“Joe, please..tell me you can hear me,” i whispered. he moaned, then opened his eyes. “Hey, girlie;” he whispered back, “what’cha doing here?” i couldn’t help it now, the tears fell faster. he lifted his hands to wipe my tears. “Hey now, smile. I’m here, I’m fine. Don’t cry, Bella, don’t cry.” i leaned down and kissed his cheek, then proceded to untie the bloody rope from his wrists. my tears continued to fall. i could not speak above a whisper as the words left my mouth; “Where is he, Joe? Where did he go?” He murmed one low “Shh, don’t cry,” as his eyes shifted to left corner. i gasped again when i took notice of the black figure huddled in the corner, watching our entire exchange. he smiled now, his red eyes glistening with hate. i felt the hatred boiling up inside me now. goosebumps ran up and down my arms and legs, and i shivered. i cursed myself for ever believing a word he told me. i hated how i trusted him, how i relied on him for everything. how i ever doubted him. he arose from his corner, grinning.