La Façade des Plumes

Chapter XXV - The Apex Predator

I can't breathe.

I can't breathe.

I can't breathe.

She was alone, imbolized, all while a tube was lodged in her throat and into her lungs. There was no chance to scream. No one to call out for, until the lights turned on. "Hey! Hey! It's okay. Swann, you are okay. You're safe now," Karen whispered. Still, Isley flailed around. Karen held her down, trying to ignore her screams of pain. "ALLISON!" Karen yelled. It wasn't long to see the blonde's face appear.

"Hold her still, I'll get the tube!" Allison stated. At last, Isley could breathe. The two women held her in their arms, whispering sweet nothings. "Do you know where you are?" Allison whispered. Isley blinked her tears away. It's a hospital room. Specifically in the ICU and she was the patient. She couldn't speak, for her throat had been severely damaged from strangulation. She felt the pull of the fresh stitches scattered on her body with every breath. Her face was stiff from the bruising in her eyes and cheeks.

"Isley?" Allison called out again. A single tear rolled down her broken face.

11:57 pm (Hours before)

Isley sat in the kitchen, drinking her third beverage. After what had occurred earlier? To hell with sobriety. Her phone buzzed again, but she silenced it. Multiple messages and missed call from the unsaved number. What was there to say?

Every 30 seconds she looked at the couch. He was still asleep. What could she do with him now? He can't be in a hospital. She can't see into his mind. What will the police do? Arrest him? Then what? Does he suffer from this psychological damage? Leading everyone to believe he's just a disturbed individual? Her thoughts ran on forever. The ticking of the clock kept her sane. Grounded. Then it rang 12 times. Midnight had arrived. Exhaustion grew stronger, but fear kept her awake. Is it safe to sleep? Will he be asleep until I wake up? What if he wakes up? What if..."

Isley shook her head, I can't be unstable like this. The both of us can't be lost in our minds. Standing up, she lost her balance. Isley grabbed onto the table, trying to let the wave of being winded pass. Then she looked at him again. Even in sleep, he was in pain. Tears fell from his eyes, soaking the bandages she placed over his wounds.

Cautiously, she wiped his tears away before tucking him into the blanket. She knelt to the ground, studying his face. He was fine. He was fine! What the fuck happened? Her mind kept going with pointless questions she knew couldn't be answered. Mindlessly, she ran her cool finger through his hair. Does he like it? She questioned. His face softened at her touch like the pain had disappeared. Why am I helping you? I barely know you. Even though I feel I've known you forever.

Rising from her feet, she made her way back to the kitchen, grabbing the empty beer bottles and her empty plate from the table. She placed the plate in the sink before stepping toward the recycling bin. She bent down, neatly placing the bottles in a line, but didn't get back up. In the corner of her eye, she saw the couch, but only the couch.

His heartbeat fluttered in her ears. He was right behind her. She turned around, meeting his gaze with a friendly smile, "How are you feeling?" she asked. He stared blankly. His hands trembled as if energy was being held and he was eager to let it all out. "Would you like something to eat?" she asked. Quietly, he came closer, cupping her face with his hands. His touch was warm and gentle, she couldn't help but lean into it. Their foreheads came together. What are you thinking? She wondered. He leaned away, gazing at her face until he made her eyes. Her dark, green eyes. He felt his veins burn from the sight.

Her eyes grew wide as his hands tightened around her throat. He pushed her against the wall, raising her off the floor. She clawed at his wrists and face, but he did not react...until her knee rammed into his crotch. She fell to the ground, hurriedly running away as she tried to catch her breath. He crawled closely behind her, almost grabbing her leg, but at this point, she was already back on her feet. Her hands reached for the door, but she was pulled away. Trapped in his arms, she flew her head back, knocking him in the face, but he grabbed her hair, bringing her down with him onto the ground. She was pinned under him.