Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“I wasn’t raped.”
“You have been brainwashed. It’s not unusual for victims to become attached to their attacker,” the officer soothes.
“I’m not… I’m not fucking brainwashed,” I stammer in frustration. “Listen to what I am saying. He didn’t touch me. He took me to save me from the other men. He helped me escape. I want him set free.”
The officer’s eyes hold mine.
“He isn’t even in the country anymore.”
“Where is he?”
“He has been extradited to the Columbian authorities and charged with your kidnapping and drug offenses.”
“It was on American soil. Why has he been extradited? I don’t understand why nobody is listening to me.”
“That is not your concern,” Todd snaps from the doorway.
I glare at him. For a week now he has been pretending we are something that we’re not and that I’m simply going crazy. What he doesn’t know is that day-by-day I am getting stronger, and as my strength builds, so does my hatred for him.
I haven’t forgotten what you did, asshole.
“We understand you are getting released next week,” the policeman replies.
I nod. “Yes.”
“You can’t be released out on your own. Where are you going to stay while you recover?”
“In my apartment.”
“You can’t. As the doctors and psychologists have told you numerous times, you are not well enough to look after yourself just yet. The doctors have instructed us that you are not of sane mind to be left alone and you are physically incapable of caring for yourself.” The policeman frowns. “Perhaps you should take the rehabilitation center option.”
“I’m going home and I know my options. You can’t keep me against my will.”
“I will be with her,” Todd replies.
“No, you won’t.”
“I’m looking after you whether you like it not.”
I roll my eyes. Fuck’s sake, why won’t anyone listen to me?
The policeman blows out a frustrated breath and shakes his head. He takes out his wallet and hands me a business card. “If you need me, just call.” I take the card and stare at it. My thoughts go back to the engagement ring specialist card that Stace had.
I was so happy then.
“The case has been closed from our end. I will not be in touch with you again unless you contact me.”
I nod as I stare at the card.
“Todd.” The policeman turns to him. “If you need our assistance, here is our card.” He hands him another card. “Here is the mental health crisis center line, in case you need it.” Todd nods as he takes the two cards. “I think I’m going to.”
This is bullshit. “I’m not a child. I’m not unstable,” I snap.
Todd’s eyes flicker to me. “Thank you, officers. I have it handled from here.”
The officers leave and Todd falls into the seat along side of me.
“Todd…” I pause. “We have to talk.”
His eyes hold mine. I know I can’t tell him the truth because they will put me into a mental institution.
“I don’t love you anymore.”
“Yes, you do. We can get through this.”
I shake my head and smile softly as my eyes fill with tears. “I’ve been through enough.”
“I know, and that’s why you need me.”
“I need to be alone. For the first time in my whole life, I want to be alone.”
His eyes hold mine.
“I’m sorry about Melissa, I’m so, so sorry. I love you. Please let’s work through this.”
I shake my head and take his hand as empathy fills me. “I don’t think I ever loved you, Todd.”
He frowns.
“I am incapable of loving you.”
He stares at me as he thinks.
“I want you to walk out that door.”
He looks to the door.
“And I don’t want you to come back.”
“I don’t want you to deal with this alone.”
“I have been alone my whole life.”
“Shelly,” he whispers sadly. “I fucked up, but I can fix it.”
“It’s broken for good, Todd,” I whisper. “We can’t be fixed.”
A knock bangs at the door. “Hello, Shelly. My name is Erica and I am a psychologist. We had an appointment booked for this morning.”
Grateful for the interruption, I smile. “Yes, of course. Come in, please.”
* * *
I’ve been in rehab for two weeks. It’s been six weeks since I was shot. I finally got the message through to Todd and he stopped coming to see me, although he still rings me every morning and night. The psychologist has diagnosed me with Stockholm syndrome, and so, for now, I am just playing along and agreeing with them
Six long weeks since I lost the other half of me.
Does he think about me all the time, like I do him? Sometimes I wake up and I feel like I won’t be able to survive another hour without him.
Are they right?
Am I crazy?
It doesn’t really matter anymore, I suppose, and I just need to concentrate on my health for the time being. One of the nurses from work is flying in to pick me up today and then fly back home with me. I’m assuming it’s my closest friend Moira, I think my boss would have sent her. I’m excited to be seeing familiar faces. It’s been a lonely six weeks and I’ve had no contact with anyone at all.