XD Please don't riot or sue; I promise to give Sofia a break soon!

Chapter 27

Sofia

James held me in his arms as we watched a movie in bed Saturday morning.

Sam had gotten away from the police, and the Sherriff escorted us home, assuring us that they weren't going to stop looking until they found him.

So we were all hiding inside with the curtains closed, and doors locked, waiting for some good news.

Every noise outside made me jump, but James turned the volume up on his phone and kept me securely under his arm.

"Do you guys want something to eat?" Anne asked, standing in the doorway.

I nodded, sitting up and pulling James with me.

I hadn't let him go since last night, I felt like a baby, but he didn't seem to mind my constant need for his touch.

I fought the urge to look out the windows as I entered the kitchen.

I petted Ozzy and Sharon before Anne handed me a plate of chocolate chip pancakes soaked in maple syrup and two sausage links, and I looked up at James hopefully.

Don't make me say no.

I need comfort food.

I need chocolate.

read my mind, James.

Read it.

"Go ahead," he chuckled, handing me a fork, "But you have to share,"

YES!

"Maybe," I shrugged, placing the plate on the island and cutting into the pancakes.

James leaned against the counter, opening his mouth expectantly, and I giggled as I fed him.

He's so cute.

I've never fed anyone before.

Don't stab him, Sofia.

I stabbed a sausage and closed my eyes as I bit into it.

Real sausage.

Not turkey sausage.

Not veggie sausage.

It's delicious pork.

"These are really good, mom," James said, wiping his mouth.

"I'm glad you like them, but you are aware we have other plates and forks, right?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sure the ones on Sofia's plate taste the best, and I don't want to take any chances," he grinned, opening his mouth again.

I'm not going to complain.

I'm feeding the sexiest, most health-conscious guy in the world chocolate chip pancakes drenched in sugary syrup.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I'll miss you, pancakes.

I laughed, giving him the rest of the sausage on my fork, and cut into the pancakes again.

"Whatever, weird kids, who wants to watch a movie?" Anne rolled her eyes.

"Sounds good. Can I choose?" James asked, pointing at the other sausage on my plate.

I stabbed it and bit off half before giving him the rest.

"I think Sofia should choose," Anne sighed, unable to watch our food sharing.

"Okay, baby, what would you like to watch?" James asked, wrapping his arm around me.

This is a setup.

They want to distract me with real food and movies.

Nice try, Talberts.

"I get to lay in bed all morning, you let me eat chocolate chip pancakes, and I can choose the movie?" I asked suspiciously, "Is today my birthday or something?"

"No, sweetie," Anne laughed, "It's just best if you're completely distracted,"

There it is.

"Ah," I took a bite of pancake, "Let's watch Ready Player One then,"

"You got it," James smiled, stealing my fork and plate, "To the living room, my love,"

We made it halfway through the movie when my phone rang.

The caller ID read BLOCKED, and I showed it to James.

He answered the phone, putting it on speaker.

"Are you going to hide all day?" Sam chuckled, "That's no fun,"

Sam.

Goddamn it!

Miranda gave him my number!

"Why don't you come over then, Sam?" James growled, resting his hand on my thigh.

"Oh, yay, it's the guard dog," Sam sighed, "This doesn't concern you, kid, or your mommy and daddy,"

Shut the fuck up, Sam!

My life doesn't concern you!

"We're her guardians; this damn well concerns us!" Roland spat, leaning forward in his chair.

"You're obstacles; ask Sofia what I do to people that get in my way," Sam chuckled, his voice sending chills down my spine, "Last night was just a taste of what I'm going to do if you don't give her back to me,"

He'll kill them.

I know it.

James won't let me leave.

"She isn't yours!" James yelled, slamming his fist on the coffee table, "She's a person, not an object!"

I rubbed his back, trying to get him to calm down.

"There is a bus ticket waiting at the station under the name Fifi Hanson; it leaves at three o'clock. I'm not going to say where it's going, and if Sofia gets on it, I won't fuck with your family anymore. I don't give a damn about any of you. However, if she's not, I will burn your fucking house down and smoke you out!"

Could you be any stupider?

Thanks for catching yourself, Sam.

"Fuck you! There's no way in hell she's going anywhere with you!" James yelled.

"What station?" I asked, earning glares from everyone around me.

I put my hand up and pointed to my head.

I've got this.

I just need to convince them.

"There you are, Fifi," Sam laughed, "The Greyhound bus line, come alone, no cops, no boyfriend, no phone, and no bags,"

"Okay, I'll be there at 2:30. Are you going to come with me?" I asked sweetly, continuing to silence my family with my hand.

Make him think you're still the obedient little slave you were before.

Earn his trust.

Don't look at James.

"No, sweetheart, I'll be waiting at the destination. Why are you so obedient? Are you on drugs again?" he chuckled.

Fuck you.

"No," I said flatly, "I just want you to leave the Talberts' alone. I'll do whatever I have to,"

"And here I thought I beat the humanity out of you; I'm excited to have my pet back. Be on the bus," Sam hung up.

You almost did, Sam.

Trust me.

"What the fuck, Sofia!?" James yelled at me, and I sighed.

Cue the James explosion.

Please listen to me, baby.

"Do you guys trust me?" I asked, looking at their horrified faces.

"Sure," Anne said skeptically, "What are you thinking?"

"Call the Sherriff, and let him know what Sam is planning. Tell him not to go to the bus station but to call and see where it's going. He can inform the police department there so they can get me and bring me back," I explained, "This is probably the worst idea he's ever had, but I'm sure he's desperate to get out of Sidney,"

And desperate to get his 'pet' back.

I'm sure he's got a bunch of debts to pay off.

"It's too risky, baby," James shook his head, "You're not going,"

I showed him the bracelet on my wrist, and his eyes widened, looking at his own wrist.

"I've got a tracker, baby; let me do this," I pleaded.

"GPS," he whispered, "I still don't like the idea of you going off on your own; you said you wouldn't leave,"

I know.

But I'm planning on coming back this time.

"I'm not leaving, not really; I'm leading him away like I wanted to before, but I know I'll come back," I grabbed his hand.

"What if he plans to stop the bus on its way to wherever he's sending you?" Roland asked, standing up and pacing.

"If the sheriff can figure out the route, he can have police cars planted along the way. Maybe he could even set up a retrieval at a gas station somewhere; Sam isn't smart. He never has been. He's just violent," I sighed, "And I don't think he's planning on killing me, he keeps calling me that stupid nickname, and he just said he wants me to be his pet again,"

"You've got forty-five minutes before you'd have to be at the bus station. Are you sure you want to do this?" Anne asked, holding her phone.

"It's safer than the plan I had before. My job is easy; I just have to wait for someone to pick me up, but the police are going to have to work fast because once Sam gets me back, I imagine he has a syringe with my name on it," I shivered, "I want to get him away from you, and this is the only way,"

"I'm going to follow behind you," James pulled me in his arms.

No, you're not.

If Sam sees James...

I can't allow him to get hurt.

I won't!

"No, baby, Sam is going to be following the bus. I can't risk him seeing you," I shook my head, "I will take your truck to the bus station, and you can pick it up at four. I will be right back in your arms as soon as I can,"

"What do you think, Roland?" Anne asked, nervously tapping her foot.

"I think Sofia has trusted us to keep her safe for weeks, and we haven't been able to do anything; this asshole is like a fucking ghost. If she's confident, and the Sherriff agrees, then I say we let her do it," Roland continued to pace.

"What if he sends someone else to pick her up?" James asked, not letting me go.

That's a bridge I hope we don't have to cross.

Pretend you didn't understand the question.

You need to hurry!

"If the cops can figure out what vehicle he's driving, they can grab him before we even leave the city, and our problem is solved. He's going to wait to leave until the bus leaves," I assured him, "Please trust me, wouldn't you do the same if the roles were reversed?"

"Of course I would," he ran his hands along my arms, "I'm just so afraid something is going to go wrong," he buried his face in my neck.

I looked over at Anne and motioned for her to call the Sherriff.

"Come upstairs with me," I whispered, pulling my solid boyfriend off the couch.

I shut the bedroom door behind us and jumped on him, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.

"I swear I wouldn't be doing this if I weren't certain it would work," I kissed him, "I love you so much, James, and I want to be with you without worrying that you're going to get hurt,"

I want to date you, James, without being stalked.

I want to be able to cheer at your games without luring psychopaths with guns to the field.

I don't want anyone to hurt you.

"I know," he rubbed his nose on mine, "But there has to be another way that doesn't involve you going out there alone,"

I'm used to doing things alone.

I'll be fine.

And I won't be alone when I get back.

Things will be how they're supposed to be.

"If we wait to find another solution, it could be too late. Watch the app because I'll keep my bracelet on the whole time. I'll be home tonight, I'm sure of it," I kissed the tip of James's nose, "We won't even have to sleep apart,"

"Will you be okay seeing Sam?" he whispered, resting his forehead on mine.

No.

Yes.

I hope I don't have to see him.

"I don't know," I sighed, "His voice didn't send me into a panic attack, so I'd say there's a fifty-fifty chance seeing him won't either,"

"What did he mean when he called you his pet?" James frowned, but I put my finger to his lips.

Don't stress yourself out anymore, baby.

Let me get this over with.

I'll be right back.

"Don't think about it, baby; it's not going to happen. I'll tell you all about it when I get home," I smiled, kissing him again.

I dropped to the floor and grabbed a t-shirt and shorts so I'd be more comfortable on the bus.

I ran to the bathroom to change, pulled my hair up, and brushed my teeth before I heard Anne call James and me back downstairs.

"Sofia," Anne motioned for me to sit down on the couch, "Two busses are leaving at three o'clock. One is going to Casper, Wyoming, and the other is going to Atlanta, Georgia; which do you think he would take you?"

"Wyoming would be closer to Miranda, so probably Casper," I stated.

She repeated the information to the Sherriff, and James pulled me on his lap.

"Okay," Anne sighed, he's contacting every police station between here and Casper, and he's going to contact some on the way to Atlanta just in case he's trying to confuse us,"

Sam doesn't have the brainpower to confuse people.

He's predictable and stupid.

This is going to be cake.

I nodded and pulled my phone out of my pocket.

This is going to be so boring.

I wish I could take my phone with me.

"I hope they get me soon; it's going to be a long day without my music," I chuckled dryly, handing it to James, "I need your keys, I'll leave them under the driver seat,"

He grabbed them off the wall and reluctantly handed them over.

"Okay, the plan is in motion, and I will be back soon," I stood up and looked at them all, trying to commit them to my memory.

This plan will work.

I have to end this.

I have to keep you safe.

I'm not worth getting killed over.

I'm not afraid.

I told Mrs. White that I would relive the worst years of my life if it meant keeping my family safe.

I hope it doesn't come to that...but damn it If I have to I will.

I hugged them all, trying not to cry.

"I love you all," I smiled, "Don't leave the house until four o'clock,"

"We love you too, sweetie," Anne sniffled, wiping her eyes, "Be careful,"

"I will, I promise," I nodded, looking at James and tapping on my bracelet, "We can talk the whole time,"

"I hate this," he picked me up in his arms, "I hate this so much,"

So do I.

Don't cry.

Be strong.

We'll see each other soon.

"It's almost over, baby," I kissed him, "I love you,"

"I love you, too," he whispered, "Are you sure there's nothing else I can do?"

Stay in the house, James.

Don't follow me.

Just stay.

"You can stay safe and be here waiting when I come home," I smiled, jumping out of his arms, "I'll see you soon!"

I ran out the door and jumped in the truck before he had a chance to pick me up again and hide me somewhere.

I drove as fast as I could to the bus station, parked in the front lot so it would be easy for James to find, and left the keys under the seat.

I'm ready to end this.

I tapped my bracelet to let James know I'd made it and checked the parking lot to ensure he hadn't followed in Anne or Roland's car.

I wouldn't put it past him.

He sent me a vibration back, and once I made sure the coast was clear, I went inside and got my ticket that was, predictably, going to Wyoming.

I stared at the stupid name Sam had chosen for me.

Fucking Fifi.

God, I hate that shit.

The announcer called for my bus to begin boarding, and I joined the line of people.

I hope I'm not putting them in danger either.

I found a seat near the front so the cops could find me quickly when they showed up and waited to get this over with.

A man sat down next to me before the bus began to move, and I pulled my legs to my chest, putting as much distance between us as I could.

Keep to yourself, Sofia.

Don't draw any attention.

Please get me soon.

I want to go back to James.

He's so worried about me.

I don't want to be away from him any longer than I have to.

I spotted a few highway patrol cars on the side of the road, but the lights never went on, and the bus continued down the highway as though everything was normal.

I rested my forehead on my knees, tapping my bracelet in the rhythm of our song, and smiled.

Maybe everyone will get scared and leave us alone once Sam is gone.

I can finally focus on my mental health.

I want to get better so James and I can be happy.

So we can have a normal life.

What would a normal relationship with James be like?

Waking up next to him every morning without screaming from my nightmares.

Going out after games on Fridays.

Spending all day on Saturdays and Sundays exploring.

He will propose in some extravagant way.

We'll go to homecoming.

Spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together.

We could have sex.

Maybe.

Eventually.

I want to be able to think about giving myself to him without my anxiety going into overdrive.

There's no one else I would rather let have complete control over me.

There's no one else I would rather be completely at ease with.

I want to spend my life with him.

I want to grow old with him.

The idea of old versions of us sitting on a porch swing while James yelled out demands as he strength-trained our grandchildren made me giggle.

I couldn't care less where we lived or how much money we had, as long as I got to live out the rest of my life by his side.

"What time is it?" I asked the man next to me.

"4:30," he smiled brightly, "Nineteen more hours to go,"

"Thanks," I grumbled, looking back out the window.

How long does it take to find a moronic meth addict?

"Why are you going to Wyoming?" he asked, putting his phone away as I looked back at him.

Damnit.

I didn't mean to strike up a conversation, dude.

Go back to your phone.

"I'm moving," I shrugged, hoping to end the conversation quickly.

We pulled into a gas station in Indianapolis, and I looked around for the police.

"Are you going in?" the man asked, and I shook my head without looking at him.

Where are they?

I tapped my bracelet again and rested my head on the window.

The sun began to set around us, and I was starting to panic.

We were already in Iowa, and there's no sign of the police.

"You should get some sleep," the man next to me urged, "We'll be there at eight in the morning,"

"I'm not tired," I shook my head, straightening my sleeping legs out.

I promised James I wouldn't sleep without him.

I don't want to sleep without him.

"Do you want to play my switch? You don't seem to have a phone or anything," he offered, pulling the game system out of his bag and handing it to me.

What the hell.

Might as well entertain myself.

"Sure, thank you," I shrugged, letting myself get distracted by Zelda.

I couldn't remember falling asleep, but I woke up to the sunrise outside my window.

NO!

I broke my promise.

WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE COPS?!

I looked over at my seatmate and found him awake and texting.

"Where are we?" I yawned.

"About three hours away from Casper," he beamed, "Are you hungry?"

He dug in his bag and handed me a bag of chocolate donuts.

"No, thanks," I shook my head and handed them back.

I slept without James.

If he found out I ate processed garbage I'd be in even more trouble.

I hope he knows what's going on.

Why hasn't anyone said anything?

God, I miss him.

We'd be taking showers right about now, getting ready to go to school.

I want to go home.

"They aren't poisoned or anything," he laughed.

"It's not that; my boyfriend has a 'no empty calorie' rule," I giggled, vibrating my bracelet, "He's really into clean eating,"

"He has you on a diet? That's stupid; you're so skinny," he scoffed.

Mind your fucking business, bus guy.

James wants me to be healthy, whereas you're offering me trash food.

Don't be a dick.

"I'm trying to gain weight, actually, but we want to make sure it's a healthy weight," I defended James.

I stared back out the window, wondering why they hadn't found Sam yet.

We pulled into the bus station in Casper, and I could feel that something was wrong.

The man and I waited for everyone else to go before we stood up.

"After you," he smiled, letting me go in front of him.

I nodded and stood up, timidly looking around the lot through the windows.

I stepped off the bus and walked to the parking lot.

I didn't see any cop cars or Sam, so I sat on a bench and tapped SOS on my bracelet.

Does James know morse code?

We should have practiced something.

I'm getting nervous.

Don't let him take me.

Please.

"Is your ride not here yet?" the man from the bus asked, and I shook my head.

"Someone should be here soon," I sighed.

"Do you want me to wait with you?" he offered, but I shook my head again.

Go.

Away.

I don't want to get you hurt, random citizen.

"That's not necessary,"

Suddenly a silver car parked in front of us, and a burly man grabbed my arm and pulled me in.

"HEY!" the man from the bus yelled as we sped out of the lot.

I sat, squished, between two disgusting-smelling burly men who wouldn't stop leering at me.

"Where's Sam," I asked calmly.

"Shut up," the man on my left growled, elbowing me in the face.

No questions.

Got it.

FUCKING OW!

"SHIT!" I cried, holding my face, "What the fuck!?"

"Hey! Sam said don't fucking touch her," the driver warned them, "He's going to be pissed if that leaves a mark, Alex,"

Yeah, Alex.

Cool it.

"Yeah, Alex, I'm not going to be very happy either," I grumbled.

"Shut the fuck up," the driver warned me, and I leaned my head back on the seat.

For some reason, I still wasn't scared.

I was super annoyed that the plan went sideways, but not scared.

After an hour, we turned onto a dirt road, and the driver kept checking his mirrors.

We must be getting close.

He parked the car in front of a crappy brown trailer, and the burly guy who pulled me in pulled me out.

This looks about right.

Nothing says drug house like a crappy gross brown trailer.

"Get in there," he barked, pushing me in the door.

"Fifi!" Sam exclaimed, grabbing my shoulders.

The smell of Marlboro cigarettes and beer brought back so many memories, but I kept my wits.

"Hi Sam," I smiled, letting him kiss my cheek without throwing up.

So far, so good.

"Who the fuck touched her?" he yelled, grabbing my face.

The driver pointed at Alex, and Sam pulled a gun out of his pants and shot him, making me scream.

Don't panic.

Don't fucking panic.

"What did I say about touching her?" he sighed, throwing the gun on the couch.

"Not to," the driver said, putting his hand down.

"Sorry about that, Fifi," Sam led me to the kitchen and got an ice pack, "I'm not going to get much money for you if you're damaged,"

Damaged.

Emotional damages don't count.

They never have.

Stay calm.

If you are getting stuck with Sam again, he needs to know you're not going to fight.

I can't go back to the closet.

"It's okay," I shivered, "Are you planning on selling me?"

"More like renting you out again," he laughed.

I saw a glimpse of someone outside and hoped it was the police.

Did they come?

I need to get Sam by the window.

"Oh," I nodded, "Hey Sam, can I get a glass of water?" I asked politely.

"Of course," he got down a glass, "You know, I thought you were fucking with me on the phone yesterday, being all nice and shit, but you must have really missed me, huh?" he smiled.

"Sure, Sam," I chuckled.

"POLICE! GET DOWN!" Someone yelled, and I hid under the table as the police kicked in the door.

It's about time!

The driver and the other man started shooting at them, but the police took them down quickly.

Sam dashed out the back door and I poked my head out.

"Sam went out the back!" I shouted, not moving from under the table.

"Sofia, come with us," one of the officers instructed, extending his hand, which I took and let him lead me outside.

He led me out to the porch where I was immediately engulfed by Anne and Roland.

They came?

I told them not to...

Of course they came.

They love you.

Where's James?

"Sofia!" Anne sobbed.

"We've got you, sweetheart," Roland kissed the side of my head.

"Mom," I sniffled, "Dad, thank you for coming,"

They care about my safety.

They want me to be happy.

They are my parents.

"Of course," Anne held me tighter.

"We weren't going to let you do this on your own,"

They pulled me to the ground, keeping me in their arms.

"Where's James?" I asked as the officer led us back to the end of the driveway.

"BABY!" I looked up at the sound of his voice and saw James running toward me.