No longer do I feel like a prisoner as I wake up and see that the bedroom door’s open. I can’t live like this anymore. One minute I’m tied up and the next I’m being set free. I think that this is some kind of trap. I head to the bathroom and think that if I’m given the chance to leave I’ll do that and just forget about Marco. Forget this stupid plan I’ve been dreaming about for too long.

I decide to admit defeat. I’m not going to make it out alive even if I do tell him the truth. But that’s my only ticket out of this mess I’ve created and the reality of it has hit home.

I lie on the bed, occasionally going to the bathroom. I slip in and out of sleep and when I wake again then there’s a plate of food on the side of the bed. One time, I wonder if I’m being watched, because I don’t understand how the food magically appears when I wake up and then the tray disappears as I fall asleep again.

I’m used to working, scheming how to get Marco back and not lying down all day. Yet, it’s as if the tiredness of the years have taken over my body and all I can do is sleep. I don’t even feel as if I want to get up or even try and escape. Not after the last time. My eye’s still sore from when he hit me.

I hear a knock on the door. I smile at the irony of someone now knocking the door when someone’s been coming and out as they please.

“Yes.” I sigh as I sit up in the pajamas that I’ve been provided, I’ve been made into a prisoner on this island.

The door slowly opens and I’m surprised to see Marco.

He looks older, yet younger at the same time. He’s wearing a white shirt that’s completely see-through and matching pants. It’s as if he’s dressed like a God. Coming to rescue me from this madness. He hasn’t got on shoes and his appearance completely takes me by surprise, because he’s not shaven and his hair seems slightly longer then when I last saw him.

How long has he been gone?

“Leah.” He smiles.

I don’t return the smile as he heads toward me. I cross my legs and sit on the bed.

“Can I sit?”

The irony of his question, brings a smile to my face. It’s crazy that I’m being held prisoner on his island and he’s asking me if he can sit down on his bed. The one that he paid for, even if this isn’t officially his room.

I sigh and nod as I wonder what game he’s playing.

Is he going to kill me with his bare hands?

Does he want me to believe that it’s all over and I can just go home?

So, many questions are on my mind right now and then he puts a cell in front of me.

“Leah I know who you are. Really are. I know that Steven’s your stepdad and this was probably a venture of your own or maybe you were working with him to do something. What? I haven’t figured out yet, but…it doesn’t matter. What matter is what happens from this moment onwards.”

My eyes dart across the room. He seems gentle. Calmer than he was before he left here. It makes me wonder what’s happened between that time. He knows that it has to do with Steven. I should tell him that he took everything from me. He made me the desperate woman that I am today and he’s brushing it off as if nothing matters.

My lips are sealed tight, I don’t have the energy to disagree with him or even tell him that he’s a monster. The man in front of me, is so far from a monster that he’s unrecognizable. I think back to when he took me shopping and remember how I felt at the time.

“Leah, I’m sorry about…”

I look at him, for the first time since he’s sat down and realize that he’s referring to my eye. The one that was a lesson for trying to escape. One that I’ll never forget in a hurry as long as I’m still breathing. Which I don’t know how long that’ll be. Maybe later tonight or in a few seconds.

“Anyway, I brought you a phone. I’m not sure if you have your old one. But if you want to make a call, to your mom, stepsister or anyone then you’re free to do so.” He steps away from the bed and continues talking, “Then afterwards you’re free to leave.”

“Just like that!” I spit out. I don’t know why I said it like that, but he’s had me here for how long and now says that I can leave. What’s changed?

“Just like that.” He sighs and then with his last words he starts to head out of the room. Just as quickly as he entered and I wonder if it’s all some game?

I don’t care, because I can find out what’s really going on. He knows everything about me. I thought that I did the same about him, now I’m not sure about anything. Including if somewhere in the midst of it all if my family’s really all right. As for leaving, that has to be some kind of sick joke. I don’t even have any clothes. All I have are these pjs and a phone. I take it in my hand and look at where he was sitting a few seconds ago. I never watched as he walked in, but there it is. Clothes. Jeans a shirt and a new pair of shoes.

I should feel relieved that Marco said I could go, but why do I have a feeling that something’s wrong. I pick up the iPhone that he left in the middle of the bed. I take a deep breath as I start to call first my sister, who doesn’t pick up and then my mom.