Hide and Seek

Chapter 9 - Aftermath

     It was the day after the game. It took a toll on everyone. However, if you were here long enough, it didn't effect you. It was just a change in the day. I didn't hangout with people from my batch, I didn't know the ones that were left, but I heard the numbers went down again. I sat in my desk staring at the window. It looked cloudy outside. The fluffy clouds were grey and dark, it would probably rain soon. I observed everyone in the room, the atmosphere was different but I knew it was temporary. For most of the time at least. I went on with my day like yesterday didn't happen. I think I'm broken... Should I be acting this normal? Or is it because of the constant exposure of violence throughout my life I just got used to it? No matter the cause, this... shouldn't be normal...

     I went into the kitchen and helped others out in the freezer. I shivered, there were still remnants of blood from yesterdays events. I had to contain myself while working with everyone else.

     "What happened in here?"

     "I don't know, they must've dropped some meat or something." I silently took the frozen food overhearing the two converse. It was from meat, but not from this freezer. I rushed out and placed the meat in the sink to defrost.

     Usually I'd be out late for my duties, but surprisingly I actually finished early. I gathered my toiletries and went for the showers. Out of nowhere Jax popped up.

     "Good evening, Number 1001." I smiled at Jax.

     "Good evening."

     "I'm glad to see you, but I'm not surprised." He lightly patted my head.

     "Just survive one last game. I promise we'll make it out of here." I silently nodded with tears filling my eyes. Jax gave me a tight hug, I was on the verge of tears. It's been years, I don't know how much longer I can take it. We pulled away, I held in my tears and smiled at him. He gave a small chuckle and kissed my forehead.

     "I'll see you around. If you need anyone, you know my room." I smiled as Jax walked away. I'm going to survive this, I'm going to leave with Jax.

     I finished my shower and sat alone in my room. Aya was gone, the blood cleaned off the ground where she was put to sleep. I wasn't assigned a new roommate until further notice so the extra bed, desk and wardrobe was placed into storage until it was needed. The room looked bigger with the extra space, it's almost like a dream. Like Aya never really existed. I recalled the game. That was one of the first times I've had someone killed in my room, let alone my own roommate. I leaned my back against the wall. Time stood still, I don't even know why I was sent here. I'll have to find out another day.

     I crawled out of my bed and made my way to his room. He said I could come, I hope he doesn't mind my company. I was standing outside of his door. I felt a pit in my stomach, I wanted to knock, but at the same time I wanted to walk away. I bit my lip and hesitated, slowly reaching the doorknob trying to gain the courage to knock.

     "Delilah?" My spine spiked up.

     "Y-Yes?" He let out a small laugh.

     "I knew it was you, let me get the door." I cupped my hands and Jax opened the door.

     "What's wrong?" I held my head and I felt my tears starting to form again.

     "I just need you." My voice cracked. Jax was the only person I knew that lasted as long as I did, he's been through what I have. He understands me and I wanted his company.

     "Of course, come in." He closed the door and I sat on his bed. I took a deep breath, Jax gave me a tight hug. Then I finally started to cry, the tears fell. After all these years, I cried again. I silently sobbed into his shoulder.

     "Jax... I don't know how much longer I can stand this. I just want to kill myself. It's too much.. I can't...." I heard Jax start to cry too. We softly cried together.

     "It's almost over Delilah, you just have to keep going. Please, don't give up. I need you too."

     "I know, it's just hard. I don't have anyone else but you."

     "I only have you too Delilah, please... Just don't give up. It hurts to hear you say that, I know how you feel but please keep going." I nodded.

     "I'll try." I hugged him tightly, and he held on. We cried for a while, when we were done our eyes were puffed.

     I really need Jax. I needed this. He's right. I can't give up. There's no way I'm dying here.

     "Delilah?" I wiped my eyes.

     "Mhm?" He pulled me close pressing his lips against mine.

     "I love you." I pulled him closer.

     "I love you too."

     I woke up to the sound of rain and writing. It's relaxing... I opened my eyes and saw Jax at his desk writing. The desk lamp was on illuminating a small glow throughout the room. I slipped off to the edge of the bed.

     "What time is it?" Jax placed his pencil down and moved beside me.

     "Don't worry, you don't have any duties today right?" I thought back on my schedule.

     "You're right, I don't have any today." He patted my head.

     "Just relax and go back to sleep." He turned back to his work and I drifted back to sleep.

     I slowly started to gain my consciousness again. The sensation of my hair being played with felt comforting. My eyelids lifted up and I saw Jax laying beside me, his fingers steadily running through my hair. He faintly smiled at me.

                           "I have a small plan to escape, but I'm going to need your help."