The Other Side

22 | mångata

The feeling of pain. It was the one thing that I was growing accustomed to ever since I ended up in this prison. After hours of torture, the General had sent me back to my room. I couldn't believe it myself that I lasted this long, that I with held the information they wanted.

But I was surprised that they didn't give up. Was I that important that they would not give up until I was useless?

Yet, they continued the next day, same torturous methods, and same response. Nothing.

I was back in my cell, trying to take the pain of the bruises forming at my ribs and stomach. Cayden was the guard, surprisingly, taking me back to my cell. When he saw me, I saw a glimpse of pain run across his face before he turned unemotional again.

I didn't understand him. And I didn't know if I wanted to dig deeper.

I slump on the bed—or rather the cot— and feel something funny on the small of my back. My heart flips.

Cayden.

Cayden had been sending me notes, but I knew it was dangerous for him. He is a Protector, and if he was aiding a prisoner, he might as well signed his death sentence.

I inspect the room. It looks bare. No cameras. So I slowly get off the paper and lift it to my eyes. It's not a note. I really don't know what it is. He circled two areas in a marker, and a line connecting them.

I gasp. Did Cayden actually just get me a map to the prison. I knew he wanted me to escape, but he just laid the whole plan to me. Why was he doing this?

Did he feel guilty that he brought me into this wretched place? So much so that he wanted to break me out?

I wouldn't have done it for some girl. He had ruined his whole life for me.

Did he think I was more than some girl? I think back to the pained look on his face when he saw. And our conversation that day in the hall. The way he worded things were unclear.

I knew he thought I was strong, but I wasn't. I don't think I could take it much longer. It was too painful.

But I didn't even think I could do this. When I went to my fathers office earlier today, there were guards everywhere. Everywhere. Even if I managed to open my prison door with the key he gave me a few days ago, I would never step a foot out.

And what would I do if I did take a foot out? Just to be shot at down the next corridor?

I didn't even want to do this. I didn't want to rot in this prison for the rest of my life, but I certainly didn't want to die in two days.

The more I thought about it, the more terrified I became.

I didn't know what I wanted.

I tucked away the map. I was suppose to escape in a day. I didn't think I could do that. It was too much.

I am breathing heavily now. And I realize I am having a panic attack. I curl my body and hug my knees to my chest.

I know I'm spiraling down. But I can't stop it.

I hear a large bang and a Protector is in front of me. Picking me up, and taking me out of my prison. But I don't know who it is, and I don't care. I can only hear my breathing. Raspy and hoarse.

"Everly!" I hear a voice but I can't but it sounds so distant.

My head hurts and it feels like it is floating around.

My head hurts.

I faint.

* * *

"Everly, wake up. It's okay. You fainted." My eyes are closed and I savor the moment. I don't want to face reality.

But I know that I can't run from my problems. So I slowly pry them open.

Standing in front of me is aa unfocused, blurry woman. When she comes into focus, I see she is rather beautiful. She is blonde, skinny and tall. 

"You must be Everly," she finally says. I don't know if I should trust her. "I'm Dr. Harper. Earlier today you had a panic attack. But it was very mild. And you should be out of here in no time." She gives me a heart warming smile and leaves the room.

Moments later, Cayden enters with an angry look to his face. But he sees me,and his expression changes. "You scared me. You could have wasted our whole plan to escape."

His comment makes me look at him, "our plan to escape? You're escaping with me?"

"Of course I am. I'm not just going to risk my life saving you, just to land myself in jail."

"Why would you want to even help me? I spent all day trying to figure out why I am so important and I don't understand? Did you talk to Ambria?"

"Be glad there aren't any cameras in here," he says taking a few steps closer to me. He is close. Too close. But I don't mind.

"Why?" I ponder. There is a tension in the room and I know a knife can't cut through it.

"I wouldn't want them to see this." And then he holds my face and I stop breathing.

Girl and boy relationships in school were prohibited, but I knew what happened when two people liked each other. I'd read it in books.

He gently placed his lips on mine, and although it was my first time, I knew thus was right.

I kissed him back and for moments, seconds, the world slipped away.

It was just Cayden and I in a crappy hospital room, sharing our feelings through a kiss.

When he released me my eyes were closed, but he brought my chin up to look at him. "Don't ever scare me like you did today." Concern flooded his face and I finally understood the way he had been acting lately.

I nodded slowly and he left the room. I felt content for the time being.

But tomorrow, everything would change.

* * * * *
ugh I love Cayden. Was the kiss too rushed? I don't think so.

Btw sorry it was a short chapter. More of a filler than for the upcoming chapters.

Guys we are really pushing ourselves to get this story done, so colour in that star for faster updates : )
xoxo, lexi