03

« Get down ! » The guy yelled as he raised his gun to Landon’s face, his finger poised on the trigger.

« No ! » I screamed, my heart racing as I violently started struggling and kicking.

But he was too strong. He simply ignored me and I heard the click of the safety come off. My eyes widened.

I desperately looked around for a plan. Anything to stop this. A light bulb went off in my head as I glanced down at my smoothie which I had still managed to keep in my hold. Before I could think it through, I took one last sip of my smoothie for a little power-up, before ripping the lid off with my teeth and whipping the cup behind me, onto my captor’s face.

He spluttered in shock and his hold on me loosened slightly. I used that as an opportunity to kick him in the shins from behind, then getting out of his grasp while he was occupied getting smoothie out of his eyes and cursing.

« Skylar ! » Landon yelled and I ran towards him. My heart thudded loudly in my chest. A small feeling of hope grew inside as I got closer and closer to safety. Time seemed to slow down and everything seemed silent as I tried to reach him.

He had his arms extended towards me, running to me as well.

I was two steps away from Landon’s safe, comforting, open arms, when I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist. I was suddenly jerked back and time seemed to speed up again. Right at that moment, that small feeling of hope disappeared in a flash, leaving me feeling scared and helpless.

« Run ! Run Landon ! » I yelled, as I was dragged back, tears streaming down my face now. If I couldn’t save myself, I had to at least make sure my best friend would be fine.

« Skylar ! » He yelled out as he started his way towards me again.

« Take one more step and I’ll pop her head off. » My captor’s cold, heartless voice suddenly threatened, causing my stomach to drop in fear and Landon to freeze in his spot.

« I’ll be fine ! » I yelled through tears, trying to reassure him. The kidnapper was dragging me back towards the entrance now, anxious to get out before the cops showed up.

« Stop right there ! » A loud voice barked and I looked up to see about four mall security guys surrounding the kidnapper and I, guns pointed at the kidnapper.

A feeling of hope grew within as I held my breath.

« Take one more step towards me and I’ll shoot her right now ! » The kidnapper barked aggressively, backing towards the doors and almost there.

I struggled in his grasp, trying to get away still but he held me secure against him.

One of the mall cops made eye contact with me and I could see the pure terror and apology in his eyes. They really couldn’t do anything at this point… I was too close to the kidnapper for them to risk shooting him.

The kidnapper pulled us backward and I met Landon’s eyes again, his face covered in tears.

« I swear, I will come for you Sky. I swear on my life that I will find you. I’ll make sure you’ll be safe. I will okay ? » Landon promised, sincerity and determination seeping through his words. I looked into his eyes that held so much promise, it made me feel slightly better in the moment.

I held back more tears, since I knew he wouldn’t be able to find me. Since I had a strong feeling that this would be the last time I’d ever see him.

« Let’s go. » The kidnapper said softly, before grabbing my arm and walking out the doors with me. I hung my head low, letting the tears come out more rapidly as my kidnapper walked us to a black shiny truck.

I got in the passenger seat, still struggling even though we both knew I’d never be able to escape.

He started the engine and sped away quickly. As we were driving down the road, I saw five police cars heading the opposite way. A small thread of hope grew in me as we drew nearer.

I tried discreetly waving at them, trying to get their attention, but they were driving too fast to catch a glimpse. They just sped down to the mall, expecting me to still be there.

I curled up into a ball, looking out the window, crying softly.

« Listen, Skylar right ? » I heard the gentle tone of my kidnapper speak, after a while.

I looked up slightly.

He was covered in strawberry smoothie, and I couldn’t help but think, the strawberry looked way better on him, than in the cup.

I’m pretty sure my mind had started to turn crazy. I mean, any girl who thinks that her kidnapper that nearly blew her brain to bits looks sexy covered in a strawberry smoothie, should be locked away.

I bit my tongue from saying that aloud, and nodded cautiously instead.

« Skylar, I know you’re probably wondering who I am and why I’m doing this. » The guy said.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

My sarcastic bitter side was making an appearance. That tended to happen in situations where I felt defenseless or helpless.

« What ? » He questioned.

« What ? » I answered back.

« You rolled your eyes. Why ? » He asked.

I gave him an unladylike snort.

« I’m thinking of anything but you. » I grumbled.

I looked over at his confused face and realized what I had just said.

My eyes widened as I quickly put a hand over my mouth.

The bitterness has arrived…

« Um, well you just got kidnapped… » He trailed off.

Oh really ? I thought this was just a fun game of cops and robbers !

« Well, most people would be freaking out right now and wondering who I am and why I kidnapped them out of the blue. » He spoke slowly, as if I had a slow brain.

« Well, I’d rather not think about my death that’s just minutes away. I’d like to enjoy my last few minutes in peace if you don’t mind. » I replied coldly.

He just stared at me and then started laughing. He started laughing ! What the hell is wrong with this guy ? Oh right, criminals do become psycho from time to time.

« I’m not gonna hurt you. » He said after he had sobered up. « I’m harmless. » He added after.

« Says the guy that held me at gunpoint just five minutes ago. » I couldn’t help but retort.

Obviously I didn’t believe him, and I knew there was really no hope left so why hold back on my crude insults ? I wasn’t going to just sit back quietly like good ol’ Sally and let him drive us towards my death in silence.

« The gun wasn’t even loaded, calm down. » He spoke.

« Right. » I said skeptically. « What idiot brings a gun to an abduction scene and doesn’t load bullets to defend himself ? » I asked sarcastically.