Chapter 21: Chapter 21

He hid behind a large tree, oblivious to the pines and thorns piercing his feet and arms. Those were the least of his concerns. His eyes, sharp as always, narrowed at the scene in front of him. He gulped. He could see her clearer now.

She climbed the rock higher, careful to hold on to the sharp edges. She bent over, obviously out of breath. Raising her head, he could see the furrow on her brow, lips bared, teeth gritted. A determined look. Big ol Don chuckled low at the pathetic sight. Who did she think she was. Stepping in to his territory, invading his sacred mountains! He wondered why she was alone, not in a group with her friends. He bet she would run back to them and inform them of this new found place. The view from the top was breath-taking. Tourists and campers came here to take photos, he knew that. Let's see if you're going back to your camp, little thingy. She was slim, he noticed. Not enough meat to last him a week then. His stomach growled at the enticing thought of the fleshy soup he would eat later. Normally, the meat cooked for hours. Today would be difficult. But well, he'll have to make do with her. At least for now.

She lifted her long floral skirt, bellowing in the wind and tied it clumsily to the side. Then she picked up her phone, a selfie stick, a bottle of water and continued her trek up the cliff. Her words reached him, "This damned skirt. By the time I reach, my makeup would have been smeared off due to this heat. How can I take pictures then? Ugh I wish I brought my makeup kit." She continued rambling, and after more than thirty minutes of trying to get on top, she finally succeeded. The view was marvellous. She gaped at it. The whole island could be seen from here. Tall green trees swaying in the distance looking golden in the low sunlight entranced her. She snapped out of it deciding to continue with what she came to do. She instantly took dozens of pictures of the view. From below, the cliff seemed like it was pointed, and small. But getting nearer, it widened. Now on the cliff she wondered why it was called that. Because it was more like a mountain. The whole forest was clearly visible from up there.

Unbeknownst to her, big ol Don had crept up behind her. Sneakily, like a mouse, he climbed through the fastest route which was at the other end of the cliff. He knew this place all too well. He snarled as he reached the top. His prey, oblivious to him took a sip of water muttering, “Thank God".

"Yes! There's signal. Woohoo." She shouted. She took photos of herself posing, and pouting, then logged in to her YouTube page and started a live video. "Hi everyone. I missed you so much guys. Ok, so, we're finally at the camp! Yayy. Okay we have been here for more than two weeks now and OMG It's been sooo hectic. I mean, I'm literally... whew. Plus the sun is scorching hot. Like really hot, I mean. Anyway, I'm at a cliff right now, because this is the only place we can get signal. Like seriously? Guys, I can't show you anything here, because it’s just mundane. But can you see that view behind me? It is breath-taking. Absolutely gorgeous guys. I'm going to post a picture of it, that I just took by the way. I've also taken a lot of pictures and videos at camp, so imma post them now after this very short vlog. Okaaay?! Honestly guys, it’s been so frustrating---"

She paused and frantically turned around. She thought she heard something heavy moving. Puzzled, she returned to her camera, making a face. "What was that? Oh guys, I'm sorry, I thought I heard a noise. Guys I'm so grateful for 12,000 subscribers! Yayy! Honestly I’m shocked. Like whaaat! You guys rock. Anyways, as I was saying... Ahh. Uhmmm." A large hand covered her mouth from behind, pining her arms behind her as she dropped her phone and her muffled sounds filled the air. She struggled but her hands were held together firmly as she was dragged off the cliff.

~~~~~

She woke up in a barely lit room. The room was so cold, she shivered. Fear gripped her instantly as her lips quivered. Looking around, she gasped and put her head in between her thighs. He was just outside the room, baring hidden in the dark as he grinned, looking at her through a small iron bar.

Silent sobs escaped her lips. Why did I have to leave, she thought silently. Why? I could have gone with Jams or Nat. Sarah specifically begged me not to go alone. I should have told her I was going. She would sure tag along. To hell with popularity. To hell with fame. Just then, she remembered her phone and discreetly searched her pockets. They were empty. Fear gripped her once more, as she remembered her phone slipping away from her hands. Now she was all alone. Nobody could help.

She prayed they found her before it was too late. Who took her? Was he a kidnapper? But why would he kidnap her? For ransom, here out of nowhere? It didn't make sense, so no. It wasn't that. Was it a rapist? Or a serial killer? She had read news and seen movies about these criminals. Some of them liked to keep their victims in a room and even feed them. In an article she read, it said that those were the ones who needed help the most. Because they were in desperate need for love, someone to love. So they would kidnap girls and try to mould them into their perfect women. One mistake from the girls was enough for drastic consequences. These criminals wanted a robotic-like woman, to control to their will.

She hoped it was not the case. She wouldn't allow herself to be turned into a perfect wife or sex slave. No way. She would fight till the end. As she fiddled with her fingers, different suggestions on why she was taken crossed her mind. Were her friends looking for her, she kept thinking. If they were, then it wouldn't be long before she was found.

Her head had been aching so bad, coupled with a sore leg. A crack jolted her back to the land of the living. She pressed herself together against the wall. A boy came in. More like a teenager. She was startled. "Here." He said and tossed towards her a plate.

"Wait. Please, help me. Why did you take me? Please. I'm begging you." But he turned and left, locking the door behind him. She ran to the door and banged it with all her strength. It didn't bulge not even a creak. She knew there was nothing she could do. The food he brought was there, on the floor. Her stomach rumbled a little as she clutched it. Only God knew how many hours it had been since she ate last. But she didn't want to, feeling suspicious of everything. She had no other choice. Unless she wanted to die before she had any chance of escape.

She decided to check the room for any object to use in case. She rumbled through the drawers but found nothing. Being a very small room, there was nothing much to look. She ran to the window. May be I should shout for help? She thought. Quickly, she changed her mind. Shouting will attract the boy quicker than anyone, if anyone even heard. The window was barricaded with iron bars horizontally and vertically. She tug at it to no avail. Outside, was a bin in sight, a shovel lying carelessly on the ground and a small bucket. If only I got my hands on that shovel, she hissed. Wiping tears from her eyes, she looked again. There was nothing again except a wide array of trees stretching deep into the forest. At least she was still in the forest.

At last, she became exhausted and fell on the cold floor, sobbing. "Why? Why me? What have I done? What will become of me?" She whispered to herself.

Even though she didn't want to admit it, she knew it would be a long time before she saw the rays of sunshine ever again. If she even did.