Page 52 of Peach

“I don’t know, but I have this feeling.”

Haisley didn't have that feeling but was glad that Mel did. Maybe something good would happen, but she had no clue what good could come from this.

After a long moment and after their tears had dried, Haisley glanced around. “Any idea what they have us in?”

“I crawled around a little. I think it’s a small room. Maybe a store room, or a closet. I don’t know where we are or what type of room it is. There is carpet on the ground, but it’s industrial carpet. We aren’t moving, so I don’t think we’re in a mobile home.”

“Yeah, we’re not moving.” Haisley rested her head against Mel’s shoulder, needing the connection.

"I don't feel like I was out that long. I don't think they took us far. I don't even think we're out of California."

“Neither of them is from this area. Do you think we could be in a hotel room?”

It felt like Mel was shaking her head. “No. No beds.”

“Okay, so no beds, but carpet on the floor. I’m going to get up and see if I can find a door or window.”

“Do you think we can escape?” Mel asked.

“I’m going to try. I can’t live with myself if we don’t fight to get out of this.”

Haisley stood, her legs a little shaky from whatever they'd given her. She reached out with one hand and moved around the room slowly, trying to not fall as she inched along in the near darkness.

Her fingers ran into a wood frame, and she patted both hands on the area, finding a door. She searched for the knob and turned it, but the door wouldn’t budge.

“I found a door, but I can’t pull it open.”

“Any windows?” Mel asked.

Haisley continued on, searching. She was ready to declare defeat when she felt fabric. “Maybe.” She pulled at the fabric and heard rings sliding on metal. “It’s a window, but still dark.”

She moved, her hands shaking as she felt cool glass. Why couldn’t she see out? It didn’t make sense. Then Haisley caught something that looked like a pinprick of light high up in the sky.

“I think we’re out in the forest or something. It’s dark as heck, but I think I’m seeing stars up above.”

Noise sounded behind her, and she turned to watch Mel crawling over. Then they were both standing at the window, their hands clasped together as the first spot of hope filled Haisley.

“Will it open?” Mel asked.

They both searched for a latch. Mel found it first, but it was too hard for her to pull open. Haisley moved over and tried the lock. It wasn't painted shut but hadn't been moved in a long time.

“I haven’t heard anything, and I was awake for maybe an hour or more before you came to,” Mel said.

“Do you think they left us here?”

“Maybe. How smart are these guys?”

Haisley almost snorted. Will was dumb. She realized that now after knowing Peach and his friends. “Not very. I bet they thought we would just stay here.”

“Well, we can’t get out if we don’t get this window open,” Mel said.

“I’ll keep trying. You know, it could be like a stuck lid. Do we have anything to use as leverage?”

“I don’t think so.”

Haisley pulled on the latch, then moved and pushed on it. She felt it give, or maybe it was just her hand.

“We have to get out,” Haisley said.

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