Painting

Chapter 20

(2 months before real break-up)

Teddy gets his hands off of me, but he keeps me against the wall. Honestly, I'm not trying anymore.

He was right, I am grateful. I'm grateful that he didn't do anything else. I wouldn't have been able to resist him. He seems so tall, now.

He takes my hand and puts it against his cheek. Then he takes my chin again.

-You seem relaxed.

I open up my mouth, but nothing comes out. He chuckles a little bit and says with a mocking tone.

-You look like you could fall asleep.

Everything is just so blurry and dark.

-Here, I'll just take your phone, okay? It's going to help you relax even more. You won't have to worry about all those notifications.

He reaches for my back pocket and takes my phone away.

No. I won't be able to call my parents. I want them to come get me.

He releases me and I collapse. I just have the time to put my hands between my head and the ground, before I hit it.

-Damn, I didn't know you were going to be that relaxed.

I turn my head towards him.

-I have to go somewhere. You just lay there. Breathe and relax. I'll be back. I'll lock the door, I don't want you to get any ideas. We need to talk about it. After you'll, you know, regain a bit of consciousness. You look pretty knocked out for now. Rest a bit, okay? Love you, Babydoll!

I hear the door closing and locking. He's got a code key board on both sides of it. I'm in a cage.

Laying there. For how long? I don't know. I lost perception of time. The cold ground is actually kind of reassuring. It's the only thing supporting me.

I'm a prisoner, now. I'm cold and sweaty. However, I can move. I lift my head up. Stretch my arms. One at the time. I get up on my feet and walk slowly to Teddy's bedroom, where I have one drawer, full of my clothes. I need to change. My clothes are soaking wet.

I go get my purse, next to the door. Which, I try desperately to open up. He took my phone. I can't call anyone and no one knows I'm here.

I need to get out of here.

The neighbors!

I knock on the door with my fists. I scream.

Please help me. He is going to come back and who knows how long he'll decide to keep me here.

He's going to do what he did earlier, again.

Then, I see a little note on the table next to me.

Just so you know, my apartment is completely sound-proof.

Love you! xxx

Sound-proof?

Nobody can hear me. I put my forehead on the door and start to tremble.

The windows!

I run to the window and try to open it. I pull on it the harder I can. It doesn't move an inch.

I see another little note.

My windows are also sealed shut.

See you soon Babydoll!

I love you from the bottom of my heart!

xxx

I'm trapped. I lean on the wall and sit down.

-You sick fuck!

Tears are swelling in my eyes and I can't breathe properly.

I go get what I was suppose to get in my purse. My little booklet and my pencil.

I write things to calm myself down. Panicking isn't going to help me in any way. I sit down on the couch, then lean on one of the cushions. I focus on the rain tapping the windows. It's calming. He's not there yet. Everything is alright. Maybe he feels bad now, he'll come back and he won't do anything like that again. It's my fault. He doesn't know how to control his emotions. I should help him.

A couple of minutes later, I hear the door opening and closing, Then, relocking.

He's back.

-Babydoll?

I look at him. He smiles. He is himself again.

-How was your... I guess we could call it a nap, so yeah, have you rested a little bit?

I nod my head.

-Good! I'm glad! I was thinking about that on my way back. You could take a day off, tomorrow. What do you think?

I look at the ground. He's going to keep me locked up here another day. I mentally prepare myself.

-Not that you have much of a choice, but you know. I always have your own well being in mind. That's a great idea! You need to relax a little bit. You've been working so hard these past few days.

Teddy walks toward me. I put my knees closer to my chest. I bring my book closer too. Where he can't see it. I don't want him to. He already took my phone. He is not going to take that. He sits next to me. He takes one lock of hair and puts it behind my ear. He takes my chin up and I look at him.

-I couldn't wait to be home. You said you wanted to cuddle...