home.
I pause and delete the last sentence for fear if Gabe really is the one behind the e-mail. Even if he didn’t write it, I know it’ll only be a matter of time before he reads it. He and Dad are close, and if Dad thinks I’ve been kidnapped, he’ll no doubt use Gabe’s help and share with him this information. This whole thing is complicated and exhausting. I continue my e-mail.
Please just accept the money we send and use it for Mom. I promise when things are better, I’ll come see you both. Things have been hard, Dad. Trust that I’m still your daughter and would only be doing seemingly hurtful things if there were a reason. You know me better than to assume the worst. I love you and look for more money. Can you let Mom reply?
Baylee
Tears well in my eyes and then spill down over my cheeks. Less than a month ago, I was spending my days flirting with my boyfriend between classes, training for a track meet after school, and having long talks with my mother about my childhood, my relationship with Brandon, and my future.
Fast forward a few weeks and I’m craving physical attention from a man who purchased me for companionship, worrying over whether or not Gabe will come back for me, and attempting to get my father to understand my situation without telling him.
My, how things have changed.
A ding on the computer has me jerking my attention back to my inbox. I let out a tiny sigh of disappointment to see that it’s from War, who’s undoubtedly hiding from me in the other room. Away from my childish advances.
Peace,
You’re more than I could have ever imagined. I know you’re not happy but I think with time you could be. Please forgive me for selfishly wanting you all to myself for a couple of hours. I knew the email would upset you and all I wanted was to make you happy.
It’s the least I can do for all that you have done for me.
War
I swipe away my tears and tap away a response.
War,
It’s hard to be happy when your life is a big, confusing, frightening mess. Granted, I’m not fearful around you, but I am fearful for the simple fact that Gabe is still out there. Most assuredly, he’s there with my parents or at least in contact with my dad. I feel disconnected with the outside world. I could be contacting the police, explaining to my parents about Gabe, anything. I’m not though. I’m pretending to be your doting companion with you. And while playing chess with you, eating your super healthy vegan meals, and chatting to you about every single thing I can think about to keep the boredom at bay passes the time, I’m still stuck in this box. Your house. Locked in. Away from everyone.
I know you say I’m not a prisoner. Well show me.
I know you say you’d be a fool not to want me. Prove it.
I know you hate Gabe for what he’s done to me. Then help me.
Right now, I’m like your annoying little puppy that you got stuck with. You’re afraid I’ll get dog hair all over your pretty couch or pee on the floor. That I’ll bark too loudly and the neighbors will find out you have a yappy dog. You don’t want me to chew on your stuff, yet you give me nothing to play with.
I’m not happy, War.
I’m sorry.
Your puppy you’ve been saddled with,
Peace
Feeling satisfied with my e-mail, I fire it off to him and glare at the screen. My fingers tap impatiently on the device as I wait for a response from him or my parents. Minutes later, my computer pings again.
Peace,
I could have done without the puppy peeing reference. Jesus. That shit is fucking with my head just thinking about it. Look, I’m sorry too. I’m not a monster, Bay. I made a mistake—buying you like I did. I was too delusional to even think through the consequences or outcomes of such a fantastical plan. Now, I get it. And that’s at the expense of you. For that, I apologize. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
Until then, know this. You’re not a puppy to me.
In fact, you’re as far from annoying as one could get.
You’re a light in my dark world. I’m not ashamed to admit that. And you’re right, I’m holding you prisoner just as I promised not to. Your Internet access is no longer restricted. Find