The Girl Who Doesn't Smile

Chapter Three:Nightmare and Setbacks

 The weekend went by quietly with no surprises. It may be a little dull, but I rather that than the alternative. Instead of going out or hanging out with friends, I spend all my time in the home gym. Whether it was for boxing or running or dancing, I did whatever helped me relax and think. It's kind of ironic. When I was little I hated playing outside or doing anything that made me dirty. Now I need to be sweaty on a regular basis just to function.

Since I'd been working out so much, I'd fall into a deep sleep at night where nightmares couldn't haunt me. But Sunday seemed to be different when I was swept into a particularly dark one.

376. 377. 378. 37..... I stop. My mind tries to recall the last stone in the wall I had counted but my tired brain can't remember. I slump against the wall. Not only was my body tired from my lack of sleep, but the drugs that were slipped into my drink last night had not completely left my system. The side effects left me groggy, making it hard to concentrate on things like counting and time.

I look at the wall opposite me, staring at the indents I made for each day I was there. Was it a new day yet? Should I make another mark? I look out the window to see the stars only to be greeted with blue sky. Confusion fills me as I gaze at the color that seems wrong for the time. Isn't it the middle of the night? I stand up and move closer to inspect the window. I get so close that I my nose is millimeters away from touching the cold glass. I study it wondering if it was tricking me, possibly being painted over to represent the bright sky. I scan it thoroughly when I see something that makes me heart stop. A crack. In the glass.

Even in my slightly drugged state, I know what this means. I can break the window. I can escape.

My heart starts pounding at the thought, hope flooding my entire being. I raise my hand to the glass and smack it hard. It does nothing. I lift my hand but this time I curl it into a fist and punch the window, right on the splintered section. It creates a spiderweb crack. I punch it three more times, each blow greeted with a bigger fracture. I pull my fist back far enough to give me extra power and focus on my possible escape. I put all my anger, hate, resentment, and desperation into this last jab. Instead of more cracks, the glass gives way and shatters into millions of glittering pieces.

I grab the screen and drop it onto the floor. I put one foot out the window. Tears of joy fall down my cheeks. "Thank you God. Thank you," I whisper, thinking that my wishes had come true. That was until I heard the shifting of footsteps behind me. My heart drops into my stomach. Dread, fear, and anger replace the relief and happiness I had felt only moments ago as I turn around slowly.

He stands there quietly, patiently. He smiles as I look at him. He crouches to be eye level with me on the floor. "Where are you going?" His cold eyes hold a gleam I've never seen before. "I....." I didn't know how to answer without telling the truth and I certainly couldn't say that. Before I know what I'm doing, I launch myself out the window. Well, part of my body.

He grabs my arm and drags me back into the room and farther away from my only chance of escape. He sighs roughly like he is deeply troubled and angered by something. "Oh my sweet flower. I thought you understood that being here is to keep you safe. I was hoping with time, you would accept that you are meant to be here. With me." His gaze holds something that I see often from him. Longing.

He stands, dragging me with him. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this." I stiffen as he pulls me out of the room with a strength I didn't realize he possessed. "What do you mean? What don't you want to do?" I question curiously. His grip tightens to the point where I know I'll have bruises later.

"I have to train you. I must punish you for you to stay." He states as if this is the only way. It sinks in that he wasn't going to stop whatever he had in mind. I star to pull against him but it doesn't faze him as he goes down the stairs. I twist, yank, and pull the entire way. I scream with frustration with every pull and glare at every guard we pass by that does nothing.