Stockholm Syndrome

- 9 -

It has been a few days now since I "quit" working at the hotel.

Honestly, a quite relaxing few days.

Everyday I would wake up, take a shower, join Alex for breakfast, and continue my finger exercises. It's not as awkward as the first meal we had together was. We actually engaged in small talk, which is a little strange.

Oh god, all of this is strange. The fact that I thought small talk was only a little bit strange, what am I thinking!

Sam must have found the note, right? It couldn't have gone anywhere... well maybe it went into the washing machine if she didn't check her pockets before washing. Please God, I hope you had Sam check her pockets!

I feel like Alex is going to be going somewhere soon, I keep hearing him talking on the phone when he's walking down the halls, with the main topic being a "business trip".

This is good for me, if he leaves then I actually have a chance to get out. Successfully.

But he's smarter than that, he would never leave me alone without supervision, or without me going with him. He knows how to read me.

At the same time, going with Alex on the "business trip" will give me something to do. There's not one thing to do in this hell hole. There are no books or anything to occupy my time with. All I have to do is seep into my thoughts.

And with those thoughts many were about how to get out of here... while some were ones I regret having.

-

I hear a light knock before Alex opens up the door.

"May, I have to go somewhere for a while..." He says, crossing his arms while he's looking at me.

Yes yes! I knew he will be leaving.

I spring off my bed, furrowing my eyebrows, trying to make it look like I'm sad about it.

"I know, hide your obvious excitement," Alex rolls his eyes at me in a playful manner. "but you're coming with me." He finishes.

My eyes instantly widen. I thought of this happening, but I didn't actually think it would happen. This should be weird, but it doesn't feel weird.

I think I'm starting to get used to all of this and I don't want to.

"Where are yo- we going?" I ask out of genuine curiosity, sitting back down on the bed.

"We're going to France, I have to take care of some business." Alex responds, gently shaking his head so a few strands of loose hair are no longer in front of his eyes.

He really is a beautiful man. I have never seen his hair unstyled, before today. It is a little longer than I imagined it to be, ending slightly below his ears. Oh and his eyes, they are still as dark as ever, but recently they have been shining. Even in this dark room, I can see that little glint.

"Are you okay? Do you need something to eat?" I hear Alex's concerned voice approach me.

"What? No I'm fine." I look up at him.

I must've been spacing out...

"Okay..." He watches me as he steps back towards the door. "We are leaving tonight, I have everything ready for you so you don't have to worry about that" Alex flashes his crooked smile at me, then finally takes his leave.

Wait, he said we're going to France. France! I've always thought about going to France, it's such a beautiful and romantic country. It's not like I had anyone to share the romantic parts with, but I still liked to imagine what it would be like. But going to France like this is not what I want. I want to go with my mom, my friends... not with a stranger who I don't even know. Nonetheless, someone whom I am forced to be with.

Forced. Forced. Forced.

That's right, I'm forced to be here.

How the hell could I think about him in the ways I have been? If the man who took me was some old and creepy looking guy, I would still be cowering in this room.

But I have been thinking about him... I will be thinking about him.

Why is this happening? Just a few days ago I wanted to leave so badly and go home, but now...

No, I still need to get out. No matter what. No matter how I feel. This isn't right.

I look down at my hands that are resting in my lap. The bruises, the red marks, the burn. It's all a reminder of what happened to me, what is happening to me, and who Alex really is.

I'm a woman trapped by my own emotions.

And for the first time since the burn, I lay my head down on my pillow and begin to cry.

And cry.

And cry.

Until my body gives up and darkness surrounds me.
-
-
-

This chapter is shorter than all my others, but I'm planning on writing a nice one for their trip.

<3