My breath shudders in the cold air, my lungs weak and fragile. My can barely feel my limbs, hunger eating at me, the floor stinging my cheeks. I have no energy left to cry, and I have no way to know how many days its been, in my isolated shed. I can hear the scrape of the thick metal door opening, my muscles tensing up.

Echoing thuds from the man's boots fill my cage, and I don't know how but i manage to squeeze out more tears, sobs wracking at my throat. He snatches me up by my thin arm, painful cries escaping my mouth.

"Shut up!" He snarls, yanking me around, "You women are all the same! I thought you liked strength in a man?" He sneers, squeezing my arm, his nails digging into my flesh.

"Please" I beg, "Let me go...what did I do...please"

"You pushed me away, you act nice, but really you are a spiteful gossip! You and your blonde hair, makes you think your so perfect!" He starts to rant, smacking me around, throwing my into the one room I dread. It holds weapons, dried blood and memories of pain. I can almost hear the screams of the other girls before me, their voices soaked into the walls, just like the blood.

"Please don't hurt me" I sob so hard, my small reserve of breath quickly depleting. Pushing me to the ground, he reaches for a long whip, i hold my hands up to shield my face, fear coursing through me so hard i shake. "Please!" His dark eyes cold and calculating, pushing his dark hair out of his eyes, his arms lean back, before coming back down, repeating the motion.

Soon I'm screaming, the sound of his whip whizzing through the air. I try curling into a ball, to hide from the torment, the hateful torture. Soon my muscles unclench, my mind slipping away, "Don't kill me, don't kill me, don't kill me" I mumble, coherent thought gone. I feel a strong kick to the side of my head and-

I sit up covered in a cold sweat, my breath coming out in short gasps. I feel like the air around me is void of oxygen, like when i take a too hot of a shower, the steam overpowering my lungs; only I'm choking on fear and tears. Shakily I get out of bed and walk to the bathroom, turning on the faucet I splash cold water on my face, my heart rate slowing. I stare at myself in the mirror, dull brown eyes staring back at me, pale purple bags accenting my lower lashes. I dare not go back to sleep again, glancing at the clock I breath a sigh of relief, I had to be up in two hours anyway.

Turning all the lights on in my house, and triple checking that all my locks are secure I make my way to the kitchen. Filling a coffee cup with water and placing it in the microwave, I pull out my Passion Flower tea, hoping it will sooth me, even though it rarely does. The microwave signals that my water is ready to mix with my tea bag. As I dip the string repeatedly into the cup, I glance at the calender on my wall. Today is July 1st, my birthday, and the ten year anniversary of my kidnaping. I tear my eyes away from the calendar and power up my laptop, sifting through my e-mails.

Soon the sun kisses the horizon, the pale yellow and pink light taunting me on this dreaded day, this dreaded week. I quickly get dressed for work, my white blouse and black pants uniform and average. I glance at my reflection one last time, grimacing at myself.

Ten years ago i did everything I could to enhance my beauty. Everything from clothes to makeup. I would spend hours each morning before school preparing myself, eager for any attention I could get. Now I don't even care.

The investigators say it was only my age and blonde hair that played into my would be killers reason at my abduction. That he was mentally unsound, and associates all young blonde woman with someone from his past. I was unlucky to catch his sights, but was I really lucky to be the only girl to live?

I know it was more than my outer appearance that made him try to kill me. The things he said to me, "fake care, laughs, and smiles". I would do those things to gain the attention of boys, but only 'hot' boys as my friends and I used to say. I truly was no better than the girl who crushed his sanity.

Grabbing my car keys, I leave my lonely apartment, leaving all the lights on despite the monthly bill. Better safe than sorry, this is what I have learned. Carefully checking my small mini cooper before getting in, I quickly slide into the car and lock the doors.

Pulling out of my drive way, i drive carefully and by the book. Even on duty police officers don't drive like me. Stopping at a stop light just before my place of income I noticed a man with striking pink hair standing on the corner. It surprised me to say the least. He is nodding his head, hands in his pockets. I notice he's wearing a scarf around his neck, despite it being the middle of summer.

I have avoided all men as much as I possibly could, especially dark haired ones. I had seen a therapist for a few years, but couldn't find the 'healing' she was always talking about. I could however interact with most men now without having a panic attack. This made work much easier to find and keep, not all employers were understanding to my hidden scars.

Tearing my eyes from the odd man, I pull into the intersection at the permission of the green beacon above me, and slowly pull into the parking lot of the small drug store on the corner.

Once through the automatic doors, a blast of cold air throws my hair around my face, some strands finding their way into my mouth. I pull my apron on behind the counter, fix my hair and start counting down my register, putting it under my name and number.

My boss doesn't mention my haggard look, but sympathy seeps from her very being, as she know what this day does to me every year. She has told me I can take the day off, but I can't. I need the distraction. Even if it is just stocking shelves, managing customers and cleaning up messes. It helps, it keeps the last of my sanity from breaking.

The day goes smoothly until, as I'm picking up a large box, I feel a slight tap on my shoulder. Jumping at the foreign contact I drop the box and spin around. I'm face to face with a man, but he looks familiar. His pink hair bring me back to this morning, when i thought how odd he looked on the corner.

My manager comes running at the sound. He eyes widen when they meet mine. The man is a good head taller than me, and is well built. I stare back at his dark eyes. They should have scared me senseless, but they don't. I see concern in the fold of his brow, and the down turn of the corners of his lips.

"Sir I can help you over here," my manager chimes in, gesturing down the aisle away from me. He glances back at her before turning back to me.

"I don't need help ma'am," he bends down and picks up the box I dropped, "I was only going to offer to help her carry this. It looks heavy" he flashes me a blinding grin, his canines prominent in the smile. I just continue to stare, concerned over his effect on me.

"Sir that is kind of you but-"

"It's ok Ms. Spetto," I send her a ghost of a smile. I turn back to the man and walk back to the store room, he quickly follows after.

"Sorry for scaring you"

"It's ok, I was only startled that's all." I pause thinking over a question in the back of my mind, weighing if I should let it be or try to obtain an answer. "why is your hair pink?" I blurt it out before i finish thinking about it, and regret it immediately, until he laughs.

"What a weirdo. Everybody asks about the hair. Maybe I should dye it." He says the last part to himself.

"Well?"

"If you must know, it is natural."

"interesting, but not impossible" I grin a little, just enough for the corners of my mouth to point skyward.

"Yes, very true" he laughs. We reach the store room, where I take the box back, as customers are not allowed behind the doors. He follows me back to the front counter, where I can see Ms. Spetto release a large breath, looking like a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

"Thank you for your help sir. Is there anything else we can help you with today?" I note his lack of products to purchase, thinking he must just have had trouble finding something.

"Actually," he squints at my apron, "Lucy. I was wondering if we could hang out sometime?" He smiles in a childish manner, not like some men who are trying to look attractive. I flinch, eyes wide.

I have never been on a date, only a few group outings in college and even that was physically painful. I quickly lost friends because of my anxiety. Ms. Spetto looks between us, he head whipping back and forth. The man starts to lose his smile, uncertainty pulling at the corners, as the awkward silence drags on, and I continue to stare.

"Lucy? You ok?" He waves a hand in front of me trying to bring me back to reality when all is does is bring back a memory.

The man is reaching for me as I pull away. I quickly reach the wall, the metal bleeding through what's left of my clothes and searing my back. He pulls back his hand before bringing it back down on my face.

I jump back, my heart pounding and my breath coming out in quick gasps. I lay a hand on my heart trying to calm myself. I haven't had an 'episode' in awhile. He just looks at me with such raw concern, it would be lapping at my feet before slowly rising to cover me.

He starts to move towards me again, but she stands in his way. "I think you should leave sir"

"whats wrong with her?"

"Leave or I'll call the cops."

"I'm sorry but I'm not leaving till I know she's ok." He glares at Ms. Spetto, she glares back, neither one backing down, lightning crackling through the air.

"You sir are the problem, now leave"

"What did I do?!"

"She-"

"Please stop it both of you, you're causing a scene." I hiss in embarrassment, other customers eavesdropping or blatantly staring.

"I'm sorry" The man looks down, but determination still burning in his eyes.

"Why should I hang out with you, I don't even know your name?" I murmur almost silently, uncomfortable with the whole situation.

"Oh! I'm Natsu! And I want to be your friend." He practically starts shouting, clearly proud of himself. Some customers giggle behind folded hands, while others put items back and start to leave the store.

"I'm not comfortable with that. I don't even know you" I start to shrink away, wishing the floor would swallow me up and bury me forever. The thought of being alone with him doesn't scare me like it normally would, and that terrifies me. He gives off this air of safety and comfort; a weird ironic calm energy.

"That's ok, I'll just come see you here, and we can get to know each other better." his smile is so blindingly bright, yet soothing. I don't know what I think of this man. I had but given up hope of ever finding a man to spend the rest of my life with seeing how I couldn't even be alone with them.

"What?"

"See you around Lucy! Oh and you look beautiful today!" He waves and leaves the store, the doors closing slowly behind him. I glance at Ms. Spetto and she nods softly at me. I take off my apron and shove it behind the counter before dashing out the store and driving as quickly as I can home. Once inside I collapse, tears running down my face, limbs shaking and fear coursing through my veins.

With trembling fingers I call a number I haven't called in over a year. I anxiously wait as the rings space themselves, pleading for the other end of my call to answer. With a soft click, and a loving voice i cry even harder.

"This is Ms. Strauss"

"Ms. Strauss" I croak, "It's Lucy, I really need to talk."

"Lucy! I'm coming right over please stay there, ok? Make yourself some tea, and take deep breaths, maybe try a cold shower ok?"

"Ok," and the line goes dead.

After a cold shower, I was feeling a little better, my hands no longer quivering. I slowly make tea, breathing in and out to the count of fives. I hear a soft knocking at my solid wood door; it doesn't startle me. Opening the door slowly, I usher the woman in, out of the heat. She slowly gives me a hug and leads me back to the kitchen.

She is quiet as she makes herself some tea, waiting patiently for me to begin. She has long white hair, and dark blue eyes; eyes that see everything. Her fingers are slender and graceful, gentle and precise in all their movements. Placing a hand on my shoulder, she sits beside me.

"What happened today to make you call me?" Her voice is like windchimes, lulling calm over anything that hears.

"Today is ten years exactly," I begin, my voice oddly calm, a tremor barely there. "And this man came into work today…"

"Did he scare you Lucy?"

"No...and that's what scared me. He said he wanted to be friends."

"Did he now?" her forehead and nose scrunch up.

"He…"

"Take your time Lucy it's ok"

"He said I was beautiful….but there is nothing beautiful about me." I finish quietly.

"Lucy remember what I said about self worth. You are beautiful, and this man saw that in you."

"But look at me Mira!," I barely register that I called her by her nickname, "I'm scarred, both physically and mentally. Who would want something like that. Something so-so-"

"Beautiful, Lucy. The word you're looking for is beautiful." She takes my hands, folding them in her own. She stares at me with those all knowing eyes, looking straight into my soul. "Lucy...you're scared, I get that but I'm going to challenge you with something. Get to know him."

"Why?"

"Because he just might help you heal. You need to connect with people. Do what makes you comfortable, but try just talking with him." She smiles at me, reminding me of my mother. I nod slowly, but doubt creeps in, I bite my lip.

"What is it Lucy?"

"He won't like me after he knows….everybody leaves once they know."

"You don't know that. Give him the chance to prove himself, but yes don't put too much of yourself into this, I don't want you hurt ok?"

"If you say so Mira."

"Why don't we schedule biweekly appointments again? That way I can help ok Lucy?" I nodd. She stands up and pulls me into a tight embrace, before pulling back to look me square in the face, "I've missed you Lucy, don't ever be afraid to talk to me, you are more than a patient, you're a friend."

"I know Mira, I'm lucky to have you." She waves as she walks down my driveway, I watch until she's out of sight, then close the door, deep in thought over what she has asked me to do.