It's a strange thing, really, to be kidnapped. You see it all the time on the news, but you never think it will happen to you. I was one of those people who thought they were invincible from those horrible breed of creatures who can unfortunately classify themselves as human beings. Most people think death is the worse fate you can suffer, but to me, it's being held hostage; alone and forgotten. No one would know what had happened to that poor girl from Marchton, West Virginia. I would just be another statistic of unsolved disappearances. All these thoughts ran through my mind at the moment of my abduction, but little did I know, there was someone out there looking for me: someone who changed my life and taught me that I am never truly alone.
Today's the day that will change my life forever. I can finally leave this dreadful place that I'm supposed to call home. Ever since I remember, I had been living with my adoptive family, the Winstons: Clark and Kelsey. My mother died when I was just a baby, so I don't even remember her. I was never able to find out who my father was, or if he was even alive. The Winstons took me in and raised me as their own. They were both strict and weren't afraid to provide what they called 'proper discipline.' Their son, Wyatt, treated me the same. When I was 21, I immediately went to the courthouse and changed my last name from Winston to my mother's maiden name, Young.
When the Winstons discovered that I had changed my name, they went haywire. Kelsey kicked me out of the house and Clark threw a lamp at my head, shattering it into a million pieces. I went to go live with my friend, Elliot Nell. He took me to the emergency room for the gash that had been inflicted by the lamp. I knew he always had a crush on me, but because of Clark, Kelsey, and Wyatt, I have always been scared of forming close relationships with people.
Now that I was 29, I decided it was time for me to be more independent. It was a late start for someone to go out into the world and begin their life, but Elliot understood. He helped me pack my bags and get ready for my move to New York City. I had just received a letter in the mail a few days ago from The New York Times offering me a paid internship. It seemed like a dream come true. I could finally find my own place and the experience of working with The Times would help me become a better writer. Maybe I could even write my own book one day. The best part though, was that I was leaving Marchton. I had so many horrible memories from this place; it was time to leave it all behind.
Elliot snapped me out of my daydreaming by saying, "I'm gonna miss you, Harmony."
"I'll miss you, too, El," I said, as I put my suitcases in the back of his car.
He looked at his watch. "Your plane leaves soon. I guess we better get to the airport."
"Yeah," I said, surprised that I was feeling somewhat dismayed at the thought of leaving.
The car ride to the airport was mostly silent, the two of us sitting vigil for my departure. Before I got on the plane, I said goodbye to Elliot and thanked him for everything, giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek. He smiled, grabbed my shoulders, and told me that he'll always be there if I needed him.
During the whole flight I studied a map of New York City, finding the best way to get to my destination. I was meeting with my new manager at some building on Norwalk Avenue, across from a little coffee shop. Once I arrive, the manager, Mr. Carlton, will give me new directions to my apartment that they would be providing for me until I had enough money to pay rent myself.
I felt extremely flattered by this. They must've been impressed by my resume to do all of this for me. I looked out of the window from my plane seat and got a bird's eye view of the New York City skyline. It was stunning. I couldn't wait to get down on the ground. The plane landed at precisely 11:34 a.m. My meeting was at 12:30, so I quickly grabbed my things and hailed a taxi, already feeling very much like a true New Yorker. I told my driver the directions and he gave me a funny look, one which I didn't quite understand. It was a mix of happiness and apprehension. He drove me to my desired destination nonetheless.
Everything outside started turning abandoned and destitute and I wondered if we were going the right way. My heart pounded a little harder. When he pulled to the side of the road I paid him and he told me he'll help me with my bags. When I stepped out of the taxi, I heard him step out too and approach me quickly from behind. Before I could react, a cloth drenched in chloroform was covering my mouth and nose. I panicked, and my instincts took over. I held my breath for as long as I could and grabbed his wrist, trying to pry his hand away. When that didn't work, I dug my nails into his skin. The last thing I felt was his blood underneath my fingernails.