by Melanie Ting
“Bill, we never did.”
He nodded, his eyes wide and owlish. “We did. I said, ‘Too bad you live with your mother and you can’t sleep over anytime you want.’ You said, ‘Yes.’ Then I said, ‘If you lived here that would solve that problem.’ And I meant that.”
Camille tried again to sit up, but fell back onto the bed. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, that’s just conversation. It’s not talking about commitment.”
He leaned forward and took her free hand. “I’m not like other guys, Camille. I mean everything I say. You’re so pretty and so much fun. I feel like my life has changed ever since we began going out.”
The utter ridiculousness of this situation struck Camille and she began to giggle. Bill was holding her hand and acting like this was some normal, romantic situation—but she was half-naked and chained to his bed. In fact, she was pretty sure this was an exact scene from a horror movie.
“Why are you laughing?” Bill demanded. “I’m really upset here.”
If she didn’t watch out, he’d start eating ice cream again. “Sorry, Bill. But it’s hard to take this conversation seriously when I’m undressed and handcuffed to the bed. So, unlock me and let me get dressed.”
“Do you promise not to leave if I do that?”
Camille nodded. But the fingers of her free hand were crossed. Did that still work once you weren’t in grade four?
Then there was a banging on the front door. Bill let go of her hand and stood up. “Who’s that? I’m not expecting anyone.”
She froze. Should she tell him that Nate was here to pick her up? And she wasn’t dressed yet.
He shook his head. “I’m not answering it.”
“Help,” Camille called out. “Help me!”
Bill glared at her. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Camille. It’s not like I’ve kidnapped you or something.”
“You did! You’re keeping me here against my will. I’ve been attached to your stupid bed for over an hour and my arm is totally numb. You’re a big idiot and I want to get out of here.”
He scowled and started fishing around for the key in his pocket. But the banging on the door got louder.
“This is the police. You need to open this door right now, or else.”
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