World Upside-down

The Captor

I'm staring face to face with the man who holds me captive. His eyes blue as ice. His hair is dark and shaved. He's tall, and muscular with lightly tanned skin. He has full lips, and an ear piercing. I try to say something, but he won't let me, he just puts a finger on my lips.

"Shhh" He says. "Don't worry, darling, everything is going to be just fine now, I'm here for you."

I try to move away from him but remember I'm being restrained. This is going to be harder than I thought. Damn it. Tears fill my eyes, threatening to spill over, but as they do, he put's a hand on my face. "I'm going to make it all better." He says. He brings out another syringe. I start to panic. I try to say no, but before I can say anything he sticks it right into my jugular. I look at him. Fear taking over my body. I'm scared to move, too scared to speak, to do anything. Damn it. Why am I so weak? Why am I so Pathetic?!

He looks at me in the eyes and says. "Don't worry darling, tomorrow you won't remember a thing. I'm going to help you forget all the bad things that have happened to you. All the pain and sadness you have felt. I promise. Would you like that darling? With this I can make all that possible."

He holds up a vial and points to it. It says propranolol on it. I've heard about this drug before, but I can't remember where. It's a beta-blocker that doctors use sometimes to block out bad, or traumatizing memories. I eye him suspiciously. where would he even get that, and what doesn't he want me to remember?

I got up the courage and asked, "Who are you, and what am I doing here?"

He looks at me and smiles. Something in his smile makes me uneasy, but I try to ignore it. "Oh, I'm just an admirer from afar. I've been watching you for quite some time, and now that I have you, I love you even more. I'm going to take care of you for the rest of your life."

His answer makes all the blood drain from my face. He's been watching me. How have I never noticed. I've always been careful. I always try to remain vigilant when I'm out on the streets. I don't have a choice these days. It's too dangerous not to. I've never seen this man in my life, yet he says he loves me. How is that possible?

I bite my lip trying to process this new information. So many thoughts going through my head at this moment.

I try not to show any emotion, but the heart monitor betrays me as the beeping begins to quicken. I swallow hard as a bile threatens to creep up my throat. He clicks his tongue and looks at me.

"You aren't going to cause me any issues for me, are you? If you do that will be terribly problematic and then we will have to start all over. Again. " He says to me in a warning tone.

Start over again? What does he mean by "start over again?"

I shake my head hoping that would be satisfactory enough for him. He stares at me for a long time before nodding and turning to leave.

"Wait, please" I softly say, barely above a whisper, "Can I at least know your name? If I'm going to be staying with you i'd at least like to know your name."

He stands in the doorway, not turning around. As if he's contemplating weather to tell me or not. Finally, he speaks. "Landon, Landon Apollyon. Now get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day, and you need your strength. "

With that he leaves, leaving me with nothing but my thoughts. I try to figure out where I might have seen him before, but nothing is coming to me. I don't recognize his name either. The more I try to think, the worse my headache gets. The throbbing is intense. I feel like there is some sort of wall inside my head, stopping me from knowing the truth. Who are you. Landon Apollyon, and what do you want with me?

Falling asleep is difficult. My head is throbbing, my heart is racing. I try to focus my mind on slowing my heart rate. Calm down Malorie. You've got this. You can't let Landon know his getting to you. I subtly look at the camera, wondering if he's watching me. As I start to lose consciousness, I remember the man I met earlier. The peace I felt while I was with him. Maybe I made a mistake. Maybe I should have stayed. What if I made the wrong choice to come back? I sigh, falling into a deep sleep. dreams don't come easily to me that night. All I have is nightmares. I don't even know what's real and what's fake anymore as it seems my nightmares are my reality. This should be my safe heaven, but all it brings me is more fear and desperation to get out of here.

Landon's point of view

I sit there watching her on the camera. She's asleep but looks like she's in pain. Damn it. I want to go to her, but I know she's scared. I need to back off for a while. Let her process. I will win her over, even if I have to force it, but I won't just yet. I need to get her to trust me. Maybe this time will be different. Then I can finally take over and her body will be mine. I can't wait. Total control. Thats what I want. We've been companions for years, trapped in the same space. I made a plan to bring her here. Gain the upper hand and break her down. Finally, being free. I do love her, but she's not strong like I am. With me in control we could be great, she just needs to give in. Damn it Malorie, Give in.