Lindsay experiences another nightmare. This time, it revolves around the mean things, Jenny said to her during their argument. How will this affect her decision about burying the hatchet with her best friend? Can they do it, or it's finally over? Should Lindsay inform Jenny about her dream, or not? Later, the two friends has to deal with the press, to finally get rid of that problem. How will it go? Can Linus offer any help to them? Can they explain all the strange things that happened around their momentary disappearance?
Lindsay tried to sleep after the conversation, with Dr. Jens, but instead she found herself in a very restless scene. She walked on a narrow corridor, sometimes men and women - who wore some kind of weird uniform - walked past her, and saluted her. Their clothes were similar to the ones soldier's use - at least in movies - but these weren't real uniforms, Lindsay was sure about that. She wasn't an expert about military matters, but she was positive, that this isn't a regular army. She finally found a man who wore a sergeant's insignia, with a few others around him. She noticed - again - that the man's uniform wasn't normal, and the signs were also different than the ones, an army would use. At least she was certain that she never saw these kind of soldiers, not even in movies.
Report! - She roared.
The man cautiously informed her that a certain "Miss Jenny" escaped from them - again - so they wasn't able to "collect her", but they found one of her men, and brought him in, for questioning. She noticed, that his companions slowly moved away from him while he was talking, like they were expecting, that something bad will happen to him. She felt only contempt for them.
Where is he? I would like to talk to him. - Aked the woman, which prompted the man to point at one of the doors. - I'll handle it. Someone, fetch me Dr. Heiter! Now!
Lindsay stormed to the door, she was pointed at, while she punched a man with her elbow, to get him out of her way. She did it while producing an angry "Rargh!" sound.
I'm surrounded by incompetent, brain dead, monkeys! - She thought, while going trough the door.
She found herself in a rectangle-shaped room. It's walls and ceiling had painted bars on them, which made the entire room similar to a cage. Actually, standing in it made her feel like, she really was in an actual cage. She found the man on a chair, at the middle of the room. She couldn't help, but notice the huge picture of herself too, at the far side of the room, which was staring at the occupant of the chair in a threatening manner. Psychological warfare. - She concluded. The fact that her face was the same on the poster as it was now - horribly scarred and disfigured - probably added a lot to the intimidation factor.
What's your name? - She asked the man, who refused to answer. - Actually, never mind! I'm not interested in your name. What I want to know is this: where ... is ... Jenny?
The man still refused to answer.
Answer my damn question! - Shouted Lindsay, while she started beating him up.
Her raging was interrupted by Heiter, who just entered the room. - It's about time, you dragged your lazy, slow ... here! - Sneered the woman.
Lady Lindsay? - Asked the surgeon. - You said I'm needed here.
Yes. - Nodded the brunette. - You see, this man won't cooperate, so I need your ... "truth serum". The strongest one.
On it! - Answered Heiter. He stepped to a table, at the far end of the room. Then, he took up a filled syringe.
What's in that? - Whimpered the prisoner.
That? - Asked Lindsay, with a grin on her face. - Ebola.
Wait, you don't want to ... - Exclaimed the man.
I don't, but Lady Lindsay does. - Answered Heiter. - As you may have noticed, she has some "anger management problems".
Watch your filthy tongue, Heiter! - Snapped the woman. - One more word like that, and I will erase you from existence!
That's what I'm talking about. - Whispered Heiter to the man, while covering his mouth with his hand.
Give him the damn injection! - Ordered Lindsay.
Heiter began advancing on the prisoner, who started protesting against it. - Wait, I will tell you! I will tell you ... - He began sobbing.
Lindsay got the information she needed, so she turned towards the security camera, and gave "it" the "go ahead" hand signal, then she turned back to her "quest".
See? Cooperation and teamwork is the key of solving every problem. - She smiled. - Now, that our business here is done, you are free to go. After you have gone trough the proper procedure, of course. Dr. Heiter can fill you in about it.
Heiter! - Said Lindsay to the surgeon. - Make me another centipede from him, and those others! Let's see how long this one will last.
What's a ... centipede-making? - Inquired the man.
Heiter will inform you about that, I'm sure. - Reassured Lindsay, while she walked towards the door.
By the way! That was distilled water in the syringe. - She commented. - You just betrayed your "Miss Jenny", for nothing!
Lindsay hysterically laughed, as she left the room, while the tortured man's screams came from the background. That wasn't hard, after all. - She thought on her way to her office. When she got there, she sat down and began to form plans about "dealing with" Jenny, so she can have them ready when she finally get's her. She was in the middle of her planning, when she received a call.
I'm on it, right away! - She answered.
When she arrived to an another room, the men in uniform were waiting for her, while surrounding Jenny. Lindsay noticed clear signs of a fight on the taller woman, which was proved by one of the men, who reported that "Miss Jenny attempted physical confrontation".
We meet again. - Grinned Lindsay at her "friend". - I told you, that insulting me is most ... unwise.
Jenny just stared forward.
Ok, we can play this that way, if you want that! - Lindsay thought, while she slowly walked behind her.
She is still ignoring me? No one can ignore me, or they will pay the price, damn it! - How dare you turn your back on me? - She yelled, and attacked Jenny.
Then, she walked back, in front of her, and punched her again a few times.
Ok, I had enough. - Commented the straight haired woman. - There is one last thing though ...
One woman came in with a big bowl, and put it on the ground.
How do they know what I'm thinking about? - Thought Lindsay. - Not that I'm complaining here, mind you. The more effective they are, the better.
What's in that? - Asked Jenny, in a nervous tone.
Can't you recognize it, by smell? You sobbing, little mommy's girl. - Lindsay mocked.
Please, don't do this! - Begged Jenny.
Bend over. - Ordered Lindsay, but the other woman just refused to do it.
I said ... bend ... over! - Lindsay ordered her again. This time, one of the men punched Jenny, which made her fall down on all fours.
Lindsay pushed the bowl in front of Jenny, with her leg, then walked besides the woman.
You know Jenny, I think you deserve to get ... pumped into your mouth. I think it would be quite amusing, in fact! - Said Lindsay in a chattering tone. - Then, she grabbed her best friends hair, and pushed the curly haired woman's face into the bowl.
Lindsay grinned, while she was listening to Jenny's muffled screams.
She woke up on her bed, in the hospital room, which was so familiar to her by now.
Why did I do that to Jenny? I never wanted to hurt her, in any way! Ok, we had a bit of a falling out, but she is still my best friend! Does this mean, that I'm going to hurt her, sooner or later? No, I won't if I have a say in the matter! But have I, in the first place? It seems these things are outside of my control, and I can't do anything against them! Even if I could control it, how would I explain this to her? Should I keep this a secret, or get her involved? I think she should know what I'm capable of, now, but what if she can't take it? Or maybe our friendship gave me the strength to keep these ... things repressed? Maybe she can help me with it, if I inform her about it. If we can settle our differences, that is. I know, I really want that, but what does she wants? What if she had enough of me, especially the new ... me? No, that can't be! I have to give it a try, at least!
Lindsay slowly fell asleep, with her thoughts. She hoped that this time, she won't experience another nightmare.
Lindsay was awake for some time now. She had a short, but restful sleep after the nightmare, then she put her mind to the task at hand: writing a letter to Jenny. It didn't go well - at least by her standards - as she barely made any progress. She canned a few letters - maybe five, she thought - already, because they "weren't good enough". She always found something to improve, or a different expression to use. Her work was interrupted though, by non other, than Jenny.
Hi Lindsay. - She immediately noticed the caution on her friend's face. - Can I come in? Or I came at an inappropriate time?
No, no, no! - Replied Lindsay with a smile. - I mean come in, please! I would offer you a seat, but as I can see, you already have one.
You mean, the wheelchair? - Smiled Jenny. - Soon, I will be rid of it, I think. My knee surgery comes in a few days, from now.
You mean, you will just walk out from the surgery? - Wondered Lindsay - Just like that?
No, of course not! - Laughed Jenny. - I will have to train my legs first. Get them stronger, and bring them up to speed.
I see. - Lindsay's face suddenly became serious. - Jenny, there is something else here...
Yeah, I know. - The long haired woman noticed the nervousness on her friends face. - Actually, I came to talk to you about something, but if you want to go first, I won't stop you.
Ladies first, you know. - Smiled Lindsay.
Aren't you a lady? - Gasped her friend.
Now, that you mentioned it. - Lindsay touched her own chin. - It looks like, I am. Damn!
It looks like there is only one way we can settle this. - Pondered the curly haired woman. - She extended her hand, with a closed fist.
Ok, I can take you. - Smiled the other woman. - On three!
Damn! - Exclaimed Jenny, as she got paper, and Lindsay got rock. - Again!
It's a 1-1. - Commented Lindsay, as she showed scissors, while Jenny got paper.
Here it goes! - This time, both of them came up with paper.
Ok, let's do it again! - Said Jenny. - This time, she got rock, and Lindsay got scissors.
You cheated! - Smiled Jenny!
Lindsay stared at her, with wide open mouth. - How can anyone cheat in this game? - She exclaimed.
You are asking me? - Complained her friend. - If I would know how to do that, I would have done it now!
Ok, Jenny. - Smiled Lindsay. - It's time for you, to admit defeat, and start talking. You came here to discuss something, after all, if I remember correctly.
Yes, I did. - Sighed the taller woman. - Ok, then! Lindsay, I'm sorry for what happened the last time we spoke to each other. I want you to know, that I never blamed you for anything, I was just very confused, you know. I just woke up in this hospital, the last thing I was able to remember was that room, with you, and passing out. I remember, that I wasn't able to breath properly, my whole body hurt, and it wasn't responding normally to me. And ... I know you may never forgive me for what I have said, that I said that you deserved to ... Well, I'm sure you remember what I have said. So, if that was the end of our friendship, I must accept that, and I won't protest. I just wanted to tell you, that I'm so sorry, and I still look at you as my best friend. And I will never find another friend, like you, who could replace you. I think that was all. I'm not good with these speeches, you know. This was my first one, by the way.
It was a pretty good speech, for your first time. - Complimented Lindsay. - Except the long pauses to think about what you would like to say, and the obvious nervousness.
I learned from the best, you know. - Smiled Jenny. - I just need some practice, I guess.
Who was that? - The straight haired woman jokingly asked. - The best politician in the entire States?
I haven't knew, that you are a politician. - Laughed Jenny. - Which party are you?
Neither. - Smiled Lindsay. Then, her face became very serious. - There is something else, Jenny. I wanted to talk to you about this one.
I'm listening. - Smiled her friend. - Let's see how a speech is properly done!
Ok. - Sighed Lindsay. - Here it goes! Jenny, when you lost consciousness in the room, I thought you died. Because of that, you probably don't remember how I reacted. I cried, and tried to scream at you to wake up. To check on you, but I wasn't able to do that, so I just shook your hand, to no avail. Then, when I processed that you are dead, I just cried for a time, and thought I should commit suicide. Later, the cops found me, us, and I decided to stay alive, no matter what, because you would have wanted that. Then, they said, you were dying, and from that moment on, I worried myself to the verge of insanity. You just laid on that bed, between life and death, and I was unable to help you, to do something, anything for you! Just as I was unable to help you in the house. I thought that if you can't make it, that will be my fault.
When they told me, that you will definitely survive it, I began to think about the ways I could make this easier for you. - She continued. - I was very confused and scared when I woke up here, you know. And I was very grateful to everyone here for saving my best friend. And to her too, for not giving up, and coming out of the whole thing, alive.
I know that what I have said to you is unforgivable. - Lindsay gulped, trying really hard not to cry. - So, if you never want to speak to me again, I can understand your decision. Just please, remember that I never meant it! Just my nerves were so worn down, that I lost control. So, the only thing left to say here is to ask for your forgiveness.
Of course I forgive you. - Replied Jenny. - After everything we went trough, it would be really stupid for me, to break up our friendship just because we had a bad falling out, so I forgive you, of course. The question is: can you forgive me?
Of course I can. - Smiled Lindsay. - You already explained why.
Both woman broke into tears, as they tried to hug each other. They managed to do it, with a little difficulty, as Lindsay leaned out from the bed, and Jenny did the same with her wheelchair. They remained in that uncomfortable position for a moment, then they leaned back to their respective places. Lindsay to her bed, Jenny into her chair.
Lindsay tried to tell Jenny, about her dream too, but she wasn't sure, that it would be a good idea.
I should tell her about it. She has the right to know who she is dealing with here, right? But, if I tell her, she wouldn't spend time anywhere near me, I'm sure about this. Not that she has much of a choice here, but that just makes things worse for her. Maybe I shouldn't tell her. Or ... Eh, just go for it, I guess! Let's just tell her, and we will see what happens!
So, she told her about the dream.
I'm pretty sure, it just came from anger. - Reassured Jenny. - You wouldn't hurt me, while you are awake.
I'm not so sure about it. - Worried Lindsay. - I'm afraid, that I will hurt you, if something goes wrong.
You won't. - Consoled her friend. - I'm sure about it!
- But ...
Listen! - Said Jenny in a serious tone. - I'm a grown woman, so I can decide what I want. You warned me about your little ... issue, and I'm thankful for it. But, if I still want to spend time with you, that's my choice. You informed me about the potential risks, and I acknowledged them. Still, I want to maintain this friendship.
Thank you Jenny. - Smiled Lindsay, while wiping off her tears. - You are the best!
You are welcome! - Smiled Jenny. - Now, I think I will go back to my room, if you don't mind. I became pretty skilled with this thing, by the way.
You learned to wheel it, not long before you won't need it? - Laughed the long haired girl.
It sure looks like that. Now, bye Lindsay! - Jenny waved with her hand, then she prepared to go back, to her room.
Bye Jenny! - Smiled Lindsay. - She laid down for some rest.
Lindsay was in her room, busy reading a book, when Linus arrived, with Jenny. The straight haired woman immediately knew that something happened.
Miss Lindsay. - Began Linus. - There is a ... problem with the journalists. I can't keep them away from the two of you, for much longer, so we will have to ... deal with them.
Your plan is? - Inquired Lindsay, as she was sure, the man already came up with one.
First of all, we need one of you, who can handle these kinds of things. - He began his explanation. - Of course, both of you can do it, if you feel up for it.
Okay, I can do it. - Replied Lindsay. - Jenny, are you into this?
Don't look at me! - Exclaimed her friend. - I can't think that quickly, as you two can, but you know that. Better than anyone, actually.
Ok, it's settled then! - Smiled Lindsay. - I will go into the arena, but what can I use, once I'm there?
I already made preparations for this. - Explained the man, while he picked up Lindsay's bean bag, and began playing with it. - You two suffered a car accident on that road. At least that's what they know about it. You got a flat tire, you lost control of the vehicle, which gone off the road, and rolled down from it, right into the woods. That's why you never allow a woman to take the wheel.
That can't explain all of our injuries. - Replied Lindsay, deliberately ignoring the insult.
You are wrong, of course. - Smiled her partner. - When the ... accident happened, your head was smashed into the wheel, and you were knocked out. The next thing you remember is waking up in the demolished car, your knees were hurt, and you weren't able to crawl out from your vehicle. So you don't know what actually happened to your legs. You must have spent some time there, with the car, that's why you were in a pretty bad shape, when you were brought in here.
That won't work. - The woman slowly shook her head. - We left the car on the road, in perfectly good shape. Except for that one tire.
Let's just say, that I already ... took care of that little detail. I bought the vehicle, from it's owner, and crashed it at the appropriate place. - Explained the German. - The journalists already saw the wreckage, and it was ... adequate for them. I have to admit, I'm very good with these kind of things.
Wait, you actually crashed a car, in the woods? - Lindsay exclaimed.
No. - Replied the man cautiously. - A stunt man did. Don't worry about him, though. He wont talk. He knows that there are certain ... benefits for being on my good side.
I see. - Gasped Jenny. - What about the man, Heiter killed?
He got a heart attack, not long after he left his car. - Linus stopped to think about something. - Maybe that's why he stopped in the first place. He felt that something is wrong, and didn't want to cause a traffic accident, by driving like that. Responsible driving, you know.
I see. - Murmured Lindsay. - What about Heiter himself? He died in his own house, had he not?
Yes. - The man paused for a second. - Let's just say, that someone broke into his house, and they killed each other.
You mean, you want to claim that Jap' broke into the house? - Exclaimed the shorter woman. - That's a new low.
He is dead, right? - Wondered the German. - You can't help him anymore, so why bother? He, on the other hand, can help you! That was more, than what he did for you, in the house, if my information is correct. Like, he committed suicide, when you were mere second's away from being rescued?
Ok, fine, I heard you! - Growled Lindsay. - But I still don't like this!
No one asked you to like it, I asked you to do it! - Sneered Linus.
Right. - Sighed the long haired woman. - So, that will be all?
Yes. - Answered the man. - As long as they don't ask questions, we will be fine.
If they do ask something? - Inquired Lindsay.
- Don't answer!
Just like that? - She wondered. - I just tell them, that I don't want to answer that question?
It's actually a lot better, if you tell them, that you don't want to remember those things. - Mused Linus. - They won't press on, if that would mean, they would traumatize you even further.
Are you sure about that? - Asked Lindsay. She wasn't entirely convinced about it.
No one can be sure about anything involving them. - Answered the man. - But it's better, than nothing.
Right! Let's do this! - Sighed Lindsay.
Ok, then. - The woman caught a glimpse of nervousness on Linus, or she thought it was that. - Miss Jenny, I assume you want to stay out of this, right?
Jenny nodded, and the man promptly took her back to her room. Then, he came back, and informed Lindsay, that he will be right back, with the journalists.
Soon, Linus came back with the aforementioned press, and the interview was going well, and good, up to the point, when the reporters came up with their questions, and put them up to the German.
Lindsay tried to come up with a useful idea, which lead her to remember the „they won't traumatize you further" part. She tried to remember her time as the middle piece, the memory of Jenny dying… She cried.
Now, look what you have done! - Growled Linus to the journalists. – You just made her remember all those things, all over again! I think this interview is over now!
Some of the journalists tried to protest, which prompted him to an even angrier response.
- Listen! You are just traumatizing her further, and that's something I can not, and will not allow! Now, I'm sure you all got what you were looking for here, so there is the door! Leave!
The man waited, until they all left, then he let out a long sigh. - Damn press! That was a good one though, Miss Lindsay! Even I couldn't do it any better, I guess.
Lindsay wasn't able to process what she just heard, as her emotions were still completely in control over her body.
Miss Lindsay? - Asked the man. - They are gone, your performance is over, the curtain's are down.
Lindsay still haven't stopped weeping.
Linus finally noticed that the woman isn't just acting. - I see. It looks like the curtain's are really down. Listen! I will just go and get your friend, ok? She will know what to do.
He left the room, and soon came back with Jenny. The latter comforted her friend, while the man stood at the door, leaning against the wall, like he was trying to be sure, it won't collapse on them.
Do you think, it worked? - Asked the shorter woman, when she finally managed to get a hold of herself.
Yes, I'm sure. - Replied the man. - They will keep each other in check, so I don't think you will have any more trouble with them from now on.
They will help us? - Wondered Jenny.
Yes. - The German folded his arms, and began his explanation. - They keep a careful eye on each other too, so if one of them would come back here, and ask more questions, the others would jump on it, like starving hyenas to meat. I can almost see the lead news as: "The ... news channel, newspaper, or what have you were in complete disregard of two poor American tourist's feelings, and made them remember the horrific events they have been trough, all over again. And for what? For small bits of new and irrelevant information? We strongly condemn such reprehensible work ethics, and distance ourselves from them. Also, we are boycotting them, from now on." They won't risk something like that!
Then it's settled, I think. - Sighed Lindsay with satisfaction. - Please excuse me, but I would like to get some rest, if there is nothing else we should discuss right now.
No, I think there is nothing else. - Mused the man, while he turned to the taller woman. - Miss Jenny? Would you like me to take you back to your room? And I should send someone to help Miss Lindsay back into her bed, I guess.
Thanks, but I can handle it. - Replied Jenny with a smile. - I learned how to wheel this thing. Well, to some extent, at least.
Some help would be nice though. - Said the shorter woman. - I still can't use my legs, you know.
As you wish. - Replied the German. - I will take my leave, then.
Linus! You should apologize! - Scolded Lindsay.
The man stopped, and turned back at the door. - Apologize? For what?
- For the lie.
- Which one? - The man asked back, with a grin on his face.
Lindsay just smiled at this kind of shamelessness, and did a face palm. Then, she said goodbye to the man and her friend, and eagerly waited to get back into her bed for some much needed rest.
In the next chapter, we will "fast forward" a bit, to the point where the two friends had gone trough their surgeries, and they are ready to leave Germany, and go back into the States. But - unbeknownst to them - the place they left won't be the same again, as the two girls who got kidnapped by Heiter, basically died in his house. They are vastly different persons now. How will this affect them, at their new - old homeland? How can they fit in there? How will they react to their former, unchanged acquaintances and friends? Also, what about Jenny's parents? Can they offer some help to their beloved daughter? We will also find out, where Lindsay's parents are.