Project Radioactive

Things got creepy

Jayden and Marcus sat with me after mom and dad came. Jayden's parents call her every other day since they can't leave work. Mom was super upset when Marcus laid saying that I was still asleep, but amazingly, she believed him.

I was finally able to walk and I was given some normal clothes since I complained about the hospital gown. I was still required to have only 2 people in the room at all times, but other than that, I was feeling pretty good about my new freedom. My whole body was still sore, but I was able to get it under control by the afternoon.

That's when Marcus came back from his visit with our parents.

"Dad got a new job," he said. "He also said that they can't come here anymore because they'll be 2 hours away, but they told me that they'll be on a plane the minute you wake up."

Sooner than expected, Jayden thought. I laughed and she turned in my direction. Oh yeah, I forgot about the whole mind reading thing.

"Anyways, they are still worried about our 'condition' and they hope to see me in person soon, not behind a layer of bulletproof glass." I could see just how much he hated being stuck. Marcus was usually sneaking out of the house every month to play video games with Jayden in the middle of the night. They were friends before they were a couple and they knew everything about each other. This new confinement was driving him crazy.

"I can't believe that mom believed you! No offense, but you are a terrible liar."

Marcus merely chuckled. "I had some practice. If I seem like a bad liar, then mom only thinks she knows when I'm honest."

I shoved him slightly. "You really are the smartest guy I know!"

His face went dark. I wish I could figure out how to get out of here or get rid of all the chemicals, he thought. I understood. I was here for two days and I hated it so much already. There were so many rules; I thought that school looked like a better option! I was 14; I shouldn't be stuck in a glass cage very day!

Jayden noted the tension. "You guys want to play zombie crush? My parents sent my video games yesterday. At least we'll have something to do."

Within minutes the game was hooked up and we were killing pixilated zombies. Jayden was beating us, as usual, but we all needed a little distraction.

Try to control my mind, Marcus thought. I considered it and nodded.

I focused on his hand movements on the controller. I focused on making his hands stop the motion. No such luck. I tried to get him to feel happy but he wasn't responding. Are you feeling anything? I thought. He didn't answer, so I guess that he couldn't hear me.

I glanced at the glass wall similar to the one in my room. Three doctors were observing us, taking notes on tablets, and conversing as they watched our every move. "Gosh, do they have to do that like some creepy stalkers?" I said.

"Get used to it," Jayden said. "This happens every day. They come in, monitor our behavior, and even watch us sleep. There are cameras and mics everywhere. Trust me, actual stalkers are less creepy."

"Is that even necessary? Can't they just ask like normal humans?"

Marcus and Jayden looked at each other and burst out laughing. "The docs?" Jayden asked, still laughing. "Normal? Please, I know they can hear us, but hey, what do we have to lose? Look, Celia, there are some people who are obsessive over their pets. This is like that. You get used to it after a while, but try to sleep with one eye open."

Trust me when I say that it only got creepier after that.