Disclaimer: The characters are all the property of the genius CL Stone, not mine!
AN: Please enjoy my first long drama series! Please let me know how you like it.
Dollhouse Part 1
Awareness was a slow, gradual process. My mind was a muddled and hazy tangle of knots and all I could initially comprehend was that I felt incredibly heavy. The return of my senses seemed to occur is short bursts of cognition. Scent, of which I had always been sensitive, came first. The overwhelmingly unfamiliar waft of stale air, musty and unpleasant, hit me first. After a few moments more, I began to detect a very faint hint of something floral, but it was wrong somehow. Lilac? Lavender? Rose? Why was it so hard to think?
Taste was the second of my senses to enter my stream of disjointed consciousness. My mouth had an unsavory film that surprised me. As if my sudden hyperawareness of my mouth triggered some unknown button, the unpleasant taste grew. It felt as if I had gone days without brushing or something. It wasn't until I attempted to swallow away the film that I had my first thrill of panic. I couldn't swallow! I attempted the motion again, but it was as if there was a separation between what my thoughts and my body.
The rush of adrenalin seemed to be the exact thing I needed to clear the cloud of fog that had been hovering over me. My eyes snapped open in pure fear without conscious thought. Just the accomplishment of this small movement was enough to curb some of my terror, but the feeling of relief quickly gave way to rising hysteria. While my eyes darted frantically to capture as much detail of my surroundings, the rest of my body remained immobile. I focused on my hands and desperately tried to move even the smallest of fingers. Not even a twitch. I tried again and again, each time putting my full concentration into a foot, arm, toe, anything. Each desperate command resulted in the same lack of response.
After what felt like hours of nothing, a numb and horror filled resignation began to creep over me. I was mentally exhausted as well. With this admission, my mind slowly began to clear and my panic began to subside incrementally. With the new mental clarity, details of my surroundings began to slowly filter into my awareness. I was sitting upright in what appeared to be a high back sitting chair. It was not one designed for comfort, but rather a simple wooden one with sparse faded pink padding. It was located in the corner of what appeared to be a small bedroom. The room was obviously designed for a women or girl in mind, with a pink and white floral theme. The curtains, bedspread, and furniture all featured tiny primrose patterns and the wallpaper was a soft pale pink. A small white vanity lay against the opposite wall from my position and housed two large vases of dried roses. Under normal circumstances, I would have adored the quaint charm of the room.
But these weren't normal circumstances. Not in the slightest. After all, what room didn't have at least one window?
I found my limbs secured to the arms of the chair with cloth ties. Similar ties kept my neck and chest upright in the chair. I could feel the binding cutting uncomfortably over my sternum, though it did not appear to be bound tightly. Despite the support around my neck, I found that my head was tilted ever so slightly to the right. I suspect that without these ties I would be crumpled into a boneless heap on the floor. My attention became focused on the curls of dirty blond hair that I could see falling lightly across my left cheek. They appeared to be large ringlets that fell unbound down my front, resting lightly on my collarbone. I noticed two long rose pink ribbons that lay amidst the nest of curls on either side of my neck.
A chill iced my veins as I began to comprehend the unfamiliar state of dress I was in. I was clothed in a long rose pink confection of lace, ribbons and chiffon. The lacey sleeves ended at just above my elbows and the dress disappeared over my knees. I could not glance any further past them to see how far down it went or if I had any shoes on. Somehow, through the rising tide of growing horror, I had enough awareness to think that the style struck me as oddly old fashioned. Each one of my finger nails was painted a dainty pink that matched the dress and ribbons perfectly.
It was in my second appraisal of my current condition that I noticed the needle inserted into my left elbow. An IV line of clear liquid flowed from a plastic baggy hanging on a metal pole to the left of the chair. The tide of dread filling me up finally broke through the benumbed calm that had settled over me. I strongly suspected that whatever was inhibiting my ability to move my body was being forced into my system through the small tube. Horror washed through me in ever growing waves as question after question tumbled through me.
Where am I? How did I get here? Why am I here? Where are the boys?
The boys! At the thought of the boys, my fear for myself was swiftly pushed down and replaced by concern for the guys. Were they ok? Did they get hurt? Were they here with me? If not, were they trying to find me? At the last question, I gave myself a mental slap. Of course they were trying to find me. They always found me and I could always count on them to save the day. As I focused further on their safety, the events leading up to my current situation began trickling through...
Sunlight streamed across my upturned face as I breathed in the fresh air, enjoying a gentle breeze as it caressed my cheek. Sun warmed metal underneath soothed me into a lazy, lethargic state. The clouds in the sky appeared to spin in concentric circles, but really, it was just us. I could feel the little jolts pass through the merry-go-round as Luke, on my right, and Nathan, on my left, alternated spinning us slowly.
Most of the other boys were scattered to the four winds running Academy jobs today, so it was just the three of us. It had been a long time since any of us could just sit around and relax and it had been a gorgeous day out. Nathan had been itching for some sunshine and fresh air, so I suggested we go out into the woods for some exploring. Luke, however, had insisted on going to a local playground we had found a few weeks back instead of walking through the woods. We had gone to the playground a handful of times with a variety of the others, but never had we all gone at one time. It would be a perfect place to have a family picnic.
When we had first arrived at the park, Luke and Nathan started competing on the monkey bars with ever challenging tricks. I gave up trying after five minutes, as I was less than impressive in this department. I found myself giggling and not so subtly admiring the flex of muscles as each boy completed challenge after challenge. I had flushed and choked back a gasp when the boys had taken to hanging upside down, resulted in a full display of their defined chests and abs. I had seen them topless before numerous times, but their acrobatics fully showcased the power that resided in each of their frames and I was helpless to look away. In the end, Luke the ninja had won the competition, though it was a close call with Nathan. By this time the sun had reached its zenith and we all fell into a lethargic daze on the merry-go-round.
The trance like state I had found myself in was interrupted when I felt callused fingers poking at my lips. Out of habit, I automatically opened my mouth and bite down on the offered digits. I reached my own fingers to Nathan's mouth and he lightly bit down on mine. We shared a grin and Nathan winked at me as he gave a playful nip at my finger tips. A giggle burst out of my mouth at his antics and appeared to snap Luke out of his daze. He rolled into my right side and rested his head onto my shoulder. His sleepy gaze lit up with warmth as his silky blond locks ghosted over my cheek and neck, his warm breath against my suddenly sensitive ear. A lazy grin spread across his lovely features and I felt my heart pick up at the sight.
"Sang, you know where his fingers have been the last couple hours. I'm not sure you want those in your mouth right now. Kids are notorious germ factories and we don't want you getting sick. Not to mention whatever else Nate's gotten into that we don't know about." I giggled around Nathan's fingers as Nathan shook with laughter on my other side.
"Peanut, don't listen to him. I am the epitome of cleanliness and would never jeopardize your health like that."
Luke snorted in response to Nathan's quip and shakes his head. I felt my grin widen in response and I briefly let go of Nathan's fingers to place a small peck on Luke's cheek. His eyes widened briefly before they softened and melted, his smirk evolving into a gentle and content smile. As I bite down on Nathan's fingers again, Luke picked up my free hand and placed a soft kiss on my knuckles before holding it against his heart. I could feel his heartbeat pound against my finger tips, strong and sure. Nathan mirrored Luke's actions and curled into my other side, maintaining our connection and dropping his other hand across my waist.
They both wrapped a leg around one of mine and we fell into another lull. I felt complete and utter contentment flow through me as I felt myself fully begin to doze again. I don't know how long we laid there, but a sudden and loud gurgle to my right jolted me back into awareness. As if perfectly timed, an answering growl to my left made me break out in a fit of laughter. Sitting up, both of the boys looked slightly sheepish but started chuckling all the same. They each put a hand around their stomachs and shared a brief look.
"Well, sugar plum, I think that maybe it's time that we go get something to eat, huh?" Luke tilted his head to me in question and his sleep mussed locks added to the illusion of a sleepy toddler. I bit my lip to contain the laughter that threatened to burst out at that imagery. Nathan quirked his head in amused confusion at me expression, but agreed with Luke's assessment.
"Peanut, maybe we should head up the street to the convenience store? What do you want to eat? We can grab a few bottles of water or even some of that coffee you like if you want."
I wasn't really that hungry, but knowing the boys as I did, I knew they must be starving. "Alright, I could get a sandwich or something and I was getting a little thirsty, so sounds good to me." At this I popped up and stood between the two, looking from one handsome face to the other.
"Perfect, I'm starving here," Luke grumbled out. He shot me a quick grin as he laced him fingers through mine and pulled me gently forward. Nathan grasped my other hand in a firm grip as he rolled his eyes and shook his head at Luke's whining. "You better not get just junk, man. You know how much North and Uncle hate it when you binge."
"Hey! I get enough nagging from them. I don't need your contribution, thank you very much. Geez, Nate! We're having a nice relaxing day- the first in forever need I remind you? And here you are being a party pooper!" At this proclamation, Luke dropped a small chop on Nathan's head. He responded in kind by bumping me hard enough to stumble into Luke's side. This set them off into a round of bumping me gently back and forth between them. By the time we got to the convenience store, I was breathless with laughter and grinning like a crazy person. The area that the playground was located in was relatively remote and the convenience store's parking lot was empty.
As we stumbled into the empty store, a mess of giggles and flailing arms, an electronic bell sounded above our heads. The clerk was leaning over an open magazine and only gave us a brief disinterested glance before flipping to the next page. A slow gum bubble inflating only to pop a second later completed the look of the stereotypical bored teenager at a minimum wage job. We all flashed quick looks at each other and burst out laughing again. We stumbled our way through the various isles, with Luke selecting various chips, candy bars, and other forms of junk food. Nathan wondered off to the entrée display and selected out a handful of sandwiches that he threw into the little cart Luke was toting around. We selected our drinks of choice and walked up to the check out.
The clerk gave us the most inconvenienced look as she began ring us up, rolling her eyes and sighing heavily. Every attempt at small talk from either of the guys was met with a blank stare and a moody purse of her lips. I felt annoyed at her behavior, but at least she was quick to ring us up. Just as Nathan finished paying for our purchases and each boy grabbed a bag, they both stiffened simultaneously.
"No, no, no, no!" Luke groaned under his breath, while Nathan shook his head in dismay. "Crap, I'm sorry Peanut, but we're going to have to call it a day. Mr. Blackbourne is asking for us. Academy business." He held his cell up in apology as Luke's face pinched in displeasure, his eyes upset.
"It's ok Honey, Luke. I had the perfect day today, don't worry about it. I always love hanging out with you when I can."
At my admission, both boys relaxed and smiled gently at me. Nathan shared one of those silent looks with Luke and got a quick nod in return. "Peanut, I'm going to go get the car from the playground, ok? You stay right here with Luke. I'll be back in ten minutes, tops."
"Alright Honey, I'll be right here, I promise." I rolled my eyes teasingly at his mother henning as I shot him a grin. The boys could be so ridiculous at times. Where was I going to go, really? He chopped me lightly on the head and chuckled as he turned and started jogging back the way we had come from. Luke looked like he was about to shoot me a quip to my smart aleck remark, but then he stiffened again and drew out his phone and placed it to his ear.
"Yeah? What's up? No, she's right here next to me. Nathan's getting the car."
He was quiet for a moment, listening to whoever was on the phone. His face drew into a neutral mask as he nodded along to whatever he was hearing. He shot me another apologetic look as he pointed to the phone and walked several feet away. I understood. It was Academy business. I wouldn't lie and say that I wasn't intrigued and a little frustrated to have our nice day interrupted, but I understood. Luke turned away from me and walked a little bit further away. His arms started gesticulating as he got ramped up by whatever he was listening to. His tone sounded frustrated and I found myself growing concerned, wondering if everything was ok. I was so focused on watching Luke that I was completely surprised to feel a small hand touch my own. I startled violently away and a shriek froze in my throat.
I found myself looking down into the delicate features of one of the most adorable little boys I had ever seen. He looked to be about five or six in age, though he was very small. His eyes were a large bright hazel, ringed in thick ink black lashes. His hair was a matching black, fluffy as a baby birds down. His button nose was kissed with a smattering of golden freckles which stood out against his pale features. His face was drawn into an abnormally somber expression for such a small child. His eyes looked like liquid pools and I could see the fear in their depths. I glanced around quickly to see where his parents were. I couldn't see anyone around and Luke was still animatingly pacing as he talked on the phone. With Nathan still getting the car, I crouched down to get closer to his level.
"Hello there, what is your name? My name is Sang." I made sure to keep my voice quiet and put a soft smile on my face in hope of soothing the small boy. He looked into my eyes for a moment, as if assessing something only he could see. Apparently finding it, he gave a small nod to himself. He tugged on my hand pulling my closer. Grinning a little, I tilted my head down closer to hear his answer.
"My name is Jaimie. My daddy is sleeping and he won't wake up. I think he's hurt." At this, a single tear over flowed from his beautiful eyes and his little pink lips quivered. I felt my heart break a little at his look of fear and pain. I glanced back at Luke but he remained distracted. It was clear that he was discussing something very important and I was hesitant to interrupt.
"Alright Jaimie, where is your daddy? I have some nice friends who are really good at helping out hurt daddies."
At my statement, the little boy's eyes widened further, a strange urgency in his tone. "No, I can't wait! Will you please just check him real quick! He's just in that car over there. I can't do this alone."
My gaze followed to where the small boy was pointing. There was a lone car sitting in the shade of a tree on the street to the side of the convenience store. It was only twenty feet away and the pleading look on the boy's face broke down my hesitation. To appease my own concern, I pulled out my phone to send a quick message to Nathan as Jaimie pulled me closer to the parked car. As I was wrapping up my message, I felt the boy stop suddenly. I looked back out of habit to check with Luke, but frowned when I realized I couldn't see him from this angle. Glancing back at the car, I felt a shiver of apprehension when I failed to locate a driver.
I glanced down at Jaimie again in confusion. "Jaimie, where is your daddy?" He only looked back at me solemnly. His gaze slid behind me and before I could react, a strong arm reached around my shoulder and clamped over my mouth tightly. I dropped my phone in my panic, just as I felt a sharp sting in my neck. Immediately, my vision started swimming, my head spinning. My fading awareness allowed me to realize that I was being picked up and tucked into a dark seat. My last thought as I faded to black was that I broke my promise. I'm sorry Nathan, Luke….
After the entirety of my memory had returned to me, I felt a deep nausea settle into my stomach. I had been kidnapped right out from under the boy's noses. I could only imagine the panic and anger the boys must have felt when they realized I was missing. And the worst of it was that I had dropped my phone before I could complete the text to Nathan. Now they would have no clue as to what had happened. I felt a dull pang of relief when I realized that at least the boys were ok and safe.
As I fell further into my dark thoughts, the full horror of my situation weighed heavily on my mind. The silence seemed ever present and my own heartbeat deafening to my ears. I was a prisoner in my own body, at the complete mercy of an unknown person and I had no clue why. The boys would not know what had happened and I felt the start of despair that I would never see them again well up and choke my unresponsive throat.
Loud footsteps reached my ears coming from above me. My breath slightly startled as I tracked their progress across the ceiling. They went down what I assumed were steps and approached ever closer. The blood pounded through my ears, blocking out any further sound, though I desperately wanted to hear. I could taste the fear in my mouth, cold and metallic, as I saw the door knob slowly turn. As the door pushed open and a silent scream filled my head, I felt a single tear track down my cheek.
It landed right over my shattered heart and my frozen lungs.