"Are you sure you want to do this?" Maggie asks me as I'm preparing to leave to meet Caleb.
"The only reason for me not to go is if you stop me," I reply.
"I just don't want to have to hurt you again," she says.
"I know. But maybe it's for the best."
I walk out quietly, careful not to disturb Jasmine if she is around.
"There you are," says Caleb when I turn the corner.
"I'm sorry I'm late. What'd I miss? How can you get me back? I love you, but things are just so complicated-"
"Amber," he says, "I made a deal with Jasmine, but-"
"What did she want? You're gonna give it to her right? I don't doubt you'll find a way, but-"
"Amber."
"What? Oh my god. Caleb, do you love me?"
"What? Of course I love you. I'd do anything for you."
"Then just give her what she wants and you can have me! Whatever she wants-"
"Amber, it's not that simple. She wants a trade-"
"What could she possibly want that you couldn't give her?"
"Amber, for you to be freed, I would have to take your place."
"What? Well then you can't do it, we'll figure out another way!"
"Change of attitude, I see," he says.
"It's not funny. You have to say no."
"I already told her I would. The switch will happen in the morning. Now you need to go," he says.
"No! I can't let you do this!"
"Go! Now!"
"No!"
"Go, go, go!"
"I can't leave you!"
"If you love me you'll just go back inside and let things happen the way they are set up to happen."
I run back to the house, silent tears streaming down my face.
"What happened, honey?" Maggie asks.
I fall into her open arms, sobbing, "He's going to take my place as Jasmine's prisoner. And there's nothing I can do about it."