Spiced Molasses

Chapter 7

Beth's eyes snapped open and she was suddenly wide awake. Not groggy, not lethargic, just totally alert. For the first time since her parents had died, she didn't feel numb. Beth wasn't sure this was an improvement. She could still feel the piercing ache in her heart like a hum in the background. She glanced at the clock and was surprised to discover it was still early in the morning.

Beth lay there on her back for a long moment, studying the ceiling like it might suddenly have the answers to her problems. It stayed an innocuous blank canvas, functional but not epiphany worthy.

She decided abruptly that she wouldn't spend another day in bed. With resolution, she clambered out of the bed and headed for the shower. With the benefit of a level head, Beth was actually able to spend some time making the temperature comfortable before getting under the spray of water.

Yesterdays shower woke her up, had resurrected her, but today she let the water just run over her body without intent, easing her muscles out of the tight knots they had formed. It was the kind of shower that would have had her father banging on the door and telling her to stop wasting time. While she thought about Hershel, her breathing was uneven but she didn't cry and she kept her feet. She was going to be strong from this point on out.

She spared a thought for Daryl's water bill but one glance at the new bracelet reinforced her defiance. It wasn't an ugly piece of jewellery but that couldn't disguise what it really was; a shackle. She prayed that the shower would mess up its internal functions, even though that was probably unlikely.

With a sigh, Beth used the spicy body wash again. When she saw Daryl next, she would have to discuss getting things of her own. With a wince, she remembered she still hadn't brushed her teeth. When Beth got out of the shower, she wrapped the towel tight around her body. Feeling a little bit naughty, but not enough to stop, she plucked open the medicine cabinet. It was about as exciting as every other part of the apartment. Most of the space was dominated by an impressive first aid kit and Beth figured that's what saw the most usage. Pushed up against the corner was an overlooked bottle of mouthwash and Beth pulled it out. Judging it was safe to use, Beth took a mouthful, swished it around before spitting it out. The mint burned her nose and made her eyes water but in lieu of proper toiletries, that would have to do.

Beth got dressed quickly and found her way to the couch, intending on spending some time learning to navigate the TV but she spotted her new cell phone on the coffee table next the remote. Beth picked it up and a spark of optimism penetrated her body. Daryl had said it could only call his phone or the fire brigade but Beth didn't think that sounded likely. It was probable he was just scaring her into complying with his stupid rules.

With shaking hands she pressed the digits for Maggie's cell into the phone. She waited with baited breath for the sound of ringing but an obnoxious beep just blared in her ear. She tried Shawn's next with similar results. Beth paused and felt the hope leave as suddenly as it had come. Just in case their phones had been disconnected for safety reasons, Beth finally tried Jimmy's number. There was nothing and Beth glared at the phone with frustration.

She was still cut off from everyone she loved and everything she remembered. Indignant, Beth shoved herself to her feet. Daryl had promised he'd turn the lock off the door and Beth tested the handle. She was shocked when it swung inwards; Daryl had been true to his word.

Beth glanced over her shoulder and then marched down the stairs, obstinately leaving the door swung wide behind her. She didn't know what she was thinking but she was sick of feeling like a useless prisoner being grudgingly kept by a surly stranger. There was no natural light as she made her way down the building. It was eerie to say the least, no sounds of other occupants and from the dust she saw on the handles, Beth was beginning to think that she and Daryl had the building to themselves.