6 Chapter Five.

Her body grew heavy from standing for so long. The method of torture chosen for her was simple compared to the other girls, but even so, it was painful.

Ruby had already started to lose track of the time and her stomach growled with hunger.

She mostly kept her attention focused on Olivia. Not long ago, the girls breathing had evened out and her eyes had shut.

Ruby couldn't imagine sleeping in a position like this, but she knew she couldn't stay awake forever either.

Her eyes moved to the ceiling as the stairs above started to creak. The footsteps were distant at first, but soon they were right outside the small door.

The knob twisted and the man walked in, pulling a small television set in behind him.

With a grin, he grabbed Olivia by the hair, pulling her head back until her eyes opened.

And then, without wasting any time, he ran over to Davina, slapping her across the face. The sound echoed throughout the room and her eyes fluttered open.

He turned to Ruby, "My dear, you're poor family is wasting their time. They actually believe that you'll be returning home to them. They believe that you want to return home to them."

He laughed, rushing to the small television to turn it on.

A news broadcaster popped up on the screen, "If you have seen Ruby Towers,  please call your local police department. The teenage girl was said to have been kidnapped while at the park with her friends."

Tears rolled down Ruby's cheeks as her mother came across the screen next, "Please! If you have my daughter, give her back to me. She's all I have left. Please!"

The man turned off the television and began walking over to her. He stroked her hair gently, but Ruby still flinched away.

He moved his hand down her face, to grip her chin, "Dry your tears, Ruby. You aren't going home. Your family doesn't actually want you. Not like I want you."