the captured red hibiscus flower (editing)

the escape

“ok, Here it goes.”

        I blinked back tears. I hated lying to Zack. “The real reason Margret and Larry pulled me out of school early was not because of a bully but because they wanted me back home. They locked me and James up in a cellar. So Larry can beat me up and make James watch. I’m sorry you had to find out this way.”

His hand shot up to his mouth, he looked concerned and then angry. Suddenly Zack opened the back seat door he climbed in and punched Larry straight in his face. “STOP HURTING HER! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT”

Larry held his nose as he glared at Zack “you’re going to pay for that you little brat!” lorry pointed his pistol at Zack “Now get out and if you breathe a word to anyone I will kill Alexis and then James then your new parents and I will make you watch. You'll get to live, and forever carry the guilt on your shoulders! Do you understand me Zack Weaver?” Larry threatened I gulped Larry was serious. I saw Zack ball his fists, and I couldn’t let him hit Larry again, then the gun might go off and Zack would be in the crossfire.

so I pleaded with Zack. “Zack please for everyone’s sake just go home...." i took a deep breath "and forget about me. Ok, it’s the only way to ensure everyone is safe. You don’t want your parents to die because you tried to be the good guy right?”

Zack shook his head “no, I don’t want that. But-but what about you? I can’t just forget about you, you’re my sister I-”

Larry shoved Zack in the chest with one hand “shut up with all this mushy crap. And get out. You will never see Alexis again if you don’t shut up. Now go!” Larry demanded Zack sadly nodded “I love you Alexis.” He stated as he got out of the car. I nodded “I love you too.” Zack gave Larry the death stare before he ran off to his friend’s car. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

        We arrived back at my prison, the drive back was quiet it was an eerie quiet. Larry obviously was contemplating some things in his head after his “chat” with Zack. Larry was being too quiet for my liking. I got out of the car and I didn’t bother running because Larry was behind me quickly with the gun pressed in to my lower back. As he cuffed my hands behind my back. Then he walked me to the cellar door and opened it, and before I could say anything he pushed me down the stairs and locked the door.

         I tumbled down the flight of stairs; and I picked myself up off the ground, refusing to allow the pain to take control. I searched for the light switch when I found it I flicked it on with my shoulder. Then I looked around the cellar and I didn’t see James anywhere. Suddenly someone or something moved in a dark corner, I was scared I didn’t know if Larry hid a steroids pumped up guy in here to freak me and James out or what.

        I looked around nervously “w-who’s there?” I started to say meekly before I gained my confidence and strengthened my voice, “show yourself. Or I-I-I‘ll scream”. If it was Larry’s friend the last thing I wanted to do was show him I was scared. Then a familiar voice rang in my ears “Alexis! It’s just me. Sorry if I startled you.” I was relieved to see James step into the dim light. He smiled at me “ok so here’s the plan. I finally figured out how we are going to break out of here.”

Shock and excitement overcame me. “Right now?” I asked James nodded as he grabbed a wine bottle, I looked at him questioning his plan. “What are you doing? We don’t have to get drunk do we? Because I tasted that wine it’s gross.”

James looked at me and raised an eyebrow before he chuckled. “No, heck no. that would be a stupid thing to do, if you’re planning an escape. Plus I don’t drink. I’ll show you what the wine bottle is for.”