Taken

Fallen

When I wake up, something cold is pressed to my cheek.

I open my eyes. At first I am startled, for his milky brown eyes are staring straight into mine.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He stands up, and that's when I notice the piece of ice in his hand.

"Were you-" I ask in confusion.

"Yeah, um, it was starting to turn red so, yeah." He gestured to my cheek. It stings and feels sore. Even though I can't see my face in the mirror, I can tell that I will have a bruise. The ice was cool and soothing, though.

"I think the ice helped."

"Oh, okay."

He kneels down in front of me and returns the ice to my cheek. I look straight at him, but he can't meet my gaze. He keeps his face tilted downward, so he doesn't directly have to look at me.

"Ron is just a jerk. He's cruel. I don't think he even wanted to kidnap you for the money, he just wanted to be in control of someone."

"That's nice of you to say." I keep my voice clear of emotion, which is hard since I'm shaking from hunger. I can't let him know this, though. I don't want to look helpless.

"I just wanted to say I'm gonna try to help you. No one's given you anything to eat, probably."

"I d-don't-" Then he brings a slice of American cheese out from his back pocket. I have always hated American cheese.

"Why is this happening to me? I don't even know w-where I a-am." My voice becomes thick. My eyes well up with tears.

He says awkwardly while holding out the cheese to me, "Please, just eat it. I'd feel better if I knew you were eating."

"Why do you care?" It comes out harsher than I meant. But honestly, weren't kidnappers supposed to be mean and rude to their captives? Here this guy was, taking care of me. No. This couldn't happen. Did he seriously...

"Are you in love with me?"

For the first time, the boy meets my gaze. He searches my eyes for any hint of incredulity. Those eyes are going to be the death of me someday.

"Yes." Finally, a straight answer.