Her Rock

Chapter 21

Taking my phone out, I send a brief text to Wes telling him to get some people here. Just then, my phone vibrates; it's Hayes sending me to an off-grid location where I'm guessing he wants me to go.

Fuck my fucking life.

*

Ella's POV:

In and out, my vision goes, dark than light, speckles then clear.

Once and awhile, my stomach rumbles with hungry pleas saying 'feed me' all the while a light pain seizes me up, draining all the energy I have. The mildew smell makes it worse, making me feel sick to my stomach.

The light above me flickers every now and then. Sometimes, I catch it; sometimes, I'm too out of it to even notice; caked blood crusts my hands and wrists, another smell that so happens to grace my nose.

One thing I'm certain of is my fear. It's a never-ending nag at the edge of my brain. I want Declan; I want his safe embrace; I miss him so fudging much. God, I hope he is alright.

My mom and Thomas must be freaking out. Surely, they must be worried. Would Julian care?

How long have I been here? What if I never leave? Don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it.

I feel like such a crybaby. I always used to say I could take care of myself, and look where that got me; endless droplets of salty water leak down my cheeks. My anxiety is full-fledged, and all I can think about is everything I don't have; Declan and my family.

My dad would know what to do in a situation like this. He always knew what to do. He was my hero. He's gone, though, but more than ever, do I wish he were here.

Sitting here alone in this small room makes me think of everything. I'm stuck in my head, with memories and future thoughts. My mind all jumbled up into a big knot that can't seem to untangle itself.

That guy supposedly who is Declan's brother terrifies me. I'm afraid of what he might do to Declan. It hurts me to even think about it. I just want him to be safe. Would he even look for me? Does he feel the way I do?

He never told me he had a brother. Why didn't he tell me? Maybe because he's some psychopath who kidnaps people.

The air is cold, and because of it, I'm shivering constantly. Food would be nice, a dream right now, but I'd rather suffer than see that guy again. Him mocking me wasn't my proudest of moments. Even a blanket would be like heaven right now. Would he hurt me for being annoying?

This all feels like a bad dream, a nightmare. But it's real, more real than anything.

My body won't stop shaking, my head is throbbing, and I can't differentiate the time. Nothing is processing; it feels like there's a cloud blocking me out from my own head, and when I pass out all, I see is the past.

What is that guy going to do to me? I know he wants Declan, but after he gets him, what is he going to do to me? What's he going to do to Declan?

Stress builds up under my skin, making it hard to get air to my lungs. Will I ever be the same? Cramps settle in my stomach while my chest heaves up and down in rapid movements. I hate when I get like this. I can't control my own body, and then start to see in twos.

I need Declan; he's my rock, the only thing that takes it all away. I can't live without him.

Water pools out of my eyes as I try to shake my head to get my vision back. Nothing is working.

My body starts convulsing, and I've lost all control. I feel frozen as my body wracks uncontrollably, stuck in my body with no control of its actions. I can't breathe. I feel like I'm going to die.