This Is Paradise

Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears

Alysha's P.O.V

I was trapped. The rusty old cage made squeaking noises every time I readjusted my position. I was beyond scared right now. My stomach was in pain as the blood soaked my shirt. Something was different this time though. Suddenly, the cage began sliding across the floor. I frantically looked around. Behind the cage, was Vic. Screaming for me to come back. He kept getting farther and farther away. I made my best attempts to scream for him, but nothing came out. I snapped my neck around only to see Nate. He had the same sinister grin on his face that he had the first time I met him. In his hand, the rusty piece of metal he had cut me with earlier. I violently shook my head, trying to protest. But my voice was still lost. It was like I never even had one. He moved closer to the cage, slowly beginning to unlock it. My palms were sweaty as the cage door opened, creaking loudly. He came near my stomach with the jagged metal, and everything went black.

I shot up out of bed. Sweat was beading down my forehead, and my throat was dry. I looked over to see Vic soundlessly sleeping next to me. I ran my hand through my hair, and swallowed. I desperately needed to quench my thirst. But I still felt like I couldn't move. I was frozen in that moment. I was once again scared out of my mind. "Vic." I whispered, lightly nudging him. His eyes slowly opened, and he looked up at me. Once he noticed the tears falling from my eyes, he shot up and wrapped his arms around me. "What happened?!" He asked, kissing my temple.

"I had a nightmare." I replied, my voice shaky. "Oh baby." He soothed, wiping a stray tear away. I rested my head on his shoulder, and took a deep breath. "I don't think I'll ever be okay. The things he did to me are unforgettable." I admitted, shivering at just the thought of him. My whole life at this point was a fucking joke. I was going to be twenty seven soon, and I was working at a low class bar in north San Diego. I still haven't learned how to control my depression, and I have been kidnapped. I don't know what to do anymore. "Look at me darling." Vic whispered. I slowly picked my head up, and he cupped my face in his hands. "Darling, you'll be okay. I hate seeing you like this. I don't want to leave you. I can't help feeling like what happened was my fault, but I can assure you there's no way in hell that I will let it happen again." He said, tears filling in his eyes. "How?" I choked out, doubt evident in my voice.

"Come on tour with me." He stated.

My eyes widened. What about Rose and Alex? I need to see Alex. "You can visit Alex before we leave. The hospital can keep you updated on how he's doing. I think Rose will understand. I can get someone to fill in for you why you're gone at work." He said, reading my mind. I thought about this for a minute. It did seem like a good idea. I don't feel safe being alone, and the only person I want to be with was Vic. I still have two days left to visit Alex, and I can help Rose out during the day before I leave. "I'll think about it." I said.

He smiled at me, and pecked my lips before laying back down and pulling me down with him. The clock on the coffee table read 3:07 am. I still had time to sleep. Vic's big brown eyes looked into mine, as mine started intently into his. "I love this." He whispered. "What?" I asked. "Just looking at you without saying a word. It's not awkward like it should be, it's perfect." He said. I smiled for the first time in what seemed like forever. "I missed that smile." He added, cupping my face with his hand. I leaned in and kissed his lips for a few seconds before pulling away and snuggling next to him.

"I love you." I said. "I love you." He stated back. For the first time, I felt safe as I fell back asleep in Vic's arms.

A Few Hours Later

I woke up for a second time to the sound of birds chirping outside my window. I loathe morning birds. Vic must have heard them too, because he stirred around on the small couch too. I took advantage of the half asleep Vic, and took in all his features. His long eyelashes, full lips that I loved so much, everything about him I loved. I smiled to myself, and kissed his cheek. Causing a small smile to spread on his face. He kept his eyes closed, as the smile soon began to fade. I leaned in and attached my lips to his. This time he fully woke up. He kissed me back, and pulled me closer to him.