Sadistically Sweet (Watty Awards Finalist 2012)

Fairytales

When I first opened my eyes, I saw two big, blue eyes staring straight at me. I jumped up from my position on the couch and stood, ready to fight. My heart was beating through my chest as I clenched my fits. I was dazed, confused and full of adrenaline. A bad mix.

I suddenly realized I was glaring straight at a wall, and not at Francis. Slowly, I turned my head until I saw someone. A little figure with a scared face and a trembling lip. Olivia.

I threw my hand to my chest and sighed in relief. My heart slowed down to a normal rate, but I couldn't help shaking. This is real and not a dream. I am kidnapped.

My hand flew to my mouth to keep myself from gasping for air. Hot tears stung my eyelids. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, I couldn't lose my composure. I can cry later, but right now I need to take on the day. No one got anywhere by pitying themselves, and neither would I. I would have to fight tooth and nail to get back to my real life, and that is what I plan on doing.

I opened my eyes again and smiled at Olivia, who was looking up at me with puppy dog eyes and her hands behind her back. It wasn't her fault, and it would be much easier if I had her on my side.

"Good Morning," Olivia whispered, face still looking down.

"Good Morning," I repeated. "I'm sorry I scared you."

"I'm a big girl, I don't get scared!" she pronounced.

This snapped her out of her shy mode, and she brightly beamed at me. Her little nose crinkled up when she smiled, and she showed all her teeth. She still had her some of her baby teeth, making her smile very adorable.

"Do you want to see my stuffed animals now?!" she squealed.

"Maybe in a little while," I replied. First I wanted to know where her dad was. I don't need to turn a corner and see him, unexpectedly. I wouldn't be able to take it.

"Where is you dad?" I asked quietly.

"The kitchen, he's making me smiley faced pancakes! This time Daddy is using chocolate chips for the smile. I love chocolate chips. Come on!" she said in one breath.

Her tiny hand reached for my wrist and grabbed hold of me. She tried pulling me after her, but huffed and puffed when I stood still.

"Come on!" she repeated. She threw her hand to her sides in defeat. Her arms found their way across her chest as she pouted, with lips pursed. I put my hand back out, and she happily grabbed it. She then continued to tow me into down a small hall and into the kitchen.

"Daddy! Haitlin is awake," Olivia told.

The kitchen was utterly stunning. The counters were made of marble and all the appliances of stainless steel. The floor was made of sleek, small black tiles. There was a window above the sink that let in the morning light. Outside all I could see were trees, with raindrops gleaming off their orange leaves. In the middle of kitchen was an island, surrounded by four chairs.

Olivia let go of my hand and plopped herself down on one of the plaid seated chairs. She swung her legs back and forth with impatience, as she reached across the table and grabbed a book. When I examined the book closer, I saw it was a book of fairytales. She opened it up to Little Red Riding Hood. Although, I bet it isn't the version where she get eaten and then kills the wolf. No, she probably had the version where the dashing lumberjack saves her at last second. What a joke.

I put my head down and shook my head. I really needed to stop this. I need a clear head in this situation, not a bitchy one. I need to plan instead of letting this hatred simmer inside me. If I did, it would only get the best of me and land me in a grave. No, I need to be at the best of my abilities. I let out a breath I was holding, with my head still facing the ground, and noticed I didn't have on any shoes or socks. I had forgotten Francis had taken them off when he examined my ankle.

I snapped to attention when I saw a movement by the stove. Francis turned around and a smile soon spread on his face.

"Good morning Haitlin. Please have a seat," he said as he gestured at the small table.

I stared at him for a moment, and then slowly moved towards the table. My eyes never left his, making sure he didn't move. The walk to the table felt like the longest walk of my life. Sitting down right now meant that I was backing down, showing defeat, giving in. What choice did I have though? He probably had his knives in a drawer somewhere close, and I was smarter than that. I will wait until I have the advantage.

I reached my hand out and grabbed the back of the chair, next to Olivia, and pulled it out. I continued to stare him down as I lowered myself down into the chair. He finally looked away when the smell of burnt pancake filled the room.

"Haitlin, can you read me a story?" Olivia asked sweetly. Now that is something I can do.

"Sure honey. Do you want me to read this one?" I asked, pointing to the page picture of Little Red Riding Hood.

"Yeah. I like when she gets saved, but it's scary when the wolf comes," she whispered, as if the Big Bad Wolf could here her.

"In the end it is okay though, right? She gets saved, doesn't that make it better?" I asked. Francis turned around and eyed me. He better watch out, I know my fairytales well. This may just be the right moment.

"No. The wolf is bad! He eats Red!" she exclaimed. So this was the darker version of the story, huh. Perfect.

"He is bad," I said agreeing with her, while looking straight at Francis.

"He tried to take away Red's entire life, but he lost. I guess he swallowed more than he could chew." A smirk played on my lips.

"He got what was coming to him, though, because bad people never win and the Big Bad Wolf was one of the worst. As they say; the bigger they are, the harder the fall." I said.

My eyes were staring directly into Francis's and I couldn't wipe the huge smile off my face. That's right, I know how to use my words. His nostrils twitched and his face looked grim. I crossed my arms and let a light laugh slip out. His eyes bugged out and his hand clenched the spatula until his knuckles turned white.

"I don't get it," Olivia stated. She looked, confused, back and forth between Francis and I. I covered my mouth and tried to hold back my laughter. I looked away as I let the moment past. Fear does the strangest things to people. For example: I am laughing in the face of my kidnapper, but I am so scared I could pee my pants. I have a great poker face though.

When I calmed down, I turned back to Olivia.

"It's nothing, honey. How about I read you a different story? I never really liked Little Red Riding Hood anyway. What about Rumpelstiltskin?" I asked.

"What's that? It's not in my storybook," Olivia said. Her innocent eyes looking up at me.

"It is about a poor girl who is going to marry the handsome King," I started. Olivia's eyes widened with interest. I loved stories with princesses when I was little, so I figured she would too.

"The girl's parents lie and tell the King that she can turn straw into gold. This isn't true, though. She was just as normal as you and I. Well, a nasty, sly, little man hears of this crazy promise and helps her; in turn for a twisted favor. When all is said and done, the evil man tries to take away the girl's happiness. She would not let this happen though, and-"

"Enough!" Francis roared. His voice made both Olivia and I jump in our seats.

"Haitlin, stop this now," he demanded, face turning bright red.

"But Daddy, she's just telling me a story," Olivia said with confused, puppy dog eyes.

"Yes Francis, it was just a harmless story. Why are you so upset?" I was grabbing the bull by the horns, but I was also stating that I was not going to give up easily. I was going to put up a fight, and I would win this battle.

"Haitlin you know very well what you were doing! Stop. It. Now." he hissed the last words.

"I ensure you I have no idea what you are talking about. Oh, aren't those your pancakes burning?"