I was blindfolded as I was ushered out of the house. They talked about going somewhere, taking me somewhere for a reward for being a good boy. It’s been weeks since that horrible experience and Chic has been nothing but kind to me. I almost want to trust him. Almost. The doctor has also been kind to me during my treatment, and Path is the same as ever. I haven’t heard about the girl, and I’m almost afraid to ask about it. Their good mood might be ruined and I need them to stay in a good mood so I can figure out a way to escape.
Chic is sitting beside me while Path and Lou sit up front, I’ve grown accustomed to leaning against Chic now and then, I’ve done the same with Path. Lou is still hard to get close to and to create the best plan I need everyone to believe that I’m, ugh, docile.
“Look at you, Buddy, so well behaved,” Path said cheerily and stroked the side of my face. I tested him by leaning towards the hand, they liked that very much so I’ve been doing it often whenever they did it. Path has been getting more physical with me during that time, but instead of just pleasing himself he’s started to include me. He likes to make it rough but on his good days he’s gentle, never realized how responsive I am to a gentle touch.
“Remember stay close to us,” Chic said, it was always that one rule. Never leave their side. I wonder why there was just that one rule. He doesn’t mention that I shouldn’t talk to anyone, so I’m free to talk to people. Maybe I can get help from them?
The car stopped and my blindfold was taken off. Scrunching up my face from the blinding sun I was then gently pulled out of the car. Chic flipped up the hood, but it did nothing against the white walls and windows of the building. Why was it so bright? Path took my hand and lead me into the building. It was a little dimmer but still bright, and the noise. Why was it so loud here? I stepped closer to Path, hoping that he could somehow dull the noise.
Path took my right hand and wrote on it with his index finger ‘Loud?’ I nodded starting to feel a slight headache now. I kept my gaze on the dark carpet flooring, it eased my eyes a bit and we were led to our seats. I glanced around a bit but stayed close to Path, if we kept by the door maybe I can make a run for it? Or if were by the bathroom I can escape from there, or maybe they have a phrase word to help me escape? They would have it in the bathroom, wouldn’t they?
Ah, but chances were, they would check it first. So if I discovered it they would know. Unless I go into the wrong bathroom and wait for a girl? Would it take long though? Also, they might scream if I’m there like this.
They sat me on the outside, why would they do this? Shouldn’t they keep me in the corner? Why are they doing this? Is this a test to see if I’ll take the chance to run? I glanced at the menu and for once I don’t know what to get. Do I even like these items? Why are there so many drinks to choose from? Water would do fine for me, but I would like to try something different. But what? And the food, something simple, nothing sweet or spicy. But it looks like that’s all that is there.
Path took my hand again and wrote on it ‘Drink?’ I took my hood off and pointed at some random drink picture that was there. It looked like a pink thick liquid, so my guess I pointed at a strawberry milkshake. I felt foolish, I could have just told them water but for some reason, I don’t want to talk to these people. I also felt exposed sitting here. What was wrong with me?
Then it was quiet, something was pressing on my ears. Path smiled and pushed play on his phone and a gentle melody started playing. Chic had placed a hand over mine and I realized that I was tapping nervously on the table. I pulled my hand back and just listened to the music, glancing around every once in a while I noticed that the three were talking to each other occasionally.
I felt small.
The drinks arrived and I felt relieved, I pushed the headphones off and listened to what they were saying as I flipped through the menu.
“Soup of the day is fine for me,” Lou said, didn’t take him for a simple guy, but the soup of the day is Potato and Leek.
“I’ll have the Spicy Chicken burger, seasoned fries and gravy,” Chic said and I wondered how he could have something spicy after a whole two weeks' worth of having it. Or was it only me? I never see them eat, this is the only time I get to see them eat something. I looked over the burgers and figured it would be too much work to eat them. I should have something simple, like that!
“And you, sir?” the waitress asked.
“Garlic Chicken Pasta,” I said feeling excited to pick my food this time, excited to eat something that I want. I felt happy for once for this small choice, I no longer have to suffer the sweet taste of pancakes or the spicy taste of chilli. Just something different, something soft and easy and a new flavour.
“You seem proud, Buddy,” I looked up at Path a little surprised by his comment. Was that bad? I thought I could pick, no wait. Stop that line of thought, he wants you to feel like you’ve lost your choice. Relax and start thinking. He hates when I comment on his cooking, I need to keep that in mind.
“I wanted to try pasta,” I simply said hoping that I didn’t trigger anything unnecessary. I need to remember he has a short temper. He won’t make an outburst in public, that would get him caught.
That would get him caught. If I cause some havoc then surely the police will be called!
Path smiled. Does he know what I’m thinking? Has he prepared for what I can cause? Or was it my comment? Okay, think, what reason do they have for taking me out? To test something? Should I continue to act broken so that the next time we get to go out... No, this might be my only chance.
In the end, I did nothing, just ate quietly while my heart beat erratically. I couldn’t place it, was it fear? I don’t think I felt fear in a long time.
“The Doctor is here to check on you, we have some questions to ask her afterwards so behave,” Path said bringing me down to the basement. I felt sick, what was going on? This was different, we’re off routine.
The Doctor sat in the chair beside my bed and I felt even more on edge.
“I didn’t think he would be so well behaved,” Ash said delighted by the outcome.
“I thought he would bolt when he was sitting on the outside,” Blair locked the front door behind them.
“Didn’t think that would be easy, do you think he has other plans on the next outing?” Sage asked feeling skeptical of the successful milestone.
“You see him tapping on the table, that’s his tell of when he’s planning something. He also looks at his surroundings like he’s looking for a way out. What got him to stop was when I smiled at him. He probably thought I was going punish him when we got back so he behaved well.”
“Planned? You knew you could control him with a few words and a gesture,” Blair said, “Bold chance.”
“I always love to gamble and it seems I always win when I play big. So about those suggestions, who did you make the culprit?”
“You talking about that recent nightmare? I didn’t give it to anyone figured I’d let him decide who was the bad guy.”
“So that leaves out me, he’s been pretty docile while with me not much fear when I show up,” Blair said.
“He’s normal with me as well,” Ash said.
“Ah, so that just leaves me since I’ve had the least amount of contact with him. I don’t mind, I’ll make some advances when you two disappear.” Sage said.
“Remember to put the earphones in at night to cause him more nightmares, it would be nice to hear about them. Can you get him to open up to you Blair?” Ash asked.
“Yeah, I’ll put the earphones in and just leave him at night. I’ll return in the morning with breakfast just before he wakes up. That will give me some time to ask him about nightmares.”
“Ah yes, he does have nightmares when he’s alone, good thinking. We need to leave him alone a lot so Sage can be the so-called bad guy. I’m getting excited just thinking about it, I’m gonna go to my recent pet to have a bit of fun. I’ll leave the rest to you two?” Blair and Sage nodded going their separate ways.
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