You're Mine

23. Ash

7.05.19

When I was in my hiding spot, all I could think about was the footsteps that were near me. It hadn't even crossed my mind that something was amiss, and I just kept to myself in hope that I would receive whatever prize they saw fit for me. The entire school was eerily silent, but I ignored the feeling of unrest that spread around my entire body and just stayed still. I'm sure whatever it is can wait. Being in the same position for so long was beginning to hurt my back, but I didn't mind. All I could think about was Alex and soon being able to see him again. Just the very thought filled up my heart with joy, and I held onto my position until I was discovered around noon.

I was taken through the dark, empty halls to the gym, and I looked around for Alex as soon as I got there. I know that he would find it challenging to just sit still, so I had assumed that he was already found from moving too loudly when a teacher was around. However, I was surprised when he wasn't in the gym., so I just sat in the corner waiting for 3pm to roll around. When it did, they called throughout the whole school that the game was over and to meet in the gym. I looked all around the mass of students to see if I could find Alex, but I came up empty handed. Where could he possibly be? He didn't fall asleep... Right?

Then it made sense. This whole game was a setup. They wanted me to take my attention off of Alex and keep it away until he was long gone. The pain hit my chest while I walked home slowly. The last time I was here he was with me with his hand in my grasp. I won't let them take away my soulmate; I won't allow them to ruin my life without a fight. I have to find him, even if it's the last thing I do. I stormed through the camp before actually knocking on Kailey's door this time, and she let me in after a few moments.

"What is it Ashton," she breathed clearly buried under a mountain of work. I don't want to burden her further with my issues, but I really have to. If I want to find Alex I can't realistically do it by myself. I need a force to stand behind me if I'm going to tear down his father once and for all.

"I really really need help with something."

"Get to the point already can't you see I have a lot going on?"

"Well, you see, I took my eyes off of my mate for two seconds at school and now he's been kidnapped by his insane father, and I could really use help getting it back."

"Ash I don't have time for pranks, would you please just let me be."

"This isn't a prank! I need your help!" An exterior force seemed to push me to go outside, so I let it. I stood out in the trees when I saw I beam of blue light shoot up from a few miles away. I know what that is.

"Found him," I muttered to Kailey. Then the rain burst out and I lost sight of the glow. My tears mixed in with the rain on my face. The first lead I had and I lost it.

It was 30 minutes until the storm stopped abruptly. I felt the energy I had remaining drain out of my system rapidly before I collapsed on the ground. This must be what he's feeling... I can't believe that I've just allowed him to be taken. I should have kept him with me throughout the entire game, but I was too focused on winning. Screw my competitive nature.

Kailey fluttered around me nervously, obviously confused about my sudden reduction of energy. My eyes were demanding to be closed, but I had to keep them open; I have to try and remember exactly where the light came from. I have to go find him, no matter what. My body shut down without my will, though, and I felt my mind tug me relentlessly into a dreamlike vision.

Alex stood in front of me, but he was talking to a girl. What reason would he have to be talking to someone of the other gender? Didn't he tell me that he was completely gay, and that there was no way that he would ever even think about being with someone else?

"Who needs you when I have this beautiful girl to hold onto?" Alex asked me, turning around. His face was twisted with disgust when he saw me, and the feeling of despair spread around my entire body. How dare he talk to me like this? And in front of another person. I locked eyes with the mark on his neck, but the surrounding skin was slightly red and puffy... The sign of a soulmate losing interest. This can't be happening to me, he has to stay with me. Someone must have gone in and messed around with his mind, that's the only way. Unless my father was right and everything is a hoax... Alex wouldn't do that to me I'm sure of it... Unless he would.

"I'm so glad that my father kidnapped me. He let me see how worthless you really are," he laughed, the chuckle following sinister. Liquid pooled at the edge of my eyes, and I recalled telling him that worthlessness was my one true weakness. Why would he exploit that now? I never asked for this, I never asked for him to be the one to tear me apart beyond repair...

"N-no, please!" I begged, crying. "Please don't leave me." Just the sound of my voice broken made me cringe slightly, but I chose to ignore it in order to continue asking him not to leave me behind. I can't handle it if he does, it'll break me beyond repair. I don't want to be broken, please don't tear me down...

"Pathetic," he snapped with his lips curled up still in a snarl. He looked so different, so... Not him. What is happening, have I been seeing a fraud this entire time or is he fundamentally different.

Alex then kissed the girl right in front of me, and I fell onto my knees. The horrible rejection flowed through my veins, and I felt as if I was being swallowed whole by the sights in front of me. I don't want any trouble from him, and I ended up turning away so I didn't have to see it. I'll just have to ignore everything that's going on in front of me because I won't allow myself to sink into that sadness once more. He can't hold that much power over my emotions, can he? I just pray that I can get him back from whatever has stolen his mind.