Stockholm Syndrome

38: Icy Calm

38: Icy Calm

Icy calm. I hate that. His jaw was not stiff. His fists were not clenched. He did not walk angrily. And his eyes did not glow wildly when he entered the bedroom. I was curled up in the corner of the wall, whimpering to myself, my knees pulled up to my chest and my head down. My hair was falling in front of my face.

Luke knelt in front of me. I turned from him. He gently pushed the hair out of my face and behind my ears again. Still, I refused to meet his gaze. I shivered when his finger snaked its way underneath my chin and he gently forced my head up where I had no choice but to stare into his eyes. My breathing was ragged and I swallowed hard. He watched every dart to and fro that my eyes made.

"Was I wrong?" I knew what he was talking about. But I wanted him to explain. Wanted to hear him say it. I felt like this was a trick question but he asked with sincerity. "Was I wrong when I said you were submissive?" He said softly. I didn't understand how he did that with his voice. It was quiet but still had plenty of power behind it. "I'm taking my hand away." He told me as I stared at him. "I expect you to keep eye contact." He told me. His command was spoken in quiet firmness. He let my chin go and I fought to continue staring at him, swallowing again. "Was I wrong when I said that?" He asked again. I shook my head, my eyes going down.

He grunted in a reminder to me to keep my eyes up and I did so, staring into the most terrifying eyes I had ever seen. I was frustrated when I noticed I was submitting to him right now as I did as he told me.

"What do you want with me?" I asked, my voice strangled. He cocked his head.

"Hm?" He asked. I suppressed a glare and a huff.

"Why am I here?" I repeated. He wanted me to explain but I knew he knew what I meant.

"Because you need to be."

"Unlock the balcony doors." The balcony in the room was something I had noticed a few weeks ago. He didn't move. "Please." I begged. He stood, pulled his phone out, tapped a few buttons, and a buzzing sound came on momentarily from outside.

 I tried standing but slid against the wall. Luke offered help but I feebly pushed him away by his chest. He used this to his advantage, letting me lean on his chest for support as I crawled up. I didn't fight it.

 I walked onto the balcony. It wasn't that high up. But it might do the job. Luke turned to shut the doors and I was over the railing as quick as I could be, considering how tired I was. I yelped when I hit the ground but fumbled to my feet and staggered into a running pattern.

"Madeline!" Luke called after me a few moments later in panic. I took off into the woods. Luke flung himself over the railing with ease and was after me. I knew I had no chance at outrunning him. I don't know why I tried. But, instead, I leapt onto a tree and began climbing. I know I was stuck but at least it kept me away from him for a while.

 Luke started climbing but I screamed at him.

Wordless.

 I screamed loud.

"Just leave me be!" I begged. My words were little more than a whimper. "I'll come down soon. Just stay at the bottom. Just give me some space." I plead. He stared at me, backing off. When he was at the bottom, he sat against the trunk of a neighboring tree and stared at his hands in his lap. He seemed to sense that I didn't want him watching me because he kept his eyes to his lap for the most part. At least he was somewhat reasonable.