The Last Hope

Chapter 7- Rae

Throughout the day until now, Aria came to my door once. She asked to come in, but I said no and she put a bowl of soup she brought me on the floor in front of the door if I wanted it. At first I refused it. But sitting here, I could smell; the boiled, liquefied tomato, spicy garlic calling for me. Salt and pepper dancing together somewhere just available to me. I couldn't resist , so I snatched it from the doorway, drinking it all at once. When needed, I would peek out my door to check for heads, finding Aria camped out next to my door more often than not, and jump across the hall to the washroom. Later on she would stand outside my door, asking if I wanted to come join them for dinner. She didn't seem surprised when I refused and then brought me chicken nuggets and cooked canned green beans. I want to go home. I want to look into my Kota's eyes and feel the warmth of his hug once more. Hours ago now, I had looked out the window to try and escape, but the way the house curved, there was a perfect view of the kitchen and back door. I am certain that you could see out the glass door from the majority of the living room as well, so they would easily see me if I tried.

It has now been two weeks and four days since I was drugged and torn from the only life I knew. Everyday had a similar routine of her bringing me food. I wasn't harassed or anything, I have actually been treated quite kindly. Although, I noticed that they only make pre-cooked food usually, or things that don't require much effort or knowledge of how to cook. I decided that maybe I can at least show them a few things so I can eat real food again. I walked out and they were all sitting at the kitchen table playing a card game. Shocked by my entrance, they stared at me so dumbfounded. I stood there awkwardly in the two-sizes-too-big jeans they had cleaned and given me a few days ago and the loose, blue knitted sweater. I walked passed them looking into their cupboards and pantry for a meal I can properly make. They were still looking at me- I could feel it, even though every time I turn to glance at them, they play their game, but I take note at how the game doesn't change between my side glances. I laughed to myself at their attempt at subtlety and pulled out long strands of dried pasta and two extremely dusty cans of tomato sauce. I place them on the counter and sought a sauce pan and pot to boil the noodles and spaghetti sauce. I search for any spice and herb I can use to give it a less bland taste.
I look back and smile at them, "That a slow card game?" I asked. They jumped slightly at the sound of my voice and Aria replied "No- we're playing 'big two'." I laughed and turned around with them questioning my laughter as I expected. "Then why has that three of diamonds been the only card sitting there on the table since I walked in the room?" I turned back to them again to see their bashful blushing and over examining their cards. I laughed again and continued stirring the food. I could hear their sharp intakes of air as they sniffed what I was working on. I turned to the fridge and reached for the freezer in seek of some frozen meatballs, and surely enough there were some pre-cooked ones waiting in there. I plopped them into the near-boiling sauce and put a lid on top. As everything cooked, I didn't realize how awkward the silence would be, but yet strangely comforting- I've spent a long time in complete solitude now, and company is nice, even though it's the role who took me.
Everything feels familiar...
Once dinner was ready, they had come and gotten dishes for the table, setting me one as well, and surprising for us all, I didn't refuse eating with them. We sat in silence, when I asked something that's been on my mind recently; "Am I under a strict lockdown kind of deal? Or can I go spend time outside?" Being stuck inside has probably been one of the worse parts of being here. "Yes, of course!" Aria replied. I smiled hugely when Axle grabbed his arm and leaned close to whisper what he thought I couldn't hear. "We can't risk losing her if she tries to run." I rolled my eyes and answered for Aria; "Like I could even out run you three. I gestured to their incredibly long legs and obvious high fitness level. Axle's expression looked almost like a smile, but it was the way he was thinking; sucking in the right corner of his mouth that could be mistaken as a half-smile. "Abe and Aria, you'll both have to keep a close eye on her for now when she goes outside." They both agreed and I was about to argue the fact that I'll be being supervised, but then I thought I shouldn't fight it; I'm able to go outside again at least.