Stockholm may just be love

May 8th Zooey

My eyes sprung open, my breathing was quick and my heart, pounding. 

“Zooey?” Skyler looked at me. I then realized that had been crying. Skyler pulled me into his arms and wiped away my tears. 

“Nobody’s going to hurt you. I promise. I will never let that happen again.” Skyler assured me. I just nodded and continued crying. I missed my brother, my friends, I even missed my mom. I did want to go home, but being here with Skyler started to feel right, I liked Skyler, he was my night in shinning armour, he saved me from all the horrible things that could have happened to me. He was so sweet to me, and kind and took care of me. He genuinely cared for me.. I was falling for him. We laid like that for a few hours, wasn’t awkward, it was nice. 

“Zooey. Will you marry me?” His questioned shocked me. I wasn’t sure I heard him right. 

“W-what?” I asked him. 

“If we get married, my parents will let us leave the cult. We can leave, Z.” He smiled down at me, I smiled back. The thought getting married at 15, scared me but I wanted to go home so bad, I’d do anything. 

“Okay, Skyler. I’ll marry you.” I answered him. Marrying Skyler will be an adventure, even if it is just a trick and we won’t really get to leave, at least it’s Skyler I’m marrying. 

About a month and a bit later. 

June 20th 

Zooey: 

I had been pretty much healed. My cuts were still healing but I had been able to use my leg again. And a good thing that they were too, I was getting married in less than 2 weeks. Even though this was a forced marriage, with no beautiful gown, or crying family members. It was just a few words, with Skyler’s family and my sister. But this was still a special day for me, it was the day that the three of us could leave, and be free of the cult. And even though I wasn’t ready for marriage, I was still happy that it was Skyler I was being forced to marry. I think I may even love him, I am still not sure of my feelings, though. What I am feeling could just be Stockholm syndrome . The way he looked and talked with me, and was so gentle with me, I knew that he really did love me.  

“Good evening, ladies.” Skyler said as he walked in his room. Me and Ali had been in Skyler’s room all day, talking about the wedding, try to find something nice enough for me to wear, but all I had were the few summer dress. 

“Heey Skyler.” He walked in the room, and behind him fallowed Jordan. They shut and locked the door behind them. 

“Hello Skyler, Jordan.” Ali greeted the boys. She stood up and walked over to Jordan, hugging him.

“What are you two up to?” Jordan asked. 

“Trying to find something for Zooey to wear on her wedding day.” Ali answered. 

“Ooh, really? we were doing the same thing today.” Skyler handed me a large box with a ribbon on it. I opened it up and pulled out a beautiful dress. 

“It’s not really a fancy occasion normally, but we can still look formal. Go try it on Zooey.” Skyler explained. I rushed into the washroom with the dress. It was a white, strapless cocktail dress with a black bow around the midsection. It was a very relieving dress but it hugged my curves in all the right places, making me look skinner than I was. I dramatically walked out of the washroom. Both boys looked at me, and there jaws dropped. My sister looked like she was going to cry. I didn’t think I had looked that good, but it certainly made me feel good about myself. 

Jake May 1st:

Dear Jake. 

Please don’t worry about me. I am doing fine. I can not tell you where I am or who took me but I can say that I love you and miss you. I will be home soon so please don’t try and look for me. This will all be over soon as you know it. Please try and get along with Mom while I am away. And Jakie I love you so much.

Love Z. 

P.s. I know that Steven is probably helping you get through all this. And tell him that I am so thankful for that. I also let him know that I miss him. 

I handed the letter to Steven. This was the 1st sign that she was still alive. And that gave me all the hope in the world. Steven read it and handed it off to his father.

“This was hand delivered.” Steven stated

“I didn’t see by who though.” I said, almost kicking myself. 

“Well this letter helps a lot, we can tell at lot about the kidnappers from this. If you don’t mind I am going to take this letter down town and run for prints.” I nodded in agreement. 

“Ooh and Katherine is out for now. We can only hold her for being a witness, she legally is aloud to leave, but just watch out if you see her.” Steven’s dad warned.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Zooey May 1st:

I had finally started to settle into Skyler’s home. I came to the realization that If I just played along the sooner it would be over. And Skyler and I would be home free. I heard the lock flip open from the outside of the closet. Skyler opened it and looked down at me. 

“I’m back. And you can come out now.” He helped me out of the closet and into the room. 

“Is it really necessary to lock me in the closet whenever you leave the house?” I asked him. 

“Yes. You have escaped once before and I am not risking it again. If you tell me that you wouldn’t run away, even if I left all the doors unlocked and no one was home than I will think about trust you alone again. But you have to tell me truthfully.” Skyler said.

“I wouldn’t.” he gave me a disbelieving look. 

“Okay. I would. But I know you would just come after me. I won’t be able to get away fast enough ether. So why bother?” I finished. 

“Are you that confident that you wouldn’t be able to get away? And what if I didn’t go after you. What would you do than?” He teased me. 

“I don’t know. Let’s find out.” I teased back. Somewhat hoping for a way out.

“uh-huh. I am not falling for that. Just so you know If you ever leave me again I will find you no matter where you go. You really do mean so much to me. I can’t lose you.” He kissed my cheek. 

“Why do I mean so much to you?” I asked him.

“My whole life I have been forced to live with these people. My father and my brother are the most awful people I have ever meet. My father is abusive and my brother is a sick pig. I have been forced to live the way that they want me to live. It made me so miserable. That is until I met you. You changed my life here. And I don’t think I could ever thank-you enough for that, but in return all I do is keep you locked up here. I want to protect you from everything but you really should be protected from me. But in saying that I really can’t live without you. And that is why you are so important to me.” Skyler had never been this open with me before. 

“Skyler.. I..” before I could finish my sentence he pulled me into his arms and kissed me. But this kiss had been different than all the rest. I could feel his heart rate beating fast, and his hands shaking. I broke off the kiss and looked at him. 

“What’s wrong Skyler?” I held his shaking hand. ” I just..” Skyler collapsed on the ground. 

“Help!!!” I yelled. “Somebody! Something has happened to Skyler!” I screamed. I pulled the unconscious Skyler into my arms. 

“Wake up! Skyler. Please wake up.” I cried. Skyler’s mother and father came running into his room. 

“Please help.” I cried. Skyler’s father looked extremely worried. He rushed to his side and picked him up. 

“I am taking him to the hospital. I’ll bring Jordan with me. You stay here with De.” he told his wife. She nodded and came to my side. 

“Come sit here.” Margret and I sat on Skylers bed. I continued crying. She put her arms around me and hugged me. 

“Is Skyler going to be okay?” I asked her through my tears. 

“He is fine. You know he has been a very sick child ever since he was born. He spent the first 3 years of his life In a hospital. He just gets these weak spells every once in awhile. He will just need to get some medication from the doctors and will be home in a few days. No need to worry. Okay?” She assured me. I tired to calm down. 

“A few days? ” I managed to say. I couldn’t be here without Skyler for a few days! 

“You really care about him. Don’t you?” She smiled at me. 

I nodded. 

“You know. By the looks of it I think he loves you. And I also think you love him too.” She laughed. “You found yourself a really great boy. Do go breaking his heart though.” She threatened lightly. 

I nodded. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about Skyler. I think I really did like him, he was my sun in a dark place. He saved me and protected me constantly. He was sweet kind and caring. But this whole situation was wrong and strange. Maybe if we meet normally we could be a normal couple but we didn’t and I a part of me is scared of him. I just want to go home, but I want Skyler with me.

“Well anyways. I am going to drive to the hospital and meet up with the boys. It will just be you and Emily here. I can go and bring her here so your not alone, if you like?” Margret asked. I nodded. I really wanted to meet Emily. 

Margret got up and came back a few moment later with a girl. 

“Okay so doors and windows are locked up. Do not even think about trying to get out. There is an alarm system. Just so you two know.” she winked at us. “Bye girls.” and with that she left. Being sure to lock Skyler’s door from the outside. Emily slowly walked into Skylers room. 

“Hi. I’m Zooey.. Or De. Or whatever I am supposed to go by.” I laughed. I couldn’t clearly see Emily’s face yet. 

“Hello. I am Emily. Well that’s the name I was given here.” She continued walking toward me. I could see her now she looked a few years older than me. Was a little taller than me. She was blonde and wearing a necklace lace with a ring on it, that had a small green gem in it. I didn’t recognize her at first but after I saw the necklace it became clear. 

“Alison?” I felt the tears in my eyes. 

“Heey baby girl.” I could tell that she was crying as well. “It’s been awhile.” She smiled at me. I ran over to her and hugged her tightly. “I missed you so much. I never gave up on finding you. And I finally have.” I couldn’t believe it. 

” That’s what got you here isn’t it?” She looked at me. 

“I have no idea. I didn’t have any leads until a day before I got kidnapped. This girl Katherine Waters. Her story was similar to yours. I called her and she told me all about the trading thing and being questioned and the cages. She told me she saw you there.” 

“Of course she saw me there. She was the one that trough me in there in the 1st place. Well her and he crazy boyfriend.” 

“Wait Katherine is behind all the kidnappings?” I asked Ali. 

“Yupp. Her parents are the ones who started the kidnappings, she took over the family businesses. That bitch is the one who got you into to this situation. After you talked to her she probably got some of her goons to kidnap you.” Alison said angrily. 

“What’s done is done. I am here now. And I’ve found you.” I smiled. 

“Yeah. I couldn’t wait to see you. I knew that It was you from the moment we talked through the wall. But Jordan wouldn’t let me see you. He knows that we are related. I don’t know how he knows but he knows.” She said. “But anyways. I have so much to ask you. How are Jake and Mom?” She asked. I explained to her the awful truth about home. I didn’t want to lie and tell her that everything was fine. 

“Ooh.. Well I hope they are alright right now. That poor mother of ours. And Jake, I can’t imagine what he is going through right now.” 

“I am sure he is alright. I’ll be going back to him soon… We will be going home soon anyways.” 

“What do you mean.?” Ali asked. 

“Skyler once he and I get married we are leaving and I can go home. But I am not leaving without you so we are going to break you out.” 

“Ooh that Skyler. He is such a great kid. He is like a brother to me, yaw know. He helped get me through all of this. He isn’t anything like Jordan. If I break out Jordan will find me. He will just bring me back. And things will be twice as bad for me. I can’t Z.” she finished. 

“We can call the police on Jordan. They can deal with him.” 

“Aw. Baby. You can’t do that. Jordan will get his way out of there. They have friends every where there no use. He owns me. And Skyler owns you. The difference is that Skyler will always treat you right. And Jordan, is just… Jordan.” 

“What does Jordan do to you.?” I asked. She pulled up her sleeves and relived cuts and bruises. She pulled her top up and showed more cut and bruise on both her back and stomach. 

“There’s more on my legs.” My jaw dropped and I felt tears in my eyes. Wanted to kill that bastard for hurting my sister.

“This is awful. I can’t leave you here with him. I just can’t Ali. I finally found you. I am not leaving you.” I put my foot down. She just smiled at me. 

“Most of them are from their father. Jordan and his father are very close and whenever I do something wrong he tells his dad and his dad cuts and beats me. Jordan and mainly just talk, he only beats me when I try to run away. It’s not that bad here Z.” I stood there speechless.

“Let’s watch a movie.” She suggested.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Zooey- May 3rd. 

Skyler had been gone for 2 days now. I was getting more worried about him. I hadn’t left his room since Ali and I talked. Margret brought all my meals into the room. I had been going crazy, thinking about Alison, Jake, and Skyler. I had no idea What to do about Jordan and Henry. I wanted to rip both their head off, but I knew I couldn’t do that. Ooh but when I see ether of them, I have no idea if I can control myself to not hit them. I found it so strange how she never spoke ill of Jordan. She even seemed to protect him. Maybe she had Stockholm syndrome but than again people would say that about me if they knew about Skyler and I. Maybe she is just afraid of what he would do if he heard her talk awful about him. Yeahh that’s it. And what about Jake. He knew that I had talked to Katherine. He probably called her to see if we had talked. I know that Jake was investigating my kidnapping. I just hope he doesn’t get caught up in anything like this. But I they only kidnap girls in this cult so he is probably safe. Well I think he is, I don’t know what I’ll do if something happens to him. And poor Skyler. I wonder if he is okay. They aren’t telling me something, I know it. I just wish that he would come home soon, and tell me that he is fine. I am going crazy in this room. 

“Knock Knock.” I heard Jordan say on the other side of the door. 

I didn’t answer. I laid down on the bed quickly and pretended I was sleeping. I heard the door open, and then lock again.

“December?” He asked. I didn’t move. “Wake up. I need to talk to you.” he sat down on the bed and put his arm on my shoulder. I jumped out of bed quickly. I then realized we were not alone. Henry was with us.

“What do you want?” I demanded. 

“You are an awful actor. I knew you weren’t sleeping.” he got up and moved closer to me. 

“What to you want?” I demanded. 

“We don’t think that Skyler is harsh enough with you. He needs to be more like Jordan. Emily does whatever Jordan commands. When Skyler gets back he needs a well obedient little slave.” Henry explained.

Jordan grabbed one of my wrists tightly. 

“Let go of me!” I yelled. 

“Shh. We don’t want your sister to hear us. She might get jealous.” I couldn’t take it anymore, and I hit Jordan, hard. He now had both my wrists in his hands. He gripped them so tightly they felt like they were going to break. I went to scream but nothing came out. 

“You will pay for that.” Henry yelled. He gestured toward the door. Jordan  pulled me along, unlocked it the door and pulled me his room. 

“Take your pick.” Henry gestured at all the chains and ropes in his room. I turned around and banged on the door. 

“Help! Help me!” I yelled. 

“Emily grab her. Tie her up. I need to teach her a lesson.” Henry commanded

“No.” 

“What did you say to me.” 

“No. I am not tying her up, so Jordan can beat her up. Beat me up instead. Please Jordan. I want you to.” she pleaded. 

“Who said I was going to beat her?” Jordan pulled a switch knife out of his pocket. 

“No Jordan. Please hurt me instead.” 

“Go sit on that chair.” Henry pointed to a chair that looked like a dentist chair, except it had leather straps for both wrists, ankles and one strap across the middle. 

“Now!” he yelled at me. “Or I’ll kill her.” he grabbed Ali and put the knife to her throat. I ran over to the chair, and sat down. 

“Go strap her in. Em. Now. And do not disobey me, or you will pay for it later.” he smacked her ass as she walked over to me. 

” I am so sorry.” she cried as she did up the straps. 

“Its okay. This is all his fault. Not yours.” I spat at Jordan. He smiled evilly at me. 

“Okay that’s good enough.” Henry pulled Ali away from me and handcuffed her to the bed.

“Don’t say a word.” Henry gagged Ali with a towel. Jordan slowly stalked over to me with his knife. I closed my eyes waiting for it all to be over. 

~ 

“Zooey. Wake up. Its going to be okay.” Alison was over top of me. I could see her but not very well. Everything was burly. I tired to move but my body wouldn’t listen to me. 

“Just stay still okay? The doctor is here. He is going to get you all stitched up. You have lost a lot of blood. So you just need to focus on staying awake.” I looked down at myself. I saw that I was covered in blood. I couldn’t see an inch of me that wasn’t dyed red. 

“W-” I tired to talk but blood came pouring out of my mouth. I started choking on the blood. I coughed the rest of it up. 

“Try not to talk Zooey.” the doctor said. “I need to get her to a hospital. I she stays here, she might die.” I started panicking after the doctor said that. 

“No! She can’t. We don’t even have a fake health card for her yet. And it’s too early for her to be outside. She will be recognized or she’ll run away.” 

“She has one broken leg. She has lost tons of blood, and will need a lot of stitches. She won’t be going anywhere for a few weeks maybe even months. And as for recognizing her, you knew the rules and bent them anyways. I am getting her to a hospital. You need a way to cover for yourself.” I heard the doctor say. I saw Ali burst out in tears, Jordan held her while she cried. I wanted to tell him to get off of her but when I opened my mouth, more blood poured out. Everything was starting to go black. 

“She is dying, Jordan. You will be going to the cults prison if she dies.” The doctor yelled.

“Okay. Okay. I’ll find away to cover. Take her.” Jordan said. 

“Okay Zooey. I am going to move you know. You will probably black out but just hold on for however you can.” he and Ali picked me up and moved me on to I think was a stretcher. 

“Ali..” I managed to say. 

“There’s no time.” the doctor rushed me into the ambulance.

“She is terrified of hospitals.” Ali yelled after the doctor. “I need to go with her.” 

“You are staying here Emily.” Jordan yelled at her. “Go now.” Jordan shut the ambulance doors. The ambulance started driving away. Everything started getting dark. 

“Zooey- stay with-” his voice became softer and he became nothing but a blur. 

~ 

I could see the white hospital lights. I knew where I was. I started panicking. I knew I was having a panic attack. I could hear the monitors going off. 

“Zooey. It’s okay. I’m here.” Skyler rushed to the side of my bed. 

“You are okay.” I looked up at him. I had tears in my eyes. 

“Skyler. Get me out of here please.” I closed my eyes so I couldn’t see anything. 

“It’s okay Z.” he climbed into the bed next to me, he gently wrapped his arms around me. 

“I am here to protect you. I am so sorry I left. I promise you that Jordan or my father can never touch you again. I am so sorry, baby. This is all my fault.” I still had my eye held shut. 

“It’s not your fault, at all. But Skyler, please just get me out of here. I am scared. I can’t be in this hospital. I am terrified. But I can’t go back to your house. He is defiantly going to hurt me again.” I pauses for a moment. ” How bad is it?” I felt pain every where. 

“You have a broken leg. Almost a hundred stitches in your stomach and arms. You even have a few staples. There are bruises all over your body. You also have had a few blood transfusions. You lost a lot of blood. Z, I am so sorry.” I slowly opened my eyes to look at Skyler. 

“Skyler. None of this is your fault, all of this is just cut and bruises, they will go away. At least I am alive.” 

“You could have died. He was very close to killing you. I am never going to let you out of my sight again.” I put my hand on the side of his face. 

“I might not be the one needing protecting.” I looked at my sister that was standing on the outside of my hospital room. 

“I have always done my best to protect Emily. But right now Em is not the one in the hospital bed.” I suddenly felt a burning pain on my stomach. I pulled up my shirt to look at it. The wound was still fresh. It was deep and long, it reached all the way across my stomach. The stitches and stables were doing good at holding the cut together, but there was still blood all around it. I quickly put down my shirt so I didn’t have to look at it anymore. 

“Zooey..” Skyker looked concerned at me. 

“I’m okay.” I assured him. “How are you doing? I’ve missed you so much.” I asked. He laughed. 

“You are asking how I am. When your the one covered in blood. ” he paused. ” I am doing great. I was supposed to be going home today, but..” Looked at me.

“You can go home. It’s okay. I understand.” I smiled at him. 

“What are you crazy? I am not leaving you here. I’ve missed you as well, Hun. You are all that I could think of these last few days. And I am not abandoning you in your time of need. Plus I can’t let you get away can I? Your mine.” he teased me. He leaned in to kiss me, but I turned my head. 

“What if I don’t want to be yours?” I laughed. He put his hands on the side of my face and kissed me. 

“Well then that’s too bad for you.” he winked at me. ” Zooey. I love you.” He held me close to him. I looked up at him. 

“Skyler, I..” I started. 

“I know. You don’t love me back. Its okay.” Skyler interrupted. “I kidnapped you and hurt you and abandon you..”  

I nodded. 

“Thank-you for understanding. I really do like you though, Skyler. And you did all those things cause you had to, you didn’t have a choose. I don‘t blame you” I smiled up to him

“Zooey. I can’t make it up to you. I am the one who has kept you in that hell hole of a house. I am the one who left you alone with my psychotic brother. I let this happen. I-” I cut Skyler off. 

“Shh.” I could see Skylers pain and guilt, in his eyes. ” Just kiss me.” 

What if I don’t want to?” He teased me. 

“Fine then don’t.” I turned my head. 

“Aww. Zooey. I was kidding. I’ll kiss you.” 

“Nope.” I said still turning my head. 

“Zooeyyyyyy.” he said, turning my head toward him. I laughed at him. 

“I am going to kiss you now.” he pulled me closer to him. He lips brushed against mine. His felt so warm compared to mine. Our kiss was long and passionate. 

“I don’t know what I would have done if I lost you.” He didn’t move his hands from my neck. 

“We are here together now. And that’s what matters.” I assured him. He kissed the top of my forehead. 

“Get some sleep. Okay?” He got up off my bed. 

“Don’t leave. Please. I am terrified off hospital. I can’t be alone here.” I started breathing fast, the monitors beeped again. 

“Okay. Okay. I’ll stay.” he climbed into the bed with me. 

“Just sleep.” He stroked my hair. I buried my face in his chest, I did not want to look at my surroundings. 

~ 

“We have to get her out of here.” I could here Ali saying. I could see Skyler and Ali talking. I pretended to still be sleeping. 

“I know. Once she’s on her feet again. Her and I will get married and move out.” Skyler said. 

“She won’t leave without me. I know she won’t.” Ali confessed. 

“I wish we could bring you. But if we do the cult will come after us, and just put you and Zooey in different homes. Things will be worse for the both of you. At least you have each other here. And if you think Jordan is bad wait until you meet the other in the cult.” Skyler explained.

“I never said that Jordan was bad. He has been a little rough and mean to me, but over all I know he cares for me. He is just putting up this act to please your father.” How could Ali be defending that monster? I knew it, I knew that she has feelings for him. 

“Well we will have to come up with a plan.” Skyler suggested. There was no way I was going to let him take me away from my sister. I lost her once, and it is not happening again. 

“We will talk about it later.” Ali whispered to him. She knew that I was awake. 

“Heey Hun. How are you doing?” She walked over to me. 

“I could be better.” I laughed. Ali handed me some clothes. 

“I hate hospital clothes, so I brought you some nice clean comfy clothes.” there was a purple tank top, a pair of black leggings and a pair of uggs. 

“Well you will only be able to wear one of the shoes…. Anyways I’ll help you dress. Come on.” She helped me out of bed and into the hospital washroom. I looked in the mirror. I was covered in bruises. My arms were completely purple. My face had a few scratches, but nothing to bad. When I lifted up my shirt I could see the cut clearly. I looked really bad. It felt as bad as it looked. There were a few more stitches in my leg. And I had a cast on my left leg. I looked like I had been in a car crash. I felt myself trying to hold in the tears. Ali helped me into my pants and shirt. 

“It’s okay Z. Just let it out. It’s just me here you don’t have to be strong for anyone.” I started sobbing. She held me in her arms. 

“Its okay. It’s fine, hun. I am going to get you out of here. I promise. We are going to get you home.” I wanted to tell her that she was going to be coming home as well. I wanted to say that I wasn’t leaving her, but all that could come out was more tears. 

“is everything okay in there?” Skyler knocked on the door. Ali opened it. 

“Sort of.” he walked in, I could clearly see the expression on his face. He looked very concerned, but I could tell he was angry. 

“Z.. He is going to pay for what he has done. I promise you.” Skyler ran out the door and into the hallway. Both Ali and I fallowed him. 

“Get back in the room. The both of you.” Skyler was standing face to face with Jordan. Ali and I didn’t move. Skyler put his fist up and punched Jordan in the eye, so hard he fell over. 

“Do not touch De or Emily, ever again.” Ali ran to Jordan’s side, while I just stood there. 

“Come on De.” Skyler turned around and started guiding me back to the hospital room. 

“Wait!” Jordan yelled. ” I’m sorry. I deserved this. I just… I am just really sorry. You are right Skyler. You’re right.” Jordan looked at him. “Im sorry.” Skyler just looked at him for a few seconds and continued guiding me back to the room. He carried me over to the bed. 

“Now you are not aloud to move for the next 3 days. It is just going to be you and me and cartoons. Okay?” He laid down beside me. 

“Deal.” I smiled at him. 

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

“Hey. Zooey. How are you doing?” I looked up to see Jordan standing in the door frame. I was surprised that he called me Zooey, I didn’t even think he knew my real name. Then I started panicking looking around for Skyler but I knew he was down in the cafe getting food. When I didn’t answer him, Jordan walked closer to me. I tried to get out of bed but it hurt so much to move.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to move. I won’t hurt you I promise.” he stepped back a little. 

“What do you want Jordan?” I yelled at him. 

“I’m sorry. I am. And I know that I wont be forgiven but I want you to know that I am sorry. I took my anger out on you. And I took it way too far. I was upset that my brother wasn’t treating you, like I was forced to treat your sister. I wanted you to hate him. I- don’t know why I am saying this.. Never mind.” he turned away from me and started walking away. 

“Jordan wait. I want to know. Tell me what you were going to say.” He stopped and stared at me. I don’t think he was excepting me to say anything. 

“It’s stupid..” he finally said.

“Come on. Come tell me.” I gestured for him to come sit on the hospital bed. He sat on the corner. 

“Okay. Well I have always looked up to my dad. Looked for his approval. Done everything he has ever wanted. Even when I was little, I was like that, until I met the most beautiful girl in the world. The moment I saw her I fell in love with her. But my father told me to do things to her, to make her love me back. At the time, that’s what I thought was right. I realized later that, that is not how you get love. By then it had already been to late to gain her trust and love, I had ruined my chances with her. I am forever stuck loving a girl who will always hate me. And when Skyler brought you home I saw the way you looked at him, and the way he protected you, you two are in love. I was jealous, I let my jealously and my drinking get a hold of me and I did that to you. I am so unbelievably sorry Zooey. I know that you will hate me forever after what I did, but that okay, you and your sister will be the same that way, I guess.” Jordan laughed to himself. “but Zooey I will never hurt you again. I promise.” He looked at me directly, I could see red around his eyes. He had been trying to fight back tears. I knew the pain he was feeling. 

“Jordan. I forgive you. I don’t hate you. You certainly owe me big time, for almost killing me though.” I laughed. 

“You don’t have to forgive me. I never excepted you would.” He looked up at me with, such sad eyes. I was sure he was going to cry. I could hear the pain in his voice. I had felt so bad for him, he clearly has gone through a lot, and he doesn’t quite know who is yet. He is finally coming to realize that the is a world outside of what his father has taught him. 

“Everyone deserves a second chance After all we are going to be siblings soon, so let’s start fresh. Okay?” I smiled at him. I saw his eyes light up when I said siblings. 

“I have always wanted a little sister..” He said quietly. I knew that under all of that scary act, there would be a nice caring person, even though realizing that almost cost me my life, I am glad that I have gotten through to the nice Jordan. 

“Good. Cause now you’ll be stuck with one.” I laughed. ” Ooh by the way. Jordan, I just wanted to say to you that Ali doesn’t hate you. She cares about you so much. You just got to start treating her right, it’s not too late for you. If you are being this kind with me, and getting along well here; you can certainly do well with my sister. I know that you already have her heart, you just have to work on the angry.” I teased him. I playfully punched him in shoulder. He moved closer to me. 

“You are very naive, but you have your wise moments.” He laughed. “Thank-you Zooey.” He pulled me toward him, and hugged me tightly. 

“Jordan, my bruises and cuts. Your hurting me.” I laughed. 

“Ooh sorry.” He let go of me. “I better get going.” he got up off my bed and walked toward the door. 

“Ooh. And Zooey, I am very grateful to have you as a little sister.” and with that he stalked out of the room and shut the door behind him. 

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Welcome home!

May 6th Zooey.

Skyler carried me into the house, bridal style and right into his room. I did not want to be in this house . I hated this house it already held so many awful memories. I hated his father and I hated this stupid cult. He gently laid me down on the bed. Skyler walked back over to the door and locked. I was still high on pain meds so I didn’t have an energy to move at all.

`No one is coming in here for a very long time. They aren’t getting anywhere near you.” I nodded. I just wanted to go home. 

“Skyler.. I just want to go home. Please, take me there. You can come live with us too. Leave this whole life behind.” I knew it was a long shot but I had to ask. I stumbled over most the words, being high as a kite.

“Zooey. As much as I want to, I can’t. We can’t. Not yet. Now go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.” Not being able to move from the broken leg and cuts, I laid completely still, and drifted off to sleep.”

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May 7th Jake

I walked up to the doors of the Coffee shop. Just as I approached them, I heard my name. 

“Jake?” A petite blonde girl asked. It was Katherine, I recognized her from the police station  ”You must be Katherine.” I smiled politely at her. “Shall we go inside?” I asked. Gesturing toward the door. 

“No. We can’t talk in there. Someone might be listening. Can we walk around, and talk.” The air had been very cool, that evening for being in May, but I agreed anyways. 

“Well. What have you brought me out here to talk about?” I asked bluntly. I still did not trust her, I knew she was something up with her. 

“Well, I lied. I did talk to your sister.” Her voice had changed, from very soft and quite to a much harsher tone. I noticed that even her facial expressions changed.

“I know. Check her phone records. So what didn’t you want me to find out?” I stayed calm. 

“I know where she is. I know what happened to her. And I know who took her.” She smiled wickedly. We had turned into a back street, it looked like it had mostly been abandoned, however there was one van that was parked at the end of the street. 

She turned around to face the van, and she signalled it. The lights flashed on, and the engine started. 

“Who took her, Katherine.” I half yelled. I was getting nervous. 

She only laughed in response. The van pulled up beside us. A man jumped out, he must have been around my age, maybe a little older. 

“Now do you want to make this easy or hard?” the man threatened. 

“Your not the only one who brought back-up.” I smiled at her. A bunch of cop cars and FBI agents bolted into the back street. They grabbed Katherine and the man, and though them into the backs of cops cars. 

“Good Job, kiddo.” Stevens Dad patted me on the head. “We will bring the two of them back to the station for questioning. Would you like to come and watch?” He asked. 

“Yes, I would. Thank-you.” I smiled as I got into the FBI agents car. I had been so close to finding Zooey. We just needed to get the two kids to fess up. 

~ 

Katherine and her friend, Sam hadn’t said anything all night. The FBI was ready to call it a night. 

” Hey Rick.” I said trying to get Stevens dad’s attention. 

“What’s up?” He asked me. 

” I can try talking to Sam? I am not an agent. I have a personal relationship to Zooey, so maybe he will feel bad for me. And I am around his age.” 

” We can try. But don’t get your hopes up.” Rick said to me. He lead me to the room that Sam was in. 

I walked in the room. 

“Seriously. Your a cop?” Sam said throwing his arms up. 

“No I am not. I work at a book store, I am not a cop or FBI or anything like that. I am just a boy looking for his sisters.” I said calmly, even though I scared beyond belief. I walked over to the camera and turned it off. 

“What are you doing?” Sam asked. 

Jake- April 17th 2012 

It had been 5 days, and there was still no word from my sister. I knew she was out there somewhere, and I knew that she was still alive. I had to find her. Zooey isn’t just my sister she is my best friend. She was the one who got me through Ali’s kidnapping, what am I supposed to do with both my sisters gone now? I needed to find her , but I know I can’t do it on my own. however I do know who can help me. 

I picked up the phone and dialled my friends number. 

“Steven, I need you to come over, please.” I asked my friend. Steven agreed to come by my house. He was at the door in a matter of minutes. 

“Hi, Jake. How you holding up?” Steven said sounding concerned. 

“ I’ve been better..” Jake trailed off. “So, thank-you for coming Steven. It really means a lot to me.” 

“No problem, brother. Whenever you need me, I’ll be here.” Steven hugged me tightly. 

“Zooey always told me, that out of all my friends she liked you the most.” I tried to hold back the tears, but a few escaped. 

“I always thought of her like a little sister. I miss her too, buddy.” Steven looked like he was going to cry, but I just put my hand on his shoulder and told him that I was going to get her home. 

“Steven, I need your help. I know that your Dad is part of the FBI. And I know that you have inherited a few of his skills. So with your skills, my knowledge, and maybe your Dads equipment.. We could find her.” I said hoping for the response I wanted. 

“Jake-” Steven started. “- It’s going to be dangerous, and you have no idea what we might be getting ourselves in the middle of. Are you sure your ready for that?” Steven questioned. 

“Oh. I’m ready.” I looked at Steven, and smiled. 

“Then let’s go get your sister back.” Steven encouraged. I knew that I could count on him no matter what. 

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Zooey - April 17th 2012 

When we woke up that morning, we were all very swore. The caged rooms were uncomfortable, there was no bed, or blankets. The guards brought around breakfast for everyone, which was very little food. We had 2 pieces of bread, half an apple, and a bottle of water, to share between the 4 of us. As we sat and ate our breakfast, I asked the girls if they knew why we were here. None of them had for sure answers, but they certainly all had guesses. 

“ I think it is some sort of human trafficking thing. Probably selling us to be maids in China or something.” Kayla expressed. 

“I think we are being sold to be sex slaves. There are only girls here, and they are all anywhere from 10-18, and that is the.. Preferred age for the men. And I have been here awhile, I have seen the auction room.” Morgan shared. I felt like I needed to protect Alice from hearing any of this, but she probably didn’t even know what sex was.