Beacon

16

      I spent the next few days surrounded by books, which was a nice change from the constant boredom. Putting things in their place and organizing soothes me,the world is so messy and broken, it feels good to clean up a tiny corner of it.

"How's my favorite librarian doing?"

    I turned around to find Wesley halfway in the door. I laughed and pulled him into the room.

"Wow you sure made some progress. Almost done?"

"Almost, but I need you to send a message to Alex for me."

He sighed.

"She's been up in her office non-stop, I don't even think she sleeps anymore."

"Please Wesley, it's important."

"Alright I'll try, what's the message?"

    I handed him a handwritten note and he pushed it into his pocket without glancing at the words inside, and I know he wouldn't later either. His fierce loyalty to Alex is one of the many things I admire about him.

He grabbed some bread out of his bag and handed it to me before leaving. I've been having my meals in here now so I can keep working longer, and a break from the noise is nice as well. But sometimes I do miss sitting with the crew, they've been growing on me. Another disadvantage of not eating there is not seeing Alex, but from what I've heard she hasn't been down there either.

After eating I quickly got back to work so I could get everything ready for Alex to come meet me, if she even decides to come.
~
    I was just straightening out a few maps onto a table when I finally heard a knock on the door. She came. I almost ran to the door and opened it, but didn't see the face I was hoping for.

"So this time you've requested the booty call."

    Kara.

"That's distasteful, what I request shouldn't be your business."

"Yet somehow it is isn't it? I thought I already warned you, but I guess I wasn't clear enough was I?"

"You were plenty clear."

    She was definitely getting on my last nerve, but I'd never let that show.

"Let me come in, so I can clarify some more."

    She started to push past me to try and get in the room. This room was secret for a reason, and Alex trusted me enough to show it to me.

"No."

    I closed the door behind me and pushed both of us out into the hallway. I saw rage tear through her eyes, and I tried desperately to hide fear from showing in mine.

"Let me in"

"No."

"Let me in now! Show me what Alex has been hiding!"

"No!"

    Before I could move she grabbed my neck and slammed me back against the door. I saw spots at the edges of my vision, and pain seared in my skull. I tried to struggle but she was so strong.

"Listen here bitch, stay away from Alex."

    She slammed my head against the wall again, and her grip on my neck tightened. I tried to speak but my throat betrayed me, the spots grew larger.

I can't breathe.

She's saying more, but it all sounds like it's far away and underwater.  My lungs are filled with acid, my throat full of nails.My vision keeps blurring.. blurring... blurring...