His Prize

Chapter 16: Sunshine

I wake up feeling refreshed.

Alex is nowhere to be seen. I can't go anywhere with these feet, so I settle for the next best thing – TV.

* * * * * * * *

It's midday by the time he leaves his room. He runs his hand through his hair while choosing a cereal. Is he hungover again?

Asking him directly may anger him, so I take a subtler approach. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

He picks me up and carries me to the kitchen. I wrap my arms around his neck as always. I sniff him, still weary. I can't smell any alcohol. Good.

"Bathroom first, please," I request.

He changes course, later returning and bringing me to the kitchen table.

He feeds me cereal one spoon at a time. "It's been over fifty hours since your last shower. I'm guessing you'll protest if I try help you?"

"I don't want that." I look away.

"Would it be acceptable if I close my eyes?"

I hug my turning stomach.

"I don't see why this is such a big deal. I've already seen everything."

No. No. He can't do it again. I feel sick. "You said you wouldn't..."

He sighs, and his eyes wonder around the room.

He lifts me up and pulls me close. "We're going outside. Besides," he sniffs, "I think we could all use some fresh air."

Did he just imply I smell? I won't let him get away with that.

He places me on the backyard lawn, then disappears around the house.

I sit cross-legged so as to not put any pressure on my wounds.

It's a beautiful sunny day, complete with chirping birds and bright flowers. The garden is well looked after, not what I'd expect from a bachelor. It's hard to believe that this tranquil garden is the same place I was crawling across the other night.

Alex appears with a hose in hand.

"What are you doing with that?" I growl.

"Oh just... watering." He points it at me and turns the knob.

I squeal as the freezing water hits my skin. "Alex! Fucking stop-" I'm cut off as the jet of water hits my mouth. I try use my arms as a shield.

"Looks like they were onto something with that 'wash out your mouth' saying," he taunts.

He takes his time spraying me. Eventually, he points the torrent of water to the flowers instead. I'm soaked from head to toe.

"What the hell Alex!?"

"What? You needed to be cleaned, you didn't want to shower, and now you're clean. I'd say mission accomplished."

"But I'm soaked and freezing! You jerk!"

"Would you like to change into a dry set of clothes?" he jokes, continuing to water the garden.

"And how am I supposed to do that!?" I hold up my bandaged hands.

"Well, I guess we'll just have to sun-dry you."

Ugh.

He makes his way around the garden, watering each plant as he goes. Soon the hose is close enough for me to reach it. I manoeuvre my hand-stumps to bend it until the water stops.