Firecracker (On Hold)

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Ariya's P.O.V.

It's been another month in this abysmal place. I've stayed away from everyone as much as possible and I haven't been talking to anyone; not even Justin. I can see the frustration in Justin's eyes, but I won't back down. I will do whatever I possibly can to ensure he doesn't break my rules again. I'm not giving him any reason to touch me or anything. Biting down on my anger is one of the most difficult things I've had to do in a very long time. I swear Todd is deliberately trying to get me to bite and I don't know how much longer I can ignore it. I'm trying so hard not to rip him apart, but I'm getting close to the danger zone on my anger thermostat and even hitting the bathroom wall all night is not helping. I just need to hit someone and then I can resume a normal service.

I'm still being cuffed to Justin whenever I'm not working. I get out of the cuffs in the night, but he either doesn't notice until the morning, or he just lets me get on with it. I've kept my word and I haven't run, so he doesn't really have any reason to not trust me in the night. Somehow, I don't think he sleeps through my whole middle of the night exercise regime.

I've hardly been eating, because I really don't want to owe this man anything. I have noticed my weight loss though, and although I know it's not healthy, I can't bring myself to swallow my pride and eat properly. I'm proud and stubborn and I don't like to show any form of weakness. Giving in to the hunger is weak. I never relied on food when I was on the streets and a few months in this place is not going to change that. As soon as I get out of here, I'm only going to go back to my old life, so I don't want to get too comfortable in this kind of life. I don't belong here. I figured that out a long time ago, when all the families kept sending me back. Apparently they couldn't deal with my many 'issues'. I was told I couldn't cope with a normal life and that I would never be able to fit in to a conventional lifestyle. It's a good job I can actually live with that prospect, isn't it? Although, I'm not sure the shrinks and carers are supposed to actually tell a child that. Isn't that kind of setting them up to fail before they've even tried?

I'm so lost in my thoughts, that I don't notice the plate that's put in front of me. It's only when I feel a tug on my cuff that I notice everyone is looking at me. I smirk, but say nothing. Obviously, their comments are not important enough for me to listen to.

Justin speaks, “Did you even hear what I just said?”

“Nope. I tune out trash.”

He takes a deep breath and I can see him biting back a response. I'm disappointed when he doesn't take the bait. I was actually looking forward to a slinging match.

“Just eat the food, Ariya. You're wasting away there.”

I take a bite out of the toast and smirk as I say, “Done.”

It's Mike that takes the bait and he almost growls, “Just eat the freakin' food, Ariya. Can't you see J is worried about you?!”

I chuckle, “Can't you see I don't believe you? Nor do I care.”

I love getting reactions out of people and Mike seems to have had just about enough of me. Stupidly, he can't help but carry on and fuel my little game.

“He's trying to help you, so stop throwing it back in his face! He's given you enough space to sort your stuff out and you're still acting like a spoiled brat. I don't care how special you think you are, that doesn't give you free rein to treat everyone else like dirt! Justin took you in when no one else would, so at least give him a little bit of respect...!”

Ok, so the little (or huge) red monster that lives in me has just reared it's ugly head.

“Er, I think you'll find Justin took me in coz the New York Correctional Services didn't know what else to do with me. Plus, the huge sum of money he is receiving is a major bonus. Don't be deceived into thinking it was out of some kindness. If you think that, then you really are a fool.”