Malarie's POV

Sunday

I felt my bed slightly dip as I was still sleeping peacefully, not caring whatsoever. There was slight  movement, making me groan. I felt hands... small hands at that. They were hitting my face, multiple times. Along with sound of giggling. I push their hands away, turning around to face the wall. As soon as I did that, I hear whining and my nickname being called. I instantly wake up, turning my body back around- to be met with those beautiful blue eyes I so much adore. Baby Albert.

"Malawiee." He whines, making grabby hands at me. "Hi baby Albert. How are you buddy?" Cooing, I pick his small body up, kissing all over his face.

"Goo. Malawiee eat eat." He mumbles in his strange baby language. "Yes cutie, you want to eat eat?" I rock him back and forth in my arms, still listening to what he's saying.

I don't understand none of his baby gibberish, but I just respond with "uh huh" or "yes baby". He's absolutely adorable with his chubby cheeks, and curly hair. We continue to snuggle, along with talking to one other. My brother Jaden came in, telling me to get ready for church. I almost forgot its Sunday. My family and I try to go to church every Sunday as much as we can.

Today is a special Sunday for all of us- Albert's christening is today. It's even better, because my brother Greg came home from the military last week. Along with my sister who came home as well. I was so excited to see them both! We are all finally together!

"Hey Malarie, mama said come down for breakfast." My sister Emmy informs me, coming into our room. "Okay, thanks Em. You heard that Albert, it's time to eat eat." I chuckle, getting up from my bed, to head on down the stairs.

"Yay, yay." He claps happily, giggling in my arms.

Making it to the kitchen, I see my family shuffling around, trying to get a seat at the table. I place Albert in his highchair, between my mom and I. Taking my seat as well, I glance down at my already made plate. My favorite breakfast meal. Eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, biscuits, and freshly washed strawberries! I told you today is a special day. My mom only cooks like this when we are celebrating something. We all grabbed each other's hands, praying over our meal.

"So how's senior year, Rainbow? And what's the deal with you Mr. I'm a Sophomore now? I've missed you guys so much." My brother Greg asks, Jaden and I. Not being able to control my laugh. I bust out laughing, at the nickname he gave me when I was younger.

He says the reason he calls me Rainbow, is having to do with my eyes always change colors, whenever he sees me.

"Senior year is pretty cool, although I have lots of homework every day. And I miss you too big bro." I respond, drinking some of my yummy orange juice. "Yeah bruh, sophomore year is the bomb. I was so fed up with being a freshman last year... or like a couple of months ago." Jaden responds, eating one of his many sausages.

"That's good, keep them grades up so I can see you two graduate like me, and big head over here." He smiles at Jaden and me, but not before thumping Jessa's head.

"Ow Greg that freaking hurt!" She hits his arm. Might I add pretty hard, but it didn't faze him one bit. "Hey cut that out, Albert is looking at you two like you're crazy." Dad scolds playfully.

That only made us laugh. Seeing baby Albert's surprised face, with his little mouth hanging open. We continue to eat our breakfast, catching up on everyone's priorities in life. Once we all had finished eaten, we got dressed to go to church. I decided to ride with my dad, mom, and Albert, in my Daddy's new 2015 BMW 228 I. Man his car is so nice, I asked him if he could get me one for my 18th birthday. But he said why should I get a car if I didn't even know how to drive yet. He's so mean, I'm just kidding he's the best dad in the whole world. He's funny, hardworking, family oriented, and gives the best hugs yet.

Jessa, Jaden, and Emmy decided to ride in my brother's Porsche. As my dad was starting the car up- I couldn't help but see a familiar Black Audi, parked across the street from my house. I didn't think nothing of it, but I've seen the same car, more than usual lately. I can't see whose inside, due to their windows being tented. I will for sure bring this up to my dad, after church today. Just to be on the safe side. Although the car doesn't look like a threat to anyone. But you never know.

:::

"Albert Ruben Banks, I baptize you. And with that church is dismissed, everyone have a blessed Sunday." Our pastor dismisses all the church goers,  letting church out. "Wow buddy you just got baptized, are you happy?" My daddy holds Albert in his arms, walking out the sanctuary. "No." He giggles.

That means yes to him. Albert is in that stage where everything is 'no'. You could ask him if he was hungry, and he would still say no. Even though he means yes. He's also in that terrible two's phase- he's such a busy baby at times. It's either him playing in the toilet, or him pulling down all the DVD's we have in our living room.

"Mom? Dad?" I call from the backseat of the car. "Hm?" They both answer in unison. This is my time, to let them know about the mysterious car.

"Have you noticed that an all-black car, has been parked across the street from our house recently?" I roll down my window, letting some air in. "No, not at all. When did you see this honey?" My mom questions, turning around in her chair, looking at me.

"What? When did you see this car, and why didn't you tell us?" Dad adds, stopping at a red light. "I first saw it there about a month ago. I didn't think anything of it, I just assumed that the neighbors had family staying over. But then I started to notice that the car would be gone during the daytime, but come back at night." I ramble off, not taking a breath to breathe.

"When was the last time you saw the car, in the daytime?" Dad asks sternly, all while staring at me through the rearview mirror. T-this morning." I swallow loudly, stuttering over my words.

"Don't be nervous sweetie. We'll call Nevada sheriff's department, to check it out once we get home." Mom assures me, giving me one of her sweet smiles. "Okay." Gulping loudly, I  look out my window, for the rest of the ride home.

:::

We made it back home, within no time. As soon as we stepped inside our house, my mother had immediately called the police, to let them know of our situation. They came and checked things out, telling us everything seemed fine. I tried to tell them the mysterious car comes later on at night, but they wouldn't listen. One officer even said it was all in my head, and that I was seeing things. How could a person in the line of duty, not believe a person when it comes to something like this?

I was so hurt and upset, to the point where I stayed in my room during dinner. Just lying down watching TV. Then when TV got boring to watch, I decided to do all my homework. I just can't quite understand, how the cops could think I was lying. Especially about someone outside my house- possibly watching us every night. I decided I really wanted some candy, and some other yummy snacks. I got out of bed, put on my shoes, and grabbed my wallet. Proceeded down the stairs to the living room, where everyone was at watching a Kevin Hart comedy.

"You okay Rainbow?" Greg looks up at me concerned. "Yes I'm fine. Just a bit tired that's all." I smile lightly, not wanting to talk.

"Okay then, baby sis." He chuckles, focusing his attention back on the television screen. "Mom, I'm going to the corner store to get myself some candy." I tell my mom, putting on my sweater. "Alone?" She questions, getting up from the couch.

"Uh yeah, is that okay?" I shift on my feet, looking back at her worried face. "I don't know-" She starts, but I cut her off.

"Mom please, I just want to have some snacks, please?" I whine cutting her off. "Oh fine go ahead. But baby, please hurry on back." She still wears the worry in her face.

"I will, I promise. I will even text you when I get inside the store." I reason with her, as she replaces her worry face, with a lovable mother smile. "Be safe out there Mal. And hurry back it'll be getting dark soon." My sister adds, kissing my cheek. My mom rushes over to me, kissing all over my face as well.

I walk outside my house, zipping my sweater all the way up. Even though it's September, it's still a little chilly out. I glance down at my phone, checking the time- it read 4:58 pm. Basically it's five o'clock. My brother was right, it does start getting darker earlier. I continue my walking, all the way to our friendly neighborhood store. As I reach the store, I see that it's closed. Dang it, I forgot they closed earlier on Sundays.

I guess I can go to the other corner store not too far from this one. I just hope that one is not closed as well, that would be a waste of fifteen minutes of walking. I continue walking my distance to the store. Finally reaching, Dale's Liquor Store. Luckily it's open. Although, it's quite a lot of people hanging out outside of the store. I wonder what for?

I walk pass a group of guys, using my manners saying "excuse me", as I walk inside. Straight away, I go to the candy section. Getting lots of Snickers, Twix, Starburst, and Skittles. I even decide to get me a Kiwi Strawberry Arizona. Something didn't feel right, as I'm in this store. With there being a whole group of people hanging outside. To this one guy showing up on the same aisle as me... every time I move.

Just to make sure I wasn't tripping out, I went on the Tampon and pad aisle. And what do you know? He was there, looking at the adult diapers. I'm pretty sure that dude doesn't need depends. I try to keep my cool, quickly shuffling the things in my arms. I go to make my way to the front of the store- or so I thought.

"EVERYBODY GET THE FUCK DOWN!!" A man with an oxygen mask, shouts from the front of the store, by the cash register. Along with eight other men, running inside with their faces covered.

They were horribly destroying merchandise, and knocking stuff over. I immediately drop to the floor, afraid of being hurt. I look up, seeing the guy that was once on the same aisle as me... was gone. Turning the the other way around, I see an elderly woman crying her eyes out. I so badly wanted to comfort her, but I didn't want to get shot.

"What the fuck did I just say? I said get the fuck down." The guy in the front of the store yells at a random man. He hit him several times in the face, with the back of his gun.

I cringed watching him repeatedly hit the poor man, until he passes out. Realization hit me quick, that I never texted my mom. I glance around me, seeing if the coast was clear to type my quick text to her. I hear the elder woman cries get louder, making the other men scramble around more. God please get me out of here. These dudes have their nerve to rob a place with children and elders inside.

"Ma'am please be quiet, it's going to be okay." I whisper to her, from the other side of an aisle. She just got louder, which resulted in one of the robbers to go over and slap her in the face. I gasp loudly. Putting my hand over my mouth, scooching more to the back so he couldn't see me. I quickly pull out my phone, so I could text my mom to call the police.

"Give me all the money, now!!" Another one of the guys demands, the little Asian man behind the counter. Aiming a huge gun at his head if he didn't cooperate. "I don't have a lot of money to give you." He replies shakily, and horrified.

"I don't give a fuck man! Just hand over the money, and you won't get hurt." He roars. "I don't have a lot in here." The little man croaks, once more. Just give him the money please.

"Look fucker, give me the damn money!" The man demands, yet again. "I can't give you the money. I have a fam-" soon three loud gunshots ring out. I guess he didn't cooperate, because he got shot straight in the head three times. I quickly refocus my attention on my phone and texted my mom. But before I could even send the text message, I was yanked up by my ponytail. Mighty hard.

"GET THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID BITCH!" A man screams in my ear, causing me to flinch- dropping my phone at the same time. He quickly picks it up, putting it in his pants pocket.

"P-please don't h-hurt me." I plead, in pure nervousness. "Shut the fuck up." He screams, yanking me up, pulling me to the front of the store.

I scream and kick, trying to get away from his tight hold he had on me. Though he didn't budge one bit, he kept his grasp on me.

Now I know I'm done for.

"I swear if you don't cut this screaming, kicking shit... I will slit your motherfucking throat!" He yells loudly, making me hush up really quick. I like my throat.

He brought me to the front of the store, where the other seven men were located. They were aiming guns at everyone. Being extremely terrified, I shook like a wet dog, setting my gaze to the ground. Not wanting to make eye contact, with any of these men. Although I did catch a glimpse of the man, who was dragging me to the front. He had the same black hoodie, and red shoes as the... the guy that was on the same aisle as me.

He's the guy who was following me!

"What the fuck bro, what happened? What did she do?" The leader of the rest of the men shouts. "She tried texting someone." The man holding my arm, spat in disgust. He pulls my hair, making me cry out in pain.

"What did I just fucking tell your dumb ass? Shut your trap, slut." He hit me upside my head, twice. "Did she send it?" The older man shouts, pointing his finger at me.

"No, I got the phone before she did." The anger he held, was clearly evident in his tone of voice. "You're one lucky, bitch! But you still die tonight." The leader cocked his gun, aiming it at me. "What the fuck Ale- bro! Put that shit away!" The younger man screams, jumping in front of me.

He's blocking the gun from my body. Why is he doing this?

"Move out the way, now! Or I'll shoot through you." The older man exclaims, pretty pissed off. "No! You know what we came here to do! Clearly things have changed, let's go!" The man in front of me shouts back.

"You are fucking lucky, you little whore." The man drops his gun, shaking his head. Not before pointing his index finger at me, again. "Let's go! Now you people enjoy the rest of your night, now." He laughs with sarcasm lacing his words.

I sigh a breath of relief, until I hear a dangerously scary chuckle, come from the younger man standing in front of me. He turns around to face me, just staring intensely at me. It was as if he was looking deep into my eyes. I couldn't quite help my gawking back into his. His eyes were the color of honey... two honey brown orbs, staring deeply in my soul. He finally speaks up, and I wished that I was shot dead instead of what he's about say to me.

"Oh, it's not over yet baby, you're going with us." He jumps up and down with fake joy. My face immediately drops. "No! No, p-please." I sob, falling forward- he caught me before I fell.

"W-why n-not?" He mocks me, laughing as if taking me is the funniest thing ever.

I stay silent as he pulls me out the store. But my silence, didn't stop without me fighting. Once again, I kick and scream bloody murder. Hoping someone, anyone, would hear me. The more I struggled, the tighter his grasp on me got. I could tell he was getting irritated. He yelled profanities at me, along with hitting me pretty hard.

"Stop moving now, before I hurt your dumb ass!" A hit was landed on the back of my head. "NO!" I scream with all my might. Which just caused me to get back handed, making me fall to the concrete floor. I just got slapped by some random man.

"I'm going to ask you again, to shut the fuck up. Before I kill you right here." He tries to sound calm, through his clenching of his fist.

God please help me.

"Is that understood?" He balls up his fist, ready to hit me. His heavy breathing, didn't make the situation better. I nod my head. "SPEAK!!!" The guy went to hit me- I spoke up before he could. "Y-yes." I quickly reply, getting yanked up from the ground.

Soon after, being shoved into an all black Hummer truck. With all the ten men apart of the robbery. And boy are we all squished and cramped inside this truck. I was forced to sit on his lap, in the second row of the car. I hate it so much. He held onto my waist, very tightly. Probably leaving many of bruises on my skin.

On top of everything, they creepily still have mask over their faces. So I can't identify them if I ever got away. I'm also in an extremely uncomfortable position, only making me readjust myself on his lap every now and then. Which only makes him growl every time I do it. I accidentally did it again, making him grab my chin roughly.

"Stop fucking moving, if you're not going to help my dick go down." He spat, earning laughs from the rest of the guys. Oh my gosh!

Nodding slowly, I look down in my lap, playing with fingers. Just waiting to see where we all were going. I have so much regret right now. I should've  just went back home, after seeing the first store was closed. But no, Malarie had to get candy for her sweet tooth.

Now my family is probably worried sick. Blaming theirselves for letting me go out late. My thoughts are cut short, when I hear a familiar ringtone going off throughout the car. Which makes me snap my head up quickly, turning to face the masked, honey colored eyed stranger.

"I wonder who's calling you beautiful," He rubs away a tear that escapes my right eye. "Ooh mom is calling you." He chuckles darkly, holding my phone up.

"Please I'm begging you, let me tell her I'm okay. Just so she won't worry about me." Mumbling through my sobs, I let the tears run down my face. "Sorry princess, no can do." He whispers in my ear, planting a kiss to it. All that did, is make me sob more.

I cry and cry, until there were no more tears left to come out. And then the psycho had the nerve to hug me tighter. Telling me that "everything would be alright". Nothing is going to be alright, they freaking kidnapped me. He took me away from the only family I have left. I already lost my birth parents, and now I'm going to be taken away from my adoptive parents as well. Why? Why me? I just pray that I make it out alive. At the rate these men anger levels are, I don't give myself a long time.

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- Hey what do you know chapter 3 is here! Enjoy it cuties. :)

- Thank you for 500 + Reads!

- Alexis -