Make Believe

Chapter Five

Mathews POV: Continued

        The crazy thing about pain is, the more you experience it, the better you can handle it. Mathew clung to this small beacon of hope as the whip swished in the air before snapping against the curve of his back. He arched against the burning sensation  that spread deeper into his scarred skin.

     13.....14.... The whip stilled in the air, announcing the end of Mathews torture. He breathed out a sigh of relief, allowing himself a moments rest before he had to continue to work again.

      "See you tomorrow 14," the mechanic voice taunted him as he shoved Mathew back to his feet. 14 daily lashes, 14 hours of work. His number haunted him, reminding him he was merely property and no longer a person. Freedom was now a distant memory and Mathew could not entirely remember how old he was. 16? 17? He knew he was somewhere in that age group.

     Mathew made his way over to where grant was working and grabbing a spare shovel, began to dig into the dirt. Mathew noticed the pain in his friends eyes and knew his expression must have echoed his own. His arms shook as he threw a shovel of dirt behind him.

      "Are you okay 14?" Grant whispered, eyeing the blood staining his shirt. Mathew gave a shaky smile in response.

     "I don't know how much more of this I can take 11, I'm tired, everyday." Mathew winced as he bent over to dig and his back cracked. He straightened up again, and with a sigh, looked at the gray walls surrounding his prison. A tear slipped from his eyes as a death wish flitted through his mind.

           ~*~ that Night ~*~

      Wake up 14, were getting you out of here." Mathew eyes snapped open.

      "9"? He mumbled.

     "Shhh..." Her hand clamped over his mouth. "Shut up half wit, do you want someone to hear us?" she gave him her designated annoyed smirk and helped pull him to his feet.

     "What's happening?" Mathew tried to keep up with the speed of 9, but she was not stopping for anything.

     "Just shut up and follow me." She gave him another smirk and tugged on him to move faster. They ran through the endless hallways, Mathew surprised they didn't see a single guard.

      They stopped right in front of a large ventilation shaft, Grant holding it open. "Hey Mathew," he gave him a weak smile, "Hurry through, there's a man on the other side. He'll take you with him on his ship."

      Mathew looked into his weary eyes. "Are you coming with me?"

     Grant shook his head. "We all agreed Mathew, you need to leave and the man said he could only take one with him."

      "But why me? I don't want to leave you, your my friend."

     "Please, I want to leave too trust me 14,  but you can't stay here anymore, we all see how much the work is taking a toll on you. Now you need to leave now, I'm not sure how long he'll wait for you."

      Mathew gave him A quick hug before pulling himself into the metal tunnel. He gave him one last look of thanks before crouch running through the vent as fast as I could, thankful there was no twists or turns to misguide him.

       He soon saw an open hole, revealing bright moon like light lighting up the outside. He saw a small metal craft sitting stationary on the ground, A man hidden in the shadow of darkness. With the first thought of hope on his mind in years, Mathew made his leap to ground, and to freedom.

      Phew.... I finished this chapter after weeks of writers block. Sorry its so short...  Don't forget to vote and comment... Love you... ❤❤💋