Death Wish

Chapter 41: Taking Back What I Lost

After that awkward Friday afternoon when I ran from Lorenzo, I haven't left the house and pretty much reverted back to before. I got twelve more scars, now cutting myself every time I enter the bathroom. My revelation has been running through my head and it's all I can think about. Today I decide to visit Waksren in jail. He's in Ilopie, so I can call a cab. I throw on a white shirt, a white cowl necked hoodie despite the slightly warm weather to cover my scars, a pair of jeans, and black converses. I sit in silence in the cab, staring out the window as the trees pass. His trial is next week and I'm not sure whether or not I want to go. On one hand, he did partake in torturing me, but on the other, he did turn himself in and set me free. The driver helps me out and I give him a hefty tip. He just tips his hat at me and winks.

The guard escorts me into the room where I sit down in one spot. There is a plastic barrier dividing us and walls to our side for some sort of privacy. I look at Waksren, in a gray jumpsuit but wearing a smile.

He picks up the phone and says, "I was wondering when you were going to visit. I know you have plenty of reasons not to, but I just..."

"It's okay. I know you're sorry and you were just acting out of desperation. Plus you did save me, so give yourself some credit."

He lets out a chuckle and I smile.

"So how is jail?"

"Terrible."

"No kidding."

He smiles at me and I put my good hand on the barrier, cradling the phone between my head and shoulder. He lifts his and presses it against mine, our hands somewhat joined.

"I don't know why I care so much about you, but I do."

I feel this pull towards him, like I'm meant to forgive him or something. I don't know when it happened, but he's kind of become like a brother to me.

...

The ramp Lorenzo put in has been really helpful. I can finally go in and out of the house, not that I was doing it before, though. But the gesture is nice. I think I'm finally getting better. I've come to terms with Waksren, forgiving him but hating Lyzander and Thibault. I understand why Lorenzo did it, playing with my feelings, and I think I'm slowly getting over it. He was, after all, trying to protect Myklyn. Zaquen and Bayder still haven't talked to me so I'm going to reconcile with them tomorrow. I'm slowly building my life back up and taking back what I lost.

...

The same nice cab driver drops me off in front of Sierban Worldwide, and  helps me into my wheelchair. After generously tipping him again, I roll into the lobby. It hasn't changed in forever, the walls still glass and black marble. My father designed it and it's still beautiful. I guess Quinden didn't have the heart to change it. I feel tears welling up in my eyes blink them away. Going to the receptionist, I check in and ask for an appointment with Zaquen and Bayder.

After a couple minutes on the phone, she apologizes, "I'm sorry, he doesn't take walk-ins."

"Since when?"

"Since now," she replies in a snarky tone, the nice facade gone.

"Not very nice, I could report you."

"And how could you do that? You're just a child."

Ignoring her, I roll to the elevator and press the button that will take me to the top floor. If they haven't changed anything except the rude receptionist, then they should still have offices on the top floor.