Man in the Wall (Who is he?)

Chapter 50 - Fueled with resentment

'Do you have a liking in Steven?' , of all questions attainable to ask he picks the most diabolical of all. I'd like to know where on earth he retrieved the thought from. It's complete and utter madness.

"Ex-excuse me? Of c-course not, I'm n-not brain d-dead. Why would y-you th-think that?" I query, feeling a slight bit disappointed. I'm not entirely sure if my current stuttering frenzy is due to the trauma of the coma or his question.

Falling for my kidnapper.

Now wouldn't that be an interesting turn of events? I know I've lost my senses far too many times, but my head still happens to be attached to the rest of my body. Steven has not only kidnapped me, but both physically and mentally abused me, starved me, left me in isolation, I nearly died, twice, plus he's nearly a decade older than me.

That last fact was so irrelevant. So technically if he was your age, you'd-... No, Jess, I wouldn't!

It would take a miracle for me to even remotely think of him as other than an isolated, self-serving, coldhearted prick. Today's display of a concerned and protective nature is simply misleading. I'm sure that as soon as I'm the picture of health, Steven will revert back to his usual remorseless self.

"As soon as he left earlier, a dazzling smile was dancing on your pretty face and it left me wondering the reasons behind it," he reveals and I'm astounded by his observation.

My mind backslides to that moment Steven exited my room and I suddenly become aware of the warning mystery man gave me. 'Be careful princess. They fool easily,' he claimed at random.

I do wonder if his warning was simply that or if something bigger is in play. Something which I'm undoubtedly oblivious towards, but blindly falling into.

Dazzling smile? Pretty face? Please say I'm not the only one taking note of every strange revelation coming out of his mouth... Jess queries.

Not having the energy to battle with my subconscious, I choose to ignore the thoughts being pushed forward and focus solely on one topic. I'm pretty sure I've had enough of getting caught off guard with his revelations today. If I just ignore them, they won't bother me. At least not as much as they should.

"Why only a-ask me this n-now? Wh-why not after he l-left?"

I mean, it would make a lot more sense if he asked me about Steven right after the acclaimed dazzling smile moment. Or at least after his warning about the guy. Plus I've seen myself smile a million times and dazzling is not exactly the adverb I'd use to describe it. The exaggeration is quite palpable.

"Because you wouldn't have-" he begins but stops abruptly and I feel my droopy eyes shoot open.

What the chicken sandwich. Did I just doze off?...

I batter my eyelids rapidly to keep myself awake. Sleep seems really promising right now. It's strange how I didn't notice my eyes drifting close a few seconds ago. But I know I can't fall asleep just yet as I'm in the middle of an insightful exchange.

"S-sorry I-"

"Get some rest princess. You'll have something to eat once you wake up."

What? No!

I open my mouth to protest, but in an instant, I feel my energy being drained right out of me. Like a late night party that leaves one frazzled and limp, all motivation to stay awake vacates.

"Th-this conversation is-isn't over."

A light chuckle escapes him and I wish I knew what he looked like so that I'm able to place that laughter with a face.