Chapter 18

Britney had been locked up in the basement for three days. She hadn't eaten or drunk a thing. With no light at all, she lost track of time. She had no idea if it was day or night, or how long she'd really been trapped there. By the time the heavy door finally creaked open, she was half out of her mind. A harsh flood of light poured in. For a second, Britney just stared blankly at the figure standing in the doorway. Calvin stood there, looking down at her for a long time. She finally registered his presence, and a flicker of hope sparked in her dazed mind. She scrambled forward, wrapping her arms desperately around his legs. "Calvin! I know I was wrong! I swear I do! Please, let me go! I'm begging you! I'll change! I promise I'll never do any of those things again! "It was all my fault! Please, forgive me! I'll do whatever you say! Calvin, let me go! Please, stop this! I'm scared... I'm so scared... And..." She hesitated for a split second, then pressed a trembling hand to her b