Chapter 21: Where You Stand
I'm still stuck in here. Stuck with a psychotic bitch. I want to go home. I need to leave. The worst part of being stuck in here is that the one I love hasn't come and save me yet. Maybe he is looking for me. I hope he's looking for me. I really want him to be with me right now, but I'm the stupid dumbass who ended it. I shouldn't have opened my mouth. Actually I shouldn't have applied for the program in the first place if it started this mess. This sucks, it really does
Ever since I found out if was Jack, he would keep the lights on when he rapes me. So now I could see the horror happening. He honestly doesn't care if I'm crying
"Mackayla?" I turned around and gave a faint smile
"Hey Derek" I haven't seen him since he helped me escape here. Well, tried to escape
"How are you doing?" he put the food down next to me and sat across from me
"Not very well"
"Oh"
I shrugged "But I had worst days"
"Yeah but this has been going on for almost two weeks"
"I know" I looked at my hands
"I'm still going to try and get you out of here"
"If that's possible"
"I will"
"I hope you will but I don't want you to get in trouble with Jack. He's very brutal. I mean look at me" I look horrible I bet. I have seen myself but I've noticed that I've gotten skinnier and have a lot of cuts and bruises
"I know but I'm still going to find a way to get you out of here. You don't deserve this Mackayla"
"Thanks Derek" he gave me a hug "And you can call me Mack if you want"
He pulled away "Well Mack, do you know anyone to call to get you out of this mess?"
"My cellphone is still in my locker back at school but I don't think-"
"What's the combo? I'll get your stuff. School starts in a few and I'm driving there"
"Wait you go to my school"
"Yeah just transferred a few months ago"
"Just like Jack" I muttered
"What?"
"Nothing. My combo is 26-16-10. It's in my bag"
"Okay. I'll see you later" he gave me a hug
"Wait" I pulled away "If you have a car why don't you just drive me out of here"
"Can't Boss has surveillance outside now that you've tried to escape"
"Okay. Instead of getting my phone, tell Cera Salvatore, Alyana Lewis, Chase Taylor, Jason Reed, Michael Martin, Maia Edwards, Blake Johnson, Drew Hunter, or Connor Mitchell about this. One of them will come I know it. Just don't tell them about Jack at first okay. If Jack knows you told them he'll do much worse to me"
He nodded "Okay I'll tell them" he got up and left
Please Connor
Cera's P.O.V.
Mack has been missing for almost two weeks and she's leaving next week. She's not answering her phone, she's not at home, or anyone else's place. Connor told me she broke it off last week and it was the last time he saw her. I think he was the last person she talked to before her disappearance. Me and her family are really worried. The police are out looking for her and still no sign. I know she wouldn't just run away to get away from UPenn, she would've went. And why would she break up with Connor and just disappear right after. My theory, she's been kidnapped. I just don't know by who
I was by her locker like I always am now ever since she's gone missing, hoping she'll turn up soon
"Cera calm down" Blake said to me
"How can I calm down? My bestfriend is missing and I don't know where the hell she is"
"Yeah Blake and you never tell a girl to calm down. Unless you want to get kicked in the balls" Aly said
I saw Connor pass by. I haven't seen him since I found out that Mack is missing
"Connor" I went after him
"What now Cera?" his voice seemed annoyed
"Did you hear anything from her?"
"No I haven't seen her since she dumped me" he said in an angered tone
"I can't believe you're not doing anything just to find her. I thought you love her"
"I thought she loves me but it turns out she doesn't"
"Connor-"
"Just leave me alone. Good luck on finding her" he walked away
"How could you be so heartless?" I yelled at him
He turned around "I'm heartless" I crossed my arms and nodded "She broke up with me for no fucken damn reason"
"She had a reason and her reason still stands" I walked away after that
"Cera Salvatore?" a guy from down the hall was asking a girl she shook her head and walked away.
He ran his fingers through his hair and looked frustrated
"I'm Cera" I said walking up to him "Why are you asking for me?"
"It's about Mack"
"Mack?" He nodded "Who are you?"
"That doesn't matter I need these people" he handed me the list of our groups names
"Why? Where is she?"
"I'll tell you when I have everyone" I nodded instead of protesting
This guy knows where Mack is and I'm going to find her
We all met up during lunch at the usual table. I didn't tell the others yet on what's going on
"What the hell am I doing here and who the hell is the bitch?" Connor asked nodding towards the guy
"Connor" Maia said slapping his stomach "What's going on Cera?"
"This guy knows where Mack is"
"Where is she?" Everyone except Connor asked
I gave him a deathly glare "Well are you going to tell them?" I asked the random guy
"She was taken by someone. She's at this location" he showed us a map, leading us to where she is
"How are we going to get her?" Jason asked
"You can't tell anyone else about this okay" he said with a dead serious face "If you do. Bad things will happen to her"
We all nodded. The others were making a plan to get her, I just kept an eye on Connor. He wasn't helping at all, he just sat there with an 'I don't care' look
"Good luck" he got up and walked away
I followed him out of the cafe "What is wrong with you?"
"Good bye Cera"
"The love of you life is missing and you don't bother to get her. Now you know where she is and you don't give a damn"
He stopped walking and faced me "She doesn't want me to find her. She dumped me Cera"
"It doesn't mean she doesn't love you Connor. She had a reason to break up with you"
"What was it because of what Brook said about her being a gold digger?"
"No"
"Then what is it cause I want to know"
"I can't tell you" I said softly
He scoffed "This is the second time she's done this to me. First in New York and now here. She's always leaving me without an explanation
"She had a reason to leave you in New York and she had a reason to break up with you last week. She has to tell you not me. It's her reason and it still stands till today. She loves you Connor and if you're not going to help her then she'll know where you stand" I walked back inside the cafe
"We're going tonight" Mike said
"Tonight?" I asked
"Mack has to leave for UPenn in 5 days and she still has to do all these things at city hall" I nodded
"So Chase, Jason, and Blake meet me at my place at 6"
"Wait just you guys?"
"Yeah" Chase said "I'm getting my bestfriend back tonight"
"So am I. I'm coming with you"
"No you're not. You're going to wait at home for me okay" Mike said putting his hands on my shoulder
I brushed it off and looked into his eyes "I'm going with you"
"No" I rolled my eyes "You and the girls will be at my place hacking into the security cams surrounding the place"
I crossed my arms "Well you should've told me I had a job" he chuckled and put his arms around me
Mack's P.O.V.
It's started to get dark outside and I waited for Derek to come back, hoping that the others are coming to get me
The door opened and my spirits were lifted. Derek walked through the door with my food. He closed it and set it on the table
I went up to him "Did you tell them?" I whispered
"Yeah" he handed me a note
'We're coming to get you baby sis'
I smiled "Thank you" I hugged him
He pulled away "Eat up" I nodded then he left
"Diner's over" Jack said walking in
I crossed my arms and faced him "I didn't get a chance to eat"
"To bad" he grabbd my arm and pulled me over to the bed
"Jack stop it" I struggled
"No not as long as I have you with me. I'm going to show you how much I love you. Unlike Connor"
Again. The same thing happened. I was in the corner of the bed scrunched up. I stopped shivering after the 3rd time he did it. I would just sit there and stare at the wall. This time was different, I struggled with every touch. I ended up hitting my head against the wall and now blood is falling from my forehead
"I told you, you shouldn't struggle"
"I would do everything to get away from you" I spat out
"Aw. Babe don't say that" he leaned in for a kiss but I pulled away. His face was filled with anger and he walked out
I touched my forehead and looked at my hand. Blood covered my fingers. I felt light headed but I can't show any weakness. He enjoys it when I'm weak, he takes advantage of it.
I went over to where my food was and drank half of the water, I used the other half to wipe my face. No use. Blood still ran and so did my tears
I heard a bang on the door. I went back to the bed and sat in the corner starring at the door.
The lock pad thing changed from red to green.
The door opened but no one was there. This has to be a joke or something. Showing me my sign of freedom. He's probably messing with me
"Dude hurry up" I sat up straight when I heard Jason's voice. It is him "You're girlfriends a genius"
"I know, She's in here" Chase?
Mike walked in "Baby sis" I ran up to him and tears came out
I hugged him "You came"
"I told you we would" he pulled away "You're bleeding"
"Let's just go. Please before he comes back"
He nodded "Chase take her"
Chase pulled me in for a hug "Good to see you again" I pulled away and smiled
"Mack" I turned around and saw Derek
"The fuck? You're the one keeping her captive" Mike punched his nose
"No Mike he's been helping me" I went over to Derek "Let's go before he comes back. Please Mike"
Something was miss. Actually someone was missing. Someone very important. The one that means the most to me isn't here
More tears formed
"What did that guy do to you?" Mike asked
"Let's just go home. Please" I begged. I don't want to be here any longer
"You're not going anywhere Mackayla" I froze when I heard his voice
"Who are you? And what did you do to my sister?" Mike said picking up a shovel
"She's mine and I'm not letting anyone take her" he grabbed my arm and pulled me away. He was wearing a hoodie so it made it impossible for them to see his face
"Mike!" I yelled "Let me go" I struggled in his grasp "Chase call 911"
"Let go of her" Jason yelled. He ran towards us but he stopped.
Jack put his arm around me, I felt cold metal up against my temple "Take one more step and I pull the trigger"
"Please don't Jack" tears fell. I can't go this way
"Jack?" they all said in unison
"Yeah it's me" the gun went away. He pulled off his hoodie "You guys under estimated me. I can do a lot more then you guys give me credit for" the gun was back in position
"Please don't Jack. I'll go with you" I said trying to compromise
"Mack don't" Chase said
"I'm sorry Chase. I'll go just don't shoot or hurt them" he was silent "Please"
"Okay"
"Mack what are you doing?" Derek asked
"Keeping you guys safe. I'm sorry"
"Don't follow us" he dragged me away, his arm still around me.
We turned the corner "Freeze put your hands up" police cars were gathered. officers had guns pointing at us "Put the gun down and give us the girl"
"You asked for them. You called your little friends over didn't you" he whispered into my ear
"If you love me Jack. Let me go"
"I will never let you go"
"Fine" I grabbed his arm and pulled the gun down to my chest "Shoot me"
"Mackayla no" I heard Mike yell
"If you love me Jack. Do what I ask and Shoot me"
I turned around and faced him. The gun was pointed right at my stomach, I pushed it against my stomach
"Shoot me" he didn't say anything just kept staring at me "Do it Jack. Obviously I deserve this. Everything you did to me" he put the gun down "Shoot me Jack! Get it over with" I cried at him "Do it Jack and shoot me" tears fell and I kept screaming at him to shoot me "Get it over with" I said in a more calm tone
"No. I Love you to much" The officers came up behind him and cuffed him
At least I know you do
"Mack" Chase said running towards me. I'm free now, but why do I still feel so empty? Lost? Broken? "Mack are you okay" I shook my head "What's wrong?"
I moved my bangs and felt my forehead. It was still wet from the blood "Chase do me one favor"
"What is it?"
"Catch me" my eyes dropped and so did I
Darkness. Emptiness. Heartache. Despair.
Everything you don't want to feel but you end up feeling it anyways. I've been feeling it ever since I was kidnapped but it hit me hard when he didn't save me
"Mack are you okay?" Maia asked. I looked at her, she was really worried
I've been in the hospital since the incident. Turns out I lost a lot of blood when I was trapped. Cera told me what happened and how they planned to rescue me.
Good thing that I'm not pregnant, but being pregnant would be the least of my worries
"No" I said starring out the window "I will never be okay"
"Well you get to leave today"
"I know" I'm leaving the hospital today and going to city hall tomorrow. Today I get to rest and I'm not planning to do so until I get something done
"Mack I'm sorry about what happened"
"Mackaroon" I turned my head towards the door "Let's go now" I nodded and walked out
The car ride home was silent. I haven't talked to anyone much. The police said I can tell them what happened when I'm better but I don't think I'll ever be. I'm beat and broken
"We're here Mackaroon" I gave a faint smile and went inside
"Mackayla darling you're okay" mom said hugging me. She pulled away "I'm going to make your favorites tonight"
"No need mom. I need to go somewhere"
"You're not leaving this house" dad said "Not until tomorrow"
"Dad I'm not going to be a prisoner again. Besides Chase is taking me, I'll be fine with him"
"Okay then" he hugged me "Please be safe" I nodded and walked outside
Chase was waiting for me "You sure you want to do this?" he asked once I got in the car
"Yeah"
"Mack if you don't want to-"
"Chase I have to. I need to get this over with"
"Okay"
I was silent. Like I've always been lately. I don't feel like talking about what happened it just not worth the tears anymore
"We're here" I looked at the house and felt my heart accelerate "You want me to come with you?"
I shook my head "No, I'll be fine" I got out of the car and took a deep breath. I walked up to the front door. I was about to knock but it opened "Hey" I said softly
He looked surprise "Hey. What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to ask some questions and talk about somethings"
"Well come inside"
"No. I'd rather do it here"
He closed the door behind him and stood in front of me "Are you okay?"
"Yeah" I nodded, he gave a smile. My nod turned into shaking my head "Actually no" his face frowned "I thought you love me"
"I do"
"Really?"
"Yes of course. I'm crazy about you Mack" he held my arms but I pulled away
"Then why didn't you save me? Why didn't you come after me? You know what I went through?" he was silent "I was beaten, raped and I almost got shot"
"I'm sorry"
"You know what the worst part of it was? I thought the one I Love...." I took in a deep breath "the one I thought that Loves me would come after me and save me" tears fast and hard
"You broke up with me"
"Because I was saving you, Connor" I wiped my tears
"From what Mack?"
"From leaving you broken" I yelled "I'm leaving for college in 4 days, Connor. I'm going to UPenn for the next four years. That's why I broke up with you. I didn't want you to wallow around feeling depressed"
"I didn't know. You should've told me"
"I didn't want you to know"
"Why not?"
"Cause I didn't want to leave you" I yelled once more. I didn't bother wiping my tears at this point. It's just going to keep coming out "You know I pointed the gun to myself because I didn't see you there when the others were. Cera told my you knew where I was and you didn't come after me"
"I thought you didn't want me to after you dumped me"
"Of course I wanted you to. I chose you, Connor. Not Jason. Not Chase. Not Jack. I chose you because I Love you" I pointed to him and my arm felt weak. Like any minute I could break down even more than I already am
"I'm sorry"
"If you Love me. You would've came anyways" I scoffed "You know what? Have a nice life Connor. I hope you can find someone who can love you and stay. Hopefully you'll save her when she's in trouble"
"Mack-"
"Good bye Connor" I ran inside the car and wiped my tears
"You okay"
I shook my head "No. I will never be okay again"
Chase pulled me in for a hug "I'm sorry Mack"
"How could he do that?" I cried on him
It hurts so much. I want this pain to stop, go away, vanish
I pulled away "Thanks Chase I'm ready to tell the police"
"Are you sure?"
I nodded "Yeah. Let's get this over with"
"Mack please" I looked at Connor at my door
I rolled down my window "What Connor?"
"I'm sorry I didn't come and get you-"
"Don't Connor. I know where you stand now. If you don't mind. I'm going to tell the police what happened" I rolled up my window before he could say anything else
I cried and cried. I felt broken, lost, alone. I gave him a chance to explain himself, but all he said was 'I thought you didn't want me to come' and 'You broke up with me'. I Love Connor, I really do, but I know now that it's best that things ended with us.
"All rise" The bailiff said
The judge sat down and so did the rest of the court "How does the defendant plead?"
"Not guilty" Jack's lawyer said "My client has been under medication for the past two years and has severe side effects"
"That is the biggest lie I've heard" Chase whispered to me from behind
"She's a lawyer she has to lie" I whispered back to him
"I call Mackayla Martin to the stand" his lawyer said
I sat up there and looked around at everyone starring at me. I still have cuts, bruises and stitches. I'm not in the best shape right now they said I look anorexic. Every time I look in the mirror, I cry. I look horrible, I see things that happened back in that place, I hate it so much
"Ms. Martin. Were you and my client, involved with each other?"
"Objection. You're honor" My lawyer Kate yelled "What does this have to do with the case?"
"Overruled" the judge said
"Yes. Me and Jack were a thing before" I said. I regret dating him now
"Was he a good boyfriend?"
"At times he was but not always"
"What do you mean?"
"Well" I stared straight at him "he cheated on me for 2 months"
"Moving on. Ms. Martin. What were you doing before you were taken?" she asked walking back and forth in front of me
"I was at my locker putting away my things and I just broke up with my boyfriend" I said dully
"And do you know how you were taken?"
"A cloth covered my face and I was taken"
"So you didn't see my client take you"
"No"
"No further question" she sat next to Jack who kept his head down the whole time, but every time he would look up at me, he would give me a death glare
Kate walked up to me "Ms. Martin. What was the first thing you noticed when you were held captive?"
"I was tied up to a chair and was blindfolded"
"What happened after that?"
"He came in, insulted me, then left. Then his assistant came in with my food, untied me and after I was tied down to a bed blindfolded when I was done with my food"
"What happened after that?"
"Well he came in and..." I swallowed the lump in my throat and held back tears from the traumatizing memory
"He what?"
"He raped me" tears came down
"Did you try to fight?"
"Yes but he would hit me everytime I did"
"What happened after that?"
"He would leave me there naked"
"How long did this go on?"
"For almost two weeks"
"And tell me, how did you get the stitches?" she pointed to the ones on my forehead
"The last time he raped me, I fought him with every touch. I hit my head and I started bleeding"
"No further questions" she walked back to her seat
The trail was long and tiring. I cried and cried as I had to recall the memories that happened
Jack was sent to a mental institute. After the mental institute, when he turns 18, he will be sent to jail for abuse, rape, and attempted murder
Derek, poor Derek. He was arrested for helping kidnap me. I don't know the term for that but I wish he didn't have to go to jail. The good thing is, he's only there for 2 months. The bad thing is, his sister is sent to an orphanage for the time being.
"That wasn't so bad was it?" Chase said walking up to me and putting his arm around me
"Are you kidding? I cried majority of the time"
"But now it's over" he said poking my stomach I swatted his hands away from me
"Yeah"
"And now you don't have to talk about it anymore. You'll have a new start tomorrow"
"Yeah I will"
Tomorrow I'm leaving for UPenn and I can't wait to get out of here. Sure I'll miss my friends but I finally get to get away from the questions about what happened
"Mackayla?" I turned around and a lady walked up to me "This is for you" she handed me an envelope then left
"What's in it?"
I shrugged then opened it
'I'll be back for you my love'
Right when I looked up, I saw Jack being pulled out of the court room with a police officer guiding him away. He looked at me and smirked
"Let's go Mack" Mike said pulling me out of the building
Ta da. Update :D
I'm sorry it's taking long for me to update. So instead of every week, I'll be posting every two weeks. I'm so so so sorry.
Comment, Vote, and/or Follow me :)