Captive in Plain Sight

Sapte || Surrender

Beep...beep...beep. A loud foreign noise interrupted her sleep.

She ignored it, keeping her eyes closed. She felt like death.

Beep...beep...beep. It kept on.

My alarm doesn't sound like this, she thought. Where am I?

She opened her eyes to deal with the noise and realized she was at her apartment, in her bed. The day was bright, and she put her arm over her eyes to block out the light. Mila was not a morning person. Something heavy hit her in the face, and she opened her eyes - it was the watch. It all came flooding back to her.

It hadn't been a dream, and it was the watch Alec gave her that was beeping. It was like a super chic version of an Apple Watch. She annoyedly tapped the screen a few times to silence it. When it didn't work, she pressed the button on the side. It read noon and that she had one new video message. She swiped the screen to open it.

"Good morning, Mila," Alec's face appeared on the screen. Mila drew in a sharp breath. "I know last night was a shock for you, and I figured you might need a little time to come to terms with the situation," he said.

"Which is why I want to give you until sunset today to get some things out of your system before adjusting to your new life. Eat a burrito, enjoy a movie alone, or go for a bike ride. These are some things you won't be able to do for a while, so make it count. I don't care what you do as long as you follow my rules... Most importantly, you'll need to break up with Evan."

Mila's heart dropped. What a nightmare. The message continued:

"On your table I've left you enough cash to enjoy your day, I'm keeping your credit cards and IDs indefinitely. Just in case you're doubting my ability to make good on my promises, I've also left you a present on your phone. When you come to me at the end of the day, everything will be resolved."

Resolved? She thought. What does that even mean?

"Remember my rules," he reiterated. "I'll be watching."  The video ended.

She needed to find her purse and phone to see how much damage he had done. Jumping out of her bed, she immediately saw her purse sitting on her royal blue couch table next to a maroon envelope, her phone, and faux book box where she kept important odds and ends. She opened her tiny black party purse to find only her Nordstrom debit card. However, she wasn't totally dismayed until she opened the box.

"Fuck!" She yelled in Portuguese. "Fucking shit!" Her passport was gone. Without it, she had no form of ID, and her ability to travel was completely halted. Alec was three steps ahead of her.

She began to panic when she noticed her cell phone screen flashing. She had 11 missed calls, 5 voicemails, and 10 text messages. Her mom, dad, Alicia and Evan had all been trying to get in contact her while she was sleeping. Her texts read:

-- Evan Young -- 1:30 a.m.
Hey babe, how was your night? I'm so sorry I couldn't make it, but I'm feeling better now.

-- Melia Black -- (Mom)-- 8:30 a.m.
Hey honey, call me. Alicia's mom just called and let us know Alicia's been in a car accident.

-- Melia Black -- (Mom) -- 9:15 a.m.
Called you again, call me back as soon as you get this.

-- Evan Young -- 9:30 a.m.
Your mom and brother have been texting me all morning asking where you are. Alicia's been in an accident, but it looks like she's going to be alright. A few broken bones. Call them when you can. I know you're busy so I'll see you for dinner at Elliott's.