Jasmen's Point-of-View

I was out of breath, cold, and hungry. How long have I been running?
If I didn't slow down my pace, I would pass out.
I was beginning to get very weak. Might have something to do with the pain and blood loss coming from my feet. Felt like I had been running for hours and I had no shoes on.
They hurt so bad.
Sitting on the side of the road came across my mind. Then the imagine of Sam finding me made me I more determined to find a house or a person. Anyone.

Rubbing my arms to keep warm was no help at all. The worst part was the sun was starting to set, and it would definitely start to get even colder. Where the hell was everybody? Anybody.

Finally! I see someone driving towards me. Driving a a small, blue truck. I run onto the Middle of the road and start waving like a maniac.
"Please, stop!! Please!!"
The driver slows down and stops in front of me. I run to the driver side.
It was an older man.
"Please," I beg him, starting to sob. "I was kidnapped. I have no idea where I am. I'll give you money if you take me home. I promise."
"Kidnapped??!" He jumps out the Truck.
"Are you okay, Sweetheart? God you look horrible!" He sees I'm shivering and reaches for a blanket in the back of the truck. I didn't care how filthy it looked. The warmth felt good once he wrapped it around me.

He walks me around to the passenger side, opening the door for me.
I climb in.
"What direction where you coming from?" He asks. I point directly in front of us.
"Good, let's go the opposite way."

I give Stan the address. He was a sweet, old man. He turned the heat up and reached under his seat for his pistol.
"Oh, don't worry. If anyone gets near this truck, they'll have to get pass this."
He waves the gun.
Not one time did Stan make me nervous. I knew he'd take me home. He knew the area and wanted me to stay down until he was sure we were out of the country side.

An hour had gone by.
"Are we almost there yet?"
I say trying to keep my eyes open. My entire body started to ache and my feet were hurting so bad. I was trying hard not to cry. Getting out this truck was going to prove to be impossible.
"Yes, 10 more minutes. Up this hill here."
Yes, he was right. I look around. Everything was starting to look familiar.
I lay back with my eyes closed. I tell Stan its the house on the right. Big white gate. Security should be standing out there.

"Miss. Look, we're here."
He stops several yards from the Gate. There were news vans and spectators lined up. I don't know how I managed the strength but I open the door and exit the car, falling to the ground. Getting up, I see security running towards me in slow motion. I try to crawling towards the gate but I am engulfed in so much pain. Glancing at my feet, I see they are covered in Blood.
I look around for Stan.
One of the guards has him leaning against his Truck holding his gun.
"No!" I try to scream. "He's helping me. Leave him alone!" I tried desperately to scream but I don't think any words were coming out. Lights from every direction shined on my face. Then suddenly, hands wrap around my face.
"Princess, are you okay?"
I look up to a familiar voice and smile. Dayo.
Stan was cursing up a storm.
Everything was still in slow motion.
"Dayo, he's a friend. Please."
I point towards Stan. Dayo hears me because he runs towards Stan and moves everyone away from him.
Dayo runs back to me, lifts me up and puts me back in the Truck. He gets in right behind me and yells something at Stan. Stan then jumps into the Truck and drives us onto the property.

I can finally see all the House lights. Maria and Cindy come into view, followed by Lucas. I was home. Finally I was home. I look up and see Dayo staring at me.
"It's over. You're home." His words were comforting. I place my hand on his face. It's the last thing I see before I black out.

Lucas Point-of-View

I hadn't gotten any calls that following day. My Office was a mess but I refused to leave the Room. I was waiting on anything. A call, text, anything. Her face was plastered all over the TV and I started to lose faith that she was alive. That sick asshole assaulted her and I couldn't do a thing about it.

Maria came in with Tea and made me drink it. She told me I should go upstairs and lie down.
I couldn't.
What if she called or showed up?
"What good are you to her like this?" She pointed at me. I did look a mess.
"She won't care about how I look."
"You're right, but I care about your well being. And when she comes through that door she needs going to need your strength!"
She was right.
I needed to get up and think about myself. If I wasn't in good health and mind, I couldn't expect Jasmen to lean on me. This situation was draining and my heart and mind were breaking. I had to fight through it.
For her.
I get up slowly, a little tipsy and start walking towards Maria. This woman was a rock in my life.
I hug her.
She has been my side so many years, with open ears and a big heart. She never judged me and my harsh ways. It was always obvious that she loved me. More than words could say.
"Mom." I start sobbing in her arms. I begin to fall and she goes down with me.
"I know Lucas. I know it hurts. I know. Shhh." She cradles me. I haven't felt this type of love since my Mother. Since the night she died. The unbearable pain of her losing my Dad, so huge, that she left to be with him. Now it was as if I was feeling her loss. What I wouldn't give for Jasmen to be here right now. I lift my head from her shoulder and stare into Marias's face. She grabs my face and kisses me on the forehead. My heart ache alleviated a little. I had Maria. And that was a little comforting.

I stood under the Shower for almost an hour. It felt good but I had to get out. What if she was coming and I wasn't at the Front door to meet her? I go to the closet and find jeans and a white T shirt. I brush my hair back and make my way downstairs. The girls were already in my Office trying to clean up my mess. They all freeze once they see me standing in the door way.
"Sorry, Sir" Kate squeaks. "We just want to help any way we can. Well get out of your-"
"No." I cut her off. "Don't. Thank you so much. As you were."
She nods and they continue cleaning.

I sulk into the Kitchen and open the Refrigerator door, looking for a snack. Jasmen's favorite go to snack:
Yogurt.
I smile and settle for that. Haven't tried these in a long time. I grab a spoon and sit on the nearest stool. My mind starts drifting towards her as I rip the film at the top and dip the spoon in.
I put the spoon in the mouth. Yum. Strawberry and Banana. So good. Now I understood why she loved these. Not a bad snack.

I finish and went to head into the Living Room when Shawn rushes in.
"She's here!"
What?
I run to the Front Door. Cindy and Maria were already outside. I see Jasmen sitting in between Dayo and some old man in a old truck.
I run towards them.
Dayo pulls her out the truck, carrying her. The first thing I see are how awful her feet look. They were covered in blood. I couldn't see her face because she was covered in a dirty blanket.

"Take her to the Bedroom, Dayo. Maria!!" I turn and look for her. "Call the Doctor. Hurry, please."
The old man comes running around the truck as fast as he could.
"Who are you?" I ask him.
He stutters. "I found her. She was running through the Countryside. Barefoot. Said she was kidnapped. I knew she looked familiar. She told me she would give me money but I don't want her money. I want her to be okay."
"What's your name?" I extend a hand.
"Stan, Sir. You're Mr. Bower. I would recognize you anywhere."
"Shawn!" I yell. I was desperate to get to Jasmen but I had to make sure this man was rewarded. He could've drove right by her but he didn't.
"Listen, you are welcomed in this house anytime. If you need anything, do not hesitate, okay? Shawn, Get me my checkbook! How does 5 million euros sound Stan?"
Stan grabs at his heart.

The only thing I ask of Stan is that he not speak to the Press. He was more than willing to cooperate. I run into the House and start heading upstairs. I see Maria heading towards me and she stops on the landing.
"How is she?" I ask her as I walk by.
"Not good. We are waiting for the Doctor to get here. Mr. Bower I have to talk to you." Maria kept trying to grab my arm but I kept pulling it away. I needed to be by Jasmen's side. My eyes had to see for themselves so that I was able to breathe again.
"Mr. Bower, please."
I walk faster until I reach her door. Cindy was sitting on the Floor while Dayo stood in Front of the door.
"Dayo, step aside please."
So close. I could feel her. She was right on the other side of that door.
He gruffs.
I look at him confused. Cindy and Maria were standing behind me with their heads down at this point.
"Whats going on? Why aren't you guys in there with her?"
Dayo looks at Maria and then continues to stare straight ahead.
"Mr. Bower," I turn to Maria.
"What? Is she okay?" I held my breath.
"Well, in a bit of pain. But-"
"But what Maria?!" I was starting to angry.
"She has asked that no one but myself, Dayo, and the Doctor enter her Room."
"What? Why?" I was shocked and confused. Why would she ask such a thing?
I started to tremble. Anger, confusion, I didn't know which would take over.
"Dayo, step aside," I whisper through gritted teeth. "Remember who signs your checks!"
He looks down at me.
"Mr. Bower, Sir! I quit. Jasmen has given me new employment. One that I value more than my life or paycheck right now. God himself will not be able to enter this room if she doesn't wish it."