Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 41

November 29th, 2019

We had finished playing cards hours ago, and now everyone was mostly just relaxing. Eli was playing with Javi and showing him card tricks while Calvin and Colton were arguing about some video game they were playing on their phones, and Cayden was asleep in his chair, his curly blond hair strewn across his forehead as he snored softly.

"Hola," Felix announced, walking into the room with Des. Eli glanced up but left them alone.

"How's Alicia?" I asked.

"She's fine. Neo took her home. We promised him we'd check on you," Felix explained causally.

"Siamo qui per voi," Des said, staring straight at me. "Tuo padre ci ha inviato," I went rigid and Javi scooted closer to Eli.

"Tu parle Italiano?" I asked, stalling.

"Si. Abbiamo qualche asso nella manica," Felix continued.

"Perché lavori per mio padre?" I stared at Felix shamefully.

"Siamo ina banda, Mia. Riceviamo un caso, seguiamo, siamo pagati," Des said coldly.

"Mi stai vendendo per soldi?!" I cried.

"What's going on?" Eli demanded, growing concerned. I faked a smile.

"Nothing, they're just worried about my health," I lied. Eli looked unconvinced but nodded. "Why don't you take Javi down to get some lunch? I need a minute with Felix," I suggested, knowing I needed to get them out in order for this to go smoothly.

Eli gave me a funny look.

"Mia, I don't know if that's a good idea," he said, glancing at Des and Felix suspiciously. I stared at Javi and nodded softly. He gave me a sad look but nodded back. He stood and tugged on Eli's hand.

"Please?" he begged. Eli sighed.

"Fine, I'll give you half an hour," He went and stood up to wake Cayden, muttering something about Cato gutting him if he found out. Javi scampered over to me and hugged me tightly.

"Tu amo, sii al securo," I whispered, stroking his hair gently.

"Stai attento, Sorella. Torna da me," he whispered back. "Ti amo anch'io," I kissed his forehead before he took Eli's hand and all five boys herded out.

Des shut the door and advanced towards me.

"Your father hired us and we accepted his offer. We're here to pick you up," he said crossly.

"As long as you leave Javi alone, I'll go," I told them bravely. Felix nodded.

"Good. you're to go to the bathroom and change into the clothes we packed for you, then we'll escort you out," I nodded.

"Wait for me there. I'll get my nurse to help me," The boys agreed before they left. I called for my nurse, explaining to her that I need to go to the bathroom. She helped me up and I stepped out into the hallway. I felt a little dizzy but I pushed it down and kept going.

I made it to the restroom to see Des and Felix waiting for me. Felix handed me a backpack and I went inside and locked myself in the farthest stall. I braced myself before ripping the IV out of my arm, hissing in pain. Blood sprang from the little hole and I covered it with my hospital dress. I opened the pack and changed into a simple pair of leggings and a jumper. I slowly pulled on the socks, shoes and winter coat, brushing my hair and positioning it so it would hide my face.

Once I was sure I was unrecognizable, I crawled out, as to make it look like I was still in there with the IV. I glanced at myself in the mirror, frowning at how horrible I looked. I was a sickly shade of pale, and I had bags under my eyes along with vivid purple bruises on my neck from Ben strangling me this morning.

I shuddered and moved away, warily opening the door and stepping out. Felix and Des looked me over and nodded in approval.

"Come on, let's go," I followed them down the corridors, down the stairs and through the lobby.

We stepped out into the now-snowy parking lot, which made me shiver, but I froze when I spotted Cato and Alan walking towards the entrance.

"Felix!" I hissed, trying to be discreet. He noticed the boys and quickly moved to hide me.

"Felix," Cato growled. "You're still here?" I anxiously tried to make myself small.

"I'm taking my sister home, kitty Boy," Felix answered.

"Weren't there four of you?" Alan snapped.

"Neo's saying hello to your precious little sister," Des growled. Cato and Alan just glared but kept on walking and I breathed out a sigh of relief. I followed Felix to a waiting car. I recognised Vanesa - Neo's cousin.

"She is tiny," Vanesa commented. "I didn't think Gabby's clothes would fit her," I felt my cheeks heat up awkwardly. I tried to climb in the car but Des yanked me back. He grabbed my arms and duct-taped my wrists behind my back before shoving me into the car and fastening the seat belt. I knew the boys would be finding out any minute that I was gone, and I doubted they'd give up without a fight.

***

"Alright, get out," Des said sharply, pulling up in front of a large gloomy flat complex. I said nothing, complying. The sun was setting, as it was almost five o'clock. Des pushed me inside, which had a seductively dark interior with fancy decor.

"Oh Ben, look!" A sickeningly sweet voice called. "She's here!" Marcie glided into the room, a cigarette perched between her lips. She gave me a sly smile. The last time I'd seen her was after she'd burned me with her cigarettes. I shuddered as Ben came lumbering out with a cruel grin on his face.

"Take her upstairs," he commanded. I suddenly knew where we were. With the sickening perfume, the smokiness and the dark, lavish furnishings, it could only mean one thing: we were in Marcie's brothel.

Des pushed me towards the stairs and I nearly tripped going up.

Four flights of stairs total, before he shoved me into a tiny room with nothing more than a large bed and heavy velvet curtains, along with shelves of scary-looking objects. Marcie followed us up, a team of exposingly-dressed girls behind her.

"Thank you, Sweetheart," she cooed at Des. He scowled before stomping out. "I've waited so long for this," Marcie squealed. "I always knew I could make a fortune off of you and now your time has come, Sweetie," She pushed me into the bed and the girls held my limbs down. I trembled anxiously as Marcie tossed a piece of clothing at me.

"Girls, you know the drill,"

***

I lied there tied to the bed, dressed in a very skimpy outfit. Marcie hovered, lusting over my body. She traced a cold finger along the inside of my thigh.

"You're a lucky girl, Amelia," she sang. "You've already landed yourself a high-paying client. I believe you're already familiar with him too. It should be painfully memorable," She gave my cheeks a pinch, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face. "Don't disappoint me, Amelia," she warned. "Or him," The door opened, revealing a horrid face from my past.

"Mason,"

~Translations~

Siamo qui per voi. Tuo padre ci ha invitato - we're here for you. your dad invited us

Abbiamo qualche asso nella manica - we have a few tricks up our sleeve

Perché lavori per mio padre? - why do you work for my father?

Siamo una banda, Mia. Riceviamo un caso, seguiamo, siamo pagati - we're a band, Mia. we get a case, we follow up, we get paid

Mi stai vendendo per soldi - you're taking me for money

Ti amo, stai al sicuro - I love you, stay safe

Stai attento. Torna da me - be careful. come back to me