My Special Princess

Chapter 19

Sarah

The day progressed awkwardly as well as painfully. Tristan kept his hand firmly entwined with my own hand. Every so often, he would kiss my cheeks or pull my face towards his so our lips would interlock. The knife poking my back, was still present as he ran it over the thin blouse when I bit his lip hard. However, his mother remained oblivious to the fact and squealed with joy each time her son did something affectionate. His father looked proud, I, on the other hand, felt sick.

I knew I could just get up and run out a window. I needed to find out where I was and where would I go after I escaped. I couldn’t go back to staying with Xavier. He had cheated and no amount of residual love for him would change that.

“Let us move onto dinner, it is about time.” My mother says, clapping her hands as a signal. We all stand up and follow her to the dining room. The table was set for the five, Tristan pulled out my chair next to his. I muttered thanks though in all fairness did not mean it. I really wanted to laugh at his perfect gentleman routine.

Susan and Richard started to load their plates followed by my mother, Tristan and finally me. I was apprehensive at first, would she let me in the first place. A subtle nod signified it was okay. I had the suspicion that she did not want to be questioned about my eating.

“Tristan honey, how is work going? You have been rather elusive these past few months.” Susan asks, taking a bite out her steak. I look over at him, catching the tick in his jaw. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from snickering. I assume me made no mention of him being fired. The charade he was putting up was quite comical.

“Work is fine mom, never better. I’m going to get a promotion soon.” He beams. I stare wide-eyed at him, I would think he would stop at fine but to add such a huge lie was a complete testament to how sadistic he was. Children lie all the time but the effort he was using just to get his parent's money was plain diabolical. Even I would not stoop so low.

I pushed around the chicken with my fork. The conversations just dull background noise. I amused myself with looking around the unknown house. It was beautiful but lacked a touch of familiarity. A sense of belonging, almost as if it was a shell and nothing more. How could there be no pictures or even the fact that dinner miraculously appeared ready yet no one had got open once except, a few minute bathroom breaks. Something wasn’t right.

“Betty, I think it is time we should head home, right Richard?” Patting her husband’s hand that rested on his thigh. I blinked and then blinked once again. Susan and Richard were the kindest people in the room. As soon as they leave, it would return to how it was, I tied up in the basement. I moved to stand up but a hand clamped on my thigh, forcing me back down.

“You must be tired dear, your becoming jumpy. Don't worry I’ll escort you to bed.” He says, his voice feigning concern. He pulls me up and puts his hands on his shoulder, pretending to steady me. As soon as we turn the corner, his gentle push turns into a rough shove. He opens the door to the dark, dank basement. “Take off your clothes, I don’t want them to become dirty. You can keep the bra and underwear.

You’ve defiled them with your skin.” He commands.

I stare back at him, however, all he does is cross his arms and tap his foot impatiently. I grumble as I strip the clothes off my body, tossing them to him. He nudged me and I stumbled toward the first step. He shut the door behind me, leaving me in the dark. I slowly sat down and slid down the steps on my bottom, one at a time. I am relished with joy at the prospect of not being tied up. I quickly rush to the small window, hoping that it will open. Luck is not at my side, the window is either locked or painted shut.

I spend the next hour or so searching, but to no avail. The basement was almost bare, only a few empty boxes sat. However, I found a light switch and flicked it on. My body was littered with dirt and scratches. I sat against the wall, burying my head into kneecaps. Tears pooled at my eyelids but I did not allow them to fall.

———————-

I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, there was yelling coming from upstairs. I stand up and start to make my way to the door. Then silence, I figure it must be my imaginations so I go back my perch on the ground. I jolt when the door is kicked off its hinges, my shock turns to pure joy when I sss Xavier in his classic white long sleeved shirt and black pants. I run toward his open arms.

My happiness outweighing the problems in our relationship. I bury my head in his shoulder and break down, not caring I was soaking his expensive shirt. I pull away and look at his face, my vision blurred. He caresses my cheek and starts to unbutton his shirt, covering me with it.

“What… how… when did you get here?” I interrogate. “I’ll tell you everything when I get you out of here Flower.” He soothes. I nod my head and button up the shirt he put on me, it fits me like a dress. He gets stands up fully, taking my hand for me to follow him.

I hear a sharp click and turn my head to see nothing. I shrug my shoulders and turn to face a hard-faced Xavier. He pushes me in front of him, I stumble and turn around. Tristan is in front of him, holding a gun. I scream for him to move, but he only moves to stand in front me.

“Flower, I want you to walk up those stairs and get out of here.” He calmly instructs. “No I won’t leave you here alone.” I say back, forceful as I can muster.

“Ah, young love, however, for both of you, this will be the end of that. Both of you cost me my fortune. Now I will get my revenge.” Tristan yells, waving the gun haphazardly.

I feel a sharp pain in my lower back, turning my head, I see my mother jabbing a large knife into my back. She pulls me so I am facing her and jams the knife in my stomach. I sink to my knees, clutching my wounds. “Xavier… daddy… help… me.” I rasp.

He swings around and lowers his body to my injured frame. Tristan seizes the opportunity of Xavier’s back being turned. The loud blow of the fun is too quick for my warning. It hits his back, his face an epitome of pain. Still, he does not let go of me.

“Go! Save yourself!” I yell.

“Never, I would never leave you. You are mine flower, in all aspects . I won’t abandon you. If I die today, I will die a happy man because I love you.” He confesses.

“I love you too Xavier…”