Chapter 4

Hospital room… July 23

I was running, yet again, through the woods. I was ALWAYS running! And, it was ALWAYS from him.

I couldn't help it. I had to look behind me. The curiosity and apprehension were just too much to handle.

When I did so, there he was. Chasing me… and getting closer. My eyes went from the mask on his face to the dagger in his left hand.

He would murder me this time.

I kept running. I had to keep running. I couldn't stop. If I did, I would die. But, one cannot run forever. My pace was slowing, his was speeding up.

And then, he was upon me. Knife at my throat, I knew it was all over…

My eyes flew open, and I sat bolt upright in the hospital bed, cold sweat on my forehead. I let out a gasp of shock upon seeing Mr. Norris, the policeman, in a chair beside the bed. "Oh," I yelped in surprise. "I didn't know you were here."

"I'm sorry I startled you," he instantly apologized. "I just arrived. Were you having a nightmare?"

I could only nod in the affirmative. I didn't want to explain it.

It seemed he didn't need an explanation. He probably knew the gist of what it was about. "Um.. well, will you continue where you left off yesterday? Do you feel up to it?"

"Yes, I need to continue." I waited until he pressed 'record' on the recorder before continuing the story.

--

Flashback to… July 16

Freedom had never felt so good, yet so frightening. I was walking as fast as I could through the woods expecting him to show up at any time. Please don't let him find me again… Please.. I was still in so much pain. I really didn't think I could endure anymore of it.

Minutes felt like hours as I walked further and further. When will the woods end? It looked as though it wouldn't be anytime soon.

I was so sick of being afraid, so sick of not knowing what would happen next. I didn't even know for sure how long I had been away from normal society. I wonder what Meg is thinking.. and Aunt Giry… I could only hope someone was searching for me at that very moment. The thought of being rescued caused tears to gather in my eyes.. I wanted to feel safe so badly!

Every move I made caused my insides to throb horribly. I knew, if I were to be rescued, I would have to visit a hospital. I probably look awful! And I know I have at least one sprained or broken bone! I wonder what people will say if I get out of here… They'll think I'm weirder than they did before..

The seemingly never ending walk brought many thoughts to my mind. I'm so hungry! I wonder how long it's been since my last meal? I know what he did to me has probably made me hungrier. His violence has drained my energy… I'm so thirsty, too. Damn him!

It seemed like days were passing, although it was, most likely, hours. How much longer? I thought in agony. It had gotten to the point where I had to hold my immobile left arm with my right hand. Allowing it to stay at my side hurt because it would sway helplessly from side to side. My face hurt, and I had the most terrible pain between my legs! I just wanted to sit down and cry, but I knew it wouldn't change anything. I would just get weaker.

The sun was setting. Oh no! This is not good! Where was I to go? I definitely couldn't see to walk in the dark. Was I to sleep on the ground? I had never had to do that before. My God, what if he finds me while I'm sleeping?... Wait, what am I thinking? There's no way I'll be able to sleep!

I realized I was freaking out. If I can't see when it's dark, neither can he… right?

The sun set quickly, and I was forced to stop. Reluctantly, I sat on the ground against a tree.

I didn't close my eyes, except to blink. I would never make the mistake of closing my eyes or turning my back again.. not for a moment..

More than once, odd sounds caused me to jump in fear, but I never screamed. I wouldn't blow my cover! I'd come too far! I would defend myself, fight back, and do whatever I had to do to never be touched by a man again.

While sitting stiffly against the tree, my thoughts turned inward. I was definitely not the same girl as before this happened. I'd actually had hopes for love before the man in the mask entered the picture. Next to my other dream, singing on stage, the dream had been to find a guy who could love me for me. But no, my rapist's violence and violation had awakened an inner defiance in me. Never would I trust anyone ever again! Never…

--

The morning finally came, and I was completely exhausted. Somehow, I knew if I kept this treatment to my body up I wouldn't make it much longer. There was just no way. People needed food, water, rest, and health to survive. I had none of the above. I would die a slow agonizing death, and the bastard's initial plan would transpire.

But no, I would not lose hope. I wearily got to my feet and began walking. One step at a time.. Left.. Right.. Left.. Right.. I had to coach myself. I wouldn't work, otherwise.

Oh, how much longer must I walk?

Though I had no idea of it just then, my walk was to end soon. Then, things really would get interesting…

--

Hospital Room…

"Yes? And? You may continue, Ms. Daae," Mr. Norris said from the edge of his seat.

It seemed the talk had really worn me out. I didn't realize I had closed my eyes. "I'm really sorry, but I think I need to rest for a while. Could you come back later on today?"

"Yes, alright. I will come back later. Is 4:00 in the afternoon ok with you?"

"Yeah, that's good," I replied groggily.

With that, he left the room, although it seemed rather reluctant. It's not that I didn't want to tell the story. I did! But, the part I had yet to say was still so confusing, even to me. Somehow, I would figure it out, though.. When I get out of here…

--

Hospital Room… 4:00 pm

Right as the clock struck four, so did the knock on my door. "Come in," I called.

Mr. Norris walked in and sat at his usual place. "Did you rest well?" he asked, although I could tell he really didn't care as much about my rest as he did the rest of the story.

I decided to be honest. "No, not really, but it was good to think about resting."

"I understand. Now, where did we leave off?" He pressed the 'record' button, and I began.

--

Flashback to… July 17

I walked all day. My right arm ached, my head throbbed, and my lower body still felt as if it were damaged beyond repair. I felt so empty inside. It was definitely the worst feeling I had ever experienced.

The sun was beginning to set…again. I don't want night to come again! But, unfortunately, I was unable to control it.

My mind was so set on wanting the sun to come back, and my body felt so weak and empty, that I didn't even notice the opening in the woods ahead.

Slowly though, my clouded eyes observed the opening, and they widened. No, this couldn't be. The end? No more woods? Are you serious? I didn't even notice, but my feet began moving much faster than before. I sprinted towards my freedom! Freedom!

I made it! I had finally made it out! And, what was this? There was an old, large and eerily beautiful house about an acre away from where I was standing, just beyond the opening. A house! A real house! I could only stand and stare in awe.

But, no matter how wonderful it all looked, I still couldn't trust it. I couldn't trust anything. This could all be a mirage. As I continued walking, however, the house didn't disappear. Neither did the large garden in the back. It all looked very real. It looked so trustworthy.. so beautiful..

Right when the thought crossed my mind, though, I could barely make out something moving. A person moving towards me… Oh.. God, no! As he got closer, I backed away. This wasn't just any man! This man.. I couldn't see his face.. It was almost completely covered by.. a mask.. a white mask..

My right hand moved instinctively towards my mouth in horror. No! NO! All of my efforts! Wasted! NO! My vision blurred due to tears.

And, he was still coming closer! He didn't pause for a moment! No! I screamed in agony, turned, and ran back towards the woods. Tears fled my eyes, and my left arm moved freely in the air behind me.

My overwhelming shock and distress seemed to inhibit my ability to run properly. My efforts were cut short when I tripped and fell to the grass. "NO!" I screamed.

The man was suddenly right there, and I screamed as he rolled me over onto my back. I tried to kick at him, but he easily dodged my flinging legs. "Leave.. Me.. ALONE!" I yelled frantically.

He looked down at me, his light blue eyes invading my green ones. The last thing I remember was him saying, "Calm down," in a deep beautifully resonant voice, before I lost all consciousness.

--

Hospital room…

I stopped talking and made no notion to start again. Mr. Norris looked at me worriedly. "Ms. Daae?"

"I- I'm so confused…"

"What happened next? The kidnapper- what did he do to you?"

"That's just it. I'm not sure if he did anything at all." I spoke as if I were in a dream.

"What do you mean? You just weren't conscious through it?" He saw the lost look in my eyes and continued, "He found you. What happened next?"

"Mr.- Mr. Norris, are you sure he found me?"

"That is what you just said, Ms. Daae."

"Oh, did I?" I asked dazedly.

"Yes, you did."

"I mentioned a man in a mask, but I'm not sure it was him."

The policeman's eyes widened slightly in realization. "That's right. You did mention a white mask, not a black one."

"Exactly."

"So, you are not sure it was your kidnapper… But, Ms. Daae, who else could it be? It is not everyday one sees another in a mask."

"I know. That's why I'm confused…"

Right then, a nurse walked in. "Sir, you're going have to leave now. Christine needs her rest."

I was about to protest, but Mr. Norris just raised his hand in the negative. "We will talk more tomorrow, Ms. Daae. I think we are making great progress, though. Sleep, and I will come back in the morning."

"Ok," I said defeated. When he reached the door, I stopped him by asking, "Mr. Norris, you will find him, won't you?"

He looked at me with those pitying eyes and sincerely said, "I do hope so, Christine. I do hope so." He then left the room.