Kidnapped

Adjustments

Chapter 16:

Officer Spick stayed until dinner time, making sure I got acquainted with every room in the house, and every rule that followed. He made it a point to make sure I understood what would happen if I broke any of the rules, even the ones his mother didn't know about. When suppertime rolled around I was hungry enough to eat a horse, and Joyce cooked the whole thing for me. There was almost nothing left on my plate after two servings of her mashed potatoes, green beans, steak, and a thick brown gravy that topped everything off. I reached for the spoons to get a third helping, but snapped my hand back into my lap when Joyce's laugh startled me.

"You're acting like you've never had a meal before." She smiled. "Go ahead, you can have more."

I blushed. "Thank you. I'm just really hungry, and this is amazing. It really is. I haven't had food this good since my mom-" Joyce waited patiently for me to finish. I didn't want to say anything that would arouse suspicions of what my father did, I didn't want to risk being kicked out of the home. Like father like son. "Um- I mostly make my own meals, and I'm not a very good cook."

"Well, maybe you could help me in the kitchen some time." She beamed, then jerked her thumb at her husband playfully. "This guy just sits around all day." They share a look that could only be described as loving, and nothing else.

"So," Joyce hit me with her devilish gaze. "Now that Kevin Mc-Police-Pants isn't here, tell me about this girl."

My eyes suddenly became very focused on the plate in front of me. The hopelessness of the entire thing made my heart ache for what I couldn't have, what Ashley had given me a glimpse of when we were both trapped and afraid. I knew things had changed drastically, she wasn't afraid, she wasn't alone, she had him now and she felt safe in his arms. Of course, she wouldn't want me over him. Did anyone see HIM trying to kidnap and rape her? No. He's the hero of this tale, and the villain never gets the girl.

"Oh, c'mon." Joyce prodded lightly. "Don't be so shy. I promise I won't tell her." She winked at me.

"Well," I couldn't help but smile as her face flashed behind my eyes. "She's gorgeous. Her eyes are really something, you know? And her hair, it's like- this waterfall of gold around her shoulders. But her smile really gets me. I don't get to see it very often because- well, she kind of hates me, but it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Aside from her as a whole."

"Why does she hate you?" Joyce stood and began clearing the table. "You seem like such a charming young man."

I debated on whether or not to tell her. It seemed as though Spick, or rather Kevin, hadn't told her all of my situation. I stared at the plate in front of me intently and suddenly became aware that Earl was staring at me with enough force to drill holes into my skull. Suspicious actions bring about suspicious looks, and I reeked of trouble. My heart started thudding in my chest, I didn't want to tell them what I've done and risk losing the perfect life I was beginning. If Spick didn't tell them, he must've had a reason to not say anything.

What if they kick me out?

Panic seized me and threatened to turn into hysteria. I knew my dad was hunting me, if I was stuck on the street he would find me. There would be no one around to help me if he found me. I couldn't go back to him. Thousands of "sessions" raced around my head, my own screams filling my ears, dulled memories of the pain returning to my body. I couldn't go back. No. Things would be so much worse; he wouldn't kill me. He'd keep me alive, he'd torture me until I begged for death. I've seen him do it, and I knew he would be more than happy to do it to me. Blood lines mean nothing to him. I may be his son, but if I'm a problem, I'm just collateral damage.

"Oh honey, you're shivering." Joyce's hand was cool against my skin. "Are you alright?"

"Um- yes." I shook my head to clear it. "I just- I don't want to talk about that anymore, if that's okay. It brings back- bad memories."