Taken From Reality

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Anika’s POV

            I rolled over on the stiff bed staring at the wall and widened my eyes in shock. I had been here for exactly one week as shown by the tallies I started carving into the wall with the corner of the book Ryan had brought to me. I wanted to cry, but my body was drained and my eyes were to dry so I just stared, pondering exactly how many more hashes I would have to add to the wall before I was free. If I ever became free.

            I decided after what I assume was a half hour of just staring at the lines that I should probably get ready for the day, and if all goes as planned this would be the day that I would finally get to take a shower.

            I had been looking forward to this sense Ryan told me yesterday at lunch time, he said Malachi thought I was coming along so well that I deserved it. I cringed at the thought of pleasing such a horrible man but I knew it was in my best interest.

            I climbed out of the bed and walked the small distance to the toilet and sink. I splashed my face with the cold water and then dried it up with the toilet paper. I then noticed how disgustingly greasy my hair had become and how much oil had collected on my face, I was prettified by my own reflection. It horrified me to use the toilet knowing anyone could walk in at anytime, but I was grateful that at least Ryan knocked first. I finished taking care of my business and was in the middle of making my bed when Ryan knocked lightly and then entered.

            “Hi Anika, did you sleep well?” He asked as he stared around the room, inspecting things. I finished making my bed to the best of my ability and then answered.

            “As well as I possibly could have considering.” He shook his head in response then carried the tray of oatmeal and milk he had with him to the nightstand. I gave him a small smile, assuming he would take that as a hint for him to leave but instead he just sat down at the end of the bed. I hesitated before asking, but I did so anyways because I knew he was friendly, unlike Malachi.

            “Is there something you need Ryan?” I questioned as I spooned some food into my mouth.

            “No, I mean not really, I was just wondering if you maybe wanted some company, I know it’s hard for you to pretend that everything is okay.”

            I couldn’t help but give a sad smile to him as he said this, and as much as I would love the company I found it to awkward. How could I allow Malachi’s accomplice to just stay in here and act like me and him were friends.

            “Thank you but no, I’d rather be alone.” I said to him as I stared down at the bowl and without even realizing it, he had got off the bed and walked to the door. With a sad look on his face he quietly said “I’m sorry Anika” and then walked out the door.

            I sat in that room rereading pages I had already been through five times, just to keep myself occupied. I even went as far as to rip out a blank back page and attempt to make origami with it. On any normal Saturday, this would be the last thing I would wish to spend my time on, but in this prison it was the best entertainment I’ve had yet. And in all honesty, it was better to do anything at all then to think about the reality of what was truly going on. Malachi hasn’t came into my room sense that one day, which I was very grateful for because god only knows what he plans to do with me. Even thinking or saying his name aloud made the hairs on my skin crawl and vomit rise up in my throat. If he ever actually tried to do anything with me, I wouldn’t just give in like the other girls probably had; I would fight back even if he killed me. I knew I’d rather be dead then allow a man like that to ever touch me.

            Finally, after what seemed like days, Ryan came back down to my room to hand me lunch. It was the routine sandwich, but this time it was peanut butter. I am allergic to peanuts.

            “Um Ryan I’m afraid I can’t eat this” I said with a shaky voice. He then looked at me worried and said:

            “You know that will make Malachi mad, come on Anika please don’t play games.”

            “I’m not playing games Ryan.” I said “I’m allergic.” He gave me an odd expression then ran out the door bringing in a bologna sandwich. He then nodded at it with his head hinting at me to eat.

            “Are you sure?” I asked staring at the sandwich.

            “Of course I am, I’d much rather give you mine then have you break out in hives or something.”

 I giggled at this, as it was the most humor I’ve had in days and then thought about my skin.

            “Ryan, do you know anything else about my shower?” I questioned with a stuffed mouth.

            “Yes, I’ll be back down in a few hours and you’ll get to take one, Malachi wants to see you clean for dinner.”

            “”Fuck Malachi!” I shouted to him and then he placed his hand over my mouth.

            “Anika please, I know you hate him but if you truly want a shower then you won’t say anything else like that, okay?”

            I just stared at him with hatred in my eyes until finally he raised his eyebrow hinting for an answer and I just shook my hand and then waved him away.