by Sara Schoen
"Then what is it? Because I can't ignore that you've been skipping your duties any longer. You're supposed to be a good wife, and good wives have dinner ready when their husbands come home, and at least have the house clean."
"Good wife?"
"Yes, a good wife. The rules, Kelly, you know them, right?" he asked angrily, his voice became darker, more aggressive. The rules were the law here, I knew them by heart and it sickened me to admit it.
"Yes, I do..."
"Good, now you better start following them, or I'll have to give you a lesson..." Steve released me from his hold and pushed himself away before walking out of my small concrete room. "Get dinner started, Kelly! I want it done by the time I'm out of the shower."
I stood, stunned for a moment I had come out of his hold without an attempt to force me out of my clothes. Steve had come in here, kissed me, started to have his way with me again, and then stopped when I said good wife.
"A good wife. That's what I need to be." I felt a smile curl at the corners of my lips. This one could actually work for both Garrett and me. We could both make it out alive if it worked. "I can do that."
"Do what?" Garrett asked, as he suddenly reappeared at my doorway again. Amazingly, it didn’t bother me that he acted like nothing just happened, or that he ditched me when I needed him most. I understood that Garrett was protecting himself, that's how he survived in this house. It was smart, but I needed to convince him that I was worth protecting, too. Couldn't he feel what I was feeling?
"Be a good wife."
Garrett furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and anger. "You're giving up? You're just going to give him whatever he wants?"
"He raped me," I said bluntly, even though it made Garrett cringe. "He has what he wanted."
"You think he won't do it again?" Garrett’s anger gave him away. He felt something for me, and he was furious that I was giving up.
"I'm sure he will, but not if I behave. I'm not giving up, I'm fighting my way out by being the wife he truly wants." I wrapped my arms around his neck and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. The action shocked him, but his tension dissolved, and for a moment, I knew I had someone else to fight for.
How so?" he asked.
"You'll just have to wait and see," I said vaguely, as I pushed past him out of the room. I had just taken my first step down the stairs when Garrett called to me again.
"Where are you going?" His tone changed, I couldn’t place it, but it reminded me of concern.
"To make dinner."
Chapter 9
For weeks I followed the rules perfectly. It kept Steve happy, he didn’t touch me, and there was no reason for him to punish me. Garrett was starting to warm up to me again, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Garrett had distanced himself after a while, but when he was sure his father wasn't around or wasn't looking, I would catch him stealing a few glances. It stung for a while, but I could understand why he avoided me. Garrett saw all the girls in here as the same, he said so himself. I was just another girl.
I was fine with that for now, because soon I wouldn't be just another girl. I would be the girl that escaped and still had the courage to come back for him. I just had to play by Steve's rules for a little bit longer. Steve had started quizzing me on the rules, looking for any excuse to punish me again, but if I did nothing wrong, there was no reason to punish me. Although, I wasn't going to let my growing feelings for Garrett get in the way of my escape plan. I wanted to gain Steve’s trust so I could leave the home. Without him would be preferable, but I was sure he would insist on taking me with him. He would have to be careful though, depending on where we were, but someone was bound to notice me. Someone was sure to have read the papers or know I had been kidnapped. People would still be looking for me, even after these last few months, right? My family wouldn't give up until I was found, no matter how long it took. Dead or alive, they would look until they found me.
***
Steve was starting to sense that something was up. His gaze scrutinized every move I made for any signs of false loyalty, but I made sure to be careful about my actions. I was the 'good wife' he wanted me to be, and he couldn't argue that I was his version of the perfect wife.
"Kelly?" Steve asked cautiously, as he placed his hands on my hips. It was clear by the tone of his voice it wasn't the first time he called to get my attention.
"Yes, Steve?" I asked, as I suppressed a shudder of disgust from his touch. Steve turned me around, looking intently over my facial expression before he gestured for me to sit at the table in between him and Garrett.
As I sat down I noticed Garrett was staring at me with a very deep interest. Even when I met his gaze, he didn't flinch away like usual; he offered a small, almost unnoticeable smile. I felt my heart beat faster as I let out a breathy chuckle and returned his smile. I could see Garrett's eyes lighten when he saw me return his small gesture. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by Steve; he returned Garrett's smile with a glare and clearing his throat.
"I said that I will be leaving on a business trip. You will be here for three days with Garrett. I trust my rules will still be followed," Steve said angrily. He glared at Garrett, making it clear who that last statement was meant for.
"I understand, all the rules will be followed. There isn't anything to worry about." I answered for both Garrett and myself as I continued to eat dinner. I had learned to cook the steak right by using the television Steve had treated me with for our 'anniversary' last week.
I had been sick to my stomach for a few days after that. He used the day as an excuse to stay home from work, and that whole day he didn't leave me alone. In fact, he left me tied to the bedpost and didn't let me leave until late at night. My body had been ravaged repeatedly, my throat sore from screaming. Garrett must have wanted to make up for it, because while Steve was gone and I was asleep, he started doing my chores for me. He managed to lock himself away in his room before I woke up. He never commented on the chores, and I didn't ask why he started doing them. I was thankful, since it still hurt to move from the repeated beatings.
"I'm sure you do. You've been excellent lately, so when I return I will reward you for your behavior," Steve said with a smile as he placed his hand on my knee.
I instantly grew uncomfortable as his touch sent images of him raping me through my mind. His sighs of pleasure, my pleading, the fabric being ripped from my skin, and the pain.
He would order me to stop talking, maybe even hit me a few times so I had to co-operate with him. "You'll love it" was a phrase I heard often
I would pray that he would be stopped, but no one ever came.
I would do my best not to struggle, he liked it too much when I struggled.
I tried to picture Andy the first few times it happened, but without warning it suddenly changed to Garrett. His presence calmed me, but it also infuriated me. He hadn't talked to me in so long, and I was missing him even though he was in the same house as me. Picturing Garrett made the experience better, but I knew I was still being violated. It always felt like it went on forever before he finally got off of me. The pain was a scarring reminder of what had just happened; I was drained of all energy and self-worth.
I shuddered slightly at the memories. I glanced at Steve's pleased smile; it caused my stomach to clench, but I hoped I had just found my window of opportunity and everything was about to come to an end.
From the corner of my eye I watched Garrett stir, growing uncomfortable with each passing moment; something was really bothering him. He wouldn't look up from his meal, but I could tell he was steaming under his lengthening hair. It had grown significantly since I first met him, almost covering his eyes now so he could hide his emotions behind it.
"I will even treat you tonight. Let me pick up and clean the dishes tonight, then we can watch your favorite movie together," Steve said with a gentle smile, as he pushed Garrett and me lightly out of the room and went to work cleaning up.
"Thank you," I answered, knowing that was the answ
er he wanted.
“Anything for my loving wife. You deserve some rest, so please enjoy these next few days,” Steve said stroking my hair lightly as he lifted the plates and walked off toward the sink.
“I will find a way to relax, I promise,” I said as I pushed my chair in and walked out of the kitchen. I will enjoy them because you won’t be here. Garrett cleared his throat to catch my attention as we walked out of the kitchen. He motioned for me to follow, and with a weary glance in Steve’s direction we snuck upstairs, with only a few protesting squeaks from the stairs below.
"What are you doing?" Garrett asked, as he glanced back to make sure Steve hadn't followed us.
"What do you mean?"
"You're just going to let him have his way? Have you totally given up?" He seemed angry, the way his eyebrows furrowed together and the sharp twang in his voice. Why was he so angry? It wasn't his life on the line.
"No, I have a plan," and you're a part of it, I silently added to myself with a devious smile curling my lips.
"I sure hope so, because it's painful to watch this!" he said pushing me slightly—even if it was by accident I stumbled and almost fell on my butt.
"I'm sorry that it's painful to you!" I spat. Garrett didn't have to put up with the abuse I had to. He just hid in his room all day and night.
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
"Do I, Garrett? I'm not so sure, because you certainly don’t act like you know what I go through. Every time you make the whole situation about you—even though you’re not involved! I’m the one stuck here, and it’s painful to me because of what I go through!” I said sourly as he flinched back.
“I went through much worse before you even got here! Would you like to see the scars again?” Garrett said, lifting up his shirt just enough so I could see the beginnings of the marks.
“Don’t you dare make me look at those again!” I practically yelled.
“I’m sorry that I disgust you, mom,” he sneered angrily at me.
“Don’t you dare call me that again!” I yelled louder that time, my voice bouncing off the walls and empty rooms.
"You really want to start a scream match, mom? I don't think Dad would like that very much." Garrett sneered knowing how much I hated when he called me mom. It only emphasized the fact that I was trapped in this house and supposed to be a good wife to a man I despised.
"Not now, maybe later." I said as I turned on a heel and walked back down stairs completely ignoring Garrett's protest at my actions. He'd find out later just what I had in mind for him.
Chapter 10
Part one of my plan was now in effect. I knew it wasn't fair, it definitely wasn't to Garrett, but I needed to get out. He had had his chance to escape. Why should he be trapped here? Steve doesn't even like him. Garrett could have slipped out long ago, but he stayed.
I wanted to know why. I wasn’t afraid to make him angry. I've already lost everything; I will never be the same. So what’s losing another friend going to do to me that Steve hasn’t already done to me? I had to find out, and then I had to leave. I would do anything to escape. If I failed, that was too chilling just to think about. Death had always scared me, but if I was caught during my escape, I would see it as a way out and welcome it.
Steve had been gone for a day, and had made it clear on what he should see upon his return tomorrow. Meaning, the house in perfect order and me in his bedroom. My stomach churned at the thought. He had forced himself on me before he left, not unlike any other day, but this was for show. He did it in front of Garrett, who clenched his fist and glared daggers into his father's back.
Steve did it as a way to mark his territory, and he'd done it proudly. Once Steve started it was hard for him to stop. For a while I thought he was actually going to do it in front of Garrett. Luckily he didn’t, turns out I still have some dignity left.
Garrett hadn't said anything while the attack happened; he just let it happen. How could Garrett be upset that I had given up, when he had clearly given up long ago?
He had made his choice, now it was time for me to make mine. I was going to escape with his help. Of course, he wouldn't know until it was too late. I would feel bad afterward, since Garrett would probably be beaten again, but I would save him in the end and that’s all I could do.
I walked into the living room to find Garrett sitting on the couch reading a well-used book and basking in the limited light. I sat next to him, at first on the other side of the couch then I slowly got closer.
"What are you doing?" he asked, without looking up from his book.
"I wanted to talk to you," I said simply, scooting a little closer.
"So you need to be close to me to do that? I was sure the only talking you knew how to do with me was yell. Then again you are my mom, so I guess that's normal."
I clicked my tongue at the roof of my closed mouth, I really hated when he called me mom. It just reminded me of everything I hated about my life right now, and it made me want to scream at him again.
"Well, I'm trying something new, what can I say?"
"That you'll go back to your room and leave me alone," Garret stated with a smirk plastered on his face.
If he wants to be snarky, then so can I. "Look, just because you have feelings for me doesn't mean you have to be rude to me. You could just tell me."
Garrett, who had taken a sip of water at the time, spit the water from his mouth. Then proceeded to choke. He was staring at me with shock present in his eyes as he held his chest while he continued to cough.
While he was recovering I continued, "I mean, it’s reverse Stockholm Syndrome. I'm the only girl here your age and probably one of the only few you've seen since you've probably never left this house, so it's logical and it's okay."
"How...dare...you! I left the house...all the time...when I was younger..."Garrett spoke through his choking cough.
"Right, when your mom was around." I heard the sullen tone lacing my voice, and it surprised me. I had planned this conversation to go so many ways and each one ended up with something about his mother. So why did it still affect me?
"Yeah, when she was around and this family actually worked! She died in a car crash as I was told, and it was hard for both of us. Then it got worse when he started to bring girls home that looked like her!"
"The girl's looked like her from when she met first him right?" I asked. I needed to change the topic because I couldn't have him angry with me again. That wouldn't work for my plan.
"Right. Then you girls just made it worse! One after another in succession! Frankly, if it wasn't for you then I wouldn't need to be here!"
"I knew you were here to keep us from leaving!" I yelled out before I could stop myself. I quickly covered my mouth with my hands, hoping that it would keep the words in my mouth instead of being said out loud.
"You think I'm keeping you here? What kind of sick monster do you take me for?" He yelled. "You think I want to watch what he does to you! You think that I want to keep you here so my family can be normal! You're sick! My family won't be normal again! But I can't leave because then who is here to protect you idiot girls?"
"Idiot girls? How dare you."
"No! How dare you! How dare you think that I'm like my father! I'm here because if I was gone, who would be here for you? No one! Who would give a care about what happens to you? No one. Who could warn you and give you advice to make it by? No one! I'm here because of idiot girls like you who get taken! Why he took you I have no idea! His face should be plastered all over the god damn town!" Garrett screamed at me, interrupting my speech.
He continued after a moment to take a breath, "You want to know why no one finds these girls? Oh, it’s good, too. I found it on the first time I tried escaping. I made it all the way to town!" He pointed in the general direction of the town, he jabbed his finger just barely above my eye.
"I found that he's friends with the cops! The police are in on this! They shred the pictures of the girls that he takes and pre
tend not to know anything. That's why he travels to find the girls. He can't take them from here, that's too obvious; someone he knows could see him. So he goes to towns farther and farther away to find the perfect girl to fit my mom's description. He tries to make them his wife and steals their life away from them! It's because of you girls that I'm still here! I'm here to protect you!"
"You're doing a horrible job!" I spat back in his face.
An expression of pure anger swept across Garrett's face. I saw his arm move before I processed the idea of getting out of his reach. He slapped me hard across the face. My cheek stung, burned, from the force of the hit. I felt a tear slowly race down my cheek and looked up to see his expression changed; shocked he had done that.
"Anna, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking I-"
I slapped him back, as hard as I could. I turned on a heel and stormed off back to my desolate room. I was abruptly grabbed by the shoulders and forcibly turned around before I made it.
I glanced up into Garrett's eyes—he had tears welling up threatening to overrun his eyelashes as he gently took hold of my face. I could see fear in his eyes as his body started to shake, and his bottom lip trembled. He was terrified of something and he was finding it hard to speak.
"I'm so sorry. I was just mad from having to watch him force you to love him every day, and then your questions and accusations. It all got to me, and I'm so sorry, Anna. Please, forgive me,” he hesitated for a moment. “I love you." The tears escaped and trailed down his cheeks as he leaned down and kissed me.
Chapter 11
Garrett's hold was strong, but tender as he held my face in his hands. He didn’t want to let go, he was tender and in fear of overwhelming me with our sudden confession of affection. I was in shock of his words. He just told me he loved me. How could I go through with my plan knowing that he cared about me? I was going to frame Garrett with a kiss, and while Steve was distracted with him I would escape…but now I couldn't after knowing how he felt. He actually cared about me like I cared about him. I had grown so attached to him during my incarceration that I didn't want to imagine life without him.