Trapped

Epilogue

Its been 15 years since I had been held hostage by Joel. A year after it had happened, I learnt that joel had handed himself in to the police. The police ended up coming to my house and taking my statement. Michael had been beside me at the time and had forced me to write a statement. I don't regret writing it because it was what joel had wanted and needed me to do. Joel had pleaded guilty on all counts so I didn't have to relive it during the trial. He had been given a three year prison sentence and stayed for the full amount because he refused parole.

I had written to him a few times each year that he was in prison. Just on the birthdays of his mum, dad, leah and Charlie. I ended up also writing him on the day Jai died every year as well. I felt he needed to read the words "it wasn't your fault". That probably seems like more than he deserved but it wasn't. He had chosen to be held accountable for what he had done, although a year too late. Luke and Michael hadn't done that and it has been 15 years.

Once Joel was released from prison, he tended to stay on his side of town and if there was ever a chance meeting between us, he always left as quickly as possible.

One day, about 7 and a half years after beibg held hostage, I walked into a cinema in the city centre to watch some RomCom that was out at the time. I had wanted some popcorn, so I went up to the counter and there he was at the tills. I had one of those awkward moments where I wanted to be served by him but I didn't all at once. I ended up at his till and we had this awkward moment where neither of us spoke.

"Um, popcorn please?" I remember I had been completely nervous that day.

"Salted, right?" He said not looking me in the eyes and already shoveling the popcorn into the wrapper already. "That's £4 please." I had wished I had snuck some in from home when I had heard that.

"You remembered?" I whispered as I handed him a £5 note.

"Yeah, course! I did know you for about 10 years!" He finally met my eyes in a nervous gesture.

"But its been like about 16 years since we've had popcorn together. I cant believe you remembered."

"Yeah, probably seems a bit odd to you, doesn't it?" He handed me my popcorn, my change and and receipt.

"No, it's kind of nice actually. Nobody knows how I even  take my tea to be honest."

"Milk and two sugars isnt that difficult to remember." He chuckled.

"Wow, you're showing everyone I know up." I walked away. "Thank you."

It has been 15 years since I had been kidnapped. It has been 23 years since I knew Joel.

I am now 34 years old and in a loving relationship with my partner. I am a writer now. We have a seven year old son we like to call chubs. We are living in a 3 bedroom house in Derby.

I never knew I'd be the daughter of a mass murderer. I never knew I'd be held hostage at the age of 19. I never knew life could become beautiful if you waited it out.

Anyway, I should probably stop typing before Joel pulls me away from the keyboard for the millionth time. Its Charlie's birthday today.

Who knew life could turn out this way?