Here is Chapter 8, you amazing people :)

♡

The first day locked away in what she had a feeling was Drake's house flew by.

Mike had not been joking when he told her he could teach her lessons, and she learned that he was the brains of the house. After more moments of witty comebacks and cursing in Italian, Mike had sighed dramatically, grabbed a book from one of the many bookshelves and lead her to a completely different room down the corridor, right after a stern warning from a scowling Drake.

Band pictures scattered the bright blue walls of the room she entered, and many odd notes were stuck to pieces of furniture haphazardly. Tucked neatly in the corner of the room was a wooden desk, a lamp and a computer. Small lego projects lay untouched on the floor, and Stephanie had almost been stabbed by a dangerous Lego block as she analysed the room for any booby traps, or what not. Black curtains were pulled shut in front of what she presumed was a window, and she bit her lip to stop from reaching out.

Mike had smirked at her expression, before perching against a sturdy wall and tapping the empty space beside him, motioning for her to join him. She was still cautious of her surroundings, but trusted Mike more than any of the other men.

She spent hours studying Calculus with Mike, and by the end of the learning session her eyes were slowly closing and her brain was fried like a burnt toasted sandwich.

She didn't remember how she made it to bed, but she wasn't surprised when she woke up during the night. Sleep had never been a blessing for her, and her thoughts raced with the images of monsters, her father and an explosion. It was always the same nightmare, and each day she woke up with tears in her eyes, her hands clenched against the soft sheets and her hair a tangled mess.

She lifted her head to get a better view of the room she occupied. It was hard to see anything in the dark, other than the window roof above her and the bed she lay in. She stared through the window as her racing heart began to slow down.

Sequin-silver stars like the scattered embers of a dying fire winked down at her, illuminating the black curtain of the sky. Somewhere out of her vision, the moon shone brightly.

When Stephanie was a child, she was obsessed with the stars. For this reason, her mother would always read her bedtime stories about stars, which always made a broad smile spread across her young cheeks in joy. One story had stood out to her to this day, about how men in the past would use the magical symbols in the night sky for navigation. These star patterns saved and guided a lot of lives in the old age, and if she ever needed anything, she could trust the stars.

However, eleven years on, it didn't feel like the bright stars were doing their job. They had watched on as she was kidnapped by people who wanted to do God knows what with her. They had not defended her against life's hardships at a young age, and trust them she could not.

Stephanie was shaken from her trance and her avalanche of deep thoughts with a sharp cry. It pierced through the air again a few seconds later, and yet she could not hear any footsteps beyond her room.

After the third wail, she couldn't take it anymore. Her brain protested against her actions as her small bare feet landed on the cool carpet, causing shivers to rack her body. She lifted herself up, the surprisingly comfy bed creaking from her movements.

Stephanie could not see anything in the pitch black darkness. In that darkness there were shapes in monochrome, and the room belonged in a black and white film. Her hand reached out and touched a cold hard block, which she realised was the wall. She trecked forward, peering at the ground cautiously as her hair curtained her face.

Her ocean eyes slowly but surely adjusted to the black room. She fingered her way along, and eventually grasped a hard and sturdy object that was different from the wall. She twisted it, and light flooded her vision as she opened the door.

She squinted and stepped out into the corridor and gasped. Not because of the light, oh no, but because a new sharp pain coursed through her right foot, just as another loud wail sliced through the house.

Her eyes glossed over as she analysed her foot. Much to her horror, what appeared to be a small pearl earring was jammed into the middle of her foot. Little droplets of blood were sneaking around the injury, and she bent over, grasping the wooden doorframe for support.

Moments later, after much panicking, cursing and loose tears, she took a deep breath and focused on her task. She knew it had to be Archie's high pitched cries, and set herself on tracking where he was, now that she could actually see where she was going, albeit with a limp.

Her eyes glanced over each room. Most doors were closed, and there were no exits along the way, which upset her.

Along the way, Stephanie couldn't help but admit that this was the nicest house she'd ever been in. From what she had seen, each room was stylish and decorated to perfection. Walls were nearly overflowing with framed photos of beautiful moments captured forever.

This did not mean she wanted to stay here. She would rather go to school (aka hell), than be locked in a house with strangers.

At the very end of the corridor, there was a door slightly ajar. Archie's cry rang louder in her ears this time, which lead her to believe that this was baby Archie's room.

She gripped the door's sharp edges, and slowly pushed the door open.

Sure enough, there was Archie lying in a small crib, clad in cute baby pyjamas, with his mouth open as another cry filled the rooms and nearly destroyed her eardrums. She wondered how no one has heard Archie yet, but instantly limps over to comfort him.

She picks up the small baby, his face red and shiny with fresh tears. She supports his head on her arm, and his bright blue eyes stare up at her in wonder. At least he's not crying anymore, which must be a good sign.

She smiles awkwardly down at him, not sure what to do. She never had a younger sibling to look after, and until hours ago had never held a baby. She pats his back, as his tiny fingers grasp her pinky and his small feet poke out from his blanket.

His warmth comforts her, and she places a small kiss on his precious head, his dark hair tickling her fingers as she runs her fingers through the soft strands.

She can't help but feel a connection with Archie. Even though she's only known of his existence for a few hours, it feels like they're lifelong friends, somehow.

Stephanie shakes her head and pushes her thoughts to the back of her head. He lets out another cry, for whatever reason she cannot understand.

"Archie, you're okay. There's no big bad ugly pumpkin eating man in here, okay? Trust me," she whispers in his ear in a soothing manner, which only makes Archie frown, followed by another wail.

Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shi-

"Patting him like that won't stop him crying, silly."

Hope you're all having a super nice day. Message me if not, I am master of positive quotes :)

#BabyArchieIsSoCute