Tears of Glass

Not Alone

'What just happened?' I thought still shivering after Zachariah left the room. I went to the bathroom after grabbing an oversized t-shirt and shorts. Taking a quick shower I glanced despairingly over my body. I didn't drink almost anything when I was with August because he had drugged me and I hadn't eaten much either, it started to show on my borderline anorexic body.

I studied the divots in my arms and my thighs as I stood in my underwear, hating my reflection. Everything in me wondered why I was here yet for some reason I knew I couldn't trust anything that came out of that mans mouth. Though the urges have been rising since I left, pushing them down hasn't been the most strenuous task. I imagined that was because of how utterly exhausting it proved to be to get through just one day.

After I changed I crawled into the oversized bed and pulled the covers up. Sinking into the clouds that the bed had been filled with. While I was sore I didn't feel it much anymore, the pillows held me carefully and helped me slip slowly into a dreamless sleep.***

***During this time August was waiting at an airport for a flight back to Georgia.

"What is it? I can't keep getting calls from you until I finish this interrogation. They'll get suspicious when they can't track you."

"Do you think I don't know that? She doesn't want to know why she's here. What did you tell her?"

August's face turned ashen on the other end of the phone. "Nothing, I swear. I didn't say anything. I wouldn't, I wanted her to be kept in the dark as long as possible. Did you tell her about my part?"

"No, I didn't but if I find out that you did tell her I will tell her everything. Wait, how much has she eaten since she left?"

"I don't know, not much. Everything I tried to give her she refused unless she got to open the package and even then she doesn't like most processed foods."

"I can tell, she's tiny."

"Yeah, and I don't know how much sleep she actually got but from what I remember she didn't ever really sleep very well. So part of her attitude is probably over exhaustion, malnourishment and I'm sure she's scared. She's been taught to fight but I doubt with the way that she is feeling right now she will fight much, unless you try to get her strength up."

"I have to. She needs to be in good condition so I can collect what is due. And she's been fighting plenty."

"You live in a mansion. Why do you even want the money?"

"That's my business. Just keep an eye on your people. Casimir is keeping me posted with the prices and I will bring her when they suit me."

"Yeah, can you try not to hurt her too much?"

"Her comfort level is dependent on her behavior. You know that."

"I'll call you with details after I deal with the police."

"Good." August hung up and stepped up to the booth.***

***"Princess, are you up?" I heard Zachariah's voice outside my door. The clock read '9:04'

I rolled over and sat up slowly, as Zachariah walked in. He was dressed casually in khaki pants and a baby blue t-shirt which hugged both his chest and arms. My hair felt heavy on my head, pieces of it had fallen in my face. His figured was blurry at first when he turned on the light as my eyes got used to the brightness.

"Hey, Are you hungry?" He sat down on the bed beside me.

"No," I lied. I didn't want to risk what he could put in it, even though I knew I felt sick from not eating.