The Experiment

Twenty One

I sat down at the table. Charlie sat next to me. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," I simply said not wanting everyone to overhear what my emotions were.

Natasha's eyes were down.

"I cant eat," she whispered.

"Please try," Charlie said touching her back.

"Did she exprience pain?" Natasha asked.

Charlie hesitated and I cut him off before he could even speak. The sad thing is I knew the answer since Ive seen this happen to many many humans. "Her spinal chord was severed she was knocked out by the force of it. With your chord severed you wont be able to breathe. Your body is kind of a big computer. Your brain is the computer and when the spinal chord is severed the brain cant send out signals so you cant breathe and well you are paralyzed. Death can occur within seconds or it can take up to two minutes," I paused and looked at Charlie. "Demetri describes it a sharp pain but after that initial pain its over. Demetri taught me that as it happened quite frequently and I was always curious," I sighed. I hate how I know this. I shouldn't know things like these.

"Youre 15. You shouldn't know these things," Charlie said.

"Learned when I was ten," I looked down speaking quietly.

"Youre kidding?" Charlie groaned.

"No," I whispered.

"So it was quick?" Natasha interrupted.

"Yes," Charlie and I said.

Natasha looked down and nodded. She took a bite of her food. I looked over at Charlie. "Ill be right back," I said.

"Where are you going?"

"Talk to Michael for a moment," I whispered.

He nodded.

I stood and went over to Michael.

"Uh... can I ask you something?" I whispered.

"Of course," he said.

"Natasha doesn't have a room mate anymore right?" I asked.

"Yes,"

"When I get transferred back can I be roomates with Natasha?" I asked.

"Ill get back to you on that," he said.

I nodded and moved back to the table and sat down. I finished most of my food. I absolutely couldnt eat all of it or I would get sick.

"Full?" Michael asked coming over.

"Yes. It was wonderful but I feel that of I eat the rest I will be sick," I said.

"And you?" He asked Natasha.

"I feel sick. Im trying," she whispered.

"Okay, try to eat as much as you can," his hand rested on her shoulder.

She flinched but nodded. "Once Im done eating can I go back to my room?" Natasha said.

"Yes," Michael said and walked away.

Natasha took a few more bites then put her silverware down.

"Come Izzy. Natasha," Charlie stood.

I stood and so did she. Charlie led Natasha and me out of the room. We both walked with him silently. "Try to rest. Im sorry about your roomate," Charlie said leading her to her room.

She nodded and walked in and moved to her bed and curled on her side.

Charlie then led me to my room. "How are you feeling?" He asked offering some pajamas.

"Im... I dont know how Im feeling. Im confused and actually kind of scared on how I did it so easily and with no hesitation. I feel ashamed that Im glad he is dead," I whispered

He turned to face me once I was dressed.

"Youve grown up around violence your whole life. Watching people get killed and hurt. I guess what Im trying to say is that after so many years being exposed to it you are used to it and it doesn't bother you which is why it comes so easily,"

"I always hated it though the executions and the punishments. I hated it. Im scared that Im turning into my father," I whispered.

"You're not. You werent given another option than to do this,"

"Yes I was Charlie. I did it because I wanted to see my family again. I killed a person to see my family again," I whispered tears falling.

He pulled me close rubbing my back. "Thats what he does. He made it look like there was no other option. Thats what he does. Anyone else wouldve done it too. He knows those types of offers are irresistible," he whispered.

"How do you know?"

"He does the same for others. Thats what he did for me as well,"

"What did he do with you?" I whispered.

"Said I could have a day outside. A full 12 hours to do whatever I wanted," he said.

I nodded. "What was the deal?"

"I had to perform a experiment on another person,"

"What did you do?"

"I said yes," he looked down. "Little did I know the person was being sent for death and the experiment would kill her,"

"Im sorry," I whispered.

"Dont agree to anymore deals. They just get worse," he said touching my cheek.

"Can we save Natasha too?" I whispered.

"What?" He asked confused.

"My mom would easily take her in. Save her as well as me," I whispered.

"Izzy I..."

"Save her. She watched her roommate be killed. You save her too," I said. "I wouldnt be surprised if she is next to go. You save her first. I know Im safe with you and you wouldnt let anything happen to me. So save her. Please," I whispered.

He sighs "Okay Izzy. We will save her too," he said.

I nodded and rested against him.

"Why dont you lay down," he said.

I nodded and moved over to the bed curling up. I felt tired and drained. I couldnt sleep for another fifty minutes but once I was able to I felt peace.