Twisted

Chapter 9: Memories

Charlie

I was left alone in my small cell, no clock, no windows, nothing but a small cot and a bathroom the size of a closet. It had a toilet and sink. Nothing else.

I woke up cold and stiff. I picked myself up off the tile and dragged my sore bruised body to the bed and curled up under the blanket. I lay in a ball staring blankly at the opposite wall. The harsh light never turned off. I had no concept of time. I had no idea how long I lay curled up, shivering. My face was throbbing, I knew my cheek was swollen, I gingerly touched my jaw, knowing it was also bruised.

I could move and breathe, so I knew my ribs weren't broken or cracked - had first hand experience on what that felt like. I pushed myself up and slowly pulled my shirt up to see the damage. They were definitely bruised. Sighing sadly I let my shirt drop and laid back down.

I closed my eyes again and drifted into a restless sleep. My mind was desperately trying to keep me from falling into a black pit, but I wished it wouldn't replay memories in my dreams, it just made my heart hurt.

I wasn't watching where my feet went and I bumped into something and fell backwards. Landing with a yelp of pain as my ribs exploded with fire.

I clamped my eyes shut, the tears sprung up so fast. I lay on my back gasping trying to breath through the pain.

"Shuck it Charlie!"

Gally sounded exasperated. Great. I had walked into him, of course it had to be him. I lay on the ground still, holding my side. I heard some rustling and knew he had crouched down beside me, I could feel his warmth and presence. Out of no where my stomach felt like it just jumped off the tree house. The shuck?

"Watch where your going! Your never going to heal those ribs if you keep walking into people and falling." He scolded.

"Never thought of that. Thanks for the tip." I hissed through gritted teeth.

The fire had subsided into a throb. I lifted my hands from my ribs and placed the heels of my hands over my eyes pushing slightly, and wiped the moisture away, taking a slow inhale. I lowered my hands and opened my eyes. Gally was leaning over me slightly, his intense blue eyes looked...calmer and softer then at supper. My breathing stopped, stuck in my chest. I felt my heart speed up, thumping hard against my ribs, making the ache worse. I lay frozen, staring into his eyes. We must have stayed like that for at lest a minute. The setting sun reflecting off his blond waves, the sun made it look slightly red. They looked freshly washed, making the waves almost curly. I also noticed how tanned he was, bringing out some freckles. I saw him clench his jaw and noticed how strong and defined it was.

The shuck is wrong with me? I felt warm, and I could feel the heat rising in my face.

"I'm...I'm going..to sit up now..." I squeaked.

Without saying anything, he slipped a hand under my back and took some of my weight helping me sit up. I hissed again, holding my side. His eyes flickered from my face to my side and frowned, and he looked...worried? The corners of his mouth pulled down.

He slowly and carefully laid me down in the bed, and tucked me in.

"Good night Pipsqueak."

"Night babe."

I heard a deep rumble of a chuckle. It made my stomach back flip. The bed dipped and the blanket was pulled down. Gally's amused face appeared, hovering over mine.

I blinked a few more times, and then rubbed the sleep out of them. I squinted against the light, looking back at Gally.

"Come on Pipsqueak, time to sit up. Drink some water and take the meds."