PART 13

The sound of breaking glass rung through the apartment. Isabel cowered in the corner, hoping to escape Richard's wrath. She felt so alone when she realised that she probably would not be able to meet any of her friends again. Not if Richard had his way. She loathed the fact that she was so weak. I'm an alien with powers and can't do anything to stop my husband! She thought bitterly.

She shrank back even further when Richard barged into her room, seething with rage. "You told them to call you?" He asked, his voice menacing.

She shook her head in silent protest, her eyes wide with fear.

"Didn't I tell you that you are not to have anything to do with them?" He asked, moving forward.

Her eyes teared up as she shook her head. "Why are they calling Isabel? Did you tell them anything?" he asked.

She shook her head again, wanting to say no but no words would come out.

He grabbed her hand and jerked her onto her feet. He brought her up to her face and sneered. "Why are you being so rebellious, huh?"

All Isabel could do was stare at him, terrified of him. She could feel herself shaking and knew that if Richard were not holding her up she would have sunk down to the floor.

He threw her back down on the floor. Her head hit the side of the bed and a dull pain throbbed at the back of her head. She touched it gingerly, trying to heal it but aside from a slight tingling, it did not work.

"I hope they don't call here anymore. I've already told that friend of yours, Michael wasn't it? That you don't want to talk to them."  Richard was glaring at her, furious that they had wanted to know if she was all right.

Richard picked her up in a quick motion. Her head snapped back as he hit her across the face. Her check stung as the tears fell down. She brought her hand up to her face, crying. "Let that be a warning." Richard told her before leaving her room, locking the door behind him. He had kept it locked for the past two days.

Isabel slid down to the floor, her cheek and head throbbing with pain. I have to get away! I have to! Isabel thought as she wiped her eyes. She went to the door. She jingled the doorknob. Still locked! Now what do I do? She wondered, her mind hazy. She stood there for a moment, staring at the lock. Do I think I could…?  She wondered as she placed her hand on the knob. It's been so long… I have to try. I have to get out of here. Her thoughts were frantic and desperate.

She placed her hand flat against the door, concentrating. Nothing. Come on! She urged herself silently. She was nervous and flustered. She tried again, focusing all her thoughts to control her powers. She could feel a slight tingling sensation in her palm. Sweat beaded her forehead as she tried to open the lock with her powers. She heard a click. Yes!  She felt overjoyed. She had been unable to do that in years.

She hurried to her coat and dug into her pockets. Where is it? I know I kept it here!  She searched for the scrap of paper, which Alex had given her. She hand curled around the paper and she pulled it out. She noticed that her hands were shaking as she dialled the phone in the hallway. She stuck a quick look towards Richard's room. The door was closed so she would have no way of knowing when he could walk in on her.

Hr hands shook as she punched in the number. One ring, two rings. Please, come on. Pick up! She pleaded.

Finally, Alex picked up. "Hello?"

"Alex!" Isabel whispered as she stuck another peak at the room.

"Isabel?" He asked in relief, which was replaced with concern.

"Isabel. Where are you? Are you okay?"

"Alex, please. Come and get me. Quick! I can't take anymore!" She begged as she cried into the phone.

"All right! Tell me where you are." His voice was comforting.

She quickly told him where she lived.

She had barley hung up when Richards door opened. She quickly snuck back into her room hoping he didn't check in on her.

****

Almost immediately after Isabel's call Alex rang up Michael. "Michael. She called."

He listened closely to what Michael told him over the phone. He nodded, forgetting Michael couldn't see him. "Alright. She gave me her place. We'll meet there."

After giving Michael the address Alex hurried to get Isabel back.  I promised Isabel that I would not let anything happen to her. I intend to keep that promise. He thought determinedly.

*****

tbc…