The song in this chapter: ( go ahead and listen to it from the beginning of this chapter)

”one way or another” (creepy version)

 

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“Marlena! There’s no point in running away Kitten, you know I’ll get you” he yelled, his voice sounded much closer now. She lost some of the momentum when she twisted her ankle at the big rock a few minutes ago, but still, she kept on going.

Looking around, Marlena noticed a little nook in a big tree. If he’ll come through this path —like she thought Kit would—then he won't really see anything in that nook. It was not the best place to conceal oneself, but it’s better than being attacked. She went there and pressed herself flat against the wooden surface; the gun was in her shaky hands. Taking a deep breath, she tried to still the fine trembling in her hands. She was not a violent person, yet here she was, about to pull a gun at Kit. Marlena didn’t want to think about it, but she couldn't help picturing his open wound, blood everywhere, like in some horror movie. The image made her ill. She told herself that it won’t be like that, that he’ll most likely end up with a nasty bruise. The wait seemed interminable. It went on and on, each second stretching like an hour. Her heart was pounding, and she was sweating. Finally, after what felt like several hours, she heard Kit’s footsteps. Grabbing the gun tightly in her hands, she carefully lifted it over her shoulder and held her breath as Kit passed by the big tree. As he walked by her, she gripped the gun tightly and extended her arms forward and pulled the trigger. And somehow she missed. At the last moment, Kit must’ve heard her move because the bullet missed him and hit the tree instead. He turned to look at her, her blue dress was torn, and a long opening was formed from the bottom of the dress, all the way up to her thighs. “You fucking bitch!” 

Marlena gasped and tried to aim the gun again, but it was too late. Her hands were slippery due to her sweaty palms, and it fell, getting lost on the high grass beneath her feet. 

She jumped back, her right hand frantically scrambling for the gun. Shit, shit, shit. She managed to grab the barrel and pull it out, but before Marlena could do anything, he grabbed her arm, moving as quickly as a snake. His grip was like a steel band around her right wrist. His face was flushed, and his eyes were glittering as he twisted her arm painfully backward. “Drop the gun, Marlena,” he ordered harshly, his voice filled with fury. Panicking, she tried to hit him in the face with her other hand, but he caught that arm too. He was angry—and he was also obviously stronger than her. Her right arm was screaming in pain, but she tried to kick at him. She couldn't lose this fight. This was her best chance to escape, her mind went back to the gunshot she heard a few minutes ago and what happened there, scared her to death. There wasn't any blood on Kit, which meant he did something to Erica.

 

 

Her feet made contact with his legs, but she was not wearing shoes, and she did more damage to her toes than to his shins. “Drop the fucking gun, Marlena, or I will break your arm,” he hissed, and she knew that he was telling the truth. Her shoulder felt like it was about to pop out of its socket, and her vision darkened as waves of pain radiate down her arm. She held out for one more second, and then her fingers released the gun. It fell to the ground with a muffled thunk. Kit immediately let her go and bent down to pick it up. Marlena backed away, breathing harshly, tears of pain and frustration burning in her eyes. She didn’t know what he was going to do to her now, and she didn’t want to find out. So she ran. Marlena was fast on her feet and in good shape. She could hear Kit chasing after her, calling her name.

 

She ran through the forest, branches scratching her legs and arms. She ran towards the flickering light in the distance. Rocks, twigs, and gravel dig into her feet, but she barely felt them. She heard a loud thud followed by a scream; he must have fallen or something because she couldn't see him when she glanced behind her. She couldn't let Kit catch her.

She couldn't be locked up in a room or worse. 

 

“Marlena!” Fuck, she’s a good runner. Kit put on a burst of speed, ignoring the pain in his feet. “Marlena, don’t be an idiot! There’s nowhere to go!” 

Marlena knew that wasn't the case, but she couldn't be a passive victim any longer. 

She wouldn't sit meekly in that room, and wait for Kit to return. She wouldn't allow him to hurt her again. Her leg muscles were screaming, and her lungs were straining for air. Marlena pretended she was in a race with the finish line only a hundred yards away, the gas station couldn't be too far away, Marlena could already hear the sounds of the highway. 

 

 

It felt like she was running forever. When she glanced back, she saw that Kit was falling further and further behind. Her pace eased a little bit. She couldn't sustain that speed much longer. Without overthinking, she headed for the steep hill in front of her, where she could clamber up the rocks and disappear in the heavily wooded area above them. It took her another ten minutes to get there. By then, she could no longer see Kit behind her. Marlena slowed down and climbed up the final steps to the top of the hill. Now that she was out of immediate danger, she could feel cuts and bruises on her bare feet. It was a slow and torturous climb. Her legs were quivering from unaccustomed exertion, and she could feel a post-adrenaline slump coming on. Nevertheless, she managed to get herself up the rocky hill and into the woods. Finally, the highway, was in front of her, hiding from sight. She came closer to the road; it was dark, an occasional car passed by in high speed, she sought a good spot to cross the road, to get to the station. It wouldn’t be easy to catch her there. She should be safe there for now. As the darkness surrounded her, she crossed the road and took shelter under a large tree, where the underbrush was particularly impenetrable. 

 

Now that she was away from Kit, she could think a little more clearly. That lean, toned body of hers was clearly bruised and in deep pain. He was strong—probably much stronger than some men—and definitely much stronger than her. He also was a trained agent. He knew his way through Martial arts. Marlena needed an access to a Phone, and she needed it now before Kit got there. She didn’t know what he’ll do to her for running away—and she certainly didn’t want to find out. 

 

Her heart rate gradually returned to normal, and she took stock of her situation. She was thirsty, and her entire body ached from the hard ground and branches cuts. She was also feeling grimy, and her feet hurt. Lifting up one leg, she peered at the sole of her foot. She was pretty sure there was dried blood on there. Her stomach was rumbling with hunger. She didn’t eat anything since the gala two nights ago, and she was absolutely starving. On the plus side, Kit hasn’t found her yet. She wasn't really sure what she was going to do next. Perhaps make her way into the gas station. It would take a good run to get there, but she couldn't stay there, he would find her soon.

 

 

Marlena thought about it and decided it was probably the best course of action at this point. Sooner or later, Kit will find her. The island was not that big, and she would not be able to hide from him for long. And she couldn't risk procrastinating. 

She was also getting hungrier by the minute, and she started to get light-headed, she would surely faint if she didn’t eat soon. So she took a deep breath and started walking—or rather, limping—toward the gas station, she wanted to run, but her legs wouldn't let her. She knew this might not end well for her, but she had no choice. She either fight now, or she will forever be a victim. It took her about twenty minutes to get there. 

 

She ended up having to stop and take breaks when she could no longer tolerate the agony in her feet. Kit would probably love to see her like this. That perverted bastard. Finally, she reached the gas station, it was deserted, “Ohh...no...no…”  she fell to her knees, whipping with agony. It was locked, it was probably inhabited for a long time because she noticed spider-webs on the big lock.

She had to think quick, for all she knew, Kit was right behind her. No, this cannot be the end, there has to be something she could do in order to save herself. After a few minutes, she carefully looked around her, trying to keep calm, and then she saw it, a payphone. Limping toward the phonebooth her feet ached and her vision somewhat blurry. To her relief, Kit wasn’t there yet; he must have lost her tracks when she climbed that rocky hill. 

Taking care not to make a sound, she opened the phone booth door and slipped inside. In her hand she held the receiver, shoving her fingers into her pocket, she took a few of the coins Erica has given her. Inserting the round objects into the device, she dialed the hotel, Marlena hoped that Laura was not asleep. Still clutching the receiver, the battled to keep consciousness. Holding her breath, she whimpered quietly when she heard the clerk's voice “ Vomo Island Resort good evening” … she froze. Standing there on the road 500 feet away from was the person she feared most. Kit. He has found her.

 

Her eyes never leaving him, he started to walk quickly towards her, a few cars passed by and it slowed him down.

“Hello?” the clerk repeated

“Yes, hello, this is Doctor Marlena Evans, I need help, please..please..he’s going to get me! Call the police” she spoke quickly, seeing him crossing the road ahead.

“Oh! Doctor Evans! We’ve been looking everywhere for you! Where…” suddenly his voice changed, she knew that voice, she would recognize it everywhere “Doc!” he yelled “Baby, Where are you?!” John was there, he grabbed the receiver from the clerk’s hands when he heard him saying her name.

“Oh John!!! he’s crazy!”

“MARLENA!!! Drop the phone, NOW!” she could hear Kit’s screaming in the distance, but the voice was much clearer now, he was close.

“Doc! Who is? Where are you?” John was frantic; he held the receiver with both hands, Laura and the other crew around him stood still as if time froze.

 

She saw him holding out his gun, pointing it at her, his steps grew faster and faster as he got closer to her. 

 “I don’t know where I am…” she breathed fast, her voice choked with tears, when she saw him just a few feet away. 

“Baby listen to me-“ he tried when she continued

“It’s a gas station...it’s deserted...Kit...he’s here! JOHN!..no..oh my god please!! NO! NO!!!” her screams echoed in his ear as a loud gun blast pierced the hot air.

“MARLENA!! TALK TO ME!” he yelled, but there was quiet on the line. He stood there, shocked, his mouth opened to speak but no words came out, when suddenly, he heard a voice, the words had him paralyzed with fear, “She's mine. You’ll never see your precious Marlena again” he smirked as the line went dead.