3. Kidnapped

It has been a month since I came to this wonderful island, I sleep, go for a walk, eat and continue the same routine. It is very peaceful here and all I could think of is to wander in the forest to see if there is anything that can inspire me to move on from Xavier. lt is funny I still visualize his face and sometimes get flash backs of us making out on our various dates. I miss him so much. I sometimes stare at my phone hoping for his call. It hurts so much yearning for something that is out of your reach. Or something that has slipped out of your hands. I want to forget.

Settling on sight seeing in the forest, I decided to go early in the morning. I woke up as early as five-thirty. I put on some jeans and a blue t-shirt, white sneakers and then tied my hair in a pony tail before leaving after informing the inn's staff.

I was walking down the road looking at the trees, watching the animals, stopping by tasting some fruits, washing my face after walking in the scorching heat. It was past six o'clock when I sensed a movement from afar. I could not see what it was but the feeling of being alone in the forest while facing unknown danger, frightened me for some reason. But still I bravely continued on, on my way back to the inn. I was hungry and needed a proper meal. I was deep in the forest when I once again caught a glance of the wind. It happened for a moment then I was left surrounded by silence. When I was about to take a step forward I felt cold and all I could see was darkness everywhere.

I was deep in my thoughts knowing very well that my life was at stake. My eyes were blindfolded, my hands and legs tied on the chair. I could hear voices but was not sure where it was coming from. I felt a presence in front of me. Someone was coming towards me. I began to freak out hoping that the kidnapper could disapppear as if something like that was possible.

"Who are you?" I screamed at the shadow.

"What do you want from me," I again screamed getting more and more scared.

"Ahh cupcake we don't want anyone to hear us do we," I heard his strong boisterous voice resounding in the room. I could sense some authority in it.

"Is that supposed to scare me?" I asked, inside I was shaking non-stop. He approached me as if to his eyes I was his prey and he my predator who wanted to satisfy his hunger. I could hear footsteps sounding on the wooden floor if not mistaken. lt was a moment later, when I began to feel my numb hands that had been tied all this time. I was shocked and felt quite confused as to why he had untied me. He removed my blindfold roughly as he stepped away from me. All the while I was staring at his back trying to reach my legs which were still tied. Questions spun in my head. Why had he kidnapped me? Isn't the island a safe place? Where could he have taken me?

"Do not bother trying you can't remove it with your filthy human hands." I swallowed hard as I tried harder ignoring his remark.

It was after some time I gave up and slumped my back on the chair. Careful not to go down with the chair. The man had already gone and I did not see or hear him go. He made no sounds. I assumed that I was drawn in trying to get rid of these stupid ropes surrounding my legs and did not seem him leave. I took the chance to look around. It is a spacious room with wooden floor and a cupboard covered with dust at one far corner. After observing everything in this place, I decided to push myself moving forward although it was hard I still managed to do it.

I stretched out my hands to open the drawers. I don't even know why l was even opening it. Can it save me from here? No. Still I reached for the drawer expecting to find something. What happened was similar to the rope, it would not badge no matter how much strength I used. lt felt strange just when I was about to try again. He burst through the door looking very angry as if he was ready to murder someone. I could not face him and all I could do was to stare at the ground as he dragged the chair leading me out of the room. I could not help my curiosity which was urging me to get to the depth of that cabinet.

We stopped in front of a big door. I had noticed how big of a house this one was. Though I was not paying attention to my surroundings. He jabbed my shoulder and I found myself flying before landing with a thud on the floor. I yelped trying to grab his attention and also ease the pain but the culprit just stared blankly at me before slamming the door shut on his way out. I felt my legs loosen. When I looked at them I was free and all that filled my mind was an escape route, I just couldn't wait any longer.

I sauntered to the door grabbing the handle however it couldn't badge. I let it go and decided to look around for another escape route. Whilst looking I could see the furniture arranged beautifully. It was surely magnificent. The bed was well spread. I almost forgot I was a hostage in here, held by a mad maniac whose name I did not know. I decided to take a rest as I waited for tomorrow to wake up in my house dreaming of a nice lonely life away from trouble.

Just when I was about to close my eyes something caught my sight, I stood up and moved to the window to take a look. I was not surprised to be surrounded by trees but this felt like I had no hope in escaping through this dense green forestry ever for the rest of my life. I returned to bed knowing very well that not a single soul was coming to my rescue.

My sister was probably enjoying her honeymoon elsewhere and my so called parents were busy spending their money somewhere not even thinking of me who trusted them once.

I woke up to the sounds, of birds chirping outside the window I wondered if I was back in my room back in Madagascar. Suddenly I saw a short girl burst through the doors. She was too petite but I could see she was about eighteen years old. lt was just her appearance. She sorta looked like a twelve-year-old who would cry for ice cream or some sweets but she was in fact a grown woman. She walked elegantly as she neared me. She had something about her. She made me speechless the minute she smiled her eyes shining brightly.

"Hie, I'm Ingrid. Don't fear I just wanted to meet you."

"Hi..e," I stuttered. "Sorry to ask how did you come in ... unlocking the door without making sound. What if he finds you here. You should go. Get out of here." I stopped now breathless. Ingrid stared at me smiling. "Don't worry my brother would be here now if he didn't allow me here." She finished as she showed a sad smile and trying to get rid of cascading tear.

The word 'brother' registered followed by a shock wave that put me in a stance, "brotherrrrrr?" I shouted regaining my composure. She didn't seem surprised. That maniac is her brother I wondered trying to put things together. I had not clearly seen his face so I had to rely on her words.

"Why is he keeping me here?" I asked hoping that she would have an answer.

"Sorry about that my brother isn't fond of intruders. He found you wandering near the barrier so he brought you here as a captive. He deems everyone who comes near it as a threat. Not that it is his fault. Maybe he is just not in the best mood. He is not one to mess with, every time he gets annoyed or when he is angered everyone here experience his wrath. I am a little scared of my brother." She finished with a faint voice. lt wasn't long as she disappeared in thin air.' Is she perhaps a witch?'

To think of it, the maniac did the same thing.

"But you didn't answer me!"

I no longer know what to be afraid of anymore. The species in this very house I am being held a prisoner or the idea of knowing tha I wasn't going to escape alive. I swallowed hard as tears fell nonstop while I waited to be told what to do next. I took the chance to get some sleep. After all it had been such a long day.