I'm Not Rapunzel
1865 Words
“You’re not going anywhere without Lucas and Dave!”
“Oh, come on, Dad! I’m twenty-one!”
Another loud morning filled the Softucker family dining room—just like many others before. The youngest daughter of the richest family in Rotterfoort was throwing a tantrum again. This time, because she wanted to drive herself to campus in her new car.
“Why did you buy me a car if I’m not allowed to drive it?”
“Lucas will drive. You can sit in the back and copy homework from your friend.”
Radella rolled her eyes, tired of hearing the same kind of answer. Her dad never let her do anything on her own—as if she'd drop dead the moment Lucas or Dave weren’t watching her. Ever since she moved in with her father, he had made it his personal mission to ensure she never went anywhere unguarded. He had even insisted she be homeschooled.
That suffocating life finally pushed Ella to rebel during her last year of high school. She made a deal with Dad: if she could ace all her exams, she’d choose which university to attend. She won. But, of course, Dad still sent Lucas and Dave to tail her everywhere.
“Do you even know how ridiculous I look to my classmates, going everywhere with those two weirdos?”
“Don’t mind them. They’re just jealous.”
“They’re not jealous. They think I’m a freak!” Radella snapped, grabbing her bag and storming off, leaving her breakfast untouched.
Outside, Lucas was already behind the wheel, and Dave opened the door to her red sedan before circling around to the passenger seat. Without a word, Lucas pulled away, heading straight for the campus. It wasn’t long before they arrived, and Grace—Ella’s best friend—waved from her own car.
“Is that a new car?” Grace asked. “But those two guys are still with you?”
“Yeah, that’s Dad for you. Like a stepfather who locked me up in a tower. Too bad I’m not Rapunzel.”
“He is your stepfather.”
“Yeah, I haven’t forgotten.”
They were walking toward class now. Don’t forget Lucas and Dave, still tailing her like shadows. The two only stopped when Ella was inside a classroom—or in the restroom.
“You coming to Oscar’s party later?”
“When?”
“This evening,” Grace replied, plopping down on the back row. Ella slid into the seat beside her.
“Can’t you see those two goons over there?”
Grace sighed, frowning as if calculating something in her head.
“No way. You’d never dare do it,” she muttered to herself.
“What?”
Radella hated being underestimated. The moment Grace said that, her inner gambler woke up, ready to take on whatever wild idea was about to come out of her friend’s mouth.
“Okay, listen…” Grace leaned closer, whispering her plan into Ella’s ear.
***
“Lucas, I need to stop by the bakery at the next corner.”
“But—”
“Come on, Luc. Grace says they have the best cheese bread there. I just want to try it.”
Lucas had no choice but to steer the car toward the bakery and park nearby.
“Oh, and I noticed the gas gauge earlier—it’s almost empty. You can fill it up over there, right?” Ella pointed to a gas station across the street. “Don’t overthink it. I’m not getting stuck in the middle of the road because of low fuel!”
Ella stepped into the bakery with Dave trailing behind like a loyal little puppy. Oscar and his friends had already taken care of the first distraction. Now, it was Dave’s turn.
“I want this bread… and this one… and that too… oh, and I’ll take all of these,” Ella said, pointing at the display. “Dave, could you pay for these? Use my card. I’m going to sit for a bit. These stilettos are killing me,” she added, collapsing into a seat and rubbing her calves.
What Dave didn’t see while he stood at the cashier was Ella quietly slipping off her shoes. No countdown needed—she bolted barefoot out of the bakery, ignoring Dave’s shouts behind her. She ran until she found an Italian restaurant and ducked inside.
“Where’s the restroom? Quick! Tell me where it is!”
“Over there,” replied an older man with a Santa Claus beard. “Left of the hallway.”
Ella didn’t waste a second. She ran in and locked the door behind her. She cursed herself for doing something this reckless—but also, it felt thrilling. She couldn’t imagine how furious Dad would be once Lucas and Dave returned without her.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Grace asked where she was. Ella sent her live location, and Grace replied that they’d arrive in five minutes. It had been a few minutes now, and there was no sign Dave had followed her into this place. Ella decided it was safe to step outside and wait.
That’s when a man with wild hair and a scruffy beard—but oddly pleasant cologne—grabbed her and clamped a hand over her mouth.
Ella struggled, but the man held her tight.
“Two huge guys are out there looking for you,” he whispered.
She knew who they were—Lucas and Dave.
“You’re hiding from them, right?”
Ella nodded.
“Then stay quiet until Vernon says we’re good to leave.”
This man seemed to be helping her. She didn’t know why, but right now, she had no choice but to trust him.
“Hey! What are you doing in there? Who are you talking to?” Dave’s voice.
“I have bladder issues!” the man called back. “I talk to myself. I get claustrophobic. Talking calms me down!”
Dave’s footsteps eventually faded. The man’s grip on her loosened.
“Come on. Let’s go.”
Ella followed him to a seat near the bar. Now, she could get a better look at him. He looked like a gorilla—long hair, bushy beard, rugged face. Maybe if he shaved, he’d be slightly more presentable.
“Thanks,” she said.
Ella wasn’t the type to owe people anything—not even a favor. So she offered her thanks, expecting at least a nod in return. But the guy just sat there, sipping his beer.
“Hey! I said thank you!”
Nothing. He downed the rest of his drink.
“Miss, he heard you. Best leave before those men find you again,” the bartender warned.
“My name’s Radella. You can call me Ella.”
She extended her hand. The man didn’t take it.
“You’re the weirdest person I’ve ever met! I just wanted to thank you and introduce myself!”
“Miss—”
“If you didn’t care, why did you help me? Why even get involved?!”
The man placed his glass down, walked right past her, and headed toward the door. Ella stood there, fuming. No one had ever ignored her like that. Ever.
“Hey! Where are you going?!”
“To call back those two men.”
“Wait!” Ella grabbed his arm. “Fine! I won’t bother you anymore!”
She yanked his arm away and stormed out, the door slamming behind her.
“Jerk!”
***
Ella was still dancing in the middle of Oscar’s living room. The party had been going strong for two hours and showed no signs of stopping. In fact, the later it got, the more people showed up.
“This is amazing, Grace!” she shouted over the pounding music. “Why do you look worried? Don’t panic—Dad’s never gonna find me here! I’ll be back home before he even realizes I’m gone!”
“Yeah, I believe you,” Grace replied, snatching the champagne from Ella’s hand. “But you’re way too drunk. I’m taking you home.”
Ella shook her head.
Home? She wasn’t ready for that. She wanted to enjoy this taste of freedom while it lasted.
“Hey, Grace,” Oscar said, suddenly appearing between them. “Luis is looking for you. He says he needs to talk.”
“Luis?”
Oscar nodded. “Here—this one’s Ella’s, right? I’ll look after her. Go see Luis.”
Once Grace left, Oscar turned and found Ella swaying, barely able to stand. He caught her before she collapsed and led her to the side of the room.
“Ella, are you okay? Are you drunk?”
She shook her head, but it only made her look more drunk.
“Come on, you can rest in my room,” he said, lifting her up without waiting for permission and carrying her upstairs.
He gently laid her down on his warm bed, treating her like she was made of glass. But he didn’t leave. He just stood there, staring at her sleeping face. Everyone knew Oscar had feelings for Ella. He’d confessed many times, but she always turned him down.
He walked to the door and locked it.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, now seated on the edge of the bed. His fingers brushed against her cheek. “Why do you keep pushing me away?”
Ella stirred, but her eyes remained closed.
“I threw this party for you. Just so I could have a moment alone like this.”
He leaned in, inhaling her scent, and kissed her lips. His hand slowly pulled the blanket down, planting kisses along her neck. Her soft moans made his lips venture lower, unbuttoning her shirt, revealing red lace beneath.
“You know, Ella,” he murmured, caressing her skin, “every guy dreams of you. But I’m the only one who gets to touch you.”
His touch grew bolder. Ella’s body responded involuntarily, heat rising, her breathing quickening. Oscar took it as a green light to keep going.
“Oscar,” Ella whimpered, half-conscious. “Stop…”
But he didn’t stop. He kept kissing her, touching her.
“Stop!”
With what strength she had left, she pushed him off. Oscar stumbled backward but returned quickly, pinning her again.
“Let go! I said no!”
“Ella, listen! I’m doing this because I care!”
“Get off me, you bastard!”
She shoved him again, and this time she almost made it to the door—but he was faster. He dragged her back and pinned her against the wall.
“Oscar, are you in there? Someone’s asking for you.”
“Damn it!” he cursed. “Don’t move, Ella. I’m not done with you yet.”
As soon as he left, Ella collapsed. She stood shakily and looked for a way out. Her blurry vision led her to the window. Somewhere in her drunken mind, instinct screamed: run.
She opened the window, climbed up, and after that—all she felt was pain.
***
- Writer
