Chapter 2
A visit to Dark Shadows
As Brad's car pulled up to the house, a cold shiver ran up my spine. I thought I would never be back here again. Brad came around and opened the door for me, taking my hand and helping me out of the car. I sighed, and stared back at the house which held so many bad remembrances for me. My feet moved across the wet grass, still damp from the recent rains. I stared at the door for a minute, wondering if I would really go inside. My hand traveled to my jean pocket, where mysteriously, was my house key. I watched it glimmer in the sunlight, and shoved it into the keyhole. The lock clicked, and the door creaked open.
Everything was just how it had been since the last time I had been here. Some of the candles still remained from the dinner. My lip trembled as I stepped forward and walked over to the stairs. Brad followed obediently, holding my hand tightly, our fingers laced together. The wind whistled through the windows, sounding like whispers. Soon, I stared at my bedroom door. My trembling hand went to the door knob, and threw the door open.
Everything had been the same since I had been in here last, just like the living room. I glanced around the room quickly, my eyes drifting over every item. Brad walked over to the closet and threw the doors open, bringing out my things and placing them on the bed. I went to my dresser and started to take out my things also and pack them in suitcases I had found in the hall closet.
"I'll be right back," Brad said, and went downstairs to fetch boxes. I looked around the room. There wasn't anything more that I could do. I sighed and stepped out into the hallway. Down the hall, Zach's bedroom door was cracked. My heart thumped faster. Then, I made a decision.
I was going back to my prison. The place where Zach had held me for about 4 weeks. My footsteps thundered in my ears as I walked to the door, pushing it open. Memories flooded to my head, making me dizzy for a moment, but I fought it off and walked inside. The bed was unmade, the clothes were piled on the floor, the balcony door was still open, the compartment where Zach had hid the key, was still open also. I stepped forward, running my fingers along the bedspread.
"I knew you would come back. You do love me after all," Zach said behind me. I turned around, and screamed once he had grabbed my shoulders.
"Do not cry my darling," he said.
"Skye!" Brad called from a distance. I tried to fight Zach off when he tried to embrace me. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
"Skye! No! It's me! Brad!" Brad shouted. I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Skye," he whispered, stroking back my hair. I opened my eyes slowly, and looked up. It was Brad who was embracing me, not Zach.
"Brad," I moaned, crumbling to the floor. Brad helped me back up. "Look at what's he's doing to me," I sobbed.
"Come on, let's go put your stuff downstairs and get out of here as fast as we can," he said softly. I nodded and buried my face into his chest. Brad walked with me back to my room, and grabbed the last things that I needed, then loaded it into the car.
"Do you want to take your car?" Brad asked. A small, weak smile crept upon my lips. My pretty little red car. I nodded, and looked around for my keys. Zach had taken them from me, and I had no idea where he had put them. I found them under the bed, and ran downstairs, slamming the front door behind me. I ran into the garage, and crawled into my car, my perfume welcoming me. I smiled, sighed, and started up the engine. I pulled out of the garage, and rolled down my window.
"Just follow me," he said, and sped off. I was close behind him. Since it was so quiet in the car, I turned on the radio.
"Yesterday afternoon, Zachary James was arrested yesterday for counts of kidnapping and raping his 19 year old stepdaughter, Skye Lawrence. Skye was put under house arrest when Zach had confessed his love for her, and claimed that he wanted her all to himself. After 4 weeks of captivity, Skye finally found a way out of the house, and called the police. Wacky story, huh?" Tears came to my eyes. How could people be so . . . cruel? I turned off the radio, thinking that the story would be pasted on every radio station there was.
Soon, we arrived at Brad's apartment complex. It was a 15 story complex that looked more like a 4 star hotel. I crawled out of the car, slamming the door, and helped Brad unload the things out of the car. We loaded it onto the elevator, and pressed the 5 floor button, riding up slowly. Brad unlocked the door, and entered. It was a large 2 room apartment, with a large kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Some of the furniture was already unloaded. Brad turned to me.
"Why don't you go and take a nap in the bedroom? I'll take care of everything," Brad said.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" I asked. He shook his head, and I sighed.
"OK then, but wake me up when you need any help," I said and shuffled into the bedroom. The bed was made with blue plaid sheets. I kicked off my shoes, and crawled into bed, hugging a pillow to me. Fatigue slipped over me quickly, and soon, I was sound asleep.
A storm washed over the apartment quickly. Brad was asleep beside me, and I was wide awake, my eyes glued to the ceiling. I thought I heard the front door open, which made me sit up quickly. It couldn't be, I thought. I grabbed my robe and put it on quickly, pulling the rope taught. I looked at Brad for a moment, kissed his forehead, and slowly walked out into the living room.
The window was cracked, a small breeze lifting my hair up. I circled the house, checking closets, the spare bedroom, the bathrooms, and the closets. Finally, after I had convinced myself that Zach couldn't have possibly entered the house, I walked down the hall, back to the bedroom. A hand came around and slapped itself over my mouth as an arm went around my waist and pulled me away from the door. I screamed, but it was muffled by the hand. I looked up. Zach was smiling coldly, kissing the top of my forehead. I tried to pry his arm off my waist, and his hand off of my mouth, but he held on firmly. I shook my head.
"Don't struggle darling, just make this easy for me, for once," he whispered. I shook my head and tried to bite his hand. He pulled me violently in the other direction.
"You just don't learn, do you?" he asked, pulling out rope somehow from his pocket. He tied my hands to my sides and wrapped a bandana around my mouth. He scooped me up and kissed the tip of my nose. I pulled my head away, but his hand pushed it back.
"Time to go home," he said merrily, and headed out the door, slamming it behind him.
I jolted up in bed, my clothes sticking to my body because of sweat. I looked at the room. More things had been moved inside. I caught my breath and threw the covers off of my legs, and walked into the living room. Brad was in the kitchen, making dinner. He noticed I had woken up and smiled and walked over to me.
"How are you feeling? Did you sleep good?" he asked. I nodded.
"Yes," I lied. He walked back over to the oven.
"What do you think?" he asked. I looked around the house. It had been set up nicely.
"It turned out very nice," I complimented.
"I know it's small, but when I get a good job, we'll get a house, one even bigger than Dark Shadows," he joked. I smiled.
"This is just fine, this is . . . cozy," I replied. He opened the oven door and pulled out lasagna. I smiled and walked over to the table.
"He buys his own apartment, and he cooks," I muttered teasingly. He smirked and dished some out to me. I picked up my fork, and started to eat.
"You look a little flustered," Brad noticed.
"I was really hot," I replied quickly. He shrugged. "This is really good," I said, diverting the conversation.
"To be honest, it's the store brand," he admitted. I smiled.
"You did good," I told him and squeezed his hand. I finished my dinner quickly, and put my dishes in the sink.
"I'll do dishes tonight," Brad offered. I nodded, and walked into my room to change into my pajamas. As I was emptying my pockets, Lydia Becker's business card appeared. I bit my lip, wondering if I should give her a call this late. I shrugged, and picked up the phone. I dialed the number, and listened to the phone ring.
"Hello, Lydia Becker's office," A woman greeted quickly.
"Can I speak to Mrs. Becker please?" I asked, she put me on hold, and I waited for a few moments.
"Hello? Mrs. Becker speaking," she greeted kindly. I smiled.
"Hi, I'm Skye Lawrence. I'm sure you must have heard about me now. One of your clients recommended you to me," I blurted, realizing that I sounded so stupid.
"Oh, yes, Skye. Hello," she replied. "Which client recommended me?"
"Robin Monroe."
"Ah, yes, Robin. I helped her get her divorce," she said knowingly.
"That's what I was hoping that you could do for me. Get a divorce."
"A divorce? How old are you?" she cried.
"Only 19. I guess that you haven't read the newspapers," I muttered.
"Oh, oh gosh. I'm so sorry. Yes, I remember reading about it. Speak no more. I'll make an appointment to see you. Let me check my calendar," she said quickly and put me on hold. I lay back on the bed, and waited. Brad walked into the room. He gave me a questioned look, and sat down next to me. Mrs. Becker came back onto the phone.
"OK Skye, how about 12:00 tomorrow? That's the only opening I have."
"Yes, that will be fine," I said to her.
"OK, well since I still have a while before I leave for home. I'll contact Mr. James's lawyer and get all of his important paperwork," she replied. I nodded, and hung up when the phone had gone dead in my hand. I turned to Brad as he held my waist and pulled me towards him.
"Who was that?" he asked.
"Our new lawyer, Mrs. Lydia Becker," I replied. He raised his eyebrow.
"What do we need a lawyer for?" he asked.
"A divorce," I whispered. He sucked in his breath. "I guess you haven't heard all of my story."
"I guess not." I sighed and began.
"A few days after you had left, Zach was acting stranger than normal. He had disconnected the phone lines. He had dismissed all of the servants and the maids. He stopped going to work. He fed me an excuse that he could work at home now. They day you had left, we had gotten into a big argument, I forgot what it was about, and I wanted to get out. Zach said I couldn't leave, and he took my keys from me and locked me into my room.
"Later on that night, Zach announced that he had made a special dinner. I thought that was odd, and went downstairs to see what he had made. He had made all of my favorite things, so I thought it was harmless, and had a quiet dinner with him, noticing that he couldn't keep his eyes off of me.
"I had a few glasses of wine, which made me kinda dizzy, and when I went up to my room to go to bed, I stumbled on the stairs, and had Zach carry me up. When we walked passed my room, I panicked. He told me that my room was being repaired, and so were the other guest rooms. I told him that I could sleep in the living room, but he said that wasn't necessary. He carried me into his room and lay me down on the bed, locking the door behind him.
"I leaped for the door and tried to get out, but he was too quick, and he lay me back down, and started to undress me. I struggled to get out from underneath him, but he was too strong, and in the end, he . . . raped me. I cried myself to sleep that night, wondering if you would ever come to get me soon.
"The next day, Zach had some . . . shocking news to give me. He told me that we were getting married. I couldn't believe my ears. Married? Was he insane? Just as he was explaining, I noticed that the balcony door was cracked.
"I bolted for it of course. I swung my leg over to climb over, but I messed up somehow, and I slipped and I was hanging on for dear life. Zach pulled me up, and after he did, he raped me again. Afterwards, he got into the shower.
"So many things ran in my mind after that. I wondered why you weren't making an effort to see me. Why nobody was wondering where I could be, even Brian of all people. I was so scared. It seemed every other minute I was crying. Then, I had remembered the gun you had given me for protection from Zach. I checked the door, and luckily, it was unlocked, so I leaped out of the room to go get it. And as I was just opening the box, Zach grabbed my waist and pulled me away. Finally, I grabbed the gun.
"We stared at each other for a minute, just daring each other to do something. But Zach made the first mood. He came behind me and tried to pry the gun from my hands. I shot the gun too late, and it the bullet ended up in the wall. I wouldn't be surprised if it still isn't there. He pointed the gun at my head and asked me where the gun came from, and I began to cry, then told him that I got it from you. He led me back into the room, and told me to get into the shower.
"I made it as hot as I could stand it. I wanted to wash away any memory of this day. I got out, my skin raw from scrubbing so hard. I dressed in the red prom dress that I had brought, and waited for the minister to get there." I closed my eyes and sighed, my tears about to fall freely from my eyes. This was hard to talk about, but I had to do it. I couldn't keep Brad out of the dark like this. He deserved to know.
"Skye?" he asked, holding my hand. I bit my lip, sucked my tears back, and started again.
"The minister had arrived, and I was so nervous. I didn't want this marriage at all. I didn't listen to the ceremony, I just stared at the floor. When Zach had told me to say I do, I told him that I didn't want to. He threatened to kill me with the gun if I didn't. So I had said it. I had said yes to Zach. He kissed me, and I ran up to my room, shutting and locking both doors with the chain lock and propped up doorknobs so that he couldn't possibly get in.
"I crawled into bed and cried myself to sleep that night, wondering why you weren't calling or coming over. I wanted you so badly, and I knew that you were away, but I couldn't help feeling selfish though.
"In the morning, I woke up in Zach's bedroom. Somehow, he got into my room and carried me into his bedroom. Later on in the day, Zach said that he had to take care of some errands. I waited around the room, begging for someone's company.
"Soon, it was the day that you were coming home. Zach had given me a cup to tea to drink, and I sipped it, then I fell asleep, not knowing that he had poisoned me. Then I woke up and you were at the door. I screamed you name, I tried to get to you, but, as always, Zach was holding me back. You got into your car without even thinking twice about it."
"Skye, I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I should have believe him-"
"It wasn't your fault," I said, pressing my fingers to his lips. "Just let me finish." He nodded.
"After that, we had gotten into another argument, and he raped me again. This time, I thought it hurt much more, because he was letting his anger out. He got dressed after he was finished, and said that he had some errands to run. When he left, I decided to clean the room, because it was beginning to turn into a pig sty.
"As I was cleaning above the entertainment center, I noticed a small compartment. I opened it, and found a key. I didn't know what it went to, so I tried everything that had a key needed for it. I finally found out what it was for. It was for the balcony door. Just as I was opening it, Zach was unlocking the door, so I bolted to put the key back and lay down on the bed like nothing had happened. He complimented my cleaning skills, and went to bed, and I realized that this would be the last time that I would be sleeping in his bed. Freedom was mine.
"The next day, I sat by the window, looking at the rain pouring down the window. I changed into my regular clothes, and waited for Zach to go out and do his errands until I could escape. I went to fetch the key, and stupidly enough, he left his cellphone there. I called 9-1-1 to report what he had done, and unlocked the door, and Zach's hand fell upon my shoulder.
" 'I thought that you were acting suspicious today,' he said. I punched his jaw and made a mad dash for the balcony. I started to climb down the vines, but he caught up with me. He had realized that I had called the police, and he started to climb down to get me. I was on the ground, running from him, but he scooped me up and started to carry me back to the house, but one of the officers shot him with a non lethal weapon, and he dropped me, and I ran to the police for safety." I was crying now, my shoulder heaving with my sobs. Brad hugged me.
"And then, that's it. That's all I have to tell," I whispered, sniffling. Brad kissed my hair and sighed.
"You went through a lot," he said softly, wrapping his arms around me tightly. I nodded.
"Let's get to bed, you need your rest, let's go to bed," Brad suggested, and stood up and helped me dress for bed. I crawled under the covers, turned out the light, and kissed Brad goodnight.
"Goodnight," I whispered.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered back. I gulped.
That night, I had another nightmare.
A visit to Dark Shadows
As Brad's car pulled up to the house, a cold shiver ran up my spine. I thought I would never be back here again. Brad came around and opened the door for me, taking my hand and helping me out of the car. I sighed, and stared back at the house which held so many bad remembrances for me. My feet moved across the wet grass, still damp from the recent rains. I stared at the door for a minute, wondering if I would really go inside. My hand traveled to my jean pocket, where mysteriously, was my house key. I watched it glimmer in the sunlight, and shoved it into the keyhole. The lock clicked, and the door creaked open.
Everything was just how it had been since the last time I had been here. Some of the candles still remained from the dinner. My lip trembled as I stepped forward and walked over to the stairs. Brad followed obediently, holding my hand tightly, our fingers laced together. The wind whistled through the windows, sounding like whispers. Soon, I stared at my bedroom door. My trembling hand went to the door knob, and threw the door open.
Everything had been the same since I had been in here last, just like the living room. I glanced around the room quickly, my eyes drifting over every item. Brad walked over to the closet and threw the doors open, bringing out my things and placing them on the bed. I went to my dresser and started to take out my things also and pack them in suitcases I had found in the hall closet.
"I'll be right back," Brad said, and went downstairs to fetch boxes. I looked around the room. There wasn't anything more that I could do. I sighed and stepped out into the hallway. Down the hall, Zach's bedroom door was cracked. My heart thumped faster. Then, I made a decision.
I was going back to my prison. The place where Zach had held me for about 4 weeks. My footsteps thundered in my ears as I walked to the door, pushing it open. Memories flooded to my head, making me dizzy for a moment, but I fought it off and walked inside. The bed was unmade, the clothes were piled on the floor, the balcony door was still open, the compartment where Zach had hid the key, was still open also. I stepped forward, running my fingers along the bedspread.
"I knew you would come back. You do love me after all," Zach said behind me. I turned around, and screamed once he had grabbed my shoulders.
"Do not cry my darling," he said.
"Skye!" Brad called from a distance. I tried to fight Zach off when he tried to embrace me. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
"Skye! No! It's me! Brad!" Brad shouted. I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Skye," he whispered, stroking back my hair. I opened my eyes slowly, and looked up. It was Brad who was embracing me, not Zach.
"Brad," I moaned, crumbling to the floor. Brad helped me back up. "Look at what's he's doing to me," I sobbed.
"Come on, let's go put your stuff downstairs and get out of here as fast as we can," he said softly. I nodded and buried my face into his chest. Brad walked with me back to my room, and grabbed the last things that I needed, then loaded it into the car.
"Do you want to take your car?" Brad asked. A small, weak smile crept upon my lips. My pretty little red car. I nodded, and looked around for my keys. Zach had taken them from me, and I had no idea where he had put them. I found them under the bed, and ran downstairs, slamming the front door behind me. I ran into the garage, and crawled into my car, my perfume welcoming me. I smiled, sighed, and started up the engine. I pulled out of the garage, and rolled down my window.
"Just follow me," he said, and sped off. I was close behind him. Since it was so quiet in the car, I turned on the radio.
"Yesterday afternoon, Zachary James was arrested yesterday for counts of kidnapping and raping his 19 year old stepdaughter, Skye Lawrence. Skye was put under house arrest when Zach had confessed his love for her, and claimed that he wanted her all to himself. After 4 weeks of captivity, Skye finally found a way out of the house, and called the police. Wacky story, huh?" Tears came to my eyes. How could people be so . . . cruel? I turned off the radio, thinking that the story would be pasted on every radio station there was.
Soon, we arrived at Brad's apartment complex. It was a 15 story complex that looked more like a 4 star hotel. I crawled out of the car, slamming the door, and helped Brad unload the things out of the car. We loaded it onto the elevator, and pressed the 5 floor button, riding up slowly. Brad unlocked the door, and entered. It was a large 2 room apartment, with a large kitchen and 2 bathrooms. Some of the furniture was already unloaded. Brad turned to me.
"Why don't you go and take a nap in the bedroom? I'll take care of everything," Brad said.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?" I asked. He shook his head, and I sighed.
"OK then, but wake me up when you need any help," I said and shuffled into the bedroom. The bed was made with blue plaid sheets. I kicked off my shoes, and crawled into bed, hugging a pillow to me. Fatigue slipped over me quickly, and soon, I was sound asleep.
A storm washed over the apartment quickly. Brad was asleep beside me, and I was wide awake, my eyes glued to the ceiling. I thought I heard the front door open, which made me sit up quickly. It couldn't be, I thought. I grabbed my robe and put it on quickly, pulling the rope taught. I looked at Brad for a moment, kissed his forehead, and slowly walked out into the living room.
The window was cracked, a small breeze lifting my hair up. I circled the house, checking closets, the spare bedroom, the bathrooms, and the closets. Finally, after I had convinced myself that Zach couldn't have possibly entered the house, I walked down the hall, back to the bedroom. A hand came around and slapped itself over my mouth as an arm went around my waist and pulled me away from the door. I screamed, but it was muffled by the hand. I looked up. Zach was smiling coldly, kissing the top of my forehead. I tried to pry his arm off my waist, and his hand off of my mouth, but he held on firmly. I shook my head.
"Don't struggle darling, just make this easy for me, for once," he whispered. I shook my head and tried to bite his hand. He pulled me violently in the other direction.
"You just don't learn, do you?" he asked, pulling out rope somehow from his pocket. He tied my hands to my sides and wrapped a bandana around my mouth. He scooped me up and kissed the tip of my nose. I pulled my head away, but his hand pushed it back.
"Time to go home," he said merrily, and headed out the door, slamming it behind him.
I jolted up in bed, my clothes sticking to my body because of sweat. I looked at the room. More things had been moved inside. I caught my breath and threw the covers off of my legs, and walked into the living room. Brad was in the kitchen, making dinner. He noticed I had woken up and smiled and walked over to me.
"How are you feeling? Did you sleep good?" he asked. I nodded.
"Yes," I lied. He walked back over to the oven.
"What do you think?" he asked. I looked around the house. It had been set up nicely.
"It turned out very nice," I complimented.
"I know it's small, but when I get a good job, we'll get a house, one even bigger than Dark Shadows," he joked. I smiled.
"This is just fine, this is . . . cozy," I replied. He opened the oven door and pulled out lasagna. I smiled and walked over to the table.
"He buys his own apartment, and he cooks," I muttered teasingly. He smirked and dished some out to me. I picked up my fork, and started to eat.
"You look a little flustered," Brad noticed.
"I was really hot," I replied quickly. He shrugged. "This is really good," I said, diverting the conversation.
"To be honest, it's the store brand," he admitted. I smiled.
"You did good," I told him and squeezed his hand. I finished my dinner quickly, and put my dishes in the sink.
"I'll do dishes tonight," Brad offered. I nodded, and walked into my room to change into my pajamas. As I was emptying my pockets, Lydia Becker's business card appeared. I bit my lip, wondering if I should give her a call this late. I shrugged, and picked up the phone. I dialed the number, and listened to the phone ring.
"Hello, Lydia Becker's office," A woman greeted quickly.
"Can I speak to Mrs. Becker please?" I asked, she put me on hold, and I waited for a few moments.
"Hello? Mrs. Becker speaking," she greeted kindly. I smiled.
"Hi, I'm Skye Lawrence. I'm sure you must have heard about me now. One of your clients recommended you to me," I blurted, realizing that I sounded so stupid.
"Oh, yes, Skye. Hello," she replied. "Which client recommended me?"
"Robin Monroe."
"Ah, yes, Robin. I helped her get her divorce," she said knowingly.
"That's what I was hoping that you could do for me. Get a divorce."
"A divorce? How old are you?" she cried.
"Only 19. I guess that you haven't read the newspapers," I muttered.
"Oh, oh gosh. I'm so sorry. Yes, I remember reading about it. Speak no more. I'll make an appointment to see you. Let me check my calendar," she said quickly and put me on hold. I lay back on the bed, and waited. Brad walked into the room. He gave me a questioned look, and sat down next to me. Mrs. Becker came back onto the phone.
"OK Skye, how about 12:00 tomorrow? That's the only opening I have."
"Yes, that will be fine," I said to her.
"OK, well since I still have a while before I leave for home. I'll contact Mr. James's lawyer and get all of his important paperwork," she replied. I nodded, and hung up when the phone had gone dead in my hand. I turned to Brad as he held my waist and pulled me towards him.
"Who was that?" he asked.
"Our new lawyer, Mrs. Lydia Becker," I replied. He raised his eyebrow.
"What do we need a lawyer for?" he asked.
"A divorce," I whispered. He sucked in his breath. "I guess you haven't heard all of my story."
"I guess not." I sighed and began.
"A few days after you had left, Zach was acting stranger than normal. He had disconnected the phone lines. He had dismissed all of the servants and the maids. He stopped going to work. He fed me an excuse that he could work at home now. They day you had left, we had gotten into a big argument, I forgot what it was about, and I wanted to get out. Zach said I couldn't leave, and he took my keys from me and locked me into my room.
"Later on that night, Zach announced that he had made a special dinner. I thought that was odd, and went downstairs to see what he had made. He had made all of my favorite things, so I thought it was harmless, and had a quiet dinner with him, noticing that he couldn't keep his eyes off of me.
"I had a few glasses of wine, which made me kinda dizzy, and when I went up to my room to go to bed, I stumbled on the stairs, and had Zach carry me up. When we walked passed my room, I panicked. He told me that my room was being repaired, and so were the other guest rooms. I told him that I could sleep in the living room, but he said that wasn't necessary. He carried me into his room and lay me down on the bed, locking the door behind him.
"I leaped for the door and tried to get out, but he was too quick, and he lay me back down, and started to undress me. I struggled to get out from underneath him, but he was too strong, and in the end, he . . . raped me. I cried myself to sleep that night, wondering if you would ever come to get me soon.
"The next day, Zach had some . . . shocking news to give me. He told me that we were getting married. I couldn't believe my ears. Married? Was he insane? Just as he was explaining, I noticed that the balcony door was cracked.
"I bolted for it of course. I swung my leg over to climb over, but I messed up somehow, and I slipped and I was hanging on for dear life. Zach pulled me up, and after he did, he raped me again. Afterwards, he got into the shower.
"So many things ran in my mind after that. I wondered why you weren't making an effort to see me. Why nobody was wondering where I could be, even Brian of all people. I was so scared. It seemed every other minute I was crying. Then, I had remembered the gun you had given me for protection from Zach. I checked the door, and luckily, it was unlocked, so I leaped out of the room to go get it. And as I was just opening the box, Zach grabbed my waist and pulled me away. Finally, I grabbed the gun.
"We stared at each other for a minute, just daring each other to do something. But Zach made the first mood. He came behind me and tried to pry the gun from my hands. I shot the gun too late, and it the bullet ended up in the wall. I wouldn't be surprised if it still isn't there. He pointed the gun at my head and asked me where the gun came from, and I began to cry, then told him that I got it from you. He led me back into the room, and told me to get into the shower.
"I made it as hot as I could stand it. I wanted to wash away any memory of this day. I got out, my skin raw from scrubbing so hard. I dressed in the red prom dress that I had brought, and waited for the minister to get there." I closed my eyes and sighed, my tears about to fall freely from my eyes. This was hard to talk about, but I had to do it. I couldn't keep Brad out of the dark like this. He deserved to know.
"Skye?" he asked, holding my hand. I bit my lip, sucked my tears back, and started again.
"The minister had arrived, and I was so nervous. I didn't want this marriage at all. I didn't listen to the ceremony, I just stared at the floor. When Zach had told me to say I do, I told him that I didn't want to. He threatened to kill me with the gun if I didn't. So I had said it. I had said yes to Zach. He kissed me, and I ran up to my room, shutting and locking both doors with the chain lock and propped up doorknobs so that he couldn't possibly get in.
"I crawled into bed and cried myself to sleep that night, wondering why you weren't calling or coming over. I wanted you so badly, and I knew that you were away, but I couldn't help feeling selfish though.
"In the morning, I woke up in Zach's bedroom. Somehow, he got into my room and carried me into his bedroom. Later on in the day, Zach said that he had to take care of some errands. I waited around the room, begging for someone's company.
"Soon, it was the day that you were coming home. Zach had given me a cup to tea to drink, and I sipped it, then I fell asleep, not knowing that he had poisoned me. Then I woke up and you were at the door. I screamed you name, I tried to get to you, but, as always, Zach was holding me back. You got into your car without even thinking twice about it."
"Skye, I'm so sorry, I didn't know. I should have believe him-"
"It wasn't your fault," I said, pressing my fingers to his lips. "Just let me finish." He nodded.
"After that, we had gotten into another argument, and he raped me again. This time, I thought it hurt much more, because he was letting his anger out. He got dressed after he was finished, and said that he had some errands to run. When he left, I decided to clean the room, because it was beginning to turn into a pig sty.
"As I was cleaning above the entertainment center, I noticed a small compartment. I opened it, and found a key. I didn't know what it went to, so I tried everything that had a key needed for it. I finally found out what it was for. It was for the balcony door. Just as I was opening it, Zach was unlocking the door, so I bolted to put the key back and lay down on the bed like nothing had happened. He complimented my cleaning skills, and went to bed, and I realized that this would be the last time that I would be sleeping in his bed. Freedom was mine.
"The next day, I sat by the window, looking at the rain pouring down the window. I changed into my regular clothes, and waited for Zach to go out and do his errands until I could escape. I went to fetch the key, and stupidly enough, he left his cellphone there. I called 9-1-1 to report what he had done, and unlocked the door, and Zach's hand fell upon my shoulder.
" 'I thought that you were acting suspicious today,' he said. I punched his jaw and made a mad dash for the balcony. I started to climb down the vines, but he caught up with me. He had realized that I had called the police, and he started to climb down to get me. I was on the ground, running from him, but he scooped me up and started to carry me back to the house, but one of the officers shot him with a non lethal weapon, and he dropped me, and I ran to the police for safety." I was crying now, my shoulder heaving with my sobs. Brad hugged me.
"And then, that's it. That's all I have to tell," I whispered, sniffling. Brad kissed my hair and sighed.
"You went through a lot," he said softly, wrapping his arms around me tightly. I nodded.
"Let's get to bed, you need your rest, let's go to bed," Brad suggested, and stood up and helped me dress for bed. I crawled under the covers, turned out the light, and kissed Brad goodnight.
"Goodnight," I whispered.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered back. I gulped.
That night, I had another nightmare.
