When we were 17

the next day at school

The next morning, Maddy woke up as usually, it was Monday with her parents already out of the house, she’s not usually late to school so she does what ever it is she needed to do including breakfast, light makeup and gets ready for school. She’s always ready on time so she doesn’t have to worry about being late. Today’s wasn’t special, she’ll just Go to school as usual and listen to whatever the teacher has to say. Wait a minute, there is something special today, she’d had to face Gerald, she can’t with to hear the reason why he didn’t bother to check up on her after leaving her in an awkward situation with her parents the last time the met. She paused as she thought about it doing her makeup.

He’d better have a reasonable explanation for that. After all I’m his girlfriend, she said out loud as she continues to apply mascara to her eyelashes.

She got up after her make-up and headed to the house, after all, make-up is the last thing she does cause she doesn’t I anything to ruin it. As she stepped out of the house, trying to figure out if she forgets anything, she made sure she didn’t so it’s time to lock the house and head straight to school, just as she was leaving the compound, she thought if she would stop at Evie's but then she remembers how she had ditched Evie several times.

Classes started and Maddy has not come face to face with Evie or Gerald. after lunch she Decided she speaks to her friend. on her way back to class with some group of friends she saw Evie and decided to clear the air.

Hey, do you have a minute? let's talk. Maddy said

errrm, sure. Evie replied

I'm so sorry for the way I treated you past these few days and I didn't mean it I was.....

it's fine Maddy it's Fine, C'mon. she reached out for a hug.

they hugged and each went their way.

instead of heading straight back to class, she went looking for her boyfriend Gerald, she checked every corner of the school yet. as she decided to head back to class, she remembers she didn't check the store room, where every student who wanted to have fun went with his/her pair. she headed straight to the storeroom knowing fully well that that was where her boyfriend was. but as she entered the store room, it was dark,cold and quiet in there. but she could hear silent wheezy breaths. she got scared.

Helloooo, Gerald...are you there?

Geraaald . she yelled again. who's there?

before she could utter any statement, she felt someone someone grabbed her from behind, real tight. her nose was covered as she struggles to breathe, everything began spinning and blurred. she lost consciousness.

By the time Maddy regaines consciousness, she found herself in a bedroom, alone...the room had paintings, it was dark, the side of the bed was loaded with clothes, leftover popcorn, PS games and bunch of stuff she didn't recognize because it was dark, she got up from the bed and began looking around. she could tell it was a guys bedroom.

she tiptoed to the window to Check if she could recognise the place she's at, but she couldn't even open the window, she quickly reached out to the door, and tried unlocking it, still she couldn't, then she realised it was locked from outside.

No, No, No No No No. she began to panic as she reached out for her phone.

shitttt. she said as she realised her bag and everything were still in her locker and she had nothing with her that could be of any help. she decided to calm down and search the room if she would get something like pin, or a knife or scissors... anything that would help unlock the door or window. there seems to be nothing there. she went back to her bed and sat down. she started crying and yelling.

anyone? please help me...Helppp. she shouted.

No hopes at all she continued weeping silently. just as she was about to lay down. she heard footsteps. someone was coming. slowly, the person sliped in the key and unlock the door. as the door opens, Maddy's eyes widened to see who it was . the person slowly came in as she stood up ready to protect herself. she was panting and panicking

Hey.... Hey Calm down , Take it easy.

Gerald? she asked surprised, Why?

Relax Baby, I can explain. he said coming closer trying to hug her.

No, No, don't touch me, you put something over my nose and I couldn't breathe, I would have died, She yelled in anger.

I didn't harm you baby, I can't harm you I love you. Gerald said with shaky voice

Maddy burst into tears, wondering why he did that to her. Gerald was able to get hold of her and he finally hugged her tight as she sobs.

I'm sorry sweetheart. he apologized.

why tho? Maddy asked hugging him.

because I needed to talk to you and I couldn't do it in school in the open. they're out there looking for me already I can't risk it.

what? who? whose looking for you, do you need help? Maddy asked concerned with tears in her eyes. Talk to me!

Babe, the police are after me, and they're determined to get me no matter what and you can't tell anyone that I'm here, my parents and everyone would've noticed I'm gone now and they're searching for me already.

But why? she yelled.

why Gerald? tell me and tell me why I'm here? did you kidnap me? am I also in trouble? say something.

then there's this dead silence.

I was caught with Cocaine, Red handed and before they grabbed me I ran and I was able to escape. He said in tears.

what? You do drugs?

No! it's not what you're thinking. and I brought you here because I felt I needed you by my side, I need your support.

No! No! She yelled in tears punching him lightly on the Chest.

you can't do this to me, you can't! it's against my wish. Nooo. she yelled in tears.