Power

Chapter 2

"Where'd you go Talli?" I hear Charger call, a chill running through my body when he says my name. "C'mon, if I was planning on actually doing something to you I wouldn't have left you to get the truck. I just want to help. There's no way you've gone far enough for me not to find you anyways." With a sinking feeling, I realize he's right. I hear him approach as he shifts through the shrubbery, and I tuck my head further into my knees.

"There you are," Charger's voice is right next to my ear, and I let out a shrill scream, my last hope before he covers my mouth, silencing me. "No offense, but could you shut up? You'll wake the whole fucking neighborhood." My breathing is heavy against his hand, and I think about biting it, but what would be the point? It's not like I can outrun him or his truck. "Sorry about this princess, but I don't really have another choice," Charger picks me up, and even through his hand, my pained wail is enough for him to stiffen up. "Sorry," He mumbles, taking extra care with his steps as he heads towards a truck, finally removing his hand from my mouth so he can support me better.

"Please, just let me go," I beg, not able to fight back as he puts me in the passenger seat. Lethargy sweeps over me, and suddenly keeping my eyes open is a battle.

"And let you die from the cold or some riffraff that just happens to be walking down the street at this time of night? I don't think so. Now, tell me where you live and I'll take you home."

"No," I say, or at least I think I do. The world is fading to black, and as much as I try to fight it, I am too weak and the numbness is too inviting.

The last thing I hear is, "Hey, you still with me?"

Being disconnected is nice. Nothing hurts as I float in what seems to be a never-ending black abyss. I know I am supposed to be worried about something, but my mind seems to be working in slow motion, so I let myself enjoy the undisturbed peace. Well, it is undisturbed until I start hurtling toward a blinding white light, opening to a clear blue sky as I futilely grab at the darkness, which fades away as I pick up speed. The fall is like skydiving without the parachute, and as I quickly approach a roof, all I cando is close my eyes. I crash through it, surprisingly feelno pain. I wait for the impact, but it never comes. Instead, I open my eyes to realize I have been caught.

"You finally showed up," Charger grins, his face and hair in pristine condition, like the first time I met him. Instead of the black shirt I saw him in earlier, he is wearing a blue tank top and basketball shorts. He seems totally average, which is astounding after today. "How ya' doing?"

"Uh, fine," I say, my voice not scratchy or raw as one would expect after all the crying I have done. I'm still in the same clothes as earlier, complete with the big brown stain from running into Eli and a fair amount of dirt from the time I spent on the forrest floor. "You can put me down you know," Charger does, hiswiry grin never leaving his face.

"Aren't you happy I caught you?"

"I'd be happier if you'd just leave me alone," I know I should be afraid, but the rational side of my brain seems to be on tranquilizers, replaced with a part that leaves me giddy from his touch. I cross my arms over my chest, keeping my face passive as I try to ignore his smile.

"You don't mean that, do you doll?" Charger asks, eyes alight. His 180 in personality intrigues me, so much that l only then realize I am standing in my Connecticut apartment, with the aroma of fresh baked cookies wafting throughout the house. This is odd, as I haven't baked cookies since my mom was around.

"Talli?" I hear her voice ring out, and it finally dawns on me: i'm dreaming. I rush into the kitchen, the idea of seeing her in the flesh overpowering whatever reason my brain has Charger there for.