Recovery

Being cradled in Ed's arms distracted me enough to make the pain bearable. Feeling the light overhead begin to sting my eyes I buried my face against his chest. While doing so, I took the chance to bite down on my lower lip to keep from screaming. Feeling Ed's heartbeat pound in my ear comforted me. With my eyes closed all I could see is Nurse Ratchet grinning down at me with a dull rusted scalpel in hand.

Pushing that nightmare away I focused on Ed's steady heartbeat. At some point I lost consciousness, the feeling of falling startled me awake. I clung to the closest thing within arms reach.

Holding on for dear life I heard, "It's ok, it's ok, it's just me Z". Ed said calmly, "I'm trying to lay you on my bed". Feeling my fingers digging into his skin I said "Sorry". Immediately I loosened my grip and let my body relax in his grasp. As he laid me down slowly Ed said, "Mat get some wash cloths, run them under some hot water, and help me clean Z up".

Hearing Mat's nervous feet moving around I used the last of my strength to cover my eyes with my right arm. "You guys don't have to do that, I just need some time to rest", I could barely whisper those words. "I know you can't see or stand so it's the least I can do for a friend", Mat said from the bathroom. I knew it was useless to try to reason with these two. "Alright, just be careful around my face; I need something to cover my eyes with", I told them both. "What happened to your glasses?", Ed asked. "Nurse Ratchet crushed the lenses to rub the shards in my eyes", I told them. Hearing them both gasp told me that neither of them has had the misfortune of her doing something like this before.

They both used the wash clothes gently, my body shivered and I gasped from the first touch. "Sorry", they both said. After a few minutes passed I asked, "How bad do I look guys?" Hearing Mat say, "You look like you were an inch away from death". Ed finished with, "Now you just look like shit". I chuckled gently at their remarks before saying, "Thanks guy, I needed a joke after the hell I went through". Feeling my sides ache I quickly regretted laughing at that dumb joke.

All of a sudden I remembered the breakfast bell ringing earlier, "You guys don't need to starve on my account". "Can you really call that dogshit food? I'd rather eat veal willingly", Ed said. Giving a slight nod was all I could do in response. I had to focus on my breathing to keep myself sane while they both touched me. My phobia trying to get the best of me. I had to fight my instincts not to scream and thrash until neither one of them was touching me. Shifting my focus on the wash clothes they were using I told myself that it's me cleaning myself, not anyone else.

Mat eventually broke the silence by asking the obvious question, "Did you tell her anything?" I turned my head to the sound of his voice and answered with, "I called her an 'ugly bitch' and that's all she got out of me". Hearing both of them snicker at that remark brought a smile to my lips. Memories of what happened only a few hours ago came back to haunt me. I had to distract myself by asking, "Can one of you rip a piece of my clothing to make a sash for my eyes?" After a short pause Ed said, "I think we should wait on that for now". "I need something to cover my eyes, my arm is starting to go numb", I told them. "Hmm", was followed by rushing feet and running water. I knew it had to be Mat, he gently moved my arm off my face.

Hearing both of them gasp quietly I knew it was about my eyes this time. The only scar on my body that'll never heal is on my eyelids. "Pretty isn't it?", I asked breaking the silence. Before either one of them could respond I added, "It's a permanent reminder of that night". They didn't say another word, the only sound was the feet moving and running water.

By the time they stopped cleaning what they could of my body the second bell rang for lunch. I didn't need to hear their stomachs growl to know that they were hungry enough to eat that gruel by now. "You two should really eat something, I'm used to living on an empty stomach", I said with a little more feeling in my voice. "Can you at least stand off the bed", Mat asked. Summoning all my strength I slowly got off the bed and stood before them. "Can you walk?", Ed asked watching me closely. I took a step before my body gave out from under me. Ed caught me gently, "That's it, you're coming with us". Feeling him guide me backwards to sit on the bed I knew what he had planned. Reaching my arms out I draped them around his shoulders while his hands touched the back of my knees. After a few seconds he was on his feet holding me tenderly.

I inhaled his scent deeply, it reminded me of a few days ago when we first met. Feeling the world melt away again I came back to my senses when Ed called out my name. "Z, Z, I have to put you down now", he said. "Hmm, ok", I yawned. As he lowered my body down I pinched the back of his shirt for guidance. Hearing him move I followed his footsteps carefully. With my tray in hand Ed put his hand on my arm to help me find a seat. I could hear the others making comments about me, some were about me coming to eat, others were about how I was getting too close to Mat and Ed. I continued to ignore everyone's petty gossip.

Ed kept his hand on my arm while I heard the sound of a chair being moved backwards. "One step to the left and you'll find a seat", Mat said while Ed took my tray. I side stepped to feel the chair behind me. Sitting down slowly I heard Ed bring his chair closer to me. After eating a few spoonful's of gruel I felt everyone's eyes on me. "Is it just me or is everyone watching me like I have a tail?", I asked them both. "Don't mind them, they're just trying to find a reason to live at this point", Mat said. It was the second time I heard his voice, it was soft even with the accent.

Deciding to finish my bowl off before anyone tried anything stupid, I swallowed the last few spoonful's. Even though the gruel still tasted terrible my body needs all the carbs and vitamins it has to offer. Once I was done Ed said, "Let me take that for you". I just gave a shrug as a response. Reaching my hand out I said, "Mat". Feeling him grab my hand I said one word, "Tonight". I felt him give my hand a gentle squeeze, his mouth piece must've closed again.

My mind started to race with thoughts of betrayal. The only two people who knew some of the things I can do are Ed and Mat. While Mat did see what I can do while asleep, he didn't know where I would go after leaving him. I only told Ed where I went last night, Mat was going to be next that morning. The memory of Ed's face seemed a bit off, there was something in his eyes. It was almost like he was seeing me for the first time. As of right now I cannot and will not trust either one of them.

The main question I need to find an answer for is how did the guards find out? The only who could've told anyone about me would have been Ed. He did take some time to catch up to Mat and I that morning or it could've been while we were moving to the main areas.

Feeling Mat's hand leave mine I heard Ed ask, "Can you walk now?" I turned my head to say, "Let's find out". Ignoring my muscles protest I stood again Ed cupped the back of my arm to help me navigate through the cafeteria. I could hear everyone making assumptions about Ed and I. The word "slut" came from Hannah's mouth. Stopping dead in my tracks I turned to her and said, "You know jealousy reveals your insecurities Armstrong". Hearing Ed chuckle quietly brought a small smile to my lips. I couldn't afford to laugh yet. Feeling Ed's hand move down to hold mine I continued to allow the touch. Feeling Hannah glare daggers at me was well worth it.

Mat said, "That was brilliant, I've never seen Hannah at a loss for words". My smile turned into a grin. Hearing one of the guards say, "Not yet, Director said to give her time to heal." Thinking to myself it must be Edgar, he seemed to have a severe trigger finger. I whispered, "Looks like Edgar is the jealous type. Has he confessed to you yet Ed?" Ed tried to hide his laugh while shushing me in the process. Thinking to myself, I still got it.

Ed asked before I could, "Where to?" I didn't need any time to think as I said, "After the night I had a shower and sleep is all I need". I finished with, "First let's see if I have my own room now." We all walked down the hall quietly, until the sound of a bracelet was used. It must've been Mat's, Ed gently pushed me to the doors while guiding my wrist to the monitor. Once inside I had a few second to myself before Mat took my hand to help me out of the threshold. "I don't trust Ed, don't tell him anything about tonight", I said quickly. He gently squeezed my hand again as a response.

Hearing the door open Mat let my hand go. Ed asked, "Did I miss something?" I quickly responded with, "Nah, we were just waiting for you". Ed immediately took my other hand and lead me down the hall. "Alright let's give it a try", Ed said bringing my wrist to the monitor. Hearing the small beep I let out a sign of relief and almost lost my balance. Both Ed and Mat grabbed one of my arms to keep me from falling. "Can one or both of you lead me to the restroom? I could really use some alone time now", I said. Feeling neither one of their grips loosen they both took me to the door.

Once inside I kept the light off as I stripped the blood stained clothes off my body. My hands found the sink and knobs quickly. I splashed some warm water on my face a few times. Feeling the bloody crust around my eyelids begin to soften, I opened my eyes slowly. Seeing everything blurry is a relief, only a few more hours and I'll be completely healed. Moving to the shower wall I felt for the knobs to turn the hot water on at full blast.

Once every inch of my body had been touched by water I slowly turned my back to the shower head. Feeling the intense pressure hit my body I fell to the floor. For the first time in 10 years I let myself cry. Memories of the hardships I've been through for the last 10 years couldn't match the atrocities that happened to me last night. Feeling my body shake uncontrollably I chomped down on my hand to keep from screaming. I held my breathe until my lungs begged for air. Taking in a deep breath calmed the fire in my chest while easing my muscles.

Feeling both emotionally and physically drained I continued to take in deep breathes. Eventually I stood to find the soap with a washcloth close by. Scrubbing what I could of my body until my skin started to feel raw. By the time I turned the knobs off the water was starting to lose its heat. Hearing a knock at the door startled me, Ed and Mat hadn't left for their rooms yet. "Got some clothes ready for you, just open the door and I'll hand them over", Ed said through the door. Being able to see the towels I covered my body before reaching for the door.

Opening the door I moved out of sight and reached my hands out to take the clothes from Ed. With the clothes in hand I asked Ed to close the door for me. Hearing the little click I opened my eyes again to see the foggy mirror hiding my reflection. I quickly dried myself off then tore off a piece of my tattered shirt to make a sash for my eyes. Before leaving the still steamy bathroom I adjusted my clothes to make sure Ed or Mat couldn't see the bruises healing. Finding no underwear I thought to myself either everyone goes commando or the guys didn't want to go through my personal clothes.

Leaving the bathroom I felt a sudden chill coming back into my room. I could barely see Mat and or Ed with the blood stained sash. Mat must've seen me shiver, he went to grab the blanket off my bed. Carefully he draped it over my shoulders. I said, "Thanks Mat". Seeing Ed get closer I had to ask, "Are you guys going to stay here with me or go to your own rooms?" Hearing Ed chuckle and seeing Mat shake brought a smile to my lips. Ed said, "We wanted to make sure you'd be ok tonight before leaving". I nodded my head while moving to the bed. My body demanded sleep, it will not be ignored any longer. "Guys I'll be ok, I just need some sleep. If I stay in my room past the dinner bell just leave me here", I told them.

Sitting on my bed to watch them leave my room felt right. They both took one last look at me over their shoulders. Hearing the door close, I let out a sigh and finally laid down on the bed. Taking in some deep breathes I finally felt my body begin to relax.

Feeling my mind begin to drift I knew what was to come next. Seeing my body lie there on the bed I turned to see my reflection in the mirror of the bathroom. I took a good look around my new room waiting for the right opportunity to escape. Knowing where the hidden cameras should be at I closed my eyes to stay invisible to the naked eye. Only having a few hours before the dinner bell would ring I have to act fast. Moving carefully to the air vents was easier than I thought. Once inside I decided to go in the opposite direction to see what else I could find.

Not knowing how long I had been going down the vent I eventually heard the sound of heavy shallow breathing. Moving further I found slits below the floor of the vent. Looking down I saw something enormous and dark. It reminded me of the thing that turned me into a monster 13 years ago. From what little movement it made I assume it must be asleep. Memories of what Mat told me about the thing from the pit came to mind. I froze in place watching it breathe. My eyes couldn't be taken off of this magnificent thing. Letting out a breathe I held for too long sent a shiver down the thing's body.

I moved out of its sight before it knew my location. Not waiting to find out if it saw me or not I started inching my way back to my room. Before the bell rang I heard a deep low growl below me.