The sun shone down through the curtains temporarily blinding me as I tried to get a grasp on my surroundings. Groggily wiping the sleep from my eyes I groaned as I trudged into the bathroom.

"God I hate mornings" I whispered to myself getting ready to brush my teeth. Just then, mid-swish of my brush the memory of last night hit me full force, knocking the breath from my lungs.

He was here, he had been in my room, forgetting all about the hygiene routine I rushed into my room, looking for a sign to prove it wasn't a dream.

I could have continued brushing my teeth, spent a little longer convincing myself it was a dream but no, somewhere in that demented mind of mine I just had to let my eye catch the sight of the scrapbook. Lying face down from when he slammed it in anger, at the foot of my bed.

Sighing, I let myself be submerged in a new found numbness. "Crap, what the hell do I do now" picking up the book, I threw it onto my desk, suddenly sick of the sight of my room.

"Morning" I weakly smiled, pushing any thoughts of last night from my mind. And to think I had spent more than a healthy amount of time imagining what I would do when he ever came back, yet all I did was freeze and bend to his every whim.

"Morning sweetie, I'm making eggs, they should be ready in a couple minutes" my mom hummed, bustling her way around the kitchen. "Where's dad?" I questioned, picking at my nails. "He ran out to get milk and orange juice" she smiled refocusing her attention on the food.

Impulsively I stood up and wrapped my arms around her. The warmth was nice and I knew I needed this after last night. I was scared, not so much for myself but for my parents. "Awh thanks sweetie, is everything okay?" she reciprocated the hug, pulling me in close as I basked in her motherly aura.

"Yeah, I just really love you is all" I mumbled hiding my face in her arm as she awed at my sudden display of affection. Stepping back, I deflected her curious eyes as I plopped myself onto the kitchen stool.

"Are you going to be okay for school tomorrow?" she enquired, stirring something. "Yeah, of course, I'm better now mom, I promise" I reassuringly nodded, she didn't need me adding to her stresses of life.

"What do you mean? We should have been notified, I swear to god, you better stop making excuses and actually do your job for once" the booming voice of my dad could be heard from outside the house.

Exchanging worried glances with my mom we rushed towards the door, a furlong expression evident on my dad's face as he entered the house.

"Hey darling, is everything okay? Who was that?" taking the cartons from my dad I headed for the fridge. "That idiot of an attorney we hired" he sighed, dropping into a kitchen stool as he rubbed the top of his head in frustration.

"Noah was released yesterday morning, and no one thought to tell us, I mean we only found out about the parole offer yesterday evening, what kind of idiots do they let into the law sector these days" he spit out, clearly riled up.

I tensed at his information, I already knew this of course, but with my parents knowing, it would make things so much more dangerous. "What, are you serious, that's outrageous, we should have been told the moment any decisions were made" my mom flung the cloth as I grimaced at the tension in the room.

I had to play dumb, convince them this was my first time with any knowledge, "but I thought they only put in for parole yesterday?" I asked, cursing my tone for seeming so relaxed.

"They did, or at least that's what we have been told, money works fast in the world" he sighed, his face contorted with stress. "It's, its okay, he isn't stupid enough to come near me after a year in prison" I tensed at the look they exchanged.

I guess even they weren't gullible enough to believe it. "We just need you to be extra careful, straight to and from school, phone on you at all times and do not go out unless we've told you it was okay" he explained.

"So basically, what I've been doing for the last year" I laughed, clearly being the only one who found humour in it as a stern look was sent my way.

"I'll be careful, I promise" I assured sighing in defeat, it was always stress central and of course I understood why better than anyone else but it got so tiring.

"I need to go meet the attorney, but I should be back before dinner" my dad stoically announced, "but I have to work today" my mom replied alarmed.

Trying to hide my internal panic at what was about to happen I butted in, "I'll be okay home alone, I promise, I'll lock all the doors and windows and even arm myself with a knife."

It was by no means my smartest idea but the look of gratitude on my dad's face was enough to have me smiling proudly. "Are you sure, I'm sorry about this sweetie", "I'm certain" I buried my fears and smiled.

"I should be back by four, please stay safe and I love you" my mom kissed my forehead, sending shivers down my spine at the memory of Noah doing that last as she scurried out of the house.

I hadn't even noticed her in her work clothes, maybe I was a little more preoccupied with my thoughts than I originally assumed. Soon enough, I was left alone, defenseless with nothing but a plate of eggs and my racing heart.

The numbness had been lifted and in its place was adrenaline from every little noise I heard. Trying to focus on the movie, I snuggled into my blanket. I jumped out of my skin at the massive bang that rang throughout the house.

Clutching the handle of the knife I had equipped myself with, I did what any sane person would and locked myself in the downstairs bathroom,

holding my breath as footsteps sounded from the upstairs hallway.

Oh god, this was a bad idea, a very bad idea. I didn't expect him to act so soon or to be so accurate in his timing. "You're okay" I quietly chanted over and over again while squeezing my eyes shut.

My grip on the knife handle had become painful but I wasn't about to loosen it anytime soon. The footsteps increased in volume, convincing me I wasn't just being paranoid.

Rummaging through my pockets I felt my hands shake at the realisation my phone was still out there on the couch. "Crap, crap, crap" tears stung my eyes painfully as my erratic heartbeat just seemed to get faster.

"Nothing's gonna hurt you, baby

As long as you're with me, you'll be just fine

Nothing's gonna hurt you, baby

Nothing's gonna take you from my side"

My skin felt like ice when I heard it. He was gently singing, not just any song, it was the song we played on our first official date. The lump lodged in my throat made it painful to swallow just like how the pit in my stomach made it hard to stand up straight.

Focusing on my unsteady breath I tried to drone out the approaching sound, I needed a distraction, anything, I'd even use the feeling of the knife in my hands albeit the death grip was causing my hands to cramp.

A high pitched scream left my lips as my body jumped into the air at the loud bang of the bathroom door I was seeking refuge in. "Ah found you little bug" he chuckled, twisting the door knob back and forward.

Pressing into the sink, the furthest point from the door, I readied myself, bringing the knife up in front of me which shook in the air from my lack of composure in such a situation.

"Embry, darling, open the door" his voice pleaded, it sounded dangerous, the tone was enough to have my stomach feel like it's insides were being ripped apart.

"Open the GODDAMN DOOR EMBRY" his voice suddenly became violent and sobs racked through my body.

It was easy to assume he was throwing his body against the door as the wood began to splinter, sending my hysterics to another level. "No, no, no please" I begged, scrunching my eyes closed tight hoping to disappear.

My cries were desperate as the door came crashing down, my heart painfully throbbing in my chest at the crazed eyes that met mine. Bracing myself, I charged at him with the knife, praying I didn't kill anybody because I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt.

I screamed out as my wrist was grabbed and bended unnaturally, "drop the knife and I won't break your wrist" he seethed, his long fingers encasing my small wrist. Dropping the knife with a pained breath, I clutched my hand to my chest as he released my bruised bone.

Taking one look at his sadistic smirk, I knew I had no choice but to fight, it wouldn't play out like last night did. Running for the door, I fumbled with the handle, it was locked and the key had been taken.

"No, no, no, god please no" I whimpered as his slow taunting footsteps got closer. Making a go for the back door, I let the tears blur my vision when I came to the same result as I did with the front door.

"Why are you being so difficult, princess, huh?" he breathed out, merely cm's behind me as I pushed the front of my body into the door, trying to create as much space between us as I could.

Grabbing my waist he forcefully turned me to face him, "you should know better than anyone, there's no point in trying to avoid the inevitable" his smile was mocking. I couldn't do anything but ferociously shake my head no as my sobs rang out throughout the house.

"Eh eh eh, no more fighting me" he harshly shoved me against the door, restraining my flailing arms in his hands. I knew I was running out of time, and I was too panic stricken to think of anything rationally so I let my instincts take over and kneed him between the legs.

With a grunt he stumbled backwards, giving me space to run, and so that's what I did, I sprinted to the couch to get my phone. Flipping through cushions my chest became restricted as I realised it wasn't here anymore.

I jumped in panic as he stood in the doorway, his face full of anger as he snarled at me. Backing up slowly I looked around for a weapon, too distracted I didn't notice as he lunged at me.

Struggling under his body weight on the floor, I froze at the sight of the needle. "No, no, Noah, please I don't like needles, please don't" I screamed out, desperate to be away from that object. Finally overpowering me, I laid limply underneath him, my eyes wide with fear.

"Shh, I know, I know, but I don't have a choice so stay still" he soothed, patting down my hair as he prepped my arm to be stabbed. "Please, stop, stop" I begged, trying to wiggle my hips out from underneath him. My face drowning with my fearful tears.

"I'm sorry baby."

And with those three words everything went dark.

Groaning, I flipped onto my side, trying desperately to re-escape into the peace of my dreamland. "Embry baby, wake up, we are almost at the house", the sound of his voice was enough to have me wide eyed sitting up.

Studying my surroundings, I felt my chest constrict as I realised I was in the back of a moving car, there was nothing to see but trees surrounding us as the car sped along the road. We were far away from the city, that much was certain.

Rubbing the tiredness from my eyes I became aware of the ropes scratching against my wrists. "I know the rope isn't the most convenient but I didn't want to take any chances" he sheepishly smiled to himself, continuing to study me through the rearview mirror. "Where are we" my voice was low and scratchy, my swallow dry telling me it had been awhile since I last drank anything.

"Far away from your house, we should be there soon" catching his eye in the rear view mirror. I was too groggy and tired to even shy away from his heavy stare. You'd think someone who was so fascinated with me would know how terrible of an idea it is to approach me when I've just woken up as I'm a cranky tired person.

Letting my shoulders drop I grimaced at the small ache in my right upper arm. "You used a needle on me" I spat out venomously before I could even think. "I didn't have a choi-" cutting him off I let my anger take over.

"You knew I was scared of them, how could you?" my voice was raw with pain as tears of frustration built up in my eyes. Shooting daggers at his gaze in the mirror I scowled at him.

"I did miss how cute you were when you were tired" he chuckled as I let my jaw drop. Turning my head away I felt my nerves light up with annoyance towards him.

"Awh don't be mad at me baby" he playfully pouted. "Don't. Call. me. That" I seethed. He quirked his eyebrow up at my response, clearly amused, "call you what?" innocently shrugging he focused back on the road.

"All your disgusting pet names, you douche" tugging at the ropes around my wrist harshly I bit back the whimpers of pain from it cutting into my skin.

"I don't appreciate your attitude, Embry" his voice losing the traces of humour it previously held. "I don't appreciate you kidnapping me, Noah" I retorted already sick of looking at his stupid face.

I yelped as the car swerved to a stop and before I could blink the car door beside me was yanked open. "I dare you to repeat what you just said" he clamped his hand on my jaw, forcing my eyes up to his as he loomed over my shaking frame.

All tiredness disappeared from my body as fear took its place, "that's what I thought, and I didn't kidnap you, I simply took back what was rightfully mine" his jaw ticked in anger as his fingers bruised my pale skin.

"Now, are you going to stop being a brat or do I have to use another needle" he threatened as I whimpered at the mention of a needle.

"No, I-I'm sorry, I was, I was just tired, I'm so-sorry" I sobbed, praying for him to accept the apology and go back to driving.

"You'll be even more sorry if you don't start behaving" studying me face he threw me back against the seat returning to in front of the wheel.

Too petrified to meet his traumatising gaze in the mirror, I heard a sigh of defeat from his direction. "Look, Embry, I don't want to have to be harsh, I don't want to hurt you but you need to do what I say" he frowned.

One of those frowns that almost had me guilty for going against him, the key word being almost. Sulking in the back seat I glued my eyes on the road hoping to see another car come along.

My new formed plan was to jump out of the moving vehicle at the sight of one so they would save me from this monster.

Sitting up I curiously peered over his shoulder as we drove up to a secluded house surrounded by forests. There goes my new plan anyway.

Forests I usually would have been eager to explore, now I cursed their existence because they would make my escape much harder.

"Here we are" he beamed exiting the car. Scooting over to the other side of the car I pushed myself as far away from his reaching arms as I could. Shooting a stern glare my way I froze as his hands finally grabbed a hold of me.

Gazing around the area I couldn't help but admire how beautiful the surrounding garden was, it held large patches of almost every flower one could think of. "I know how much you love nature, so I made sure the garden was nice" he smiled proudly, as if I'd be grateful to him for doing this.

His grip tightened painfully as my breath hitched, "what do we say Embry" he gritted his teeth. "T-thank, thank you" I whimpered, his touch burning my skin.

Pushing open the door, I was taken aback by how beautiful the interior was. In front of me, I could see the sitting room area, it was an open space, consisting of a tv, two couches, an armchair along with shelves and a table. To the right of the sitting room I could peer into the kitchen, the island stools were in the sitting room area and the island allowed me to admire the grey countertops.

Across the room to the left I could see grand wooden stairs, leading up to an upstairs hallway. While the sitting room split into at least two different hallways I couldn't see anything beyond that.

"What do you think?" he smiled down, having picked up on the fact I was gawking at the beauty of the house. "It-it's nice" I mumbled, my legs unconsciously stepping towards the shelves diagonal to me. The Tv was mounted in the center with an electric fireplace just below, on either sides sat the shelves that had encaptured my interest.

They were massive, one side held books upon books, while the other side held DVDs, CDs and vinyl records. Gently brushing my fingers against the pocket of the vinyl records I quietly cursed him for knowing I had always wanted a vinyl player and records.

Turning from my place I noticed the small side table against the wall that held the vinyl player, it was beautiful. A shiny black record player standing proudly, not a speck of dust daring to come in contact with it.

"I knew you'd love it", feeling his breath caress the back of my neck and hearing his voice so close I jumped in fright. How did he make it across the room so silently, reprimanding myself for dropping my guard to gaze over some silly thing I balled my fists. I didn't want to anger him, not when he seemed calm but I still couldn't help but feel agitated at his constant civility with me.

He had to have known this was wrong, right? "N-noah, it's, this, it's r-really nice but I-I can't stay here" I bit the inside of my cheek, a bad habit I had developed when I was anxious.

My body was forcefully spun to face his as I sucked in a sharp breath at the sudden movement. "And why not princess, huh?" he taunted, his lip curling upwards with menace.

Trying to even look into his eyes made me want to pee myself, I couldn't recall him being this terrifying before. "I-I, well, I-I" my throat felt like it was closing in, his stare was too heavy and I felt too bare underneath such a watchful eye.

"What was that, I didn't quite catch it" he jeered, it was clear he enjoyed mocking and scaring me by the amusement that swirled within his brown eyes. I felt the tears stinging at my own eyes as my mind rampaged around to find something to say.

"I want to go home" I sobbed, unable to hold myself together. My uneven breathing hitched as he gripped my hair, forcing my head against his while also tugging painfully at my scalp. "This is your home now, you aren't allowed to leave EVER" I flinched at the raise of his voice at the end.

"O-okay" I breathed out trying to get my cries under control, while balancing on my tippy toes trying to release some of the pressure from my scalp. "Now, would you like to see your room" he slowly released his grip from my hair as I rubbed the throbbing area.

Nodding, I winced at his fiery glare and quickly fixed my mistake by murmuring out a vocal answer. Seeming satisfied enough, I followed him up the stairs, my sobs having turned into sniffles now that I wasn't under immediate threat from him.

The stairs creaked every couple of steps, that would make it harder for me to escape without drawing attention to myself. The hallways were mostly bland with a few framed pieces of landscape art every now and then.

The room was simple enough to navigate to, walk up the stairs, take the hallway down till the end, and then go left, it's the second door on the left.

Trailing behind him I admired the simplicity of the room. I knew I'd need to appreciate it because I would be hiding myself in here as often as I could. The room held a double bed on the left, to one side of the bed was a nightstand and the other was an oak chest of drawers. Adjacent to the door, where I was standing was a window seat, the only thing in view was the never ending forest.

To my right stood a door, and beside that an oak wardrobe that matched the chest of drawers. Hidden between the wardrobe and wall sat a small desk with shelves towering above it.

Hesitant to follow Noah as he opened the mystery door, my curiosity got the best of me and I was led into a bathroom. It held a shower, sink, and toilet. It was spacious enough, giving it a comfortable atmosphere. Sneaking a look at the door I silently thanked the heavens there was a lock on the door.

My skin burned with the feeling of helplessness as I followed him back to the center of the room. I could attack him and run but I knew the ropes would restrict my movement, along with the fact he was physically stronger than me by a lot. I also had no clue where we were and I wouldn't be able to navigate very well through the trees.

I could steal his car keys but I would have to be in close proximity to him for more than two seconds and that was too risky for me. I wasn't a very fast runner and my stamina was next to zero. I also knew I couldn't risk upsetting him because he was capable of horrifying things that I didn't want to think about.

So for now I'd just go along with his plan and try not pee him off too much and then when the right time comes, I'll strike and get him sent back to prison. Very, very, far away from me.

"Why don't you shower, and then I'll come get you for dinner in a bit and Embry, for your own benefit, don't try to escape you won't get very far and I can make things so much worse for you" he warned, heading towards the door.

Having an internal debate on whether to ask him or not I finally spoke, "Wait, c-could you take the ro-ropes off p-please" I kept my head down, too fearful of what his next move might be. Taking your eyes off of the opponent may not be the brightest idea but it was a lot less scary than holding his stare.

"Of course baby, as I said I want you to be comfortable, it's your home now too" he explained, grabbing a pocket knife from his pant's pocket and tearing through the rope.

Letting out a sigh of relief I rubbed the raw skin on my wrists. I grimaced as his lips gently pecked my forehead, and surprisingly it gave me the confidence to speak up again. Something I would soon regret.

"They are g-going to be look-looking for me" I stated, regrettably meeting his eyes. They had a dark eerie tone to them as his face remained stoic.

"No they aren't" his voice wasn't boastful or full of pride like I expected, instead it was closer to monotonous, "why not?" I whispered confused, I didn't expect him to hear and reply but he did.

"They think you killed yourself" and with that he left.

I urged my feet to move, for me to run after him and demand an explanation for his statement. I knew he was bluffing, he had to have been, there wasn't a body and my parents wouldn't be stupid enough to believe a note with no other evidence.

But there was a voice in the back of my head who kept telling me that if anybody would be able to pull such a thing off it would be Noah. I knew as well as the voice did that I would want to push off hearing his side of the story for as long as I could.

So, instead of bolting after him and making him tell me the truth or letting the prospect bring me to my knees as I broke apart inside, I followed my original plan and listened to his order. I was going to shower.

It only took me about 10 checks of the lock on the door to convince myself he wouldn't be able to barge in while I was showering, at least another 5 minutes studying the bruising on my face from him but I finally showered and I felt slightly better afterwards.

I had spent the entire shower planning how I was going to confront him on his little claim. The thought of it made my stomach turn but each time a spark of worry lit in me I pushed it down with the reassurance he was lying.

Here I stood, fully cleaned and dressed, facing the bedroom door. All I needed to do was reach my hand out and pull the door open but the idea of what could happen on the other end of this door was enough to make me freeze.

I inhaled and as I did yesterday before my walk, I swung the door open and marched out of it before I had time to convince myself not to. Quietly making my way downstairs, I saw no sign of Noah, the front door calling me, begging me to run through it.

Movement from the kitchen made me freeze in my tracks, I guess that answered the internal dilemma on escaping for me. "Embry, baby, come here" he sounded chirpy, a lot happier than he did when he was lying straight to my face.

Shuffling into the kitchen, I shyly stood in the corner examining the kitchen. The cabinets were a dark turquoise colour and the countertops a brown colour, the colours were very outgoing but they were nice nonetheless.

"Hey beautiful, how was your shower?" he hummed while stirring sauce in a pan. "G-good" I was trying to build up the courage to ask him about what he had said but every time I have the words on the tip of my tongue no sound comes out.

"I'm just making pasta for dinner, it's your favourite so I thought it would be nice" he looked at me occasionally expecting some sort of reaction but I was too preoccupied.

"N-noah" I whispered, cursing myself for sounding so scared, "yes little bug" he nodded, "earlier, y-you said ab-about my parents think-thinking that I had co-commited suicide" my voice trailed off at the end becoming quiet.

"I did" he countered uninterestedly, "well, wh-what did you m-mean by that?" I began fidgeting with the ring on my finger, another habit I partook in when nervous.

"I meant what I said" his tone was bored as my eyebrows scrunched in frustration. I was going to have to spell everything out for him wasn't I.

"I, well, it's n-not, not possible" I explained as nothing about his posture changed, he continued with his task as if this wasn't a big deal. "And why not?" he retorted, balling my hands in annoyance I sighed, knowing if I got aggressive I'd get no answers from him.

"T-there isn't a body and no one would b-believe, believe just a note", "who said there wasn't a body?" his nonchalant answer panicked me. He noticed my body freeze at his words and dropped the spoon in his hand walking towards me. He looked, almost, like he pitied me but that couldn't be possible because he was an emotionless wet sock.

"I, but, I, no there, I" I fumbled with my words, I couldn't think of any reply for that question. "Young girl, Embry Thompson, commits suicide, throwing herself from the Parkville Bridge into oncoming traffic on the highway, body was badly disfigured from impact, but the paramedics were able to identify the young girl by the note she had in her pocket, should I continue?"

My stomach dropped, my heart beating what felt like a million miles per minute. This couldn't be happening, I aggressively shook my head no, hoping he would stop and take back everything he said.

"I-I don't b-believe you" I stammered breathlessly as all the air in my lungs had been robbed from me. I was dizzy and gripped onto the counter for support, he did nothing but watch as I broke down.

"Come here" he gripped my upper arm, dragging me into the sitting room as he flicked the tv on.

"Embry Thompson....18.....suicide.....bridge.....note left.....funeral.....Wednesday....believe....connection to.....release.....Noah Hill."

Nothing the news reporter said was going in, I barely managed to pick up a few words but it was enough. I let myself drop on the couch as the pressure of the situation pushed against my chest. There was no one looking for me.

"But, my p-parents, th-they, no" I sobbed out, the tears flooded down my face. Noah's face held sadness, he tried to comfort me by rubbing my back but I stood and pushed him away.

"How could you, HOW COULD YOU" I was beginning to get hysteric as I shoved at his chest. "YOU HAD NO RIGHT" my hits were weak, having little to no effect on him but he didn't make any move to stop me, he just stood and took it.

I let all the feelings I had tried to lock away out as I screamed out at him. He stayed quiet just observing me, accepting all the words being thrown at him along with the physical hits.

It took no longer than 10 minutes for me to tire out, "shh, shh, it's okay now baby girl" he tightly pressed me to him, encasing his arms around me. I had no energy to struggle or try to get away from him so I let myself lean against him as I cried.

My heart hurt as I sobbed loudly, the man causing me all this pain being the only one to comfort me through it. I wasn't sure how much longer it was until my sobs died down, in its place were quiet hiccups and sniffles.

My face felt hot from the tears and my heart still hurt whenever I thought about what my parents must be going through. "How could you?" I whimpered out weakly, my body weight still supported by him.

"I know it seems bad baby, but think of it this way, it'll be a lot less trouble and heartache then them having to search for you and never finding you. Imagine the pain of never knowing if your daughter was okay, now at least they can tell themselves you're in a better place" he ran his fingers through my hair, trying to soothe my heartbroken form.

I hurled abuse at the voice in my head that claimed they could see where he was coming from and that maybe he had saved them from a greater heartache.

I was too upset to argue with him so I said nothing, I let my gaze drift towards the fireplace as I stared blankly at the bright colours dancing around.

He placed me on the couch as he returned to the kitchen, not like I was going to have an appetite now anyways. I rolled my eyes at the pressure in my bladder, how typical of me to need to go to the toilet at a moment like this. "W-where's the bathroom?" I questioned lowly, making my way to the door of the kitchen so he could hear me.

"Go down that hallway there and it's the second door on the right" he frowned at the emotionless expression on my face. Nodding I trudged towards the bathroom. Doing my business, I found entertainment in staring at my empty looking eyes.

And then I saw it, in the corner of the mirror, a window. Spinning around I made my way onto the toilet seat and tried to open the window. It budged but not very much so I kicked my leg back trying to throw my weight against it.

My body froze as my foot made contact with the soap dispenser, sending it crashing to the floor with a smash. Panic ran through my veins as I became desperate to escape, the prospect of getting lost in the woods didn't seem so terrifying anymore. Not when I knew I was the only person I could rely on to save myself.

Finally the window swung open, hoisting myself up, I flinched with every bang Noah released on the door. "Embry, I swear to god, open this door" he sounded pee'd, no scratch that, he was pee'd.

Scrunching my eyes tight I pushed myself out of the window, just as the door splintered and crashed to the ground. I brushed off the pain that shot up my legs from the impact of my body hitting the ground. Every nerve in my body was on alert as he screamed threats at me and then I did the only thing I could.

I ran.