Just The Way You Like It - Under Construction

Chapter Sixty-Six

Chapter Sixty-Six

I sat in my box wondering what they were going to do to me next, when the all too familiar sound of footsteps caught my attention. I immediately knew something was different when instead of being yanked out of my box, I was gently lifted out. Sturdy, strong hands wrapped under my legs and I was forced to wrap my arms around a man's neck to keep from falling.

The man began to walk in silence, taking me away from my box. But to where, I had no idea. The only sound was of the man's feet making contact with the floor, and the sound of keys jangling as he unlocked numerous doors. Finally, the man spoke. “Close your eyes, it's gonna get bright, Alice.” I obeyed, and tightly squeezed my eyes shut to avoid the pain. My head was already swimming from lack of food and what I could only assume to be a lot of blood loss, and it was all I could do to keep from fainting from the pain.

I could feel the man's warm breath on my cheek as he continued to carry me. Even with my eyes closed, I could tell that we were someplace lit, and for some reason it bothered me. Wallace had promised to bring me back out from The Pit, but it was still strange to think that I was already out. I listened as another door was unlocked with the man's keys, and slowly I began to open my eyes.

It hurt to keep them open, but I saw enough to figure out where I was. The room had the same look as the one Blake and I had shared when we first arrived. Only this one had an operating table in the middle and a smaller table next to it with sharp looking blades and instruments. I tensed, knowing exactly why I was here, and although I knew I had to be mended in order to survive, I thought I would have preferred to have it done in the dark. Being able to see what was going to be done to me was not something I was looking forward to.

I looked to the man carrying me, hoping for some sign that things wouldn't be as bad as I thought. Sam only gave me a sad smile and my jaw dropped as I realized it was him. “It's okay, Alice. I'll stay with you.” He set me gently onto the table, and took my hand in his. All I could do was stare at him as he stared back at me. “You've looked worse, don't worry.” He said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. My broken pinkie finger throbbed at the extra pressure, and I yanked my hand away to escape the pain. “Sorry.” He said. “I didn't mean to hurt you.” I kept quiet but gave him a scrutinizing look, trying to decide if he was on my team, or theirs.

Unable to decide, I chose instead to stare at the ceiling and concentrate on getting my eyes used to the light in the room. I felt Sam's hand rest on my unbroken arm as I heard the door open again behind me. Turning my head, I watched as a small, wrinkly, old man hobbled over to the table, standing next to Sam. His crooked fingers stretched out, and Sam shook the man's hand. “Now, now, now, what do we have here?” The man said, drawing his hands over my leg. I shivered at his cold touch, fearing the worst and knowing it was soon coming. “Calm down, Child.” He said, but he didn't remove his hands. Sam drew his face near mine, letting his lips graze my ear slightly as he whispered into it.

“Why don't you close your eyes, it will be easier. I'm not leaving you, so don't worry.” I did as he suggested, and even though it helped a little I still couldn't help but tense as the elderly man continued his assessment.

“Mm, yes.” The old man said, finally removing his hands from my still naked body. “Shouldn't take long. No, not long at all. Now Alice, take a nice deep breathe and we'll begin.” I felt my chest rise as I let the air into my lungs, only to have it come whooshing back out as the first bone was reset. I wanted to beg for Blake to do it, but I knew he was dead now, and I was pretty sure I still wasn't allowed to talk. The man worked quickly, and before I knew it, he was resetting the bone in my finger. With a small pop, I felt the bone fall back into place.

I forced myself to open my eyes again and the first thing I saw was Sam's smiling face above my own. I gave him a weak smile back, hoping it would make him happy. I tried to sit up, thinking I was done, but Sam pressed me back down. “Not yet, Alice. You still need work.” I let my eyes slowly rove around the room, and relocated the old man. He was returning to the table with a large bowl and a few rolls of something that I didn't recognize. Again in this room, I was shocked, as the man began to roll gauze around my now reset broken bones. After what felt like hours, I had exactly five casts and one sling to put my arm into.