Page 34 of Petals and Strings
Finally, he looked back up and gestured for the chair. I sat mechanically, my body so tense I wanted to scream.
“And if I don’t want it until I know what it is?” I challenged. His eyes narrowed but he ignored it.
We both knew that outcome.
“Sleeve up.”
Another order I followed. I tried not to look as he picked up a syringe.
“What is it?” Another attempt I knew he’d ignore.
Dr. Malik didn’t answer as he pushed the needle into my skin, the sharp prick of pain followed by a burning sensation that flooded my veins. I whimpered as it spread, coursing through my bloodstream like lava, burning me from the inside out.
My head spun and my eyelids fluttered. I forced them open, looking at the doctor only to see a small smile on his face. There was a sick, twisted satisfaction in his eyes.
The fucker was enjoying this?
That was the last thought I had before I jolted awake again. My head spun as I tried to sit up too fast, bile rising in my throat.
It took several breaths before it subsided. I took stock of my body. There was no lingering pain, only a dull ache that echoed from my arm at the shot site. I lifted my hand, brushing shaking fingers over the site, wincing at the hot skin under my touch.
Tears burned at my eyes but I blinked them away. I’d been here long enough. He’d done the one thing I didn’t want, left me vulnerable.
The strange feeling continued as I stood on trembling feet. My vision pulsed around the edges and the world spun around me.
“Audrey, get it together,” I hissed at myself, clutching the cold, metal tray in front of me. The edges bit into my palms, the slight edge of pain clearing the worst of my dizziness. After a few steadying breaths, the world righted itself.
Fuck. What did he do to me?
I still had no idea what he’d given me. How is that not a required answer? To tell us what he’s doing?
Director Cross needed to wake up and realize he’d hired a monster.
This wasn’t right.
I heard movement further in the infirmary and pushed myself forward, stumbling out of the office before they could reach me.
The halls were empty and I wondered if everyone was at dinner. The thought of food nearly had me puking all over the glossy, marble floors.
Instead, I continued my off-balance walk until I found our wing. It was just as silent as the rest. I’d question if this was a dream if not for the few staff I’d walked past. Or stumbled, past. They didn’t seem to care either way.
I made it to my bed and collapsed, my head hitting something hard. I groaned, rolling off to see my violin.
The feeling that took over when I played last was calling to me like a siren’s song, urging me to escape until I felt like I had my bearings again.
I sat again, the wavering in my vision better now, at least. With my violin case in hand I headed for the conservatory.
My oasis to ride out this torrential storm.
Dr. Malik’s agitated voice echoed down the hall but I veered right, sticking to the walls with crazed eyes darting around to spot him. He was hissing something to Nancy, who had a look of concern on her face. She shook her head and I swear her eyes darted my way.
He started to turn, my entire body freezing but she said something else, returning his attention to her.
I gave her a nod of thanks before slipping further into the building and out the conservatory door.
The warm, humid air hit me first, then the sweet, rich, floral scent second. I breathed in deep, letting it lure me further into the room.
At first, I simply wandered around the winding path, free hand brushing against the petals until I found a spot that would hide me from sight.
