I wake up in a bed that is definitely not mine and it worries me. It's five in the morning according to the alarm clock. Looking around doesn't help either because it's unfamiliar. I slowly get up, feeling woozy and numb. My legs are bare and I see my leggings sloppily folded on a chair.
I pull them on before venturing off into this mysterious house or apartment. I need to find out who lives here and how I got here. The door leads to a room with five other doors and a staircase. Heading towards the staircase seems like the better option so I go there. The whole place is dimly lit and the light coming from the windows is basically my only guide through the dark.
"Luna! You're up!" A voice exclaims and I turn around.
"Mr. Venne?" I question tilting my head.
"Don't you remember last night?" He seems hurt, but I have no clue as to why.
"Actually . . no. How did I end up here?" I rub my forehead, still feeling strange.
"You were quite upset last night. I gave you something and I thought it would help . . uhm . . calm down, but it seems to have an unknown side effect . . memory loss."
"What?" I exclaim, my eyes widening.
"It was just a small pill. It's not a big deal." He steps closer and I step back.
"Yes . . it is! You drugged me!"
"Luna, don't be ridiculous. We had fun and . . and-"
"Fun?" I exclaim, trying to process everything."You are my teacher!"
"Stop yelling at me." He warns and I laugh.
"You. Fucking. Drugged. Me." I state pausing between each word.
"Stop talking to me like that, sweetheart. Come with me." He tries to grab my hand and I swat him away, earning a glare.
"Where's the bathroom?" I avoid the raging fire that's starting to ignite in his dark green eyes.
"Right there. I'll be waiting upstairs. It's the door right across from the bathroom." He stares at me for a second too long and I notice how tired he looks. His bloodshot eyes look like he hasn't slept in months.
"Thanks."
I walk to the bathroom, locking the door behind me. Glancing in the mirror causes me to cringe. My thick hair looks straggly and knotted like it hasn't been washed or even brushed in days. My normal greyish blue eyes look dull and lifeless, with bags under them. The eyeliner I put on yesterday is now smeared and makes me look raccoon-like. I may love raccoons, but not when I look like one that got run over . . four times.
After studying my terrible appearance, I look for a way out. There's a small window that I could possibly squeeze through, but when I look closer I notice that it doesn't open. I flush the toilet even though I didn't go and turn on the sink to help me think of a plan. I could just leave, but I don't know if the front door is locked. Frustration takes over me and I roughly rub my eyeliner off with a damp towel.
"Luna? Is everything okay in there?" Mr. Venne calls out.
"Yes! I'll be out in a minute." I respond in a tight voice, knowing I've taken too long.
"Do you want tea or something?" Perfect, I'll find a window up here while he makes tea.
"Sure." I open the door as he tells me to wait here.
Mr. Venne walks towards the stairs and I wait until I hear movement downstairs to make my escape. I try each of the five doors, only three of them are unlocked. I try the windows in the three rooms, but only one opens. I see that it'll be a two story drop into a woodpile. I consider my options and decide it's worth the risk.
"Fuck it." I mutter under my breath as I prepare to jump out.
I remember to take a running start then dive out the window, rolling ungracefully as I hit the ground. My joints will be semi-okay this way instead of me just jumping and landing on my feet. This was a skill set I acquired throughout the years and I'm thankful for it. Taking in my surroundings, I realize I have no idea where I am. It's a woodsy area which isn't shocking at all and I roll my eyes at the cliche. I head for the front, sticking to the treeline.
The sun is rising and I use that to my advantage, using the shadows as a cover. I jog, looking behind me every couple seconds to make sure Mr. Venne didn't somehow follow me. I notice the iron fence, realizing how difficult this will be.
"Luna!" Mr. Venne calls through the window or at least that's what it sounds like.
I find a break in the trees and run as quick as I can. There's a little cottage, but I won't go in since there's a road that could lead out of here. I follow the cobblestone path and end up on a dusty back road that doesn't have any houses around. I go the opposite of Mr. Venne's house and quicken my pace. He continues to call for me, but ignoring it is what I choose to do.
"Astrid, if you don't come out from wherever you are right now . . I'll fucking kill you when I do find you!" He threatens. Who the fuck is Astrid?
I keep pushing forward, my heart thumping a million miles a minute. There has to be a house around here somewhere or maybe even a car driving past. When I finally see a car, I flag it down and stop running. I get in after the young woman allows it.
"Hi, I'm Avalon. What's your name?" She asks with a friendly smile, tucking her dark brown hair behind her hair.
"Hi, I'm Luna." I respond, weirded out by how familiar this stranger looks.
"It's nice to meet you, I was just on my way home. My boyfriend, Dimitri was expecting me." She continues driving, pulling into the cobblestone driveway.
"Can I borrow your phone?" I blurt out.
"Sure." She hands me a phone and I call Helio almost immediately.
"Luna?" Helio desperately asks after he answers. Avalon leaves the car and I stay in it.
"Helio, I'm so sorry. Please come and get me. I don't know where I'm at, but I want to come home." Tears form in my eyes.
"Baby, it's okay. I'll find you and bring you home. Just wait, okay?''
"Please hurry. Mr. Venne practically kidnapped me and I'm terrified."
"Okay, I found where you're at. I'll be there in thirty-five minutes. Be safe, I lo-" He cuts himself off and the rustling around from before, halts.
"Don't worry, I love you. I think I realized that last night, I just couldn't admit it to you."
"I know, sweetheart. I shouldn't have been so honest with you." A door slams.
"No, you shouldn't have to apologize. I was the one ran out and got kidnapped." I joke, hearing another door shut.
"I looked him up, Mr. Venne. He's a child molester who's real name is Mac Eliotts. He used to teach at a school two states over, but got caught with a fifteen year old who could honestly be your sister." My heart drops when I hear him say that.
"Helio, he fucking drugged me! What if he . . what if he . ." I can't speak anymore.
"I'll kick his ass."
''Have you left yet?''
"Yes. Ambrose called the police and I have Alden with me."
"Please hurry. I can't hide in this car forever."
"I know, darling. Get out and if he tries to touch you, fucking kick his ass."
"Uh-oh. He sees me. I gotta go."
"Please be safe."
"I will." I hang up and get out.
