19 SURVIVAL PART 9: What I did.

Numbness rose in my wrists as the ropes started to cut my blood circulation. I looked at Chris, bleeding, his eyes barely open. The same went for Kaleb and Ryan. They were severely injured from the beating they had endured. We didn’t notice one night was already gone. We didn’t even notice when they stopped the beating, if they even stopped at all.

When I thought of Jace, part of me still remembered how he had lied to me, although I had forgiven him, and part of me felt bad as I saw the bruises on his body growing bigger and bigger. He must have had some broken bones by then, considering the torture he had just been through. His mouth, head and ear were bleeding, and his eyes, as much as he tried to keep them open, automatically closed. His breathing was so hard I could hear it from where I was sitting.

Jace - I’m sorry.

He exhaled, trying to talk in his weakness.

Jace - I’m so sorry.

Every breath of his bore the weight of guilt and regrets. I felt it deeply, and that was why I had forgiven him. Although I could feel the anger from Kaleb and Ryan, I knew that Chris understood the very difficult decision I made, as he knows how love can sometimes make you do strange, seemingly irrational things. Chris had always been a soft-hearted person, and very forgiving, which is why I considered him like an elder brother.

As the big man came back in, we caught a glimpse of the outside world, the rays of the sun shining. How late in the day was it, for the sun to shine so brightly? How long have we been held up for?

He came up to us, ordering his men to stand down, which was a second of relief even though we knew if wouldn’t last. He primarily walked up to Aayat, angry, like he was going to hit her. He placed his hand on her cheeks. As young as she was, she barely blinked, and remained strong. I admired her, being able to hold on in front of such difficulties.

I noticed Jace trying to react, but he could barely move. So I had to step in. No matter what Jace had done, Aayat did not deserve this.

“Don’t touch her!” I shouted, hoping to divert his attention to me. A successful attempt, as he left her alone and walked up to me, giving me the death stare. I tried to hide how intimidated I was by his look. He bended over, lowering his eyes to mine.

Big man - I actually have some Questions for you love.

Love? What could his questions be? Jace? Me? Us? I didn’t want to answer, afraid of his reaction. Instead, I stared at him stubbornly, hoping to hide the fear. If there’s one thing life has ever taught me, it’s this:

Lesson 7 : never let your enemy know when you’re weak. They will take advantage of it. Never let them see fear.

I didn’t need a war to learn that one ; not only criminals take advantage of one’s weaknesses. Hence, I tried my best not to look scared of him, even though I was shaking inside.

Big man - I need to know how a young girl like you defeated four of my best men. The security footage betrayed you.

Where did you train, and with whom?

Train? I didn’t understand what he meant. Who could possibly train me ? I was a carefree college girl, remember ? He then put his hands on both sides of the chair as if he was about to break it, held the chair’s arms tight and came up to my face.

Big man, after slapping me - Listen, I don’t want to hurt you. I have no time to lose with you. But I will hurt you if you don’t answer my questions so why not make this easier for the both of us? Just tell me who you work for and who trained you.

Me - I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Big man - You’re telling me that a girl, with no training and no experience, managed to defeat four of my best trained men?

Me - I don’t know how I did it, alright. I just did. Who could’ve trained me ? After all, I was just a normal student with a bright future until you came along.

Although I was angry, he was right, and I did wonder how I did what I did. He didn’t insist any further, though I could see he did not believe me.

Big man - If what you’re saying is true, then you got a talent honey. Unfortunately, you’re on the losing team. You wouldn’t be interested in changing sides now, would you?

I couldn’t believe the guts he had to even ask me that question. Could he really be that thick?

Me - I’d rather die.

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