The Experiment

Eight

I was sleeping when Michael entered the room. I opened my eyes barely. He was writing on the whiteboard. I peaked over at him.

He sighs noticing I was awake. "I know you're awake," he said.

I nodded and watched him.

He wrote

Name: Izzy Peirson
Age: 14
Age group: 14-16
Gender: Female
Escape Attempts: 1
Punishments: 1
Experiments: 1
Recovery time: 1 week
Food restrictions: Shrimp and milk
Medications: Zolift, Reglan, Vallium, Trazidone 
Next Experiment: TBA
Tonight movie: Alice in Wonderland 

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Updating your whiteboard so you know whats going on," he said putting the marker down after. He turned to me walking over. "How do you feel?" He asked.

"Cold," I sighed.

He nodded.

"Ashley said you couldn't feel your toes can you feel them now?" He asked.

"Its a tingling feeling," I told him. "I'm really sorry I hurt Ashley," I said

"Thats what the punishments are for dear Izzy, they are to help you learn your mistakes," he said with a smile.

I nodded.

"Whats my next Experiment going to be?" I asked.

"I haven't decided yet," he said.

I nodded.

"If I behave do they get easier? Less painful?"

"No, but you will know what to expect. Know that not all are painful," he said to me touching my cheek.

"How does it work? I mean how do you chose?" I asked.

"We select the best catagory of experiments, physical, endurance, mental. Not everyone here will go through the same one. We vary the Experiment from person to person. Sometimes its a random draw. You wont ever have a physical back to back or an endurance back to back or a mental one back to back. They are all scattered," he said.

I nodded and looked down.

"Im hungry," I told him.

He sighs and nodded "Its almost time for lunch," he said.

"How does that work? Do I go to a cafeteria?"

"No, you eat breakfast lunch and dinner in here. Our cooks make everyones meals specifically to their diet. Like yours they will use non dairy products in your meals," he said.

I nodded.

"When do I get to see other people?"

"Your age group gets their free time from 2-4 pm," he said. "Then the movie is at 8pm," he said. "If you want to go. It's Alice in Wonderland?"

I nodded "I want to go," I whispered.

"Good," he smiled.

"Do people often come to visit?" I whispered.

"Visitors are allowed but they are rare," he sighs at it. "You hope someone will come visit?"

I nodded. "Anyone. I don't care. I miss home," I whispered.

He nodded. "Everyone does," he sighs his facial expression softening.

I looked down.  "Why are you so obessed with me?"

"I've never seen someone who was so stronged willed like you," he said.

I nodded and looked down. "Am I allowed to write letters?"

"No," he sighs.

"Calls?"

"No," he sighs. "Only people can contact you," he said. "You can receive calls and letters but you cant  send them to anyone," he said.

"Can I have writing supplies anyway?" I asked.

"After a week of good behavior," he said. "Which means, no talking back, fighting nothing," he said.

I nodded.

"Im sorry about Jamie. He bit you. He wasn't supposed to bite you, he is new working here," he said.

I nodded looking down touching the bite on my neck.

"During the free time what is available to do?"

"Socialize, color. Theres some staff there to assist with art supplies if you want to do art. Theres games and a paino. You said you like to play?" He said.

I nodded. "What type of art?" I asked.

"Painting, coloring, you can make bracelets stuff like that," he said.

"Do I get to keep any of it?"

"Of course. You can hang any of it in your room too. 6 months of good behavior gets you into a nice room," he said. "1 year with no escape attempts and your door can remain unlocked and you get outside access twice a week."

"Nicer than this?" I asked.

"Yes. Theres a desk, and windows, and a nice bed," he said. "But thats an if you can make it with good behavior," he said.

"I will," I said  to him. "I will," I sighed

"Wanna place a bet?" He asked raising his brow.

"Yes," I said.

"Good behavior for 6 months, and I'll put you in the nice room," he said. "Good behavior no escape attempts for 1 year, outside access, no locked door," he said holding out his hand.

"What happens if I slip up?" I asked.

"You can never have a chance at getting the nice room," he said.

"6 months and its guaranteed nice room," I said.

"And 1 year no escape attempt," he said. "You're making it sound like you're planning an escape," he chuckled.

"I'm not. Im just trying to get the 6 months guaranteed," I said.

"Fine. 6 months good behavior and you're guaranteed the nice room."

"Bet ends there," I said.

"Ill make an offer you cant resist. One year with no escape attempt and Ill let you go home for a day. To see your mother," he said. "Ill destract Aro so you can say hi," he said.

"Deal," I said faster than ever.

I gulped.

I have to do it.

I have to behave for 6 months.

I have to be escape attempt free for one year.

Then I can go home and see my family.

I can do this.

I just have to live in hell for the next year.