Authors: Xavier Neal
“I trust you will find your accommodations sufficient. I will agree not to cuff you to the bed again if you agree not to try to escape. However, your door will be locked. There is a window but it’s locked from the outside and the glass is bulletproof. Get some rest. WE will discuss things further in the morning.” He turned to leave, but I stopped him, not wanting him to leave me in there alone just yet.
“Wait, Dallas. I don’t know how long I’ve been here but my stomach is growling. I’d love something small to eat and drink, please.”
“Of course, how thoughtless of me. I’m usually better at tending to my guests needs. I will bring you back a tray of food.” He quickly left the room, locking the door behind him. I looked out the window to darkness. There was no glow of city lights. No street lights. Just a sea of darkness. A story my mother used to tell me drifted through my head.
Be careful looking out the window at night, you never know who might be looking back at you.
The thought used to scare me as a child, but I hadn’t felt fear in a very long time. I don’t think I am capable of feeling fear or anything else really. I kept telling myself to turn away from the window, but I couldn’t. I stood there, willing someone to look back at me. After a while all I saw was my own reflection, which oddly enough, frightened me so I went back to the bed.
I waited a few more minutes before he brought in a tray of food. Soup, crackers, and water. Where was I, in prison? I looked at the measly meal then back to Dallas. My stomach actually began to growl when the scent of beef soup found its way to my nostrils. I do have some feelings left, hunger. As though he could read my mind he said softly, “I know it’s not much but I’ve had you here for a few days now. I think it’s a good idea to start light.” He looked at me and his eyes said they were sorry. I nodded in agreement and took the tray from him.
After I was settled against the head of the bed, tray on my lap, I began spooning the delicious soup into my mouth and swallowing into my eagerly waiting belly. My hands were trembling but I knew that was from lack of liquor. I hate that feeling. I don’t like to shake. I look up to find him watching me, which doesn’t help the shakes.
“Do you mind?” I said between bites.
“Sorry, it’s just good to see you eating. You’re still pretty shaky.”
“Yeah, well my body knows what it wants and likes to make me suffer if I don’t supply it.” I continued eating, trying to forget that he was watching me. After a few more bites I took a sip of water and felt full. He was right, a little at a time. I handed the tray back to him. “Thank you. That was delicious,” I offered and he smiled. “I’ll be sure to tell Campbell’s their soup pleased you.” He moved from the bed and set the tray on the dresser.
“When will you tell me what I’m doing here?”
“Soon. When you’re well.”
“I’ll never be well, Dallas. I’m not sure what you’re doing here but if you’re trying to save me, don’t. I can’t be saved. I’m broken and there is no fixing it. The only thing that numbs the pain is the vodka and I have no intention of giving it up. So, stop the charade and tell me what I’m doing here.” My voice raised slightly. I needed him to know that I wasn’t worth whatever he had in mind.
“Lucy, you are worth it and you’re not broken, maybe a little bruised but not broken. Stop questioning me. I can’t tell you what I’m doing because I’m not sure anymore. My plans have changed but one thing that hasn’t is my need to get you well and I will. Just give it a chance.” He smiled at me but before I could respond, he slipped out the door and I heard the turn of the lock. I laid back on the bed, defeated for the moment.