Kidnapped

Cuts- 14

Alex tossed Chris, who was soothingly running a finger over my shoulder, a towel and left us alone in the bathroom. 

Quietly Chris held up the towel and turned his head away from me. I had little care for modesty as I slowly uncoiled my tense body and grabbed the towel. With shaking hands, I quickly wrapped it around myself, grateful for its large size. Chris turned towards me and softly said, "I'll help, you out." He then tried to carry me, but I shuddered and backed away, almost slipping as I stood in the soapy bath water. "I'm not going to hurt you, Emma, I want to help you." 

One look at the floor, and I nodded in compliance. Carefully and slowly, as he tried not to frighten me, Chris pulled me into his arms. He carried me out of the bathroom, his face stern. I took careful note of every behavior he displayed, his clenched jaw, his sharp blue eyes, and his gentle grip as he slowly settled me down on the mattress in 'my room'. 

"I'll be right back, I will get you something warm to wear and bring the first aid kit." With a careful look down at my limbs, I took note of the reopened cuts and blossoming bruises on my pale skin. I scooted back, wanting to curl into myself, and simply nodded. 

Alone and unsupervised I mindlessly started picking at my cuts, reopening wounds and picking at scabs. I felt like ripping my skin off. Blood was caked under my nails by the time Chris and Alex came back. Alex's brows shot up at the sight while Chris's gaze hardened at me. I dug my nails into my upper arms and coiled away, not able to handle any more wrath. 

"Emma, why did you do that?" Alex asked, his eyes scanning my reopened cuts and the blood oozing out. And I wish I knew how to explain this compulsion, to feel the warm blood stream out of my sliced skin. I wish I could explain that it feels like I'm draining my emotional pain away. But anything I say would only be met with confusion and more uncomfortable questions. So I simply shrugged and stared down at my feet. 

"Emma, I am going to need you to show me where your cuts are, so I can disinfect and patch them up," Chris said softly, but firmly. His demand made me tremble with the feeling of invasion and shame. 

"No..." I whispered, still staring at my feet, my toes curling. Hoping that maybe by curling up tightly enough, I'd manage to cease existing.  

"I wasn't asking," Chris whispered in reply. His tone was soft, but when I met his icy eyes, I knew he wasn't gonna let me have my way with this. 

"Can I wear something first?" I looked longingly at the pile of clothes they brought me. 

"Fine," Chris answered after a long moment, his eyes hardening as he examined my body. 

They gave me one minute to get dressed before they came back inside the room. I was wearing a tank top and girl boxers. Alex said he went to get me some clothes. I took note of the fact that we must be located near an outlet. Meaning I had a chance of getting help if I were to just be able to leave this damn house. 

"Okay, lay down and relax, I am gonna start by cleaning the cuts." Chris gently pushed my shoulders down to the mattress. 

I started shaking, hugging my arms toward my heaving chest. I felt oh so very vulnerable in that position. 

"Shhh, it's okay, Emma. I'm not here to hurt you, nor am I gonna do anything funny." Chris soothingly stroked my cheek with his thumb. "Shhh, you're safe now." He cooed. He continued soothing me until my body relaxed a bit. Then he started his work. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be to have Chris take care of my abused body. He was gentle and stopped to ease my fear whenever my body tensed. Meanwhile, Alex cleaned the bathroom, popping his head out to look at us every now and then. Alex threw me a few soft, sympathetic smiles as Chris worked, and I found myself dozing off. 

I felt a needle prickle my forearm and was startled. I tried sitting up, but Chris gentled me back down. "Shhh, It's ok, this will help you sleep. Just relax, you're safe." 

I whimpered but couldn't fight the sleep. With a small sigh, I gave in and let myself drift away into the land of dreams. 

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Art by: Ko Byung Jun