reflexes allow him to yank his arm back.

"Fiesty little-" the angry mumbling soon leaves my hearing range and I roll my eyes. I pick up the clothes and shake them out. Black sweatpants, a light blue tank top and...