Not Like The Others

Chapter Ten- Actress

Mel POV

I awoke at my usual time, bang on sunrise. I was in my usual shitty mood, and nothing was going to change it.

It felt like a completely normal day, except today, I was completely brainwash free. I had my mind back, and I was on a mission.

This was one of my favourite times of the day, when all was silent and peaceful. I had about half an hour before everyone else woke up, this was my me time, the only time I'd get to really be me.

It was surprising because in my old life, I wouldn't be caught dead awake at this time in the morning, but I guess a lot of things had changed.

I stood up silently, padding over to the small space in my cage, doing a few morning stretches. I looked over at the three girls I was sharing the room with, and I felt my face become an emotionless mask, letting no emotions in or out.

If they were going to figure out that I was brainwash free, it would need to be in code, with little gestures or hints that would eventually lead to their understanding. I bet that everyone would be really suspicious and I would be interrogated by Lovac and some tests would be taken on my brain after my little breakdown.

From my quick glance, I could see that the damage of the success of my brainwash had taken its toll. All three of the girls looked even more exhausted than before, their tired eyes with outstanding bags, and more bruises on them than usual. Clearly I hadn't cared enough to protect them. I must of encouraged their beatings in fact. A brand new sense of self disgust overwhelmed me.

I cursed internally at myself and glared at the heavens, trying to place some sort of blame elsewhere. Of course, as usual, it made me feel no better because I knew that all the blame was situated on me. I took a deep breath, then sat on the cool hard floor for my daily morning meditation.

I crossed my legs and relaxed, casting all thoughts out of my mind. I sighed in relief, some meditation was exactly what I was needing.

I sat there being all calm and zen like until everyone woke up. I could hear the slight changes in their breathing, despite their best efforts, although to the unpracticed wolf, Rachel would still be 'asleep'. She was getting good at it. I smiled, proud of her efforts.

I silently rose, and eased myself onto my bed, waiting to be let out by Double-D or Butch. I sat there, saying nothing, as all three of the girls fully woke up and made their consciousness known.

Since my arrival, microphones had been put in, so anything that was said would be heard. They would have to rely on my face to figure I had my mind back. I was lucky there was only one camera in the room, a small one right above the door, our only exit, recording who got in and who got out, so they couldn't watch us when we were in our cages.

I heard footsteps coming towards the door, and I shot Rachel a quick, warning look before turning towards the door, sliding on my emotionless mask. Rachel took in my face with surprise, but wasted no time hissing at the other two girls to 'be alseep'. They promptly flopped onto their beds and relaxed their faces. It was apparent they had done this many times before.

The door silently flew open, and a sour looking Butch and Double-D walked in balancing breakfast trays. It seemed they had refrained from letting it slam against the wall because of my 'headache'. How touching. I jumped right into character, wrinkling my nose at the sight of the food on the trays. I found out it was what I had been doing for the last four months, and I wasn't about to stop.

Rachel stared at me dumbfoundedly, trying to figure my spontaneous help, and then prompt transfer back to my bitchy old brainwashed self. She was smart enough to hide it from the two guards though, one glance at her look and it would be a trip back to the dreaded lab two for me.

"Ugh, that stuff looks revolting. Let me out, I want some real food and to be out of this room. It reeks of abominations." I said, turning my nose up at the guards appearances and food they were so awkwardly carrying. If I was going to escape this hell hole, I'd need to play my part perfectly. Even if it was me, playing myself and having to be a bitch to those who so clearly didn't deserve it.

Butch and Double-D visibly relaxed, seeing me upright and 'back to normal.' Ha, if only they knew, I told myself in my head, if only they knew.

As Butch delivered the trays to the girls, Double-D came over cautiously and unlocked my cage. He must of had a telling off from my outburst, it was him after all that caused it. I could tell he would be lying low for a while, he wouldn't want to lose his job afterall. I smiled smugly, why not try and lose it for him if he wasn't willing to take any risks?

I took full advantage of it, letting my true anger from the situation out on him, knowing that he wouldn't know that it was anger from the brainwashing and I actually had my mind back. He couldn't punish me for it, he would still be closely watched by Lovac for all the 'trouble he caused'. I almost felt sorry for him.

I settled a glare on my face and blinked my eyes, shifting them into my panther eyes, staring at him furiously. Everything that was in my vision magnified and cleared, I could see so much better with my shifted eyes. I blinked, savouring the small moment, I knew it wouldn't last long, and it was the only chance I would have to shift, even if it was just my eyes. My fury was directed to him for all the pain and trouble he caused the girls, but he wouldn't know that. He would assume its my usual bitchyness plus some extra from my 'headache'.

I barely ever shifted my eyes, it was a rare skill apparently, and I reserved it for bad times only. If you were able to partially shift, or shift certain parts of your body, it showed that you were skilled and strong, not someone to be messed with. Especially if you you could do it quickly, and effortlessly, which was what I seemed to be able to do. Today fit perfectly, and I just couldn't help myself.

Double-D stared back at me in shock, stumbling backwards as I rose, clearly surprised by my eye change. They must of looked terrifying, a bright green, almost emerald colour, with extra big pupils, cat style. If anything, they'd expect wolf eyes, so my shifted eyes would look even scarier than usual. I hadn't shown anybody what I looked like shifted, at least I had kept that to myself.

I laughed cruelly at his astonishment, and stomped on past him, clipping his shoulder, hard. I binked as soon as I was past him, shifting my eyes back effortlessly, and kept them up and away from the girls, I didn't want to scare them off.

Plus, I knew that if I glanced at them, even for a second, the guards would see something it of place and become suspicious. The brainwashed Mel wouldn't of looked at them for a mere second, they were scum to her, something she'd be glad to get rid of. Now that my actual brain was back, I didn't want them dead, they meaned a lot to me, my motovatin and only allies I had. I certainly didn't need anymore unwanted attention, so I didn't look back, that wasn't happening, not a chance. I would not ruin what little plan I had, I owed them that much.

I walked past the door and into the small staff living area, taking a deep breath of fresh air that had just come through the window. "Ahh." I sighed quietly, relishing the small breeze. I walked into the small kitchenette, hungrily opening the fridge, which was full of food.

"Breakfast time."