Tainted

Chapter 15: Tainted

Warning: In the second half of this chapter, starting with Victor's POV, Victor is continuing to go through withdrawals and is processing how he feels about the entire situation. His thoughts are depressing. He doesn't think of self-harm, but he is depressed. If you are easily triggered or are already depressed it might be safe to stop reading after Sang's POV is finished.

What he has gone through is traumatizing, and I want to convey his lowest point so that when he reaches his highest point of happiness we see just how strong he is for struggling forward. Thanks for bearing with me. Things can only improve from here on out for Victor.

Thank you Leigh for editing the chapter.

Sang's POV

The squeaking of the old, laundry barrow makes my heart beat quicken. I wipe away the perspiration on my forehead with the back of my hand. I'm trying to act like I do this every night; however, thinking about looking normal is only making me hyper aware of how my presence isn't normal. The hallway is empty but never silent. The whir of the air-conditioner along with the soft beeps of machines behind patients' doors is consistent along with the screeching wheel. My eyes settle upon the room Mr. Blackbourne and Sean indicated. I push the barrow closer and leave it against the wall.

I must be the first one here. I clasp my hand on the doorknob and push open the door. Upon spotting Victor, my eyes start to tear up. It really is him. I was worried that this was a dream. I was worried I would never be able to see him again. He's so pale, and there are bandages on his palms and wrists. His hair is damp from sweat. I open my mouth to notify him of my presence, but no sound comes out. I press my lips tightly together and grab my wrist. I take a moment to consider what to say before moving closer and taking a seat beside the hospital bed.

"I've missed you, Victor," I say softly.

"Sang?"

"Oh, the others are here to see you as well they should be here in a moment," I respond not wanting to leave the others out.

Victor stares at me silently contemplating something. I pull my feet up onto the chair and clutch my legs as I try to calm my nerves. I want to reach out and hug him, but after hearing what happened to him, I'm sure he needs his space.

"Princess, what have I missed this past week?" He quietly asks.

I fidget and shift in the chair, but my heart warms at his use of my nickname.

I responded quickly in one breath that, "Mr. Blackbourne scolded your parents. Luke flipped your father over his shoulder and onto the floor."

"I hit Mrs. Morgan, too," Luke adds before I can continue, "but before you ask, she deserved it."

Victor tenses. "What did they do?"

"They—"

"Luke," Kota warns.

I watch Victor grit his teeth. "I want to know what they did Kota."

"You will, but you don't need to be overloaded with information right now. Think about it. What happens to a computer overloaded with too much information all at once? It overheats and cannot function efficiently."

"I'm not a machine," Victor defensively hisses.

"No one said you were." North explains setting a bucket and mop on the floor. "We aren't trying to coddle you either, but you need time to rest and absorb the information. We plan to tell you everything once you've gotten some sleep."

Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, and Sean had entered the room along with North. The room was more than a little crowded, so I offered my seat to Gabriel and sat on the floor.