Warped Reality

I was suddenly reminded of the Ivano in my dreams. He'd do everything for Katherine's happiness. Even welcomed death just to be with her. But I'm no Katherine. I could never have Ivano's eyes cast loving gaze to me. And even if I could, I'd be selfish with my decision. I might run away with him just to be with him even how short it would be. But that wouldn't happen. One, because it's twenty-first century. Two, I'm here to baby sit, what the hell. Three, the man was probably married to someone else. Jesus! Wake up, dimwit!

"Show me your smile, Stella."

"Huh?" I gasped and my eyes went wide as I stared up to Ino.

"You promised to visit me in my room. So why didn't you come? I was waiting."

He touched my lips with his thumb and I was reminded how utterly close Ino was standing in front of me. A fraction of move and we'd be kissing. I swallowed and tried to pull away but Ino suddenly jerked me back and his mouth slammed into me. I m.o.a.n.e.d.

"Stella? Stella!"

I jumped back and opened my eyes. Ivano was frowning down at me and certainly not kissing me. I stepped back and brushed a hand down my hair. What's happening to me? I turned around to plate what I made for lunch and placed it down the table. I took the apron over my head and folded it before placing it back to the counter.

"I'm sorry. I'm not feeling good. May I be excused?"

"You have to eat, Stella. Maybe that's just hunger. You don't look fine."

"I'm not hungry. I just need rest."

I didn't wait for Ivano's response and dashed out of the kitchen and went upstairs into my own room. I paced the large space while my hands kept running down my hair and brushing my lips. Did I just really imagine it? I'm so damn lost here. I felt like I'm trapped. Suffocated. I couldn't pin point which was real or dream anymore.

I turned towards the tinted windows. I wanted to get out there. To feel the sun on my face and the wind blowing my hair. I went out of my room again and almost flew down the spiraling staircase to reach the door of the living room. But when I twisted the knob, it didn't budge. I couldn't open it. I pulled and pulled in frantic desperation as I felt myself panicking. He's locked me inside . Ino didn't want me to leave. Why?

"Stella."

I turned around to see Ino standing in the middle of the living room, a pained expression marring his face. His eyes travelled into my hands that were tightly squeezing the door knob and forcefully trying to open it.

"I want to go out."

"You're leaving?" He slowly asked and a flash of anger came across his eyes, so fast that it was gone in a second.

"No. I just want to take some air. I'm feeling rather stifled."

"You can't." Ino simply said and my eyes widened in apprehension. "It's how this house is built. Once someone comes in, no one gets out of it."

"What?" I suddenly wrapped my arms around myself at the dreadful cold that had nothing to do with the cool spacious room. "That's ridiculous! Let me out of here!" I stepped back when Ino came near me. "No! Dont touch me!"

I stepped to the side to escape his reach and ran away from him. Ivano called out my name but I didn't stop. I ran as if in fear though I didn't know what I'm being afraid of. I just wanted to take my escape. Away from him. Something's not right. I needed to call Nicky. She'd take me out of here. With my hasty steps, my foot slipped off of the rung. I screamed when I went tumbling down the long spiraling staircase. I hit my head when I finally reached the ground floor and then it's all darkness.