I entered the apartment, my hands shaking. I had no idea what to expect. I was nervously tugging at my hair, looking at my phone, and waiting for his message.
The messenger was still stuck in the same last message I had sent that day. I walked in further and contemplated if I should explore the surprisingly small apartment when I heard the ping.
Adrien: Remember to be a good toy.
The message vanished in a couple of seconds, leading me into another chatroom. What the-
Five other people with me seemed to be familiar with each other as they bantered effortlessly. They must be close.
The thought brought in a bout of loneliness. I had never had any friends I trusted or showed my real self to. I doubt anyone would want to see it, anyway. Shaking myself from the memory, I watched the conversation unfold in confusion.
I looked at the couch in front of me but I didn't dare to sit on it. I leaned against the door from the inside when one of the members caught me lurking in the chatroom.
Azi: Someone's in the chatroom
An array of questions and speculation was forwarded my way. Overwhelmed I could type out one response.
Alayna: ...hello..?
For almost a minute nobody texted except for so many confused emojis filling up the chat room that I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit. I decided to feign confusion was the best course of action to deflect suspicion.
One of them threatened to call the police on me. How would that end? It wouldn't take long to find out who I am.
Alayna: I was led here by a stranger. I don't know what is happening.
I explained the situation, leaving out the getting kidnapped part. I doubted they would feel sympathetic if I said that part. Adrien would probably take me back if I blew my cover.
Soon, the head of the organization-Jin- joined. A teal blue-haired male whose entire presence sounded synonymous with mystery. Everyone trusted him implicitly even with his enigmatic persona.
He talked gently to me, assuring me I was in his apartment and that I was safe. For the first time in months, I felt safe even after how bad the previous week had been.
I just have to figure out how to get this person's help without tipping off Adrien.
Soon, the others exited the chatroom, after officially inviting me to be a member of their organization. Why did Adrien want to attack a fundraising organization whose only goals were to help people in need?
When I had chosen to come in, I hadn't wanted anyone else to suffer my fate. The least I could do was protect someone else's life from getting ruined. At least I had no one left to care for me.
Looking at the organization and its members, I decided to make it my purpose to make the next event as best as I could. I had a purpose now and I will be damned if I didn't fulfill it. My conviction surprised me.
A fundraising event...I wondered if I'd have to invite my family. No one would care about an event manager...right?
I created a new email for myself as per Azi's orders. Azi was the organization's hacker/computer guy who was responsible for safeguarding the classified information. The algorithm he had used to secure the messenger was impressive. It inspired the computer geek in me.
Jin and Azi created a small chatroom for us to chat, trying to figure out if I was good enough for the job. It almost felt like an interview.
Jin: Have you ever hosted an event?
I was taken back to the time when I hosted family dinners. A bitter laugh left my mouth while I replied to him. He had no idea.
Alayna: No I haven't, but I am good with multi-tasking and observation so I hope I can be of help.
Azi: That doesn't sound bad. Jin?
Jin: Alright, Azi will have to link your email to the messenger so you wouldn't have to use anything in the apartment. Please don't touch anything.
Alayna: Okay.
Azi left soon after, leaving only Jin and me in the chatroom. I looked at the typing notification on the screen, waiting for his message.
Jin: I hope joining our organization doesn't trouble you. We only want to help people and by helping us, you can help other people too.
Alayna: Of course, I am glad I can help the organization.
Jin: I know you were led into this without any explanation but you can trust us. I will figure out a way to get you out of that apartment.
Before I could ask what he meant by that, he left the chatroom, leaving me more confused. What was wrong with this apartment? Was it haunted? I hoped not. I looked around. There was a chance but I didn't delve further lest I end up getting nightmares.
When my stomach growled I realized I hadn't eaten anything before the previous day's evening. I was still holding on to the bag and wondered what Adrien was up to.
At this time, he would have entered the room, taunting me or apologizing to me depending on who was in control. I glanced at the phone, a part of me expecting a text. It was all too quiet. It was claustrophobic to be surrounded by four walls and it tired me.
"So going out it is," I said to myself. I got so used to talking to myself, it felt natural to me.
I hummed under my breath as I unpacked the few clothes that I had and laid them on the bed. My purse was stocked up with more money than I had that day. The small considerate act from Adrien was surprising though he probably didn't want me to die from starvation.
I locked the door behind me and stepped out. For the first time in a week, I felt free. This almost felt normal, except for the scars hidden beneath the sweatshirt.
This experience changed me for life. It had taken away any innocence I had left and I doubted I'd trust anyone that easily again. My trust had already been tattered to shreds. As long as I separated my self from my public self, I would be fine.
I ate a burger and bought some groceries that would last for a couple of days. I also bought some long sweatshirts that wouldn't require a pant to cover my legs.
By the time I paid for the dresses and left the store, it was almost dark. I walked hastily towards the apartment, my eyes on the ground. Walking alone scared me. Even though the neighborhood was better than where I had been staying, it was deserted and the blind spot in the cameras was making me nervous. Note to self- avoid blind self
Only two blocks away. I sighed in relief. I looked at the medicine I had got. The poor lady had looked concerned. A huge blind spot beside the apartment. I just have to cross it. Rough hands caught me and pulled me into an alley.
Before I could react or scream, a callous hand shut my mouth. I slumped in defeat and I didn't struggle anymore. Instead, I was taken back to that day. My mind was lost in the gory memory. The day Adrien kidnapped me just like this.
I couldn't think or move. It almost felt like a dream which I couldn't control. Which I would never be able to control no matter what.
I gasped when I felt warm skin on my face. The warmth reminded me of Kai. I'd never know if Kai had been a real person or not. At times when I had seen Kai, his suffering put mine to shame. How much trauma had he been put through to have his personality split?
"Alayna". It was that voice that brought me back to reality. The same voice that had said horrible things to me. The same voice that had also comforted me.