The Sunflower Keeper

The Awakening

My eyes hesitantly blink open. It’s almost as if they're afraid to be beaten again. That was fun… White fluffy clouds fill my vision.

“You’re finally awake.” I hear a voice in the distant. The soft bed the lies underneath me slumps just a little as if something heavy is sitting to my right. “How are you feeling?” The faceless voice asks.

          I lift my fingers up to my eyes and try to rub away the fuzzy spots. They start fading. “Like an elephant went and stepped on my head with its big, fat round feet. I like elephants… Just not on my head.” Elijah chuckles and his eyes smile at me.

          “I’m sorry that I beat you up, and trust me I really didn’t want to. I like you… well sort of.” He grins.

          “Be careful. I’m very picky about who I like.” I lie. I generally like everyone. Maybe I’m just too nice.

          “You like me…” His voice becomes drenched in cockiness.

          “Must be the big feet.” My laugh sends pain surging through my side. I grit my teeth and grip the sheets between my bruised fists. Elijah quickly covers my hands with his and squeezes. An apologetic, concerned look becomes plastered over his perfect face.

          Nope! Wait! He beat you to a pulp, and you’re thinking about how handsome he his. Think again. My voice fills my mind as I loose myself in his deep green eyes.

          “Nope.” I yank my hand from his. I bite my cheek as the pain rips at my insides. “I’m mad at you. No! I’m pissed. Do you really think you can beat the crap out of me and try to be my friend? Really?! Think again buster.” Tears burn my eyes threatening to flow down my face.

          “Does the fact that we had a deep meaningful conversation mean anything? I told you about my past and I don’t do that often. I thought you would understand. I had orders from the Sunflower Keeper. She ordered me to tie you up, release you, and make you fight until you couldn’t continue. She is the leader of our society. You expect me to go against her to spare you a bruise or two? I don’t think so.” His voice becomes angry.

“Just leave me alone.” I say harshly.

          His face goes from concerned to serious in two seconds flat. “You know I had no choice!” Hurt and anger fill his voice. “You are the last person I wanted to knock out. Now pull yourself out of bed and let’s go. It’s time for the Awakening.” I stare at him with the look that states that I haven’t a clue about the words that just passed his lips. “The new Sunflower Keeper meets the soon to be old Sunflower keeper.” He rolls his eyes dramatically and walks out the door.

          Aww… You hurt his feelings. Good! He definitely hurt more than just your feelings. My legs swing over the side of the white, comfortable bed. I jump to my feet. My knees buckle beneath me. They give out and I tumble towards the floor. Pain erupts in my gut and temple. I grunt. I place my head against the chilly floor. The tears drip onto its glassy surface. I slam my wrist against it and push to my feet.

          A pile of black clothes rest on the foot of my bed. I run my finger over the purple sunflower that no doubt matches the marking stained into the back of my neck. I slip into the warm clothes and position myself in front of the mirror. I twist my purple, navy blue hair into a braid. The tank top allows my new tattoos to peek out so that they are noticeable.

“Let’s do this.” I mumble under my breath.

***

          The security is intimidating. The ground cracks beneath my feet. Elijah’s hand presses against the small of my back. Heat radiates into my body.