Asleep *FINISHED!/COMPLETE*

CHAPTER ONE My bare feet hit the wet concrete with force, but I maintained my balance as I crouched low to the ground, too afraid to stand. I allowed myself one brief moment to breathe in the night air, cold and crisp, as my heart swelled at the thought of freedom. But I couldn’t allow myself to become distracted. I wasn’t free just yet. The darkness aided me in my attempt to stay hidden against the dark gray stone walls that had been my prison these last 12 years, but there were security lights on each corner of the square building, forcing me to slowly edge my way closer toward the back, where the fence and my freedom were waiting. As I neared the corner of the back wall, staying just out of the circle of light that the lamps cast, I heard voices. I had to move quickly. I held my breath and peered through the darkness, trying to find the small hole I knew to be in the fence. It was so much harder to find my bearings in the dark, and my eyes hadn’t fully adjusted. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to find a small hole in a long, chain link fence but this was my only shot. Climbing over wasn’t an option with the barbed wire that lined the top. Another thing that made this place feel so much like a prison. I’d have to just feel my way along the bottom and pray I found the break in the links. “Find her!” The words echoed into the night followed by a loud slam of the front door. It was now or never. I bolted toward the fence line. No one screamed at me to stop, but there was no guarantee they wouldn’t see me soon. I worked as quickly as I could, feeling my way along the fence line. I crouched toward the bottom where Z said the hole would be, my hands shaky with fear that I was desperately trying to ignore. God only knows what would happen if they brought me back inside after an escape attempt. I couldn’t go back. I’d rather die. Come on… come on! It should be right here. I know it’s right here somewhere. Zander swore they hadn’t found it and sealed it yet and I knew I could trust him. He was family. Searching frantically for the split in the metal, the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I heard shouting and heavy footsteps pounding my way. A flashlight shone in my direction and my hands began to shake uncontrollably. Just then I saw it, the break in the chains, slightly illuminated by the incoming flashlight. Freedom. I wasted no time squeezing my small frame through the hole, pulling my light backpack through after me. Adrenaline was now fervently pumping through my veins, spurring me to move faster and masking the ache of hair being ripped from my head that had caught on the fence as I crawled through. I was on the other side now, and even though I knew there was no way Stone’s buffoons could fit through this hole or scale this barbed wire topped fence, I wasn’t about to stick around and let them try. They’d do anything to keep me here. I turned and sprinted as fast as my legs could take me towards the woods surrounding the property. I didn’t know where I was going, only that I was headed in the opposite direction of hell, wherever that may be. I risked a backwards glance to check that no one was behind me, only to see the man I knew as Oren lurch himself at the fence, grabbing onto the chain link and snarling through the holes at me. I paused for a moment and smiled slyly, savoring the furious look on his face knowing he wasn’t getting to me, but it quickly faltered when I saw him pull out a shiny metallic weapon and point it directly at me. Without hesitating another moment, I turned and ran for the trees, moving even faster than before, tiny rocks and twigs stabbing at my feet, the pain spurring me on. I let out a shriek followed by a strangled sob at the sound of gunshots ringing out into the night, but felt no sting of lead in my skin. I was almost through the trees, almost out of sight when I heard him scream, “Run fast and far princess! Because I’m coming for you!” ≈ I ran through the thick forest for what seemed like miles, my adrenaline driving me until exhaustion finally took over. I had no idea where I was, or where I was going, only that I was never going back, but right now my body refused to let me put any more distance between myself and my own personal hell. I took out the jacket Z had insisted I take with me and laid down on the cold, wet ground. I was anxious and afraid to fall asleep, but knew I needed to rest even if only for a brief moment. As I stared up into the night sky, stars twinkling back at me, teasing me with hope for a more beautiful life than I had ever thought possible before this moment, I couldn’t help the twinge of guilt that twisted in my gut as I thought of my friend I left behind. I hoped no one ever knew that Zander had aided me in any way. There was no price worth such a kind soul suffering, not even for my freedom. As my thoughts drifted, my eyes became heavy and I faded in and out of restless sleep for what I assumed was a little less than an hour before fear creeped back into my mind and I force*d myself to continue. I pressed on, walking in the same direction. I still didn’t know what direction that was exactly, but it was away from that prison I had been captive in for far too long, and that was enough for me. With the adrenaline wearing off, the pain from my hair being ripped out started to surface, along with the throbbing in my feet, and I rubbed the back of my neck. The sky had started lightening, giving me hope that maybe I had made it far enough away for now, and they wouldn’t be finding me tonight. I kept walking, slowly, painfully, but it wasn’t long before I saw the sun peeking above the tree line and my body felt renewed by its welcomed warmth. After what must have been hours of walking, I finally heard the faint sounds of traffic, and continued in that direction until I saw cars. I made my way to the street, but stayed just out of sight, letting the trees provide some cover from passing eyes. I hadn’t completely let myself believe I had made it out yet; not with Oren’s words ringing in my head, remembering his disgusting nickname of “princess” he had for me. He always said it with such disdain, and I never understood the name or the contempt. It had nothing to my name and I was treated like a slave rather than royalty. The thoughts started making me physically nauseous and I pushed him out of my head. Walking parallel with the road, I eventually came to a cross street with a small General Store on the corner and decided I should attempt to get some things to make myself not look homeless. Shoes were my number one, and hopefully I wouldn’t get caught in the process. Not like I had a credit card or a bundle of cash on me. As I made my way through the parking lot, I did my best to stand straight and not look suspicious or out of place, but a guy around my age caught my eye as I was walking in. He was loading some groceries into the back of his car and he was eyeing me skeptically. Probably had something to do with the fact that he was driving a Lexus and I’m walking through a parking lot with no shoes and dirt on my face. I quickened my pace and untucked my hair, trying to hide my face somewhat. Mind your own business, rich kid. Once inside the store, I quickly located the restroom. The cold water felt amazing on my face, washing away the dirt that made my already tan skin look darker than usual. My chestnut brown hair fell in matted waves around my face. Maybe I could swipe a brush too. And some toothpaste. I quickly made my way through the store, not making eye contact with anyone, grabbing what I needed. I casually dropped some flip flops on the floor and stepped into them. The soft rubber felt nice on my achy feet, and as I made my way to the door, I did my best to look straight ahead and hoped no one would notice what I’d taken. My feet were itching to sprint away from the storefront, but I knew that would only look suspicious, and Mr. Lexus was still outside leaning against his car, talking on his cell phone. He looked up at me and we briefly made eye contact. His eyes were questioning and I quickly looked away, not fond of our close proximity or the way he eyed my now shoed feet. As I began to quicken my pace to get past him, the manager of the store came out yelling and I started to bolt. Before I had a chance to get very far, Mr. Lexus grabbed my arm in one fluid movement, jolting me to a stop as I turned to glare at him. “Let go of me!” I shouted. For a second I thought I saw a slight smile turn up at the corner of his lips before he leaned in and whispered to me, “Just shut up and go with it, little thief.” Then he winked at me. Oh, heck no. Little thief? Who does this guy think he is? Sure I walked in barefoot and came out with shoes but so what? I could have paid for these. I started to protest, but the manager had almost reached us and his grip was too tight on my arm. “Is there a problem, Steve?” Mr. Lexus said to the stubby, overweight manager who was huffing by the time he made it over to us. As he spoke, he slowly and casually slid his hand down from just above my elbow to link with my hand. I tried to pull away, but his grip was ironclad, and I decided it was in my best interest to act casual. I would bolt the second I got a chance. “Mr. Cross, you know this young woman?” the manager asked, eyeing him skeptically. I looked from the middle aged manager to Mr. Lexus, who couldn’t be more than a few years older than me. Why would he be addressing him as Mr.? Sure, he drives a Lexus, but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t command respect from someone twice your age. This guy better not be the son of the mayor or police chief or something. That would be just my luck. “Of course Steve, this is my… friend…,” he cast a sideways glance at me, almost daring me to argue, “Sarah. She’s visiting from out of town so I gave her a ride to the store to pick up a few things.” Sarah? Really? I definitely did not look like a Sarah but ok buddy. I fought an attempt to roll my eyes at his name choice and chose instead to roll with it, trying to match Mr. Lexus’s confidence and face the manager. “Well I hate to tell you this Mr. Cross, but your ‘friend’ didn’t pay for her things. She stole those flip flops! And who knows what else the thief stuffed in her bag!” The manager started out calm, but his voice quickly rose, red flushing his cheeks. Mr. Lexus moved from his relaxed stance to one more rigid and intimidating, standing up straighter and towering over the stubby manager, who shrunk back instinctively at his change in demeanor. “Now, Steve,” Mr. Lexus said in a stern voice that didn’t seem to match his age, “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding. If necessary, charge it to my family’s account. I would hate to have to redirect our business elsewhere because of a minor misunderstanding. Especially after the repairs we helped pay for after last month’s storm.” The threat was thinly veiled, and even I felt intimidated by his clear confidence. I’m normally not a fan of rich, cocky guys that acted like they were better than everyone else, but after the manager nodded and walked back inside without any more fuss, I couldn’t help but be grateful. As soon as the man was out of sight, I yanked my hand away from his, apparently more forceful than necessary as I hadn’t noticed his grip had lessened over the course of the conversation. I took a step back and eyed him warily. Getting a good look at him now, I saw the stubble on his chin from a few days of not shaving, and a tiredness in his eyes I thought only people who had lived like me had at our age. His posture had relaxed some and his hazel eyes, tired but lined with humor, rested on me, accompanied by a smirk on his handsome face. He crossed his broad arms and leaned back against his car, waiting for me to say something. “Thank you” I said, probably with a little too much disdain. The guy had helped me but I hadn’t asked for it, and I wasn’t about to repay him any favors. I didn’t owe anyone anything and I could take care of myself. I started to turn so I could get the heck out of there but he stopped me. “Hey, wait. Don’t I at least get a name? I mean I did practically just save your life and all” he said with that same stupid smirk on his face. Saved my life? Please. I decided to ignore that part and hoped he would be satisfied with keeping my fake name he had chosen. “It’s Sarah, remember?” I said, my annoyance obvious. He laughed at this, showing his perfectly white teeth. Of course they were straight, too. Money could buy you things like that. I was one of the lucky few who wouldn’t have needed braces even if I could have afforded them, but most of the kids that were still around the orphanage at my age were not so lucky. “You’re lying” he said with a smile still plastered on his face. “Nope. You got it right! Lucky guess. Now I really need to be on my way.” I glanced around nervously, trying not to bolt, though my legs were aching to run. I couldn’t risk being out in the open only hours after escaping. No doubt they would be looking for me and dragging me back the first chance they got. Wouldn’t want to lose my family’s precious funding that I never seemed to see a penny of. “What’s wrong?” he asked, the smile fading quickly from his face. He glanced left to right as I just had, wondering what was making me so antsy. “Nothing. I just need to go. Thanks again for the help.” I turned again to walk away just as I saw a black car with blacked out windows round the corner. The ornate Jaguar on the hood and the slate gray rims made the car unmistakable. It was one of Stone’s buffoons, and my stomach wretched at the thought of Oren being behind the wheel. I instinctively ducked down between Mr. Lexus’s car and the one a space over, crouching down below the line of the windows, holding my breath and praying this rich kid with a hero complex wouldn’t do anything stupid to give me away. “What are you running from?” His expression was dark as he eyed me carefully. I could see the concern on his face, but he kept his relaxed stance as he leaned against his car, arms crossed firmly as if no one and nothing could make him crouch down out of fear. He exuberated a confidence that was undeniably appealing, but I had more important things to worry about than how attractive Mr. Lexus was. “Just mind your own business” I snapped. “I don’t need help from you or anyone else and I certainly didn’t ask for it,” I half whispered, half spat at him. I didn’t need him reporting me to the cops or something, which I was still suspicious that he might be related to one. Why else would he be taking such an interest in a mess of a girl like me who was obviously carrying more baggage than this small backpack? I peeked over the edge of the window of the other car only to see the black jaguar parked at a stop sign at the end of the cross street behind the store. No way did he see me, right? I glanced behind me to see if there was a way out. There had to be some way I could get to the other side of the building and from there I could make a run for it. If Oren saw me, he’d have to use his g*n on me, because dead is the only way I was ever going back there. I glanced up to see Mr. Lexus staring in the direction of the Jaguar parked across the street and I swear something resembling recognition passed through his eyes and he pushed off his car and stood straight, taking on a defensive stance. Without looking back down at me, he opened the passenger side door to his car. “Get in,” he said, never taking his eyes off the black car. He started to walk around to the driver’s side and glanced back at me still crouching next to the other car. His eyes were stern, but there was no trace of fear in them, and his mouth was pressed into a hard line. “NOW!” His voice spurred me into action and I jumped into the passenger’s seat, unsure that it was a good idea. I mean, this guy could be a serial killer or something, but I would take my chances with him over Oren. As I saw it at the moment, it was my only option.