Hide and Seek

Chapter 15 - Returning

I've officially lost count, everyday I've been going to the judging room and everyday they allow to me to live for the next. I'm tired of it. I hate them so much for it. I've been so angry at them I've built a large amount of hatred and sadness in my heart. I can't take this anymore.

I stood at the ledge of the building, looking down from the height. I want to jump, it's going to be a quick death. Just one jump and this is over. I'll never remember the memories and I'll permanently leave this place. I was going to step off but red and blue lights caught my eyes. Is that? What is that? I instantly step off the edge and peer at the moving lights. They're quite fast, I've only seen pictures and videos but the sirens sound louder in person.

I went back inside into the laundry room and folded the clothes left. Don't police officers save people? Where have they been all my life? I paused to dry my tears. Maybe I'm going crazy, I stared at the bandages wrapped around my arms and legs.

"I miss Jax..."

"I miss you too." I snapped my head forward. I adjusted my eyes to the dimly lit doorway. I thought I heard his voice.

A ghost? I took a step towards the door when someone emerges from the darkness.

"I told you I'd come back." It was Jax, he looked sleepless and I could tell he's been crying for days. I couldn't believe it. I paused and studied him. Is this a dream? The room was silent, Jax eyed me back looking at my injuries.

He quickly grabbed me into his arms, and I dropped the cloth I was grasping in my hand and hugged him back. It hurt to hug him, my whole body shook and ached.

"Help me." My blurry vision came back and my voice hushed to a whisper. The tears I've been holding in escaped my left eye.

"You're coming with me, we're leaving today Delilah. This time, forever." He lifted me in his arms and I sobbed.

"What took you so long? I was waiting for you." I closed my eyes to hide my tears, he sighed.

"I'm taking you home." We walked through the building and I caught glimpses of men in uniforms putting the elders into their cars flashing the red and blue lights I saw from the roof.

Jax carried me to a white box looking vehicle, it had the lights too. I forgot what it was called but we went inside and they placed me on a cushion like table. People were inside and they started checking me and talking. What are they talking about? I can't hear them properly.

"Jax? What happened to the batches?"

"The police already took care of them don't worry."

"Do you know if the batches that escaped are doing alright?" He nodded.

"They're doing great." I nodded. I'm sleepy, I couldn't carry my eye lids and I fell asleep.

What's that? I woke up to a high beeping sound and I was in a bright white room. I glanced to my left and saw a large window with the clear blue sky showing through.

"Jax?" He walked to the edge of my bed and held my hand.

"Yes, Delilah?" I smiled.

"Why are you crying?" He chuckled.

"I'm just happy you're here." I had wires attached to me and I was wearing a weird white cloak.

"Aren't we in a hospital?" It looked like one I saw in classes.

"We are, they're going to take care of you here." I nodded with a smile.

"We made it, we're finally free." Jax nodded.

"We survived."

"Take care!" My therapist waved at me before I left the office. I walked down the street and called Jax.

"Jax!" I run over to him beaming a smile. He patted my head and we strolled alongside each other along the beach.

How long has it been? Seven years? I looked at the scars specked across my arms, it was evidence that it happened. I shivered and stood still. I took a deep breath and looked up to the sky. It's really endless, it goes on forever. I feel free.

"Is this what it feels like?" Jax locked eyes with me.

"What?"

"Is this what freedom feels like?" I smiled widely, for once in my life I was finally happy. I'm free forever. Jax nodded.

"It's all over Delilah. I told you we would leave together, that we would finally be free." A small group of kids gathered around.

"Hey! Lets play hide and seek!" I shook, memories of the tower filled my thoughts, Jax patted my head.

"You remember too? They don't play the same game here."

"I know." I walked onto the sand and plopped onto the soft material.

"I'm happy it's over. That it's in the past." Jax pulled a ring from his pocket.

"Yes!" I climbed on top of him. He howled.

"I didn't even ask yet." I smiled.

"Still! Yes!" He kissed my forehead and slipped the ring on. We laughed watching the clouds move across the sky.

I still have nightmares about hide and seek, it was something I played for the majority of my childhood, but it's gotten better. I'm healing thanks to Jax. He saved me. It's been a while, I wish I could erase my memory but it's something I cannot forget. There are people that died there without nobody else knowing, and I know I can't ignore the history behind it. I got to see what the real world looks like, and it's better than what I expected. I experienced freedom and happiness, and after a long time. I'm finally happy.

I survived to play another game, and I lived long enough to see it end.

~End~