Chapter 6
Disclaimer: read the beginning
Lily counted the seconds that turned to minutes, then hours. That was her only hope of overcoming the thoughts from her kiss with Dennis. Long ago, she wanted to change course of thinking from her period. At this moment, thinking of blood wasn't such a bad idea.
Until she started thinking about it. When she thought of blood, she thought of lion trying to devour the sheep. When she thought of herself as the sheep, she vision herself devoured by the beast. The pictures and voices inside her head drove her insane, and this solitary confinement with a quiet girl in the corner didn't help.
Casey hasn't talked to Lily since Dennis left. She must've heard what transpired through the bathroom. How could she not? Unless she held her ears inside. But the look on her face as she exited the bathroom was... Lily honestly didn't know what the girl was thinking. Her face was always neutral before and during captivity. Lily was lucky enough to catch her smiling. What did she look like smiling again? The memory was far away by time, it was difficult to picture. Maybe that could be a thing to do while stuck here. Try to make Lily's companion smile.
Lily turned her lying body to the other side, facing Casey whose back leant against the wall, arms wrapped around her bent knees. An image of a lonely child.
"Hey," Lily greeted her.
Casey didn't turn to look at the farm girl. Her eyes did all the moving. It reached to the outer corner, soulless and empty. What exactly happened that made her act this way? High school? Loss of her parents? Betrayal?
"So you are from a farm, too?"
Casey refused to respond.
"I'm pretty sure you heard the worst farm jokes. My dad comes up plenty of the corny ones. Like..." The blonde sat up, propping her elbow on the bed. "What did the farmer say when he lost one of his cows?"
Silence. This was getting awkward.
"A mis-steak!" Lily giggled at the memory of her father's laugh. The only guy other than Mr. Benoit who thought the joke was funny. She could almost hear the crickets chirp.
It took a moment to realize that Casey wasn't laughing. She was a tough girl to crack. Let's try another one.
"What new crops did the farmer plant? Beets me!" Lily laughed some more. At that moment, she almost sounded like her father. The thought of him almost makes her eyes water.
"And I thought Mr. Benoit's jokes were bad." The blonde's ears perked at the girl's voice. Finally. She spoke, and what she said was true. That joke he made about what time he goes to the dentist. Tooth-hurty. Corny or what? Lily couldn't help but giggle once more. This was what she needed. A good laugh. Something to keep her sane in this mind sucking atmosphere.
"Casey, how come you don't let the world know how funny you are?"
"How come you are laughing?"
Her friends were right about one thing. Casey does suck everyone's fun. Like a storm cloud covering the sun on a pool day.
"Seriously, Case?" Lily relaxed the weight on my arm, causing my shoulder to bounce on the cot.
"Don't call me that, please."
"Why? I am trying to help-"
"Help?" Casey scoffed. "How are the dads' jokes helping us escape this situation?"
"Well, I want to have some sanity."
"And you think the jokes help?"
She wasn't wrong. The jokes were bad, and Lily was laughing this time. Maybe the blonde was going insane. Maybe she was already insane, and just now realizing it. All she wanted was a laugh. What's wrong with that?
"Why can't we work together? Why do you blow me off like this? Why do you blow everyone off?!"
Casey slapped her hands against her thighs, "Oh, gee, I don't know. Maybe people like you suck!"
Lily blinked. Casey's words matched a sludge hammer that swung against Lily 's chest. That's how hurtful were her words.
"Why?" Lily pressed. "Why do we suck? Help me understand!"
Casey shook her head, finally facing her. "I was nice to you! In the beginning of school. We were raised in a farm. We love horses and dogs... I thought you could be my best friend." Casey's face contorted in disgust. The more Casey talk, the more hurt Lily was. Did Casey really felt this way, or say those things to make her feel bad?
"But you blew off! Because you are so fake! You are annoying! You're rude! You are a self-centered, social climber! You kiss ass to every teacher and classmate alike! You don't care if someone was thrown under the bus as long as you don't get in trouble."
Lily couldn't believe what she was hearing. No way she was like that. She was always nice to everyone, especially Casey. She was the one who was rude. Right? From staying in the same room for so long, her memories might be screwed.
Lily shook her head, refusing to believe that. "No. That is not t-"
"True." Casey rolled her eyes, saying the obvious. "I know, because Lily-May is so perfect!" Casey mocked the farm girl's voice. "She has it all! Parents, the horses, friends, and a ben-dick to worship - him and his cock!"
Lily's mouth dropped. That was it. Casey drew the line. Talking down her self confidence was one thing, but dragging her lifestyle into this argument was a whole different ball game.
"Shut up!" Lily snapped. "Shut up! You freak! You hippo freak! You don't know anything about love! I know your parents died, but that doesn't mean the world has to hate you!"
Casey pressed her lips in a tight smile, "What if it does? You said my parents died, and I am stuck with suck up losers and a dog buried six feet under."
"What about your uncle? He must be worried sick as my parents are. He does love you."
Lily thought she imagined it, but something woke inside Casey. Something abnormal. It wasn't pleasant, sad, or even loved, but cursed. Next thing Lily knew, a hundred pound weight was on top of her with a hard blow against the rosy cheek. It repeated the abuse. The same side that was slapped by Dennis on the first day.
Her contact lens from the right slid down, blurring half her vision. Though her good eye caught of glimpse of the water works. Not Lily's tears, but Casey's. It dawned on Lily that she really hurt this girl capable of fighting boys bigger, teachers stricter, and a defenseless girl in braids with a paint bucket. As tough as she acted, she was still a person with feelings. Lily forgot about that.
"Stop! Stop!" Lily felt her body pounding from every bruise she received. Face, arms, and ribs. She helplessly raised my arms over her face, trying to block a punch. With her vision blurred with shifted lens, tears, and blood, Lily was at a disadvantage. She has to be in defense mode, and there was one way she knew how. The two words that could make it all go away.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
~000~000~000~
She didn't realize how long she has been crying, or when the punches stopped or the weight on her torso lifted. Was she in heaven? Did Casey kill her? No. Her back was still resting on the springy cot. Her aching muscles were replaced with numbness. If someone asked how she's feeling, she would say that she was floating. Arms over her face, smearing the blood from nose and busted lip.
"W-What happened?"
That voice. It didn't belong to Casey or Lily . It belonged to a child - a nine year old boy.
How long has he been standing there? Did he witness Casey beating Lily up? When did the lights come on? Lily wouldn't know, because she couldn't move. Her arms were crippled to peek into the light. The only sunshine provided in this Underworld, radiating its heat that could only last so little.
"Holy shit, what did you do to her?!"
Was he talking to Casey? Could Lily speak for herself? Can she move her tongue? The floating phase hasn't passed. It was best to rest and let Casey find some plausible excuse to why the blonde was bloody Mary. It seemed that way every time the child graced his parents. She knew it was a personality and that the body was full grown, but the immaturity and dreaming gleam in his eyes showed a child. An obnoxious, quirky child.
"She's fine," Casey answered. "She fell." Was that seriously the best comeback she can produce? The kid won't believe that the farmgirl fell? Casey was already a fibber in his eyes.
"No, she didn't!" Hedwig accused her. "You are a liar! I saw you!" If Lily could picture the scene before her, Hedwig would be the one pointing an accusing finger at him. How a father scold a child. How Dennis scolded them for filthiness.
"I saw you on top of her - mean and scary... etcetera! Miss Patricia says its not nice to hurt somebody with no reason. It's not nice of what you said to Miss Patricia. You lie a lot!"
He wasn't just talking about the beating. Miss Patricia must've offered assurance. A mother comforting a child, letting him know that there were no monsters out to get him. That the Beast was only after eighteen year old girls that had a future, which was destroyed instantly.
Casey destroyed Hedwig's trust. It was only a matter time before she could fit the pieces back together.
"I'm... really sorry, Hedwig." Casey spoke quietly.
"You lied to me..." he whimpered. "You guys lied to me. Made me scared, etcetera."
If this was normal. If they were outside of this basement. Lily would've given him a hug and give him a sucker as a bribe. Children love bribes. Lily remembered her five-year-old self receiving Polly Pockets in exchange for sleeping in her own bed, every night.
"Did she hurt you?" Hedwig asked.
Lily figured he was talking to her, acknowledging that she was indeed wide awake. She attempted to move, but the voice paralyzed her body.
"It's fine, Hedwig. Don't worry about it."
Hedwig was asking her - Casey Cooke. The girl who beat the defenseless farm girl in the first place? Even though Lily sort of deserved it, that still didn't give Casey the right to violence, right?
"I wouldn't blame you, if she did. Mr. Dennis did say that she was trouble."
If Lily could move, her face would scrunch with confusion. Dennis talks about her? To who? His inner buddies? How many? What exactly does he tell them? Hopefully, not about the bleeding. That's embarrassing enough - multiple personalities or not.
"He did?" Casey asked.
"Duh!" Hedwig huffed, no doubt looking at Casey as if she was an idiot. "He goes on and on about her! How she makes messes, always a cry baby, her name is unsuitable, and..." He trailed off, almost hesitant to finish. Somehow, Lily didn't want to know what Dennis said. Unfortunately, she had no choice. For one, she couldn't move even if she wanted to. Another reason, curious got the best of her.
"And?"
"And..."
Lily could hear shuffle from the springs of the cot. Were they on the bed?
"She looks nice in black underwear."
If Lily could move, she would jump and cover herself modestly. Did Hedwig say that? Dennis told everyone she had nice underwear, that wasn't even her underwear? She perked at the springs and felt a sudden breeze against her legs. Her skirt has been lifted. Dear God, please give her the ability to move from the perverted freak.
"I have to say, he ain't wrong."
"Mr. Dennis said that?"
"Well... I did hear him talking to himself when he thought to be alone. He should know that he's never alone!" The giddiness and mischief returned in the little boy's voice, that slowly dropped with another thought of Dennis and his capabilities. It seemed that Lily wasn't the only one scared of him.
"But... don't tell him," Hedwig pleaded. "I don't want him more angry."
"I promise."
"Pinky swear?"
If Casey didn't laugh at the child gesture, Lily would. Instead, she remained quiet. No doubt Casey followed along with Hedwig, slowly winning back his trust.
"By the way... Mr. Dennis talks about you, too. He says that you wear a lot of shirts. I like that shirt."
"Thanks, Hedwig," Casey replied.
There was a moment of awkward silence.
"I would give her a band aid," Hedwig spoke, referring back to Lily. The girl couldn't see him, but could feel his heated gaze on her. How could he not know that she was awake? Does Casey know? Did she believe that she knocked the blonde out? If so, how long has Lily been out?
"No. Not that mistake again. You both will try to run away."
"Hedwig, look around. Where else can we run? Mr. Dennis covered our patch to escape, remember?" Casey gestured the ceiling.
"Still... she don't deserve it. We all tried to be good for y'all, but you guys didn't care! You wanted to run! Miss Patricia says that you all should feel honored to be chosen. That its special - etcetera."
Hedwig really believed that feeding people to beasts an honor? Lily should be asking those obvious questions. Hedwig was nine years old. He doesn't know any better. Not because of the messed personalities raising him. He shouldn't have existed in the first place.
"Who exactly is this... beast?" Casey asked with hesitation.
Hedwig scuffled in laughter, "I told you! He is an honor! They said he's big and strong - he is our protector... even though they don't believe it."
"They?"
"The others. Didn't Mr. Dennis and Miss Patricia tell you?"
There was silence. Either Casey didn't do anything, or merely shook her response.
There were two bounces on the springs. Both returned to bed. "See everyone of us has to wait in a chair, and Barry, he decides who stay in the light. But Barry lost that power because of me."
He whispered the words with pride. Accomplished for committing that sinful act.
"Wow!" Casey breathed out, masking her horror with amazement. "That is... awesome. Really."
"I know right! I can wish myself into the light anytime I want! It's... It's like a special power. And Barry..." He snickered like a creepy henchman. "He just has to keep sitting in that chair if I want him to. That's why Mr. Dennis and Miss Patricia said that I can stay with them."
From someone who claimed that Casey was a 'fibber', he was pouring his confessions to her. Was he really that naïve? Did Casey have a special power to twist a child's mind? How Dennis stirred Lily 's morals and thoughts, twisting her 'pure' name into something opposite. If anyone could deal with the freaks in one mind, it should be with another freak. A freak like Casey. If Casey doesn't screw up this time, she might twist the naive boy into helping them. Another opening to escape. But what if Casey was still mad at her. Mad enough to not let Lily follow. What if the farm girl was alone in this room to rot and be eaten. Lily made her decision. She will sit back and allow Casey to steer the wheel for succession or seal her own doom. If they ask, Lily will simply claim that she had nothing to do with it.
Wasn't that bitchy move matched Casey's claims earlier?
"You don't care if someone's thrown under the bus as long as you don't get in trouble!'
Lily shook out her thoughts, and went through the possibilities of what could happen. She must think of a way to help herself and her friends. Kissing up to her captors was one way, but how long will it be till the Beast comes? Her gargling stomach told her that it's not long.
"Can I kiss you?"
Lily wished her eyes were opened to see Casey's reaction. Was she horrified? Terrified? Neutral as before? Lily wouldn't know how to respond to that request. Who would want to kiss a nine-year-old in a grown man body? That's just weird. But Casey doesn't have a choice, if she wanted to risk losing this chance of regaining the boy's trust again.
"I-I wanted to kiss the dark haired girl but she's in trouble," Hedwig pouted. Lily could almost picture Marcia's grossed out reaction now. Like the time the cafeteria served rubber grits for breakfast. "The other blonde was my second choice, but she's in trouble. And the four eyed other there... well... she's four-eyed."
That was hurtful.
"So do-do you want to?" He asked, embarrassed when Casey didn't respond right away. "I don't know much about kissing girls, but-"
"Yeah," Casey interrupted, wanting to cut right into the kiss before she changed her mind. She knew how to take one for the team. No doubt Hedwig was giddy but anxious that he was getting his first kiss by a woman twice his age.
"Oh, okay." He laughed sheepishly, shuffling on the spring. He cleared his throat, trying to regain a little composure. "Okay, here we go. Um... Um..."
He started counting backwards from four. Each count was quieter and more breathy. He was leaning in to kiss her. A good chance to view the unwanted sight. Lily moved her arm slightly, blinking away the brightness on her face. She closed her eyes tightly, then slowly opened to have a clear vision.
The image wasn't a hundred percent clear, sparing her from details. There was Hedwig, but not wearing yellow and black. It was navy. Dennis's color. How long will it take for Dennis to regain the light? If he appears now just when Hedwig was kissing Casey, how would he react? Will he claim it to be another trick? Will the girls be punished once more? How will Lily's encounter with Dennis be like after what transpired between them? Why should Lily care? It was supposed to be a meaningless deal. Benny loved her, supposed to love Lily. Dennis didn't.
"You might be pregnant now."
That did it for Lily. She couldn't help herself. Her hand hovered over her mouth to cover the snickers, that turned to snorts.
The 'romantic' moment ended. The pair knew that she was wide awake. No going back now.
Hedwig giggled, "Wow, I thought Four-eye's snores couldn't get any louder than that - etcetera."
Seriously? Didn't he know that she was awake? She threw her pillow at him, nailing on the side.
She couldn't exactly see his face, but knew that his body was getting bigger - no, coming close. Lily huffed at the sudden weight on her abdomen that bounced to the left side of her cot.
"Morning, four-eye," he greeted, hovering his face over hers.
"Good morning, Hedwig," The girl greeted, massaging our the soreness from her stomach.
"Ew! You have blood."
The girl sighed, "Thank you for pointing that out."
"I mean look at you. It's dripping down your mouth, your teeth - I bet it doesn't taste good."
"No, it doesn't."
"She must've kicked your ass bad, etcetera!"
"She didn't," Lily refused to look at Casey. She tried her best to keep her irritating tone under control. As much as she wanted Casey to be framed as the bad guy, she didn't have the heart to. She would rather be stuck with the paint bucket killer than be alone.
"I slipped and hit my face against the wall." Lily pointed by the bathroom door. "Casey dragged me to bed. She helped me."
Hedwig tilted his head, analyzing her. To see if she was telling the truth or was a fibber like Casey.
"You're crying," his eyes glistened with concern. Lily blinked her eyes to see that they were wet and sticky, it would be no surprise if the balls turned red.
"Are you hurt? Are you sick? How is your cut? Miss Patricia and Mr. Dennis talked about it. I don't understand what's wrong. They gave you a band-aid, right?"
It's best if the nine year old wasn't so curious. It's bad enough that the older, opposite gender knew.
"I'm doing okay, Hedwig," Lily forced a smile to assure the boy. That's what she always do when she started to feel down. "Really. I just... miss home. That's all." She turned her head to stare at the ceiling. Hedwig merely crossed his legs with knuckles underneath his chin, listening intently.
"The sun... the sky... the animals."
"Animals? You like animals?"
Lily nodded, couldn't help but smile at the thought of Bella, riding her towards sunset - towards heaven.
"So much. I have a horse. Her name is Bella. I had her since I was ten." Lily could feel her pendent shift and turn. She knew that those weren't her fingers holding. Instinctively, she reached out the necklace protectively.
"Chill out, four-eyed," Hedwig leaned back with defensive hands up. "I just wanted to look- etcetera."
Lily pressed her lips together. She needed to stop being sentimental in order for Hedwig to trust her. She reached her arms out, attempting to swing her upper body up - unsuccessfully. Hedwig was nice enough to pull her up.
"Thanks." It took a moment to suppress the migraine, allowing the blood to flow throughout her body again. Once she recovered to move, she reached for her pendent again. "I'll let you look."
Hedwig squinted his eyes to take in the craftsmanship, "Is that your horse?"
"No, but it looks like her. My boyfriend gave it to me as an anniversary gift." Lily could never forget that night at the Jamboree. The look on Benny's face when he presented the necklace with his face covered in barbeque sauce, oblivious to him.
"Boyfriend?"
Lily nodded.
Hedwig smiled, but it wasn't playful but mischievous. "Ooh, Mr. Dennis won't like this."
Lily's face fell, "What do you mean?"
Hedwig shook his head, "Nothing. Nothing. Etcetera..."
"Hedwig?"
"I gotta go!" Hedwig bounced off the cot. Lily crawled to the end, attempting to go after him. Casey went further, halfway towards the door.
"Don't worry!" Hedwig assured the girls. "I'll be back. I'll play with you so much, you won't need to be sick. I will make a list of what to do. In the meantime, Mr. Dennis wants the light. He has an appointment."
Appointment for what? With the Beast?
Hedwig opened the door, "When I'm asleep, one of them takes the light to try and reach the doctor lady and tell on us." He waved goodbye to his dumbstruck captors before he swiftly closed the door.
Casey sighed, "At least, there's some progress." She turned to Lily whose hands and knees were on the cot, staring at the door like a dog waiting for her owner.
"Lily?"
The girl perked her way, giving her a view of the wounds Casey created. From the look on her face showed regret of losing her temper. Did Lily's face look that bad? She did taste blood, and her left eye was throbbing.
"I'm sorry," Lily mouthed out. It was quiet, but clear to Casey.
"Why?"
Lily blinked. Why? Wasn't it obvious? "I offended you. You were right. I don't know you. I shouldn't have hurt you."
"You really are unbelievable. Why do you apologize the people who harm you? Why do you protect the wrong people?" Casey folded her arms, narrowing her eyes.
"You had a good reason. I should've known you were hurting."
"You don't. You don't know anything. You say I don't know about 'love', well my beloved uncle who raised me don't know the first thing."
Lily blinked. Casey's uncle? Uncle John? Was she really confessing child abuse?
"Your uncle? He hit you?"
Casey scoffed, holding back the mocking laugh, "I wish that was the only thing he did."
Lily covered her mouth, either to muffle the gasp or the puke that threatened to come. She didn't mean... Lily refused to ask, nor want to know the details. Why hasn't Casey called the police? Or a teacher? A friend? Why would Casey dare ask why Lily protects the abuser, when Casey does the same for years? Lily knew the obvious. Casey was branded as girl in the corner, shunned by society, troubled. Who would dare look her way to help? Who would believe the girl who beats up kids and yells at teachers? Unless she had a positive reputation like being the captain of cheerleading or school president. A damsel in distress. Someone like Lily, Marcia, Claire. The former alpha knew karate, but she's a white belt and has been for six months.
"If we fail, if we die, I want someone to at least know my tale... sadly, you are my only option." Casey concluded.
There no tears, nor plea for remorse. It was calm and collected as if they're having a normal conversation.
This was an eye opening for Lily. There were kids that she indeed turn away, because of appearance and status. She believed that they weren't a good influence. If she had spent at least five minutes speaking to a freak like Dennis or Casey, the whole scenery would've been different. Lily can say that she wished to turn back time and undo mistakes. Instead of ignorance, it should be replaced with kindness. Lily could apologize repeatedly to Casey for ignoring her all those years, but what good would it do? It was too late. The damage was done. Casey was already a captive before this ordeal. She went through something that no child deserved. There was no rewind button or a pause. Only the play button. The only thing Lily can do was press play and make the best choice. Not just for her, but for Casey and maybe her captor. Give them a chance to make the right choice.
Hopefully, its not too late.
Lily blinked, thinking back Hedwig's words that haunted her mind. Hedwig said that Dennis won't like the idea of Lily having a boyfriend. Maybe she can give the creep some assurance. She may not like the idea, but it's the only way to survive. Doing the right thing for once.
~000~000~000~
The lights clicked back on, and the door opened.
The man in same clothing returned. It wasn't Hedwig this time. The wrinkled brows and glasses were a giveaway. He returned from the doctor appointment, Hedwig mentioned. He better not think of doing anything perverted to Casey since she's in the shower.
In his hand was a first aid kit and a wet cloth. Lily sat on the bed, waiting for him to approach, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach. She forced herself to look straight his way, even if he wasn't. Not that she could blame him, after what happened between them. Hopefully, her face didn't look too bad. She made sure the dry blood was wiped clean, and the change of contact lens to help visualize half her newfound prey. Half. She didn't know what Casey did to her left eye, but it wasn't comfortable for the lens. It hurts, like someone stuck a needle inside.
He set the kit on her cot, unlatching the locks with a snap.
"Hedwig told you?" Lily asked.
Dennis huffed, sanitizing his hands before putting on a pair of gloves, keeping the germs and blood from contact. He plucked the bottle of hydrogen peroxide and a bag of q-tips from the case, "He wasn't supposed to come here in the first place."
"Well... he is a child. You can't entirely blame him to try and make new friends."
Dennis snapped the cap off the bottle aggressively, a silent warning for the girl to be quiet. Her hands were shaking, but the evidence was hidden underneath her buttocks.
Pouring the liquid on the q tip, he tilted the girl's head up to apply the medicine. She hissed at the multiple stings from the peroxide.
"I apologize that I'm not the boy or Miss Patricia. Miss Patricia is busy prepping, while we forbid Hedwig to come here, again. I'm afraid that I'm all you got for tonight. Tell your friend that food will be served in one hour."
Lily remained still, but hummed her acknowledgment. She needed to act the part. Lilith - the night monster - the demon woman of seduction. She must force the cowardly disgust aside - for her loved ones.
She reached her hand, grasping his wrist that kept her head still. Her eyes remained on his, piercing his gaze. Dennis averted hers slightly to look down on the hand that caressed his skin.
What was she doing? He wondered.
"To be honest with you... I'm glad you're here."
His eyebrow arched, suggesting a silent question.
She explained herself, suppressing the urge to look away. "I never got a chance to thank you." She cleared her throat. Her voice must be strong and clear. "F-For the supplies, and b-being so good to me... and my friends."
Dennis merely blinked, resuming his task to medicate her lip. Next step was the Neosporin.
"It is my job. We need to keep you all healthy and presentable for the Beast."
The Beast. Lily didn't want to picture him at all. What he looks like. How he devours his prey?
He lifted her chin again to look at another part of her face - her eye. He sighed dramatically, clicking his tongue in dismay. "That wall really did a number on your cornea."
She furrowed her brows confused, "What do you mean?"
"It means that you scratched your cornea, the window to your eyes." He swiftly grabbed antibiotic eye drops. "Look at me."
Like she had a choice. Her eyes forced to look into his penetrating steel as he burned the left vision once more. Two drops that lasted for one millisecond. Not enough time to try and hold his wrist again. Instead she clenched her fist into the cot sheet.
"It should heal over time, but don't rub your filthy hands on it. The cold rag should help the bruising around it." He tossed the wet rag to her. Lily looked at the yellow rag on her lap, almost identical to Dennis's. Was it the same rag? Lily gently placed the cloth over her eye.
"Hedwig said you slammed your face against a wall," Dennis presumed the obvious.
She nodded.
"Show me where." He removed the gloves from his hands, folded them into an empty bag, before putting on a new pair. This guy didn't want blood on him.
Lily stood up from the cot, leading him towards the bathroom, purposely brushing her arm against his hip.
"There isn't any blood, but..." she pointed at the ledged corner to where she 'hurt' herself. "This is it."
"Thank you." He motioned her to go away, while he cleaned up the germs. Instead of following command, she remained standing.
"Can you teach me?"
Dennis furrowed his brows at her, confused. "What?"
"To sterilize a wall," Lily clarified. "You told me that I need to be more caring of my cleaning habits. I'm sure if my mom was here, she would appreciate it."
She could've sworn his jaw clenched. Oh no. Did she say something wrong? Was her hand on his back over the top? Was she trying too hard?
Dennis gazed down at her hand on his back, then pierced her eyes. A challenge to see if she really means it. Not just her words but action.
"There is nothing else to do in here."
"You got your friend?" Dennis offered.
"Yes, but... I like to have a fresh conversation with a fresh face."
Dennis scoffed, "So you are saying that your token for me was a waste?"
The deal. Their kiss. Lily widened her eyes, and mouth dropped, "No. No! Absolutely not! I just want company! I want you..." She covered her lip, no touch, lowering her gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry. That was..." Over the top? Too much? This plan was going to go up in flames. He wasn't stupid. He'll see the act right through her. She's doomed.
"Never mind," he dismissed.
She reluctantly looked up to see him staring at the wall. Thankfully, there was something else to look at.
"You want to learn? Put on some gloves, but sanitize your hands first."
Lily blinked. Did he just... Lily didn't need to ask or be told twice. She hurried to get the gloves. There was hope. This plan to gain Dennis's trust by reverse Stockholm Syndrome could work, as long as she doesn't screw up.
Little did she know that when her back was turned, his heated gaze was on her. The wrist that she touched, flexed repeatedly into clenches. He parched his thirst by swallowing the saliva down his throat, gulping his Adam's apple.
~000~000~000~
Dennis finished the wall with Lily's minor assistance before Casey returned. He didn't acknowledge a 'thank you for your help', not that Lily expected it, only to remind his captives to be good. Lily ended their encounter with a hopeful question that didn't miss Dennis's ears.
"When will you be back?"
Not too desperate, but enough to show that she tolerates his presence.
Lily didn't tell Casey what happened. This should be her plan to fulfil. She didn't want to put Casey through the art of seduction for once. Not after what Lily learned about Casey's uncle. Casey was doing a good job talking with Hedwig. He promised his return. Dennis was no tell, but he allowed Lily to 'help' and teach her how to clean a blank wall.
The only person smart enough to see through their act was the same gender - Miss Patricia. One woman to steer clear from. They had to be cautious of what they say when he - she comes in with more baloney-paprika sandwiches.
It was late. Lily and Casey didn't need a clock, or have to ask Miss Patricia for the time. They just knew based on their yawns and the seconds they were served with sandwiches.
~000~000~000~
She found herself in the dark again, frantically searched for a light, a sign, a way. Nothing in this underworld. Everything was pure darkness, even her silky black gown blended.
"Hello?! Hello?!" Her cries bounced the walls of the tunnels. No answer.
She reached to find her security blanket, her pendent. Her neck lost its silver weight. He took it. Tears moistened her red eyes from the crying. Why did he take it? That single thing that was hers. The locket that represented hope.
A puff of air blew against her face and a loud stomp echoed the walls. Out of fear she shuffled a couple feet away from her captor. He didn't chase her. He didn't attempt to grab and drag her ankle back to him. He merely stood there in the shadows with arms crossed, taking in the pathetic sight before him.
"Lady, why are you lying there for dead, and on the filthy floor no less. You'll ruin your gown."
Her body shook at his deep voice. Her lips quivered, and her throat dried. She couldn't find the words to say even if she wanted to.
She gasped at a sudden light, but it wasn't sunshine. Much to her dismay, her king lit a torch that has been holding. The only thing that Lily could make out was her dress. A black sleeveless top that merged the colors of purple, red, and peach pink from the skirt down. The glitter of her dress, the rings on her fingers, and the bracelets decorating her wrists sparkled from the lighted torch. The front waves of her hair was pulled back into a braid, the rest was flowing past her shoulders. Her captor was wearing a simple black shirt with matching pants, belt, and loafers. His face remained a mystery, except his eyes. His cold, steel eyes that penetrated her soul.
"Please! Let me go! I just want to go home!" She pleaded.
Her king merely sighed, kneeling before the trembling maiden, carefully hovering the ground. The last thing he wished was for his trousers to ruin.
"I want to save you." He extended his gloved hand, offering it to her. "Come. Let me help you."
She was hesitant. She didn't know who this man was or what his true intentions were. He dragged her underground, but in time to save her from the horrid beast. He lured her with a sunflower - her favorite flower. How could he know her favorite flower?
"Please," he pressed. His tone showed that his patience will slowly diminish if she kept stalling. She knew at this point, she had no choice but to follow command. She had no say or know the way out. She reached up to interlock his hand. He helped her up on her feet. The second they're upright, the wind snuffed out the torch.
She gasped, immediately squeezing her captor's hand, begging him not to let go.
He didn't say the words, only offered his assurance with action. She smelt it from his lemon-grass scent, and taste it on his hungry lips. She struggled and fought against his grip unsuccessfully. Her cries for him to stop muffled. Her mind tried to wrap what was happening. Why he was taking advantage of her like this? Why did he have to steal her pendent that her boyfriend gave her? Was the motive jealousy?
With his free hand, he grabbed her waist, pulling her close. His pelvis grinded against hers. The buckle of his trousers poked her abdomen. Her mind screamed to resist. She already has a man to love. Benny loves her. This man... She didn't exactly know what he wanted, but it wasn't love. Kidnapping someone wasn't love. Though, the weak part of her couldn't help but submit to the dominance, tasting salty mint on his tongue with a hint of green tea.
They broke apart, attempting to catch their breath. They could only hear their heart beats, their pants, and dripping water nearby - the river of lost souls.
"Don't defy me, Lilith." The king warned her, squeezing her hand tight enough to make her wince. "You plucked the seeds."
She gasped when the air blew against her face, messing up the Dutch braid. She tightened her grip around his hand only to feeling nothing but air.
He left her.
In the dark.
Alone.
"No! No! Please! Don't leave me alone! Please!"
~000~000~000~
Lily's eyes opened from the nightmare once again. She wasn't screaming or shaking this time, only exhaustion. Why again? Why can't her dreams go away? Why did they have to disappear along the rest of her - her family, her friends, her clothes, her will, and even her identity. The only thing she had left was her pendent, the one thing they can't take away from her - hope.
She licked her lips to moisten her dry mouth, but pause at her change of taste. She was supposed to lick what she ate last night - baloney sandwich with mayonnaise and paprika. Instead it was green tea. The same taste from her dream. Was it real? Did someone really kiss her while sleeping? The thought only twisted her empty stomach in knots. The touches and fragrances from her current dream felt so real compared to the others.
'He's not allowed to touch you.'
That was the rule that Miss Patricia placed on day one. Dennis wouldn't dare without Lily initiating it. She knew she didn't while she was asleep... did she? No. She loved Benny. She didn't love Dennis.
Maybe nothing happened during Lily's vulnerable state. Maybe Miss Patricia served them tea instead of water for supper, and Lily's mind has been twisted again.
It's official, she has gone insane.
Her ears perked at a new sound disrupting the morning routine. Something small but mechanic topped with a squeak.
She forced her body to turn to the other side to find a cage on the floor with a note on top. Luckily, her good eye can read it without trouble.
Is Harold the fresh face you have in mind?
That perked Lily to get off the bed to get a look on who or what was inside. Her mouth dropped with a hand covering. She wasn't afraid, disgusted, or the other negatives she had been feeling for days. For the first time, it was completely opposite.
His round ears, orange and white patch fur, the dilated pupils, the pointy nose. Its tiny paws scampered in the hamster wheel, trying to slim down his plump form. Its long tail having its own exercise by keeping it from getting stuck on the wheel.
Harold the mouse.
Most people including her would flip out if they see a disgusting rodent. However, from all Lily has been through and learned within these few days, all the quick judgments by appearance were cast aside. Right now, she has never been love at first sight. Finally, a pleasant face that didn't scare her. She opened the cage to get a better look at Harold.
"Hi. Hi, Harold." Lily cooed at rodent as she picked him up. Whatever pet store her captors chose to get Harold didn't do a good job of cleaning him; or Harold suffered through this captivity, too, and they neglected him; or they found him in this basement and decided to give it to another 'impure'.
It didn't matter now. She has a furry companion for company. Someone who will allow her to love him - feed, play, cuddle, hug, and kiss the tip of his ears. Animals like Harold craved affection.
It showed when Harold was butterfly kissing her thumb, or he was just sniffing her. She could've sworn she saw him smile with gratitude. Finally, someone let him out the cage.
The back part of her mind remembered Dennis. No doubt he planted the cage there with the note that used the exact words Lily mentioned earlier. She knew that his kiss in her sleep was too real. This showed that she had him wrapped around his finger. That he was willing to bend Miss Patricia's rules simply by kissing her - wake or not. He was getting attached to her. He has to be. Who else was willing to learn how to sterilize a wall? Most kids her age could hardly care less about that sort of thing. She just needed him to come back here again. Then, she will push herself a bit more to get what she wanted.
Looking at Harold, she didn't want to plan right now, only play.
"We're going to have so much fun, Harold." She breathed out in laughter. "We are going to have so much fun."
A/N: Another chapter done! I apologize for the long delay. I planned to update the chapter sometime last weekend, but I'm on vacation and the wifi in this hotel sucked! Anyway, a half week later, I managed to finish it, perfect time to announce that I posted a trailer of this story on YouTube. If you are interested, check out my channel; or if you are on Wattpad or too lazy to wait for YouTube to pop up, like me, go back to prologue. The trailer will have a different actress playing Lily, but the main actress didn't have good scenes to use unlike Stefanie Scott. You can choose to imagine Stefanie Scott or Madison Perry.
Will Lily's plan to Stockholm Syndrome Dennis be a success? Or a massive fail? Will Casey save Lily, Marcia, and Claire in time for the Beast? What do you think of Harold? I always wanted to include Hedwig's pet in the story. I first thought the rodent was a hamster until I saw the tail... and another identical rodent in the cage. Ew! I considered changing the pet into a hamster for they are so much cuter, but it would take away the theme of judging by appearance and all that Lily learned. One mouse seemed appropriate, nothing more than two rats - ew!
For all the James McAvoy fans out there, we all know that he will reprise the beast role next year in the sequel - Glass. But he is also going to be play adult Billy in IT Chapter 2! Holy CRAP! I thought the first movie was good, but James McAvoy in part 2?! Another reason to love 2019, even though it's not here yet!
Thank you: DirectSomething, HellToTheNo123, DTDerby, Chloe bird-kid of all gods, BeandipMcGee, Phoenix-Jessica Winchester-Morse, Alyce DreamEater, and theoriginalsrizzlesouat1D for reviewing the last chapter. Thank you, readers, for taking the time to read and/or add this story to alerts or/and favorites. You guys, rock!