Orphan - Pt. 4

Soft and cool, breezes of air repeatedly hit my face. My pupils painfully constricted as I opened my eyes amidst the intense light.

“Just breathe,” a shadow said, hovering over me. My eyes opened even wider. I remembered the shadow creeping across the floor and started to panic.

“Hey, calm down, it's okay,” the deep voice said, noting my struggle. I stopped jerking around long enough for him to put his arm around me. I felt a slight tug and the next thing I knew, a huge weight was lifted. The stranger held up a straitjacket in front of me. I felt my face contort with utter confusion. “I’m Lewis, by the way,” he said as he stood up with an outstretched hand. I took it and he helped me off the cot. “That was some show you put on.”

“Thanks,” I started, “wait, you saw that? I didn't see any nurses there.”

“What?” he laughed, “I’m not a nurse! I live here too. I was at the table you tried to sit at, but I was on the other side.”

I blushed, embarrassed. “Oh,” I said, looking around. There were white cabinets on white walls that held sterile, shiny instruments. “Are you even allowed to be in here?”

“No, that's why we have to go before they find out.” A bunch of questions ran through my head, but before I could form one to ask, Lewis had me by my good wrist and was leading me through the heavy, gray door.

We ran down an extensive, wood-paneled hallway and through a set of double doors. A few more hallways and doors and we were in a small library. It was more of a small lounge, but there were more bookshelves than couches and tables. Lewis led me toward the back behind a bookshelf where there were a table and chairs for two.

“Aren't we going to get in trouble for this?” I asked as we sat down.

He looked at me quizzically. “Surely, someone like you doesn't care about getting in trouble.” I didn't know whether to be complimented or offended; after all, the kid didn’t even know me.

I smirked and said, “Nah, but I think I was suppose’t stay locked up, being crazy and all.”

“Yeah, tell me about that. What made you, like, maul Alex?” He paused, “I mean, why--what made you snap?”

“I never used to be like that,” I dodged and looked away. “I get so angry now, I can't figure out why.”

I could feel his eyes digging into me, trying to uncover answers. He was firm and blunt when he asked: “Why are you here?”

“My parents died.” I said in the same, flat tone; my eyes were locked on his.

“How?” he asked audaciously.

I felt the heat rising up, but thinking about the answer cooled it back down. “House fire. Manipulated house fire.”

“Then you came here?”

“No, I was forced to live with my aunt, but that didn't last long,” I said, looking down at my bandaged hand.

“What happened there?” he asked, looking too.

I squinted. “Who are you askin’ everythin’ ’bout me?”

“I’m just curious,” he defended.

I stood up. “Curiosity killed the cat,” I said and started walking out. He grabbed my arm before I could open the door. He tried to say something but I cut him off, “Just leave me alone.” I jerked his grip loose and walked out the door into a lobby-type area.

There was a group of people standing near a big desk. I realized I was in the main lobby when I recognized the big front doors. I thought someone was going to think I busted myself out of the clinic and feared they’d put me back in there for longer. I looked for an escape but it was too late because the people started walking toward me.