Not So Cliche Kidnapping (Uncompleted)

Chapter 48 - The After-effect Of Being Kidnapped

Chapter 48- The After-effect Of Being Kidnapped

I saw Justin walk up to us in the hallway and we stopped to talk in front of the hallway that leads to the cafeteria. That was our usual meet-up spot before school started. When he came up to us, he nodded at Mason and fist-bumped me. Not so soon after, Ruby ran up to us and hugged Justin as a greeting. 

Justin was telling us about something that happened at his home and I couldn't help but look at the people around us. People have calmed down with the gossip about me, but I'd be lying if I said they stopped completely. I'd also be lying if I said they were only about me. Ruby and Justin have had their fair share of rumors about themselves while I was gone. It started out simple, like Justin pressuring Ruby into dating, but then it got worse the longer I was gone. Thankfully I'm here now and people are minding their own business but I still caught glances that people gave us as they walked by.

Mason must've seen me looking around at people because he snaked his arm around my shoulder and pulled me to his side. I was used this now. This wasn't the first time he's caught me worrying about what other's think, and usually he gets protective when he notices. It feels like he pulls me closer to rub it in everyone's faces, stating "Think what you want." 

I personally do not like him expressing that motto.

But hey, I don't really have much say when he makes decisions because he's the one keeping me from a sex predator. I'd rather have him by side and apathetic than not here at all.

I sigh at his touch and lean into his side. I guess he notices and loosens the grip on me but keeps his arm around my shoulder. 

I haven't been sleeping very well. It doesn't matter how late I fall asleep, I always wake up around 3:00 AM and am forced to just lay in my bed until the others are awake. Plus, I keep waking up sore, like the bed suddenly became a pile of bricks. I can't sleep comfortably there anymore. I haven't told anyone though and I'm hoping they don't the bags under my eyes. It's not like those are new though. I always had bags under my eyes. It's considered normal for me at this point. I can't remember the last time I had a full 8-hour rest.

I think the tiredness is finally catching up to me and I want nothing more than to go back home and fall asleep while I have the chance. I feel my body get heavier and I lean more into Mason's side. My eyes slowly start dropping closed and the loud voices from everyone around me seem to fade. 

As soon as my eyes closed the bell for first period rang and I jumped up from Mason's side. I looked up at him and he raised an eyebrow at me. I just slightly shook my head, hinting that he should forget about me almost passing out on him. He gave me a small smile and grabbed my hand so we could walk to the first period together.

~Time Skip~

"Hey, do you guys want to come to get some ice cream with us? Apparently, there's a new place down by the park." A kid named Nelson asked us after school ended. We're not exactly friends but we're good acquaintances. We've gotten know him and a few other kids in our fourth period.

"The park..." I said silently as I looked back at the last time I was there. Mason & Co. were chasing me down and I almost killed Bryan. I tensed a bit as I continued to focus on the ground beneath us. Mason... He was a bad person...

Who said he changed?

Who said he hasn't?

People don't change that quick. Maybe he's got the same motive as he did back then but is just taking a different approach this time.

Shut up... He's not like that anymore.

And how do you know? He was your bully for 3 years. He can't change that quickly in a week.

He's protecting me.

With what skill? You'd be better enough without him. You knocked him out with a simple kick and he didn't even attempt catching you from jumping off of the bridge. He's all bark and no bite.

Stop... Please

I felt my heart beat faster and tears threaten to pour. I played with my hands and glared at the floor. My throat felt like it was closing up.

He's different now.

You don't know that.

I clenched my teeth and Mason put his arm around my shoulder. I flinched and Mason brushed his thumb against the thick clothing around my arm, back and forth. "No, I think we're good, Nelson. Thanks for the offer, but I think we really need to go right now." He said casually but I could sense the urgency. He knew I was thinking back to that day. Even his supposedly comforting hand was giving off an aura of hesitation.

Nelson nodded and walked away. Mason immediately lead me to Ruby's Jeep and sat me down in the passenger seat. He stood outside of my door a rubbed my back as my breath quickened more.

I almost got out. I was almost free. If only I had just told someone. Their threat was a lie anyway, so I could've been free. My family would've been safe and The Boys would've been arrested. I was almost free and they dragged me back even though I had a choice that I wasn't aware of. Mason wouldn't be here and a pedophile wouldn't be after me.

A few tears traveled down my cheeks and Mason pressed me against his chest.

You don't know if he's safe. You don't know if he can protect you. You don't know his intentions.

"Stop.... Get out of my head," I whispered quietly and Mason let go of me and continued rubbing my back.

"Calm down, Melissa. You're having another anxiety attack. Just focus on breathing and nothing else." Mason said quietly, matching a comforting tone. "Just breath."

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

You don't know if he's any different than what he was back then.

"Get out of my head." Mason moved his hand from my back to my arm.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

You don't know...

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale...

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

I blinked and looked around the car I was sat in, and then looked up at Mason. He had a relieved smile on his face as he stared into my eyes. "Are you okay now?"

Hesitantly, I nodded.

Mason's different now.

The boy sighed and closed my door before walking to the driver seat and sitting down next to me. He reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"I am... so sorry, Melissa. Not only for that day but every irrational thing I've done to you."

I stayed silent and stared at the glove box in my sister's Jeep. Mason looked at me for a while longer and finally started the car and drove out of the school parking lot.

This is the after-effect of being kidnapped...

Author's Note

Sorry if this chapter is messy on some parts. If you catch any spelling or grammar mistakes, please just kindly correct it in the comments. :)

My computer charger stopped working so I can't use Grammarly to edit through (I'm using my phone to write this)

Well, thanks for reading! New chapter coming soon!