Mysterious Workings

"So... that was you. You were the girl in the tank."

The girl nodded. After telling Fiona all that had happened to her, Fiona sat for a long time, thinking. She had brought her some clothes so she didn't have to wear the soaking hospital garments. Hewie had finally settled down, lying beside Fiona's chair, but keeping a watchful eye on the girl. After a long time, Fiona sighed, and looked back at her.

"... I think you're a clone. The police are chasing you because they don't want what happened at the castle to be known about by the public."

The girl looked down. She didn't want to believe it.

"Who did you think I was? Why did you say I was dead?"

Fiona paused, then spoke softly.

"There was this woman... she lived at the castle, and she hated me. She looked just like you. I think you were both clones of the same person. But... I think you have something she didn't..."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a long story... anyway, she died. I didn't-"

The girl cut her off.

"How? How did she die?"

She remembered the gory scene in the observatory. Was that the person she was talking about?

"I'd... rather not talk about that..."

"Please tell me!" the girl begged. "I need to know!"

Fiona looked at her, puzzled. She said nothing for a few moments.

"... She was killed by a large shard of glass. It pierced through her body."

Tears came to the girl's eyes. It was her. She was nothing more than a clone, a creature not fit for this Earth. Slowly, she lifted her head.

"Tell me... what was her name?"

Fiona heard the hopelessness and pain in her voice.

"Her name was... Daniella."

The girl nodded slowly, and stood up. She had a name.

"Daniella... I'll get used to it. Listen... thank you for what you've told me..."

They faintly heard a noise outside, a car coming to a stop. Fiona got up and ran to the window, peering out the curtain. She gasped, and closed the curtain quickly. She ran to Daniella.

"There's a police car in the driveway. They're coming for you."

She hesitated. Daniella knew what she was contemplating. Fiona didn't want her here, either. She likely saw her as a threat to society, and a reminder of the nightmare she had been through, but she couldn't be blamed. Finally, she put her hand on Daniella's shoulder.

"Listen. My car's out in the driveway. Go into the bathroom and get out the window, then when he's inside, come around and drive away. I'll stall him. Here's my keys."

Fiona put the keys in her hand. Daniella looked up at her in bewilderment.

"I can't just take your car... Why are you doing this?"

"Because... I know what it's like to be running for your life. I'll be fine. Just go. Now!"

Fiona pushed her into the hallway as the sound of someone knocking filled the room once more.