Captivation

24: Compassion

Compassion (noun): sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

I wake up to the sun shining brightly through the window. I know that his has to be almost noon. I prop myself up on my elbow only to drop back down on the bed, not ready to get up. I wrap myself back up in the covers.

I hear footsteps come in the room, they’re soft, and I guess that they’re Jane’s.

I hear a sigh. I decide to let her know I’m awake, and that I’m not getting up.

“Oh,” She says, seeing me.

“I’m not getting up.” I state.

“I wouldn’t.” Jane agrees. She sits at the foot of the bed. I like how she doesn’t try to excuse Henry.

I sigh.

“He’s going to want to come in here, you know.” Jane says.

“Tell him I died.” I murmur.

“He’s probably listening to us as we speak.” Jane says.

“Tell him I don’t want to see him…ever again.” I say.

Jane looks sad, but she nods “I’ll tell him you don’t want to see him now.” She leaves the room. I sigh.

I’m really glad that I slapped Henry. It’s the only thing that gives me some comfort in this situation. Not only has he embarrassed me, he brought up Andrew, who I almost jumped off a ship for, or partially for.

After five minutes I finally get up, I walk into the small adjoining room which has a small sink and a pitcher of water next to it. I freshen myself up, and then I go back to my position on the bed. I pull my hair back at the nape of my neck because all the little wispy pieces only make me angrier than I already am.

I get about four more minutes of peace before I hear foot steps down the hallway.

“She doesn’t want to see you.” I hear Jane, she sounds like she’s trying to keep up with someone.

“She never will,” Henry says. I hear Jane’s footsteps stop momentarily, and then speed up again. We both know that Henry knows me well enough to know that ‘ever again’ was implied by me even though Jane omitted that part. I knew she would.

They both burst into the room at the same time. “Henry, please.” Jane says, looking at me apologetically.

“Madelyn, just talk to me, please.” Henry begs after Jane.

“Was that girl any good?” I ask him, giving him a look. He pauses looking at me like a deer once it’s been caught. “You’re the one who wanted to talk.” I remind him.

“Madelyn,” He says, realizing that any answer to my question would screw him over. “I am so, so…”

Jane shoves him out of the room and I’m alone again. I hear Henry yell something, and then Alina trying to calm him down.

I think I hear the distinct sound of glass breaking.

Jane comes in ten minutes after the noise dies down. “Henry would like to see you?” She asks. I think this is funny, because it’s a statement posed as a question. And I’m sure Henry simply told her to tell me that he is going to talk to me. Poor Jane, the messenger.

“Fine.” I say.

Jane nods and leaves the room.

“She said yes.” I hear Jane say.

Henry’s footsteps are fast paced, and he practically runs into the room. “Madelyn,” he says. “Madelyn, I am so sorry.”

I just stare at him, afraid that I might cry again, I am so angry. “You already said that.”