Chapter 54
CHAPTER
FIFTY-FOUR
EMERSON
With my hand to my throat, I watched Holden throw the ball long downfield. My heart pushed back into my ribcage as I waited. It felt like an eternity as the football soared through the air before it landed in LeBlanc’s hands. When he stepped into the endzone, the stadium erupted, and a frenzy of feelings surged.
Everyone next to me jumped up and down, screaming and shouting in glee. My heart thumped louder, Holden’s words echoing in my head.
“Do you know how tempted I am to drop down to one knee and propose right here? When I win this game, I’m doing just that.”
The things that man said. He couldn’t be serious. Right? We were so young. He had his whole life ahead of him. No. He was joking.
Wolfie bumped into me, breaking my trance and stealing my focus from the team as they lined up for the two-point conversion.
“Sorry,” I said, then chastised myself. I hadn’t bumped into them!
Wolfie tilted their head, and a sick sensation curled in my gut. I couldn’t remember who the mascot was now that I’d left the position. In fact… no one extra had been at practice.
The stands erupted, and I returned to the game to see if the two-point conversion was good. Jenny grabbed my arm, screaming and cheering at the comeback. Leigh pulled her into a hug, and they jumped together in celebration. I watched Holden as he jogged off the field, and I smiled. I couldn’t wait to celebrate with him tonight.
Wolfie bumped into me again, but this time, they lifted me over their shoulder. It took me a second to register, and they were at the tunnel entrance before I fought back.
“Let me go! This isn’t cool. Put me down.” Wolfie ignored me while I kicked and beat on their back. “Help! Help!”
But it was already too late.
We were in the dark corridor, and the stadium was so loud that no other sound seemed to exist. I didn’t stop fighting, my throat raw as I belted out my scream.
“Stop! You don’t want to do this. You’ll regret it. There will be people looking for me! Just let me go, and we’ll forget this happened.”
It was useless.
My words fell on deaf ears as Wolfie carried me under the stadium. We were in a deserted area cast in darkness, and the stadium noise was a dull roar now. My screams turned to sobs the further we went, and I hated myself for breaking down.
“Please. Just let me go,” I whimpered, dropping one of my poms. An idea struck, and I tore off strands, letting them flutter to the ground every few steps. It was probably too late since we were already so far into the stadium, but I had to try.
I wouldn’t give up.
A loud creak sounded before Wolfie ducked, and I tossed the last pom, praying Wolfie didn’t see it. They turned a few steps later, and I caught the sight of a room before a door shut, a bolt sliding into place. Wolfie walked further into the room and dumped me onto a dirty mattress. I wiped my eyes and scooted the furthest back I could while ignoring the stains under me. I could only deal with one scary thing at a time.
“People will be looking for me,” I cried, my lip wobbling. Wolfie stared at me, tilting their head. It was creepy in a way it shouldn’t be. They dropped the paws, revealing masculine hands. It matched what I’d been too scared to admit to myself from their build and the way they’d carried me through the stadium. Once the paws were free, they lifted the head and brought it down.
The man who’d haunted my nightmares stared back at me, sending chills over my body. Dark eyes trailed over my body, so I covered myself, not wanting any part of me to be seen by him.
“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, Princess. You don’t have to be scared anymore.”
“I’m not your princess.”
He sighed and hung his head. “I’d hoped we wouldn’t have to do this the hard way, but I see they’ve brainwashed you more than I realized. I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long. It took me a while to find you.” He lunged for me, grabbed my leg, and pulled me to the edge of the bed.
I kicked and screamed, but he was stronger, and had me under him before I could fight back. He pressed his body into mine, and I bucked up, hitting our heads together. Everything blurred for a second, but I took the opportunity to roll away and scramble across the floor. My eyes searched for something I could use as a weapon. The room was filled with odds and ends: a kerosene heater, a saucepan, bottled water, and canned goods lined one wall. A janitor bucket, a suitcase with clothes spilling out, and a wall of photos filled the rest of the space .
Was he living here? Was that how he’d evaded the police? And were those photos of me?
I peered closer and covered my mouth at what I saw. Fear engulfed me and froze me to the spot. There were so many. How long had this been going on?
He grunted, and my head whipped back to the bed. I reached behind me and grabbed a can of beans. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but if I could get to the door, I might be able to make it.
“Stay back!” I shouted.
“Quit lying, Princess! You love me. We can finally be together.”
“I don’t know you! I definitely don’t love you.”
“You’ll change your mind once we’re married.”
“I’ll never marry you!”
He moved over to the suitcase and shoved the clothes in. I spotted a few of my clothes, things that had gone missing. I’d assumed someone from the Wolfettes had been taking them. How many things had I ignored?
I had to get out of here.
If he made it out with me, my odds of surviving were abysmal. I couldn’t give up. I just had to hold out long enough for someone to notice I was missing. The game had to be over by now. Colter and Holden would come for me. I believed that. They would.
Hardening my resolve, I climbed to my feet and picked up another can. His back was to me, but he was too close to the door. I needed to draw him away.
“Owen. Wait, is it okay if I call you that?”
He stopped, his frantic movements slowing as he zipped the suitcase and turned around. I hid the cans behind my back, balancing on the balls of my feet as I waited for the right moment. I’d only have a small window.
“You can call me whatever you want, Princess. ”
“We’re getting married?” My words stumbled, but I straightened my back. Holden and Colter needed me to be strong. I had to survive this. There was too much life still left to live with them.
“I knew you’d want to. I’ve been planning it for years.” His eyes brightened, the mania more evident as I played into his delusion. He took a step closer, and I shuffled to the left more. I just needed to keep herding him away from the door.
“Where are we going?”
“Venezuela. You’re going to love it there. Beaches and sun, and best of all, no one will be able to find us.”
I gulped. That sounded horrible. “Oh, wow. I can’t wait. Then we’ll get married?” I took another step to the left, and he followed.
“That’s the best part. I just need you to sign the license, and we’ll be married instantly.”
I froze, my heart beating rampantly as I tried to stay calm. “Ho-ow?”
“A friend of mine works at the courthouse. I got all kinds of information about you there. It was easy.” He shrugged, smiling like he hadn’t violated my privacy or taken away my consent by forging a document. At least I still had to sign it. That was something.
“That was so thoughtful of you. I can’t believe you went through all this trouble.” I took another step. The door was directly in front of me now. He was still close, but no longer in my direct line. If I missed with the cans, I’d be screwed.
“I’d do anything for you, Princess. The last few months should tell you that. Always changing cars. Constantly being guarded.” He shook his head, exasperated. “I’ve enjoyed this little game, but it’s over now. We’re together.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” I swallowed, my heart beating hard in my chest. I needed a distraction. “Are you going to wear Wolfie? Or will you change clothes?”
He looked down, frowning at the mascot costume still covering his body like he’d forgotten before looking back to me. “That’s my Princess. It’s so thoughtful, but I should keep it on. There are police here looking for me. I can’t be too careful.” He laughed, and I chuckled nervously.
“Right.” My hands sweated, and the can felt slippery in my grip. It was now or never. Time to pull out the oldest trick in the book. “What’s that?” I asked, pointing behind him.
The can became visible, but he turned to look where I’d pointed and thankfully ignored it. The moment his head was turned, I took the opportunity and ran for the door, launching the can when I was closer. He whirled around at the sound of my feet on the floor, and the can missed the mark and glanced off his shoulder.
Only two more steps from the door, so I threw the next can. I didn’t wait to see if it struck as I reached for the bolt and flung it open. The door was heavy, but I used every ounce of strength I had and whipped it open. I could hear him behind me, so I didn’t stop to look as I took off running.
My feet slapped against the ground, and I was glad I had on tennis shoes as I ran for my life. The pom strings guided me around turns, my heart beating so hard I could barely hear anything else over the blood pounding in my ears. A second later, a hand wrapped around my ponytail and yanked me backward.
“Ahh!” I screamed, my voice hoarse. My head jerked back at the movement, but I dislodged him.
My head stung where the hair was pulled, but I ignored it and pushed harder. I turned another corner just as the sound became louder. I had to be closer to people. I can’t give up . Tears streamed down my face, and my lungs burned as I attempted to pull in enough air. The area became more familiar, and I pushed my arms harder. I could hear voices up ahead. I was almost there.
I turned the corner and spotted Colter picking up the first pom I’d dropped. My heart sang, and I opened my mouth to shout at him, just as an arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me off my feet.
“Noooo!” I screamed, the sound barely above a whisper. I kicked and flung myself, hitting back with my elbows. I used all of my weight to push him off balance. Now that I’d seen salvation so close, I wouldn’t lose it.
One foot kicked back hard, and I managed to nail him between his legs. He crumpled, cursing me as he fell to the ground with me on top of him. He groaned, his arms tightening around me. I continued to thrash and roll. I wouldn’t give up.
“Stupid bitch. Those boys aren’t good for you. They defile you and use you. We belong together.”
“Fuck you! You’re deranged!” I shouted as loud as I could, which wasn’t very loud considering my voice situation, but I didn’t stop. I clipped him in the jaw with my elbow, and he finally let go. I rolled off and crawled away as far as I could on my hands and knees.
I wasn’t fast enough.
He grabbed my ankle just as I stood, sending me back to my knees. I hit the concrete, and tears filled my eyes.
“No! Let me go!” I turned on my butt, kicking at him with my free leg. He only had one hand on me, the other covering his groin. I lifted my leg and brought the heel down onto his fingers over and over.
“You’ll always be mine, Princess. You’ll accept it one day.”
“No, I won’t. Never. You might as well get that now. My heart belongs to them, so if you take me, I’ll never stop loving them.” The words came out barely above a whisper, my voice nearly gone. Tears streamed down my face, and I sucked in a breath and gave one more kick. His grip broke, and I scooted back on my hands.
“We belong together!” he shouted, reaching out for me. “I’m trying to save you! ”
“The only person I need saving from is you! I’m not yours. I’ll never be yours.” My back hit something solid, and my heart sank. Trapped.
But then it moved, and the familiar smell of citrus and cotton washed over me.
Safety. Home. Love.
“I’d listen to her if I were you, Owen. She said no.”
Arms wrapped around me, lifting me up, and I didn’t fight it this time. Colter held me tight, and I relaxed into his hold. Finally.
Owen’s eyes spit murder at me and Colter, but I didn’t care. I was safe now. They’d found me, just like I knew they would. Holden’s hand wrapped around mine, and I looked up to find him next to Colter. Worry etched his face, but when I met his aquamarine eyes, I saw relief and love—so much love.
Other noises permeated the space, and I glanced back at Owen as two police officers handcuffed him, reading him the Miranda rights. Holden tugged me closer, wrapping his arm around me and Colter, smothering me into his chest and blocking my view. My body shook, but it took me a few minutes to realize it wasn’t from me.
Pulling my arms free, I soothed Holden and Colter, letting them know I was there. “I’m okay. I fought back to buy time until you found me. And you did. We’re safe now. He’s gone. We don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Colter was the first to pull back, his eyes watery as he peered at me. He brushed his thumbs over my face. Holden still had me plastered to his chest, his head buried in my hair. Colter didn’t comment, accepting it as it was. We both knew he would struggle with this the most. His need to protect me had been ripped away, and it would take a while for him to calm down. We all would, if I was honest.
“Emerson!” my dad shouted. Colter turned so I could see my dad, Rose, Hope, Cody, and Taylor behind them as they approached us. There were police everywhere, and Detective Jennings was talking to Officer Smith.
My dad stopped in front of me, his hands hovering like he wanted to touch me, but didn’t know if he should. Colter shifted to my side, keeping his arm around my waist like he feared I’d disappear again if he wasn’t touching me. I didn’t mind. I needed their touch as much as they needed mine.
“I’m fine, Dad.”
Everyone stared at me like I’d grown two heads, and I wondered if I looked worse than I knew. I glanced down at my body, but couldn’t see anything that would warrant their looks. My body felt bruised and a little battered, but he hadn’t hurt me. Not really.
“Miss Adams, can you tell me what happened?” Detective Jennings asked, stepping into view. Holden growled into my hair and turned his head. I could only imagine the death glare he was giving her, but she didn’t even flinch.
“I, um, it was, um?—”
“Can she do this another time?” Rose asked. “She’s been through so much already.”
“I’m afraid not. Details will be the freshest now, so getting a report is important.”
“It’s fine,” I rasped and smiled at Rose in thanks. I took a deep breath and pushed all my emotions aside, reminding myself it was over. It was done. I was back with the people I loved, and Monsieur Owen wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore.
So I told her how he’d grabbed me, that I’d dropped my poms to give a trail, and that he’d been living in what I believed was a janitor’s closet deep in the stadium. I mentioned the wall of pictures, and how he planned for us to marry and leave the US. I said it all in a detached voice, barely a whisper.
“Thank you, Miss Adams. I’ll be in touch if there’s anything else.” She nodded and directed a few officers to follow her down to where I’d said. Officer Smith gave me a kind smile and stepped up to our circle.
“I hope when you think back on this day, you remember the badass you were. A whole stadium cheered for you at halftime, breaking years of tradition and electing you as their representative. Instead of hiding or running like those girls wanted, you held your head high and proudly marched out there. You showed thousands of people your soul, sharing with them your beauty and making them not feel so alone.”
“But he still took me. I couldn’t stop it.”
“That’s not your fault,” Holden said.
“It’s not yours either,” I whispered.
“You did everything you could,” Officer Smith cut in. “Hold on to that when the adrenaline wears off and you’re remembering the fear. Look at your bruises and recall how brave you were. How hard you fought. You are a badass, Emerson Adams. Don’t ever forget that.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and handed it to me. “If you ever need anything, I’ll be there, no questions asked.”
He walked off, our group stunned at his words. “What’s it say?” Taylor asked, pointing to the paper.
I opened it, finding a kid’s drawing. It was like a comic book with multiple squares. In the first square, a stick figure with a crown on her head and pom-poms at her feet was shown. In the rest, a little girl holding hands with her dad, who wore a badge, was shown. There were bubbles by their heads. My eyes welled up as I read them, and I brushed aside a tear so it wouldn’t fall onto the paper.
“What does it say?” Cody asked, peering around the group.
“ Daddy, I want to be like Mer. ”
“I thought you wanted to be like me? That I was your hero?”
“I can have two heroes,” Colter read, picking up where I stopped. “Mer doesn’t let the bullies win, and she has two boyfriends.”
“ I’m not sure I want you to have two boyfriends,” Hope read, stepping up.
“Mer does, so I can, too. I can do anything if I believe, just like Mer.”
“Badass,” Holden said, pulling away from me.
Everyone laughed, the tension easing at the words. Warmth spread through me, erasing the chill that had set in, and I clutched the paper to my chest. I didn’t know this little girl and probably would never meet her, but she saw me as a hero. I didn’t feel like I measured up to that yet, but I wanted to. I’d unlocked so many beautiful things by stepping out of the fear. I just had to believe in myself and that I was worth it.
“Speaking of this two-boyfriend trend,” Taylor said. “I think I might jump on board this train. I never thought I’d settle down, but having two is a game-changer. The things Eric can?—”
“Parents still here,” Rose cut in, her cheeks heating.
Taylor shrugged, not caring.
“How about we get you checked out by the paramedics and then head home? I think we could all do with some ice cream, pizza, and a puzzle,” my dad said.
“Puzzles?” Cody said, cocking his eyebrow.
“You’re not cool unless you jig,” I teased.
Cody laughed and shrugged. “If there’s ice cream and pizza, I can get behind this. Who knows? I might rock at this!”
“I bet I’m better than you,” Hope challenged.
“Nah. I’m totally the best,” Taylor countered.
“It’s not a competition,” I muttered.
“Babe, have you met us?” Cody asked.
Colter and Holden laughed, walking with me to the paramedics. When I was cleared, we walked out to find the Wolfettes, the football team, and several other students waiting. They all clapped and rushed to our group, giving me a hug or a kind word. It took us another thirty minutes before we finally left the stadium. I took in all the faces of the people in my life, amazed at how full it had become. I hadn’t wanted to come to Hayward, believing it would be the worst decision of my life.
But at this school, not only had I found love and friendship, but myself.
Badass.