Firecracker (On Hold)

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Over the next few days, Justin pretty much keeps Todd and I separated, thankfully. I've been chopping wood quite a lot, seeing as it helps to keep the anger at bay. I think Justin has figured this out, so whenever he feels like I'm getting close to losing it, he sends me out to chop some more fire wood. There's quite a stack at the back of the barn now. Mike has taught me how to clean out stalls and make feeds for the horses. I haven't been allowed to handle any of the horses yet. Justin says I'm too volatile, that the horses will pick up on my anger and react to it. To be honest, I don't really care about handling any horses. I like the physical work. I like using my anger to break things, so I'd rather do those kinds of things, especially seeing as it helps to keep my muscles toned and my strength up.

So far, I've managed to make it five days without giving in to the hunger. I've only had black coffee in the morning for breakfast. I've been drinking loads of water and sweet tea in an attempt to keep my glucose levels up enough to work.

At dinner on the fifth night, Justin shoves a plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes into my hands and says, “You will eat. That is not up for discussion. You're not going anywhere until you finish all of the food on that plate. You've made your point, so now you will eat. Sit at the table.”

His tone leaves no room for discussion, but you must know me a little bit by now, so you'll know I'm not one to go by the normal way of doing things. I am hungry and I don't know if I can go much longer without food, but I'm not going to give in so easily.

I nonchalantly say, “I'll eat if I sit over by that glass wall. I'm not sitting with that scum bag.”

Although I haven't had to work with Todd, I've heard what he's said about me to Mike. I've heard him telling Mike what he'd like to do to me and how he'd like to show me who is boss. Like that's ever going to happen. I've also heard the way he talks to Louise when he thinks no one else is around. He's a male chauvinistic pig and I'd so like to smack the cocky attitude right out of him. The beating I gave him earlier in the week has left him with some nasty dark bruises, which makes me smile secretly.

Justin sighs, probably not really wanting any confrontation. He nods a little, so I take the plate and head for the living room. I hear Todd whine, “What? How come she gets to sit in there? What if I want to go and eat in the living room?”

“Todd, you really want to go and eat in there with Ariya? You think she won't throw down that plate and beat on you? You think she hasn't heard your comments these past few days?”

Todd doesn't answer Justin, which is a very smart move in my opinion. If he'd have answered, I'd have to give him a beating and I don't know if Justin would be able to hold me back if that happens.

I eat slowly. The taste of the chicken is amazing. As much as Louise might get on my nerves, I have to admit the girl can cook. After not eating for so long, I can't actually finish everything on the plate. Justin dished a huge portion for me, but my stomach lining has shrunk, so I can't eat that much. I just sit on the edge of the couch, pushing the food around, waiting for everyone to finish. When they decide to spend time talking, I decide I can't wait for them, so I stand up and take my plate to the sink. I wash up my dishes and say, “Thanks Louise.”

The whole room falls silent. I literally hear the crickets chirping outside.

Todd has to open his big mouth as he walks to the sink. “Yeah, thanks Lou. At least you know your place is in the kitchen...”

I grab a hold of him and shove him against the counter. I grind out, “You speak to her like that again and I'll rip out your voice box. You better apologize or I swear I'll start ripping out your fingers until it makes you apologize, you little turd.”