Kidnapped

Chapter IV

Last night it snowed continuously and today everything was covered with snow. The parks were blocked, also students' cars, so the school was almost empty because everyone stayed home.

I decided to share the desk with Adam and move in the 4th row. Not a bad place. I still had view outside to draw during the classes and we were pretty isolated by the rest of the pupil. And I liked that. I was new there and I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone or even to greet. Adam was special. I was feeling good with him. Even though I knew him for one day, he was sweet to me and I described him as a good and friendly guy. But as my father was saying all the time: "Trust needs to be earned and is a long way to reach the top." So I had to wait and find out more about him.

"You can take the left seat if you want. Is near the radiator and is warmer there. And until you get used to the weather you can sit there. I don't mind."

"Thank you, Adam. I mean, I don't know how to thank you."

"You don't have to. I'm happy if you're too. Everybody needs a friend. After the course I could show you the surroundings. It's not a big high-school but I know some places."

"Sure. I'd like to, nothing better to do."

We were having English. And today, because the class was almost empty, the teacher didn't stress too much either. He grabbed a book and started to read. His name was Mr. Martin. He was a great teacher from what I heard. He was strict but calm and diplomatic. He was patient with the weak students and never treated them wrong. He was very correct with everyone.

I fell asleep during the course. I felt very good and very warm. I was at the border between reality and dream and I could realize that I was sleeping on Adam's shoulder. He didn't say a word. He even covered me with his jacket. After I woke up during the break he told me that...

"You were fascinating while you were sleeping. I couldn't wake you up...I didn't want to. If Mr. Martin will say anything about this, I’ll carry the blame, don't worry."

"Thanks. Now, what were you saying about that tour round the school?"

"Oh right! Let's go. Here, take this. It's cold outside and obviously you're dressed unfitted. I'll wear your jacket."

"Are you sure? It's cold and this is not the best cloth to wear during this time."

"I'm sure. Don't worry. I can handle it."

He showed me all the special classes from the science laboratory to the music lobby. They had many instruments. 4 acoustic guitars, 2 electric guitars, a harp, 3 violins, drums and a big Baldwin piano that looked pretty old but Adam specified that it still works even if it is in a bad condition.

When I was living with my mom in Billings I used to take piano lesson for about 4 years and I did learn something. And I was very talented. But then, after she died, I was on the road all the time and I couldn’t take lessons so I stopped making hopes. Adam promised he'll bring me here one day so I can practice again.

"Come here. I want to show you something."

"What? Where are we going?" It was like a dark room hidden underground. Adam was holding a pocket lantern to illuminate his way. At the end of the tunnel was a room with a big rusty still door. He took out some keys from his pocket and opened the door carefully. Inside, there was placed a bed on the right side of the room, a mini bookshelf but full of books, thick books, mostly romance novels, a small cooler and a wardrobe with few clothes. Also there was a sink and a hob and near them another shelf with some plates. The next room was a small bathroom with a narrow shower and a toilet crowded near it. Above the sink was hanging a cupboard mirror. A decent and warm place, but what was Adam doing here?

"Come in. Have a seat. Just leave you bag near the door and your jacket on the hanger."

"Is this your home?"

"One of them, actually. It used to be a secret safe room during the 2nd World War. I discovered it with James, my friend, after we skipped the training classes, we had to find a place to hide and he found this tunnel. Pretty cool, right?"

"Yeah. What do you mean one of them?"

"If I have enough time, I’m going to show you the others. I have one in the Centre. That's what I meant yesterday when I said I’m going home. There's where I live the most. Is an old, abandoned warehouse and the space is bigger than here. I have all my stuff there. No one knows where I leave because I like to keep them secret. You're the first to find out."

"That's an honor."

But where are your parents, sisters, brothers? Why are you living in so many places?

I didn't want to ask. It felt inappropriate.

"You said you learn very well. You're really different. But I say it in a good way! Ha...How could you buy all those stuff? I mean the bed and the cooler..."

"I work in at a bar, as a bartender. I earn enough to make a living. The high-school won't last forever and after I finish I’m going to a good college and become a lawyer or something. I want to be rich. I know; big dreams for a seventeen years old guy."

"Not really. It's good to start planning the future early. I don't know where I’m going. I don't know what I’m going to do with my life."

Nothing...We were both quiet and it felt like a whole hour of silence and then I said...

"I can't go home tonight."

"Why?"

"It...It's a long story. I just can't go home."

"Where are you going to stay?"

"I'll find a place."

You think you're very rich when you have only 20 bucks in your pocket.

And my father...Where is he now? What if he is in danger? I don't know what to do.

While I was concentrating on my surviving method, I felt a hot trail on my cheek falling down to neck. I coughed once and then I felt how my eyes were full of tears. I was scared and desperate and I had no idea what to do. Adam came to me and held me tight for minutes while I was crying like a little girl. But it felt so good, right there, in his arms while he was relieving me with warm and cute words.

"It's alright. You can stay here. I don't mind. It's enough space for both of us. You're safe now, you're with me."

"Thank you, Adam. I don't know what to do. It's like everything turned into a chaos: my life, my education, my family and my friends. I'm so glad you're here."

"It's ok Andi. You're my only friend. I'd do anything to help you."

***

I was captive in my own house. I could hear my mom's voice very clearly and I realized that she was laughing with my father, downstairs, in the kitchen. It was almost midnight and I wasn't allowed to go in the living-room. I had to stay locked under my blanket and sleep even if I felt I was full charged like a battery. My parents weren't punishing me frequently, but when they did, I was so mad that I was screaming the soul out of me. But I didn't feel like a little kid then. I realized what was happening. My parents were planning to run away without me, to leave me here all by myself and to grow up alone. But I didn't give a shit. In my mind the list was full of things I can do without my parents’ agreement. I felt free and safe even if I knew they were leaving me there. They were laughing so badly about how stupid I was to believe them and how incompetent I was to make my own life and to take care of me. There were sure by the fact that I’m going to have no friends, no family and no one to talk to. They were sure that I was going to die. They wanted me to die.