My first crush (COMPLETED)√

CHAPTER 36: The kidnap

"So... you overheard us last night?" Stephen asked carefully, watching my face.

"Hm... maybe," I replied, shrugging lightly, trying not to give myself away.

He exhaled and let out a small laugh. "Okay then, no need to beat around the bush. We were planning a birthday party for you."

I blinked.

A birthday party?

Oh.
That was it?

"Oooh... so that's it," I said slowly. "Just a birthday."

"Yes," he nodded, smiling.

"But my birthday is three months away."

"Yeah."

"And besides," I added quietly, "I hate celebrating my birthday. It's not like I ever wanted to. They always forced me."

His smile faded. "Wait—what are you talking about? Why would you hate your birthday? It's supposed to be your happiest day."

I swallowed hard.
Memories I never liked revisiting came rushing back.

⸻

Seven Years Ago

"Mom! Dad!"

I ran toward the door, my heart leaping with excitement as they walked in from work. I had waited all day. All day. Morning came and went without a single happy birthday, but I told myself it was fine. They were busy. They'd remember later.

They always forgot.

"Carly! Daddy's home!" my dad exclaimed, scooping her into his arms.

"I bought you your favorite—ice cream and pizza."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Carly giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.

I stood there, my smile trembling.

"Dad... Mom..." My voice cracked. "It's my birthday. You forgot again."

My dad sighed. "Sharon, you should understand by now. We love you no matter what. Ask your mom if she bought you anything."

My mom looked startled. "Baby, I'm so, so sorry. It slipped my mind."

Tears burned my eyes.

"I wasn't asking for gifts," I cried. "Just saying happy birthday would have been enough. You're the worst parents ever!"

I ran to my room and slammed the door, my sobs muffled by my pillow.

"Sharon... Sharon, please don't cry," Carly's voice came softly from the other side of the door. "I didn't forget. I got you something. I was the first to tell you happy birthday because I love you. Please open the door. You know you love licking ice cream with me."

⸻

Present

Stephen's expression softened as I finished.

"That was... really bad," he said quietly. "I mean—your own parents." He squeezed my hands gently. "Look at me, Sharon. I'm here for you. The love you always wanted—it's right here now. You have to let go of the past."

I nodded slowly, emotions tightening my throat.
"Thank you so much, Stephen."

I leaned into him, hugging him tightly.

Just then, my phone rang.

"I need to take this," I said. "It's Bella."

"That's fine."

"Bella, is something wrong?"

Her voice was tense. "Sharon... I didn't tell her, but I think she figured it out."

"Who? What are you talking about?"

"Your sister. Carly. She tracked your location. I tried to stop her."

My heart dropped.

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang.

Stephen opened the door.

"Hi, Stephen."

He frowned slightly. "Do I know you? You look familiar."

"Yes. We met at the hospital. I'm Sharon's sister."

"Oh. Please, come in."

"Carly?" I froze. "What are you doing here?"

She crossed her arms. "I came to get you. You've been gone long enough, and I think your little vacation just expired. You're coming home with me."

"But—"

"No buts." Her tone was firm. "Pack your things. We're leaving. Stephen, thank you for accommodating my sister, but it's time."

I clenched my fists.

"Okay. Fine. You win," I muttered, turning toward Stephen's room.

But once inside, my chest tightened.

I'm not going back to that house.

I opened the window, climbed out, and jumped down. I didn't look back. I just ran.

⸻

"Why is she taking so long?" Carly muttered, walking toward the room.

Seconds later—

"Damn it!"

Stephen rushed to her. "What happened?"

"She ran away."

⸻

I didn't even know where to go this time.
Not Eric's. Not Bella's. Not Helen's. Carly would find me anywhere.

I wandered the streets aimlessly, hoping a taxi would pass by.

A car suddenly pulled up beside me.

"Don't you want a ride?" a man asked from the driver's seat.

"No, thanks," I replied quickly, walking faster.

"We asked nicely," another man said from the passenger side, "but now it comes with force."

Before I could scream, someone grabbed me from behind. A handkerchief pressed hard against my nose. The world spun.

Darkness swallowed me as they dragged me into the car.