Running Scared

Chapter 18:

I woke up on a lumpy mattress and was immediately overwhelmed with the sense of deja vu. Except this time I wasn't restrained to the bed. I sat up and looked around. The weak, early morning light was streaming in through the only window. The window was at the base of the ceiling and wasn't very big. So much for seeing where I am.

There was only one door in the room. It looked like it was from the medieval era. I was sitting on the only piece of furniture in the room.

Then the feeling of dread sank in. I was taken. Again. My stomach churned and I couldn't help myself when I emptied my stomach next to the bed. I cried for a while before I got my crap together and went for the door.

Surprisingly, it was unlocked. I popped my head out and heard two male voices in the living room. Both were all too familiar. I had forgotten it was Evan who did this to me. My anger towards him propelled me forward. When I reached the room, I stopped in my tracks. I had heard the voice but I didn't expect to see the face.

James.

“W-what are you doing here?” I backed myself to the wall.

“Waiting on you to wake up.” He smiled then looked up and down my body, nodding with pleasure. “You look... amazing.”

“I... uh...” I wanted to leave again. There was no where else to go but that room. For now.

“Jessica. Why don't you sit?” Evan finally turned around to face me.

I narrowed my eyes and planted my feet. “I'm fine right here.”

“Still stubborn, I see.” James murmured and nodded.

“Jessica. Sit. Now.” Evan was annoyingly demanding.

“No!”

He flushed red then stood up and walked over to me. He yanked on my arm and shoved me to the arm chair across from his. I fell into the chair and some dust sprang up. All the furniture looked like it was a century old. Dusty, worn, neglected.

“Damn. This place is dirty. You couldn't have found anywhere better?” James muttered as he watched the dust float.

“We didn't have much time, as you know.”

He nodded and they both turned to me.

“Evan... why are you with him?” I looked between the two, they looked like friends. Odd.

“We are partners in crime. Literally and metaphorically.”

“What?”

“I think you heard what happened to him. Isn't that what sent you to the hospital?”

“Hospital?” James' voice grew worried.

“It's nothing. But yes... why does him escaping have anything to do with you?”

“You, my dear, are so naïve. I helped him get out.” Well, that was quick.

“You helped a murderer and a kidnapper get out of jail? Why the hell would you do that?” It made no sense at all.

“I needed his help he needed mine.”

“Enough with the vague answers! Tell me why the freak he is here!” I shouted.

They exchanged glances. “You have gotten rather interesting over the past, what? Month and a half...ish?”

“Shut up, James.”

“Feisty. I like feisty.” He smirked and leaned back into the couch.

I rolled my eyes then looked at Evan expectantly. My courage and determination was growing.