Chapter Nineteen- Odd Call

Avery’s POV

My life is a mess, everything about me is a mess.

‘Don't bother banging, I'm also locking up the main entrance… you should eat your chocolate and sleep in peace.’

His voice plays in my ears like awful music, and I shove it aside, ignoring the gravity of things, if it turns out to be real.

At first, I thought it was a joke, perhaps one of his pranks until I heard the clicking sound of the door.

What the actual hell?

Taking slow breaths for a minute or two, I cease breathing the next, waiting to hear if my mind is only playing tricks on me.

Instead of hearing the clicking sound of the locks to determine if I'm just imagining things, I hear the sound of his footsteps, diminishing by seconds, like he's walking away.

Oh no, Avery!

Is he out of his damn mind?!

“Thane!”

I yell his name like his mother, fully aware that he hates it. He can't possibly leave me in here, is he trying to freak me the hell out?! I adjust on my bed, waiting for some sort of miracle, but none is forthcoming.

“Thane?!”

Again, I yell at the top of my voice, shooting up from my bed in terror. I don't know if I'm going to burst through the door or shake off the hinges like a beast, but what I know is that just sitting here and doing nothing, is going to make things worse.

I have to figure my way out of this bondage. I don't have much of an option, it's either I break down the door, which I can't, or wait for him to return back from work if he doesn't take pity on me and open it.

One and twice, I bang on the door.

There's no response.

Not relenting, I go for the third and fourth and fifth time, until I eventually lose count.

For long minutes, maybe thirty or more… Probably less, I remain on my feet, slightly leaning on the door frame as I faintly banged on it.

“You can't lock me in here like some pet!” I yell at him as if he can see me clearly.

Picking up myself again, I continue the futile cycle of groaning without getting any response.

“You have to open the door now… Is he even listening to me?!”

Obviously, I know he's long gone, but I'm still clearly stuck up in the past, and remaining in it is safer.

“What have I done to deserve this?!”

I'm really not asking that, but it's safer to play the victim and make him the villain in my story.

His animosity is getting me riled up and irritated. Who in fuck’s sake behaves like this? Thane of course.

He just acts so selfish and self-absorbed and cold! I get that it's his child and he paid a whooping sum of money to be put through the stress, even after laying down a golden template, but I'm only human, and I have blood coursing through my veins.

Still holding on to a glimmer of hope, I go again, this time, shaking the doorknob profusely and burning up all my energy on the long jab.

Damn!

The longer I bang on the door, the more it dawns on me that Thane means every word he says.

It's almost an hour, and he isn't responding, not even his footsteps are heard as he comes to the door. Beyond reasonable doubt, I'm certain he's left, or maybe he's sticking around and waiting for me to be remorseful.

Changing my approach, I use a much softer tone, perhaps he will be kind enough to come to my aid.

“Please, open up.”

My breathing is labored. It's obvious this shit isn't working. Isn't it better I tell him how much of a beast he is and enjoy my days in my prison than bend to his rules and still get stuck up?

“I'm going to stick to the rules, please!”

I find myself saying, hoping that a second time would change a lot of things. Unfortunately, it didn't halt anything.

Giving up my good girl crown, I slam my fist on the door for the millionth time, this can't be real, I rather live in denial than accept the taunting feeling of being abandoned in a mansion, and locked up in a room.

I cry my eyes out, screaming at the top of my lungs. Without denial, I once again, accept that it's my fault, and I should have done better, but I don't voice it out.

In my defense, I only wanted to explore, anyone in my place would do the same thing if they had the slightest opportunity.

If I had the tiniest whim that things would go sour, I could have sat my butt down and received treatment and bed rest as Doctor Cain suggested. The same treatment I was running away from, is for a scene I created for myself.

Last night, he stayed up all night, working on a project and filling up his system with strong coffee he made for himself. Today, the least he expected of me, is peace, not driving him wild.

To be honest, if I'm in Thane’s shoes, I would equally be frustrated, or even act crazier.

Exhausted, I retreat from the door, go to my bed, and collapse on it, settling in a heap. My stupidity stares me in the face, in the form of fancy bags full of chocolates and confections.

Right now, I don't see any need for the junk I stuffed, like I wanted to get the whole pastries in the shop. And even if I decide to throw them all out, it won't change the fact that I'm locked up in here, or that it got me into trouble.

“You'll be fine.”

I subtly pat myself on the shoulder, trying to make the best out of this situation, and not sulk into depression.

Falling on the bed with my side, I sob loudly, not holding back, as I wipe tears from my eyes with my bed sheet.

My phone buzzes on the bed. Haphazardly searching for it without looking up to see what I'm doing, I pick it up and answer the call, already accustomed to the setting.

Putting it to my ear, I don't say a word, waiting for the caller to speak up.

“Avery?”

I pause and realize this is no other but Piper, I sniffle and jolt upwards. She's alive! Oh my god!

“Piper!”

I scream almost losing my damn mind.

“Where are you?”