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Chapter Four

Emery

Am I dead?

Faint crackling filled the void in my head, drawing me back from the darkness and into the world of the living.

My lids shot open as a stabbing pain zipped up my back, curling like sharp talons into my ribs. Gulping for air, I was only able to take in short quick bursts of oxygen.

I can't breathe!

Why can't I breathe?

Coughing hard, I held my ribs and tried to roll onto my side. But I couldn't move.

I wanted to move, I had the urge to jump up and take off running. Wriggling my legs and adjusting my hips, I couldn't break free from the bindings holding me hostage. I felt confined, like I was tied up and bound so I couldn't escape.

What the hell is holding me still? Why can't I move?

Every inch of my body ached, it hurt and throbbed no matter which way I turned. My face felt swollen and all I could taste was metal as I swallowed.

Something's wrong. . . Something is really wrong.

Fuck!Where the hell am I?

Through hazy eyes, I felt around and realized that I wasn't tied up, but was pinned between the ceiling and the seat, hanging upside down with my seat belt keeping me in place. Sitting dazed, I tried to clear the fogginess in my head and get a grasp on what had happened.

The car crashed.

I'm still inside.

And I'm hurt, I'm definitely hurt.

But I'm alive.

A buzzing noise made its way into my thoughts, drawing my attention back to my surroundings. Lifting my head, I glanced around the inside of the car and realized that the driver's side door was open and the man was gone.

Where is he? Did he leave me here to die?

Shifting my head from side to side, it was too dark to see out the windows, so I wasn't sure if he was still nearby or if he had abandoned me all together.

It doesn't matter, I need to get the hell out of here.

Fiddling with the belt, a strong scent of gasoline swept in, burning my nostrils. Pausing for a second, panic began to set in as I imagined the car bursting into flames with me inside.

Fumbling wildly with the belt, I tried to find the metal clasp that would set me loose. Anxiously, I poked and squeezed the button, using all the strength I could find, and begging it to let go.