*~Chapter Fourteen: Unfairness~*
Marty shook her head. She was trembling as she began to speak. "I can't live like this... in this- this prison. I can't be with you under these conditions. I love you, Todd. I always have... but you scare me. You scare me so much when you are like this. You kidnapped me, you threatened me with a knife, you nearly forced yourself on me-."
"You wanted it. You know that you wanted it!"
Marty hesitated for a minute before speaking. "Yes, I did enjoy it and yes, I do want you... but you are out of control, Todd. You have a violent streak... and I can't be with you like this!" Marty cried out. "You gotta let me go. Please, Todd, let Cass and I go... and after I have some time to think and a chance to come to terms with everything, I will give you my decision. It has to be MY decision. You can't just keep me here against my will. It's not fair to me... and it's not fair to our daughter." She didn't want to give him the wrong impression so she told the truth.
A few minutes passed. The waiting seemed like an eternity. Marty's shoulders slumped. She was so afraid that he'd never let her go- that she would have to remain his prisoner forever. Just when she had lost almost all of her hope, Todd spoke up and surprised her.
"Alright, Marty. I will let you go," Todd said softly. He was agreeing, but it was with deep reluctance.
There was no joy for either of them ... only sadness. But Todd had realized that he had to set Marty and Cassandra free. He realized that he had no right to keep them locked up in his Victorian mansion. Even with all it's luxuries, it had become just like a prison. As he agreed to set Marty free, he was struck with so much unfairness.
*Marty should be with me!* Todd's heart was crying out. *We belong together!*