A Heartbeat Away

Chapter 3

Hey this is Victoria A.K.A Vicky. Im helping my friend with the story so sorry if its a different writing style. Hope you like it...

I knew father had a place where he experimented but I wouldn't have thought it would be hidden in the house. It looked like a creppy mortuary with no escape; a place where hope and strength was eaten and spit out. I got up off the floor so I wouldn't be showing any weakness or fear.

'Okay Anna, you have to get out of here before you get caught or find something you don't want to see.'

My eyes searched for a handle or exit sign and my hands traced anything that might open a door...or tunnel. I had come across a handle between two counters that uncovered a square tunnel big enough for a six year old to walk through. What else is there in this house that i'm unaware of?

'Where does this lead to?'

Curiosity got the best of me and I squated down into the mysterious black tunnel. Besides, I needed a way out and passing this up might cause me to get caught somewhere that shouldn't even exist to me.

Step, Step, Step, Step...

The ground was all dirt and the ceiling would change from dirt to metal or something like that it. I would of thought my father would finish this tunnel before he moved on to messing with that boy locked in Charles's room.

Suddenly, a small speck of light was shining through the end of the tunnel I had been going through. An escape! I rushed the last few steps and kneeled down to it. I peeped through the hole and waited for my eye to adjust to the light. Behind a door that felt like wood, I discovered I was looking into Charles's room. And inside pacing back and fourth was a man; not boy. He had peach skin and a strong bone structure. This man was muscular, like a farmer who had been working in the fields and bailing hay for about fifteen years. Handsome? You could say that. A small smirk broke out on my lips. But why was he being held captive? He didn't look like a bad guy at all. If my dad got him in here alone he must have come willingly.

"I can hear you breathing," he pushed on the door hard enough to make me fall back. I kept my mouth shut, trying not to be found here or to unintentionally provoke anger. Slowly I sat up and stretched out my legs. It took me a while but I built up the nerve to talk.

"Who are you?" He pushed off the door and stood ten feet away. From the hole I could see him seated on the new silk blankets mother had bought to impress the ladies at her social meetings.

"A better question is, what are you doing in the wall spying on me?!?! Did they send you to see if I was on all fours tearing walls and floors?" Clearly I had thought too much of him. He was being absolutley rude to someone he doesn't even know! One more time with that attitude and I'd give him a piece of my mind. It was luck that he even came across company since he is a prisoner.

"Are you going to say anything? I know you're there you coward." Wow bi-polar much?

I found the handle to the door and shoved it open. As I jumped down carefully in my dress, I let him have it.

"Excuse me mister but I am no coward! Furthermore, I wasn't spying on you. I happened to find this tunnel and it lead me to grumpy ole you!" He moved away from me every time i got closer.

"I don't know why you are in my home or why you are a captive, but my duties and life do not revolve around you!" I found that I had followed him all the way to the other wall with my finger pointed at his surprised face. The ridiculous thing was that all he had so say was, "You're a girl."

All he had for a reply was the obvious? Was he really this slow? Now I really did wonder why my father had him locked up. He didn't seem dangerous or evil, in fact I believe what my father was doing is illegal.

"What is your name," I moved the conversation to another matter.

"Conrad," he answered hurriedly. Conrad sat right beside me with eyes wide open, staring at me like a newly found species. He was acting like he had never seen a woman before...

"Well Conrad I'm Anna and I would like it if you keep to your personal space." His face turned from me and his bottom lip rolled up making him look embarrassed. I couldn't understand the sudden change of emotion just because I was a girl. Wouldn't I still be considered an enemy?

I slid as far as I could from him without taking him out of my view.

"Sorry Anna. It's hard to believe that your related to that man." I thought for a moment to wonder that same question. My father and I were very different. He had his own veiws that i have never agreed with. Despite his callous nature, he was still my father and i loved him.

'Speaking of my father....'

Being in this room would get me in trouble so it was a good idea to leave. But before I could, Conrad had taken me by the wrist.

"Stay," he beckoned me. However, I could not do such a thing. His eyes were not pleading but his words said it all.

"I can not," I pulled my hand, "If you let me go I'll come back." I looked around the room and in the little kitchen and all he had was fruit and bread. That had to be nothing for a guy with his body.

"I promise i'll come back. If you want I can bring you something to eat." Lord knows we did not start on the right foot, better yet, the right feet. Conrad took a questionable look at me then closed his eyes.

"I believe you," he let go of my wrist and walked me to the door.

"I'm sorry about being so rude. I just hope I can get out of this place as soon as I can."

As i looked into his eyes, I saw a deep longing. He was homesick. Whatever means my father took to capture this boy was most likely un forgivable. Also considering the lab I saw, he planned to hurt him. I couldn't let that happen. I myself knew how cruel it was to hold someone back from their freedom, and I was not going to let that happen to Conrad.

"I understand that you want to return home. And I will help you, but you must be patient. For now just rest." I opened the door, softly took steps outside and shut the door. I knew he was still listening so I said, "Goodnight Conrad." Then I rushed off to meet with my family and mom...