Inside the Asylum (Book 1)

Chapter 8 - The First Dance

Grace danced around with Jack, who was clinging to her hand. They looked happy and all I wanted to do was join them. I knew I couldn't though.

As soon as the song ended, I saw Grace making her way to the refreshment table, her dress still swaying from all the dancing she had been doing. She really did look beautiful that night and Jack was well aware of it. The way he looked at her just showed how much he loved her. There was a twinkle in his eye that only appeared when he looked at her. They were such a cute couple! Most of me was happy for them but part of me was sad. Sad that I was 30 years old and had nothing. I didn't have someone who loved me as much as Jack loved Grace. They were the lucky ones! All I know is I wanted what they had! I wanted someone, anyone to care about me for once. I was tired of being alone.

I sat alone at our table watching all the people around me when I noticed someone drop down in the chair beside me. It was Max. I gave him a small smile then looked away. I could feel his eyes on me. Then he spoke "Are you having a good day?" I smiled again wider this time.

"Today had been the best day of my life! Thank you by the way. Grace told me you helped to arrange all of this. It means a lot!" He smiled, blushing. He nodded and moved to get up to get a drink and some food from the buffet table at the back of the room. "Wait." I say wanting to ask him a question, the question which had been bothering me almost all day.

"Why did you set all this up? I mean you don't even know who I am so why do something as amazing as this?" I watched him carefully as he sat back down, blushing hard.

"Grace talks about you a lot. She told me how nice you were and that she believed you deserved a day out of that prison you live in every day. To be honest after spending time with you today I don't think you are insane. I think you amazing, and I truly believe you shouldn't be stuck there! My mother also told me that out of all of the patients you are the strongest she has ever seen. Plus, you look beautiful right now!" I couldn't help but smile, this time it was my turn to blush.

"Thank you." I basically whisper but somehow, he still hears me. He nods then excuses himself. Just as he leaves Jack and Grace sit down.

"Hey." Grace wheezes trying to catch her breath after all the dancing she had done since arriving. She looked at me and smiled then looked at Jack, who was sat quietly beside her. He then decided to leave to let us talk. Whatever that meant. Grace waits until he is out of ear shot then looks at me expectantly.

"So?" She almost screams. The excitement dripping out of her mouth.

"So what?" I asked confused and slightly worried I had missed something. I basically beg her with my eyes to tell me what she meant.

"Oh, come on! You and Max? You looked like you were getting close." I laugh.

"Grace, I only met him today."

"So?" She giggles clearly wanting to know if I liked Max.

"He seems nice, but I don't know him well." I say hoping for Grace to drop the subject, she does smiling. The boys come back each carrying two drinks. Jack sat down in the booth beside Grace while Max sat down next to me. Both Grace and Jack head to the dancefloor for the last dance of the night. I watch as I see many other couples doing the same.

"Do you want to dance?" Max askes me holding his hand out.

"I'd love to!" I said as I took his hand and followed him onto the floor. According to Max this dance was a waltz and he would be leading me. I let him. I felt like I was floating, like a cloud. Max held me close, one hand on my waist the other holding my hand. My skin, under my dress, burned where his hand sat on my waist. I didn't know why. As the song ended Grace pulled me away excitedly.

"I never knew you could dance?! You were incredible! No wonder my brother likes you. You're smart, pretty and talented." She giggled.

Soon after that we had to go. Grace's mum picked us up. After dropping Jack off at his home, we headed back to Voltaire Asylum. As we got closer, I began to feel sick. I had no idea what was going to happen when I walked back in, back through those doors that once I was through them would be locked behind me and probably never open again. I breakdown as we climb out of the car. The tears start flowing down my face. Both Grace and Max notice but neither says anything, however Max takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze before dropping it again. I calm down slightly. Them and their mother walk me back into my room. As we enter, I walk straight to my corner and change into my old tattered clothes. I hand the dress back to them. I notice a single tear flow down Grace's face drawing a single line.

A lonely line.

Soon they left leaving me alone. The lock clicked as the door shut. That noise haunted me all night.

I woke up sweating. That same nightmare. My first day and night here. I sat for a moment and slowly realised it was pitch black both inside my room and out in the hall. There wasn't a single light. Not a single hope of making it out of here. The darkness crept towards me like death sneaking up on its next victim. I sat staring at the wall. My brain was going at a million miles an hour. Everything that we had done today was running through my head. I couldn't believe how amazing my day had been. However, now it was gone. The day was over, and I felt at a loss. How I wished for that freedom every day.

As I sat there, I felt the happiness drain from my body. The coldness of the wall I was leaning against seemed to be replacing it. Sadness took over as I realised that I didn't know what to expect now. Would they still be nice to me or would they go back to their old ways? Would Jack ever talk to me? Would Max? Would I ever get out of here for more than a day? My mind raced unsure of what lay ahead of me.

Tiredness overtook my body. My arms felt like lead so did my legs. I had done more exercise today than I had in 14 years. Every muscle burned, even ones I didn't even know I had used. My eyes burned and as they closed, I relived the day. Happiness filled me one last time before sleep stole me away.