Emily, Come Home

Thirteen

I sat at the head of the bed with my knees to my chest. My thoughts were all I had to keep me company. There was no TV, no phone, no books. The door remained locked any time that he wasn't in the room with me. I had nothing to do but sit and think.

It had been three days. I hadn't eaten, and I tried to force myself to stay awake. I could feel it taking a toll on my body, but it was a matter of principle. If he didn't let me leave, then I would rather die than be held hostage by him.

As was the new routine, there was a faint tap at the door. It opened, and he stepped inside, carrying food and a drink. He sat the food and drink on the table and sat in the chair next to the bed. He watched me despondently and sighed.

"You need to eat, Em... You're going to get sick..." I pushed the food away and turned my head. "Emily, please. You have to eat something. I can make you anything you want."

"I'm not hungry." He knelt down beside the bed.

"You have to eat. This isn't healthy..." I jerked my head towards him.

"This," I exclaimed, gesturing around the room. "This isn't healthy. I'm a goddamn prisoner."

"You're not a prisoner," he sighed.

"It sure feels like it. I'm stuck in this eight-by-eight room with no form of entertainment, no socialization, and no way out. You lock me in here when you leave, and you won't let me go home. So, yeah. I'm a fucking prisoner."

"No, Em... That's..." He groaned dejectedly. "That's not how I want you to feel. I just want to talk with you. You just won't give me the chance..."

"Let me go home. Please," I pleaded as tears welled in my eyes. "I won't tell anyone. I just want to go home. Please, Gee..." His eyes softened, and he sat next to me on the bed.

"Oh, Em..." He cooed gently as he put his arms around me. For a split second, I forgot about everything. Despite the fact that he was the sole cause of my trauma, his embrace washed away all of my negativity. He rested his head against mine and rocked us back and forth.

"I just want to go home," I sobbed as the tears spilled over. I couldn't understand why I actually felt safe in his arms, knowing that he was my abductor. Part of me wanted to scream and push him away, but an overwhelming part of me never wanted him to let go.

Great. Now, he's Stockholmed me.

"Em, I'm so sorry that it happened this way. I really did just want to talk with you. I just want to start over. This way, we can get to know each other all over again. We don't have to worry about outside influences. It's just me and you..."

"I don't want this," I sniffled. "I just want to get back to my everyday life. I don't want to be here..."

"Please, just try. Give me a chance," he pleaded as he leaned away. He looked into my eyes, and I saw the agony behind the beautiful hazel. He displayed genuine remorse.

"I don't-" He cut me off by lightly brushing his lips against mine. I felt the butterflies erupt in my stomach, and my heart skipped. I didn't want to admit it, but as his lips lingered on my own, I felt that familiar comfort deep in my soul. He pulled back and returned his gaze to my eyes. As he searched for a reaction, I fought the desire to kiss him again.

"Did you feel anything?" He asked hopefully, unable to read my emotions. As his eyes held my focus, I felt my wall break down.

"Yes." I know that I should have lied, but in that moment, I found myself unable to. The beautiful pools of green and gold held so many emotions, but the hope shone the brightest. He smiled gently and nodded.

"Then, maybe I do have a chance."

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A/N: So, this is a short one. There are a few that are going to be like this. It's all important-ish. I just have to get through to the main parts. Sorry for the annoyingly short updates in advance.