Nicole and I were inseperable.

My little sidekick.

For the next month or two, after her schooling she'd barge into my room to either, proudly show me her acing a test, help with homework,  or hang out and watch a movie.

Don't get me wrong, I loved spending time with her, but I was missed school.

I wanted to go back to the art department, and do what I enjoyed the most.

I missed my art room.

Today, I decided to have a talk with Hika. No matter what he said, I wanted to go back, I just didn't want to hurt Nicole.

"Come in." Hika says after I knocked on the door to his study.

I walk in and close the door behind me. Since my breakdown in front of Nicole a few months ago I've done everything to avoid being alone around Hika.

"I wanted to talk to you about something." I say in barely a whisper.

"If it's about leaving, I'm not ready to let you go." He says firmly.

"Why!?" I raise my voice.

"Because I want to make sure things will be okay for you out there, little one."

"Who are you to tell me what to do? Last time I checked, I remember that I'm an adult, and you're not my boyfriend." I say trying my hardest to sound absolute in my tone.

"That's irrelevant little one. Ther-"

"You know keeping me here like this makes me like you less and less everyday..." I say with anger.

He leaned forward and rested his chin on his knuckles.

"...And just so you know" I continue, "I'll keep fighting for a way out. One way or another and most likely by that time, I'll hate you." I turned and stomped out of the room before he could say anything else.

I didn't really mean it, about hating him, but then again I did.

As soon as I got to the room, I slammed the door and flung my body across the bed.

Nicole opened the door moments later.

"Nicolas? Are you okay?" She asks with concerned voice.

"I'm okay hun, just give me some time. I love you."

I knew that I had somewhat hurt her feelings by pushing her away, but I didn't want her to be on the other end of my frustration.

I heard a light knock on the door, thinking it's probably Nicole again just trying to be polite, I hop of the bed and stride to open the door.

Only it's Hika.

"Go away." I say through gritted teeth and shut the door.

As I make my way to the couch he opens the door and walks in.

I sit on the couch heavily with my body and turn my back to him looking out the window.

He sits on the coffee table directly behind me and reaches out a hand to caress my back.

"Please don't touch me."

"Why are you being this way to me? I'm just trying to protect you."

"Sure you are." I get up and walk out of the room. I head down the stairs and out the door.

I wanted air.

I felt trapped enough.

I wandered the yard. It was a big property so I took my time walking around and looking over the different layouts of the trees and plants.

The landscaper must be pretty artistic. I thought to myself. It's not bad.

"Looking for a way to escape?" The voice broke me from my thoughts.

I turn to see this handsome, tall, muscular man, in a very nice suit, standing behind me. I scoff at his question and keep walking.

"Boss wanted me to keep an eye on you but I'll keep my distance. My name is Zeke, and if you need anything, feel free to ask."

"I don't want anything. Not from you and definately not from your kidnapping boss." I reply to him and walk away.

Though he says nothing else he follows me at a distance.

This only fuels the irritation and anger I already feel, so I stomp my way back into the house.

I heavily stomp my way up the stairs and as I pass Hika's study, I kick the door, and continue to my prison.

****

It's been a few days since I've seen Nicole and as much as I miss her and want to hug her, I think only about my freedom and my escape.

I secretly had been noting the times and dates of Hika's departure and return to see if there's a pattern and a chance I could take my advantage of.

And there's two. He leave's at 8:45am and returns at 11:30 then leaves again at 4:30pm and returns at 7pm.

Daily.

I decide to plan a wall hop.

Nicole had mentioned Hika took her shopping a few times and it wasn't a far drive cause she hated long drives.

So I had a chance.

***

A few days later, I waited for Hika to leave at his usual time of 8:45am.

I put my sneakers on and made my way silently down the stairs.

Nicole was occupied with her morning teacher.

I didn't see this Zeke person, and I knew the usual posts for the main workers. So I knew which areas to avoid.

I made my way to the furthest end of the yard.

I had remember seeing a decent sized tree that was close enough to the wall that my tiny body could shimmy up.

Before I climb I look around the yard and wait for a moment to see if I had been spotted.

When I was sure I waited long enough, I made my way up the tree.

Once I made it to the top, I scanned the view. I spotted an easy way to get down.

The moment I made it down, I realized I had no sense of the direction I wanted to go.

So, forward it was.

I made it about 100 yards before someone yelled out.

"Stop right there!"

I turned and I saw the familiar face.

I high tailed my ass as fast as I could.