The Interview | ✔️

Tick Tock

Time Skip One Month (cuz Imma lazy ass bitch)

Steph's P.O.V

It was going to work, go home, fool around with Carter, fall asleep and repeat the whole thing again. 

Currently, we were in Carter's office eating lunch. 

"Hey babe?' he says 

"What?" I ask with my mouth full

"Are you a princess, cause you're Cinderhella fine," he says. I kid you not, I almost died choking on my food. "Goddamn, I didn't say choke and die in front of me," he says 

"Sorry, sorry," I say clearing my throat. "Where in the hell did that come from?" I ask 

"What? I can't compliment my girlfriend? Sorry," he says with an eye roll

"Babe, that wasn't a compliment. That was more like the cringiestfucking pickup line I have ever heard," I say 

"Oh really, you think that was cringy? Wait till you hear this one. Are you from McDonald's, cause I'm lovin' it," he says with a smile 

"Oh my God. I can't," I say laughing hysterically. Saying this only made him smile wider. 

"Alright, so we've been dating for roughly 5 months give or take right?" he says 

"Yeaaa," I say confused

"So I was thinking, maybe in like a week or so, we could go on a little vacation somewhere. You need it with all the work I pile on you, and Lord knows I need one as well," he says 

"Yea, that sounds good. Where though?" I ask 

"That, my love, is a surprise," he says with another smile 

After lunch, we went back to what we would usually do, whether it was going to meetings or completing huge piles of work. At around 7, I walk to Carter's office to see if he's ready to go home. 

"You ready to go, babe?" I ask 

Letting out a frustrated sigh he says, "No, I'll meet you at home. Jeff is going to drive you home. I'll be done soon, I don't wanna keep you here for no reason though." he says 

"Are you sure? It's not a problem if I stay late," I say 

"I'm sure, baby. Go home. I love you" he says giving me a quick kiss 

"Love you too," I say, walking out of the office. 

Carter's P.O.V

Once Steph left, I let out a sigh. I wanted to ask her about her family, but I didn't want it to seem like I was prying into her life. But I am her boyfriend, so I do have a right to know. I call my father, telling him that Steph was headed home and that he was free to talk to me because I was the only one left at the office. 

"Talk to me," I say 

"Ok, I'm not even sure if she is adopted. Her birth parents live in Jersey. She is in no way, shape, or form related to the people she calls parents." he says 

"It could be that her adoptive parents didn't tell her that she was adopted," I say 

"That's the thing. There is no record of her being adopted. It says here she was taken from the hospital she born in and was never seen again. The woman she calls "mother" was a nurse there, and she was suspected of taking a baby from the hospital, but they never found the baby." he says 

"Are you trying to tell me what I think you are?" I ask

"Carter, I wouldn't make this up. I see the way you look at that girl. You've never looked at anyone with such love in your eyes before. But if what I'm reading is true, then..." he says 

"Then Steph was kidnapped and doesn't even know it," I say

"Son, her so-called brother isn't even related to her. but I don't think even he knows. His mother was pregnant and had lost the baby, but if she came home with Steph soon after that, then I don't think even he would suspect anything. You have to tell Steph as soon as possible." my dad says

"I am. I'm gonna call her right now," I say calling Steph on my other phone. "She isn't picking up. Maybe her phone died or she's in the shower or something." I say 

"Ok. Make sure you tell her. I'll fax over all of the documents and paperwork to prove it because she may have a hard time believing this." my dad says 

"Thanks dad. but after I tell her, then what?" I ask. "Finding put the people you called parents aren't even your parents might be a lot on her. I'm not saying she shouldn't know, but what happens after I tell her?" I ask 

"To be honest, I don't know. I think, if she's willing, she might want to meet her actual parents. I mean they think she's dead, I think it would be nice for them to know that their daughter has been alive all this time." he says 

"Yea, I think you're right," I say 

"Let me know how it goes. Ok son?" he says 

"I will dad, thank you again," I reply

"And son," he says 

"Yea dad," I say

"Please be careful. You have no idea what that woman is capable of," he says referring to Steph's mom. Well, fake mom, I guess. 

"I will, I gotta go now. Tell mom I said hi." I say hanging up the phone. I pack all of my paperwork up and grab my car from the parking lot. I drive home, not caring that I was running all of the red lights. 

"Steph! Steph! Babe where are you?" I yell, frantically looking for her. When I finally get to our bedroom, I see the lamp knocked over and the mirror is broken. On the bed was a note. 

"Carter, Carter, Carter.

I'm afraid that you lose my friend. 

If you ever want to see your beloved girlfriend again, meet me at this address:

1042 Bridgeview Road

Stephanie is a very pretty girl and I can see that she means a lot to you. It'd be a shame if something were to...happen to her now, wouldn't it? 

Come alone and quickly. I don't know if I'll be able to keep my hands off of her much longer. 

Remember, time is running out.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock"

They took her. One of the few things I actually care about. I don't care what I have to do. Nobody and I mean NOBODY takes what's mine. Not now, not ever. 

I'm coming Steph. Don't you worry baby. I'm coming.