Page 24 of Pushed Through The Dark
Chapter Six
Aubrey
The sun hit my eyes, creating a bright splash of color that forced me awake. Blinking my eyes open, I forgot for a moment where I was.
The pillow beneath my head was foreign, the warm blankets and squishy mattress almost shock me altogether. The night's events rushed through my head, and I jolt up in bed. My nails dug into the blanket, and I clutched it so hard I could feel the tips of my nails start to tear through the fabric.
Glancing around frantically, I anticipated seeing someone in my room. It was like I could feel the eyes on me as if I was being watched. But no one is there.
Letting out a sigh of relief, I twisted in the bed and let my heels sink into the plush maroon carpet on the floor. My toes scrunched in and out, enjoying the softness as it tickled between my toes.
The small things life. . .
Standing up, I walked lightly to the window and pulled the curtains back. They were thick and heavy, the same maroon color as the rug, with a pattern of gold and white flowers. I was looking out at a dense expanse of thick trees. It was incredible and terrifying all at once. For all the vast beauty of the forest, I still only saw bars.
The bars aren't hard metal anymore, instead, my cage is wide with the illusion of freedom, except it would still kill me just the same.
My arms fell to my sides and I turned to check out the rest of the room. There was a long wooden dresser, with amazing detail etched into the wood, and a matching nightstand at the side of the bed.
No mirror. Probably a good thing, I'd rather not see myself.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed a small bench at the end of the bed with a pile of clothes on it. Stepping to the bench, there was a small note on top of the clothes.
You look like you could use something new.
Shower and come down when you're ready.
—K
He set out a pair of yoga pants and a long gray t-shirt. Looking over my shoulder, there was a soft light inside the bathroom. Cautiously, I moved to the door, unsure if the eyes I had been feeling had hidden inside. Peering into the room, it was empty.
My eyes shifted to the bench, then to the shower, and back to the clothes.
Another trick. . . Is that what this is?
Virgo liked to taunt us, he played his games, and he loved every second of it. He'd try to lift you, taunting you with freedom, with new clothes, with money and expensive jewelry. All of it was a ruse. And when he saw the light in your eyes get snuffed out, he'd smile with delight.
Why would this man be any different?
Crossing my arms around my chest, I plucked at my bottom lip. I'd love a shower. Sleeping felt great, and the opportunity to clean up would feel just as incredible.
It isn't this simple, is it?
Tapping my fingers against my mouth, I decided to just go for it, but not before making some changes to the room so I felt safer. Using the bench seat, I jammed it under the handle so no one could just open the door and come in.
Picking up the clothes, I walked towards the bathroom when something caught my eye. The small first aid kit was still open on the dresser. Standing still for a moment, I touched my shoulder, and the pain caused me to wince.
He's right, I don't want it to get infected.Grabbing the kit, I took it with me in the bathroom.
Locking the door behind me, I noticed there was no mirror in there either, and I'm starting to wonder if there's a reason for it. I haven't seen one mirror in this house, not one.
Steam filled the bathroom after I started the water, and I climb into the shower. The water cascaded down my body, and it felt so damn good. Closing my eyes, I dropped my head under the water and let it steal me away for a minute.
Because right then, right in that very moment, I actually felt normal. I felt like I was home in my apartment, and everything was just a bad nightmare.
