An Entangled Life
Chapter 7: Things Take A Turn
(Three Months into Punishment)
Martin walked into work happily. He had also gotten two other jobs. One was Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and the other from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends. He finally had an apartment and even volunteered at the clinic on Thursdays and Fridays. People saw him as kind and helpful and pitied his position of having amnesia.
But as he started to pick up boxes he noticed persons staring at him. More precisely glaring at him.
As his shift neared its end he had a foreboding feeling.
Martin decided to call a bathroom break.
But as he neared the bathroom he took a right turn. After finding the payphone assigned to janitorial, packing and other lower classed workers, he called collect.
"Hi," Nurse Judy Clement said brightly.
"Does your brother still bounce at Club Dim?" Martin asked.
"Yeah why?" Judy asked brightly.
"I think I need him over here," Martin said firmly.
"Martin," Judy said, "what's wrong?"
"They're gonna hurt me," Martin said, "they know Judes," he said fearfully.
"Oh God," Judy said, "find a way to leave late and I'll be right there," she told him.
"But I need…" Martin started.
"Them too," Judy said, "don't leave the work area 'til we arrive."
"Okay," Martin said and hung up.
The moment he returned to the work area he could tell the tension was worse.
"Okay shift's over," the supervisor said moments later and Martin could feel the eyes boring into him.
Martin just continued putting away extra boxes
"Martin a call," Mason said from across the room.
Martin walked over.
"Hello," Martin said.
"They won't let us in," Judy said urgently, "you have to get out now."
Martin looked at the three available exits.
Mason looked at him coldly. Then Mason's eyes widened.
He knows. – Martin
"Hey guys!" Mason shouted.
Martin dropped the phone and ran.
Unfortunately the workers realized this quickly and chased after him.
Martin soon ran to the side exit gate but it was locked.
Soon the angry workers reached the same spot.
But no Martin.
They all decided to split up.
After seeing them go Martin got of out the ventilation shaft.
Slowly he snuck around looking for an exit.
Suddenly he heard a sound behind him.
He turned around to see Judy. Unfortunately Jackson was right behind her.
"Run and I snap her in half," Jackson threatened.
"I'm sorry," Judy said tearfully.
"It's okay," Martin said, "let her go."
"Go bitch," Jackson snapped.
A tearful Judy looked desperately at Martin.
"I'll be okay," Martin told her.
But he slightly shifted his head right.
Jackson was suspicious but took no notice.
Judy not sure of what it meant, obeyed.
"Please be okay," Judy whispered as she ran by him.
"I will be," Martin said.
Shit. – Martin
Jackson laughed as soon as Judy was gone. Laughed very loudly.
"I've been waiting for this moment," Jackson said cracking his knuckles.
Martin clenched his own fists.
Jackson's punch knocked Martin off balanced.
That's it! – Martin
Martin sent a punch straight into Jackson's stomach.
Jackson suddenly fell to his knees. Soon he was coughing blood.
"Oh God," Martin said stepping back.
"Heh, you're strong," Jackson said weakly.
"Jackson I'm so sorry," Martin apologized tearfully.
"Reach into my pocket and call 911," Jackson instructed grimacing in pain.
Martin got the cell phone and started to dial.
"Say it was an intruder," Jackson told him, "this place will have to fork over insurance," he explained.
Martin nodded and made the call.
"I'm…" Martin started.
"It's okay," Jackson interrupted, "just stay here with me will yah?" he asked.
"Okay," Martin said and sat next to him.
----
(Three days Later)
Martin sat on the bed of Frederick Clement.
Frederick stood over him grinning.
"It won't hurt you know," Frederick said.
Martin shook his head.
Frederick smiled and kissed Martin's cheek.
"I won't try anything 'til you say yes," Frederick told him.
"Thanks," Martin said in a small voice.
"You're so cute," Frederick teased.
Martin made up his face.
Frederick laughed and went to change for his night job as a bouncer.
Martin pulled his legs closer.
Frederick made him feel uncomfortable. While he wasn't sure if he was gay, Martin knew he wasn't interested in Fred.
I feel like there's just a countdown 'til he can't wait for me to say yes any longer and he'll rape me. He keeps telling me about how I must love his blonde wavy locks, 6'4 tall glistening well tanned and toned body and perfect blue eyes. But even if I did, his personality creeps me out. How can someone as sweet as Jody be related to a guy that's like a stalker? Hell that's probably why he's living alone. – Martin
Martin knew he couldn't leave though. The city knew about him now and wanted blood. And this apartment was the only complex that protected everyone who was housed there. So Martin had to stay.
Just then there was a knock on the door.
Martin went to answer it.
"Huh?" Martin said seeing the person behind it.
"The rules have been changed," Timmy said, "just leave and let me talk to you."
"But Fred…" Martin started.
"I had Wanda check the guy," Timmy interrupted, "I know you don't like staying here," he said.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Martin said and slipped out after leaving a short note.
Chapter 7