Alice Cullen's Story

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

               The stench of burning flesh filled my nostrils, bringing me back to realism from the serene darkness. I tried opening my eyes; though somehow I was still drifting in nothingness.

               The metallic taste of blood lingered on my lips – I could feel my lips, though I couldn’t find my voice. I was trapped in nonentity, left drifting in the gloominess of nonexistence.

               An appalling shriek filled the stillness – an ear piercing echo which sounded more beast than human. I wanted to tell them to hush; I wanted to float back towards oblivion. The darkness was more peaceful – less agonizing.

               The shrieks troubled me, the creature sounded in so much pain. I wanted to help them; I wanted to show them the wonders of the shadows. I couldn’t be bothered about the luminosity any longer; I was left to pass away in the dark chamber. They cared nothing for me, as though I was a misuse of breathing space.

               I forced my eyes open, searching for the visage of the dire shrieks. My eyes wandered around the space, the brilliance hurt my eyes. It was light – too vivid. I recognized my environs almost instantaneously. I was held inside the mirrored room.

               Faces drifted through my mind, though I couldn’t place one name. I searched harder, listening to where the cries were coming from.

               Shocked, I realized it was me who was making those sounds, stunned as the stench was coming from my flesh. Almost at once I felt the pain – the blaze and the shocks running through my body. My eyes shifted towards my body – I was trapped in the wooden chair. The buckles around my wrists and ankles hurt, leaving awful bruises behind. Dampness ran down my face, and immediately I knew it was the blood I tasted in my mouth.

               Before I could act in response, another jolt of electric shocks ran through my body, leaving me blaring out in anguish.

               I lost consciousness soon after, satisfied as I did not have to endure any more torment. I was content in the darkness, more at peace. I was able to dream beautiful dreams, and take pleasure in life inside my mind. I was in high spirits where I was, though it was always so sinister.

               Insignificant images would float through my mind – memories from my past. I couldn’t distinguish the difference between dreams and visions, almost always were they equally vivid – just as reality. It pained me knowing I would never be normal again – or as normal as I use to be. I would never regain full use of my body, and soon I would suffer permanent brain damage from all the shock treatments.

               “Alice?”

               I looked up into crimson eyes – the eyes I had longed to see for so long. I had missed the features of the crimson eyes, though I couldn’t place his name. Frantically I searched my mind for his name, though nothing came to mind – merely the darkness.

               Tears fiercely made their way to my eyes as I struggled to concentrate. It was tricky keeping track of one train of thinking; it was hard to distinguish the difference between reality and dream. I was sobbing chaotically as I looked up into the crimson eyes. His expression dismayed and then turned to fury.

               “Oh dear Lord Alice, what have they done to you?” he asked, holding me by the shoulders.

               His grip was firm, my body too brittle for his solid embrace.

               I flinched as I felt jabs of pain shatter through my limbs. My skin felt as though it was on fire, my bones broken. Immediately he let go of me, edging away. He shook his head in defeat, not knowing what he should do.