Lucas led me to a large room with a huge flat screen TV on the far wall. Letting go of my hand, he plopped down on one of the couches, grabbed the remote, turned the television on, and started looking through different channels. I stood facing him with a confused look. 

'Again...what is going on?'

"Uh, Lucas... can you answer something for me?" 

He leaned his head back on the back of the couch and looked at me. "Depends on the question. What's up hun?" 

I fidgeted with my hands as I stood. "I'm just...this is all really weird. You guys abduct me, give me a room, make me breakfast, and now you just want to watch TV? It makes no sense. None of it." 

He leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. "Correction: Damien abducted you. I wasn't a part of that. As for the room, breakfast, and hospitality, could you accept it for what it is?" 

My voice raised one level, "that's the point Lucas, I don't know what it is."

He sighed. "Please, Ember...just come sit down." 

I crossed my arms stubbornly. "No." 

He leaned back against the couch and closed his eyes. "Please tell me you don't plan on talking to Damien like this." 

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not talking to him right now. I'm talking to you." 

He stood up and walked toward me. "Look, Em', I—"

"Stop calling me that. You don't even know me." 

His face grew solemn and he got closer. "Fine. Ember, look. I just want you to stay safe, okay?"

"Then take me home." 

He turned away from me and clasped his hands around the back of his neck. "You know I can't do that."

My voice leveled up to a yell. "Why not?! Why can't you just take me home and let me live my life?" I could feel heat rush to my face, signaling that tears may be approaching. 

He turned to face me quickly and gestured to himself. "Because I just can't"

"Why?!" I screamed in frustration and he rushed to grab my face, a hand on each cheek.

"I know you're scared. I know you don't understand." 

My eyes grew watery and his face filled with compassion.

"Please don't cry. Please, just...don't cry. We went through this the other night. I don't know what's going on. Just...understand that I am not Damien. You're right, I don't know you, but you don't know me either and you can't judge me based on Damien's actions." 

My lips began to tremble. "Just let me go. Please." 

I inwardly knew the answer would remain a 'no,' but I was so desperate. So emotional - so tired. I lied when I said I slept well, my sleep was atrocious. My infamous nightmare occurred on repeat, waking me up in cold sweats every two hours. I liked my time with Lucas, but he was still part of this, right? The conflicting feelings were too hard on my exhausted mind. It might sound childish, but I just wanted to go home. A tear began to descend down my cheek, but his thumb brushed it away before it fell to the floor.

"I can't, Ember. Please, just come sit down with me and let yourself be distracted. It will help."

He let go of my face and moved his hand to my back, guiding me to the couch. He sat down again and patted the cushion next to him as he looked at me. I sniffled once and took a breath to push my tears back. I sat on the couch next to him and stared at the TV, watching "Friends" reruns. 

'Of course, he chooses to watch my favorite show.'