Stolen (Joe Sugg AU)

Chapter Two: Stockholm Syndrome

                “So how was your first day here honey?” My dad asked the next morning during breakfast.

                “It was… interesting,” I admitted. “But have you heard the news?”

                “What news?”

                “That there are young women being kidnapped locally. They said it may be related to human trafficking.”

                My dad dabbed at his lips with a napkin.

                “I have, and I want you to be careful okay? Don’t go anywhere without Dexter. We can’t have you disappearing.”

                I nodded and sipped my OJ. “Okay. I’ll be careful dad.”

                “So, any plans for today?”

                I bit my lip. It was now or never. “Dad, I have something to tell you.”

                “Go on. What is it?”

                I sighed. “I got a job. And I know you must think it’s weird since we’ve just moved here, but ever since you said we were, I’ve been applying to several jobs across London.”

                My dad stopped what he was doing and looked at me. “What? But how?”

                “I’ve been taking classes behind your back. And I know you don’t want me to have a job unless it’s within the company, but I need to make my own decisions now.”

                He was silent for a while, and then he sighed and shook his head lightly.

                “You’re old enough now, and I need to stop treating you like you’re a child. I need to let myself understand that you’re no longer my baby girl.”

                “Aww,” I said, getting up. “Dad, I’ll always be your baby girl. Just with a job and life of my own.” I hugged him and he patted my arm.

                “Well, I’m glad things are going well for you then. Just remember to be safe out there.”

                “I will,” I smiled, walking back over to my seat. When I sat down, this time, my dad got up.

                “Well, I got to get to work now honey. I’ll see you later.”

                Bye dad,” I said. He kissed the top of my head, grabbed his suitcase, and walked out of the dining area. I continued to eat, my job not starting for another hour and a half.

                I was excited, because even though I was only a Teacher’s Aide, it was my first real job. Plus, it was for a psychology class at the University of London. I would be able to assist the professor there and also get to sit in the lecture if I wanted to.

                I quickly finished my food and got up to make sure I have everything I needed. I ran up the stairs and into my room, grabbing my work bag and looking through it.

                In it I had my laptop, all my chargers, a notepad, several pens and pencils, and of course the essentials: wallet, phone, and keys. I looked at the clock and saw that I had another hour to go. So, I decided to go grab a coffee on my way to my first day of work.

                “Dexter!” I called as I hurried down the stairs. “I’m ready to go now.”

                Dexter exited the kitchen and made his way to the front door. “Very well. Let’s go,” he said, holding the door open for me and I exited the house.