MINE

Chapter 20

I found myself falling back into old habits. Before this whenever I'd get sad I'd do nothing.

Absolutely nothing. I wouldn't speak, sleep, even forgot to breath one time. If my brain didn't make me - I would have purposely stopped by now.

I spent a week in bed feeling sorry for myself when I found out Sara was dead, now that I've been given to Zac..I don't have that option. He's placed me in his room and left me here to collect my thoughts. I know what that really means. Zac's serious. If I step out of line it wont be me that will receive a punishment.

Where is Katie? Where is Zac hiding her? How did she get here? Did Zac bring her back? Did Cole? What is going on? Whose idea was it to hand me off to Zac? Did he want me or did Cole want to get rid of me? So many questions filled my mind and I couldn't answer any of them.

I don't believe him. If Katie was here he would have showed her to me. Right? Zac wouldn't be able to stop himself from watching as the strength faded out of me. Or could he?

I finally made up my mind. Katie wasn't here. She couldn't be - they would have tortured me with her by now. If she was here - and I was wrong...what I'm about to do will surely make Zac keep his promise of making me watch as he punished her good. When Zac catches me he'll have to punish her.

I was betting on the hope of him lying to me. If I'm right - Zac will punish me and if I'm wrong....I'll have to watch as Zac rips my eyes apart while he hurts Katie. There is only one way to find out.

I began searching Zac's room - this time looking more in depth making sure I didn't miss a single thing. What was I looking for? Anything. I needed a weapon just for caution..I looked in the bathroom, closet, and tables that where next to his bed. The thought of maybe something being under his mattress crossed my mind. I decided to look.

Sure enough as I caressed my fingers under the bed sliding them all the way around something pricked them.

"Ouch." I covered my mouth. A small cut appeared on my finger and  I whipped it on my clothes. Lifting up the mattress slightly I smirked as I rest my eyes upon a knife. The same one Cole had given me to punish myself. The same one Zac took after he hurt me instead. I picked it up and slide it into my pocket covering the handle with my shirt. I went for the bedroom door.

I turned the door knob trying to keep it quiet. Every squeak made me cringe just a little. I opened the door and shut it behind me. I was on the hunt for Katie. If Zac wasn't going to show me to her - I was going to find her myself. Or more importantly if I'm right - I wont find anything. I will prove Zac to be a lair and take whatever punishment I have coming my way for snooping.

By the sound of it everyone was still eating. Laughs from the boys filled the air and nervous giggles followed after from the girls. I crept slowly to the left leaving Zac's room behind me.

As I walked down the hallway to the living room I made sure to open all doors that I past - most were closets or bathrooms that I quickly looked in. Something told me that if Katie was here they'd be keeping her in a room I've never been in before - and the door would probably be locked.

I continued to the other side of the house walking up the stairs that lead me to my previous room. Or should I say Cole's room. I opened the door feeling the dirty air fill my lungs. It was the same air as the rest of the house - I guess just the thought of what's happened in this room is why it hit me differently.

"Katie?" I whispered. No answer. I checked the bathroom and closet. Nothing. I continued to search this side of the cabin going in the rooms of the other boys. Jesse and Max. I didn't know whose room belonged to who - but it didn't matter. Katie was not in either of them.

Only the other side of the house was left. Hope filled me as I thought I could actually be right, of course there is a chance they are keeping her outside somewhere. Or maybe not. I took a deep breath as I needed to pass the monsters who are still eating breakfast.

I took one step at a time making sure not to breath too loud or step too heavy. I made it back to Zac's room and walked past sighing as I needed to do the other side of the house quickly. I have a feeling they will be done with their meal soon.

Right as I was passing Zac's door I stopped. Faint cries began to become apparent. Who was that? I kept walking. I stopped. There it was again.

I came up to the next door that stood tall to the right of me. A room I haven't checked yet - must me Alec's. I turned the knob. It was locked. This was it. The cries came again - this time with a sharp breath in.

I dropped my head. My hand still placed on knob. What was I suppose to do? Call her name? Knock?

"What do you think you're doing?" A male voice turned my attention away from the door. I looked to the side and up. Alec.

"She's in there, isn't she?" I sniffled, feeling a tear drop sting my lips.

He smirked.

"What the hell?!" A louder voice made itself known. Both Alec and me jumped. It was Zac. I could see him walk out of his room.

"She's over here." Alec cocked his head. Zac began his march over to us.

"What are-" I cut him off.

"I can hear her crying." I got in his face.

We all listened for it. Sure enough Katie's groans hit us all.

"Very well." He said.

Zac looked to Alec. "Open it."

Alec went to obey and I watched him follow orders. He grabbed keys from his pockets. He slowly opened the door and we all stood in the hallway waiting for it to open enough to reveal the crying girl.

There she was. In all her glory. Kaite sat tied to the bed post with rope and tape over her mouth. It was coming off, probably from the wetness of her tears. Her eyes widened at the sight of me. Mine did too.

"Katie!" I screamed attempting to run past the door and into the room.

Both Alec and Zac's arms blocked me.

"Let me past!" I yelled. Alec held my arms to my side and kicked me to knees. I let my breath out of the way down.

"Emily!" Katie cried back. Zac walked into the room while looking back at me. He smiled in a way that said "I warned you."

Yes he did. And I didn't listen. This is my fault.

He untied her and ripped the tape off her mouth the rest of the way.

"No..." I cried. I'd do anything to stop him from what he's about to do.

He raised his hand in air and Katie shut her eyes. The knife. I have the knife. I reached my hand to my back pocket and with one swift motion I took it out and stabbed Alec in the leg.

He fell to the ground. I couldn't hear anything but the stomping of Zac rushing over to me.