Cache

Chapter 21 ~ Game On.

"It was the owner of this house I think. He was an older man and I found his murdered body in the barn while I was looking for a tool to help us escape."

I murmur into Dana's hair and her shaking continues while I loosen some of the burden on my shoulders.
It feels nice not having to carry it all myself but now guilt replaces the lost weight.

"Are you sure he was murdered?"
Dana sobs out and I clench her tighter to me, silently letting her know the answer.

We remain like this for at least ten minutes before I slowly lead us over to the bed and we both take a seat.
I run my cold hands over her splotchy face and try to cool down her angry streaks of sadness with my touch.

She sniffles and offers me a light smile as I fuss over her.

"Dana, what was said yesterday was a misunderstanding." I begin but Dana quickly places her hand over my mouth, rendering me silent.

"I don't care. I'm sorry Katie, this place just makes me so suspicious of everyone. I know that you'll never do anything to hurt or leave me. I'm sorry that I left you alone and I know that you're focusing only on getting me out of here."

Dana's hope starts to drip from her words again and I send her a fleeting smirk before adjusting my hair.
Her hope scares me considering that I still haven't uncovered a new tool to help us escape.

"I love you so much Dana." I reply with so much emotion that tears make an appearance once again.
Dana mutters a brief 'I love you too.' Before we grasp each other's hands and go silent.

As much as I enjoy this moment of peacefulness and as much security as we can manage I still have a thought nagging at the back of my mind. Knowing full well that it will break whatever serenity we have created I still clear my throat and move onto a more concerning matter.

"So.. Dana. How did you sleep last night?" I question softly, trying really hard to keep my tone light but Dana tenses anyway and suddenly finds the carpet really interesting.

"Uh, good.. I slept through the whole night which is good." She replies quickly and I nod my head and continue trying to catch her eye.

"Dana were you alone last night?"
I continue on, wanting answers now and from the way Dana begins to fidget with her dress I sigh loudly, knowing the answer already.

"Why was he in the room with you Dana?! Did he make you?" As my tone grows more sharp Dana rises from the bed and starts pacing.

"No! I-I asked him.. I was scared of being alone." I shake my head, trying to quell my anger as I notice Dana starting to back away closer to the door, wanting to avoid another argument.

"I'm not going to fight with you Dana." I sigh out before standing as well, making her pause.

"But you know what you should be scared of. Having time alone in this situation should be treasured. Do not fall for any of their mind games Dana, they-"

I lightly scold however my words die in my throat as the door is flung open and standing there with a large grin, straining either cheek is Eric who stares at the both of us with pure undiluted joy.

"Ah, morning Katie! You gave us a little scare last night, right Dana?"
Eric is wearing denim shorts, rising just above his knee and a white collar shirt which is fairly sheer and I curse myself as my eyes take in his physique.

It's purely for survival reasons I remind myself sternly but as I glance at Dana who is ogling at him I can't help but roll my eyes.
How do I get through to her?

I refuse to say anything and Eric chuckles awkwardly and puts his hands in his pockets.
I remain unaffected by the atmosphere but Dana quickly grows red.