Chained - Jenlisa

Ally

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For the first time since I've been here I'm fully conscious when my meal arrives. A male soldier comes into my room and places a tray on the table and gives me a nod, but he never turns his back on me. Still, though, it's nice not to have that murky feeling in my brain as I eat. Apparently I did something right to earn this privilege.

Mind blindingly clear, I suck gingerly on the thin straw poked into my unlabeled drink box and rub my eyes. Just this one time without the drugs has made me feel better, but there's definitely something wrong with me internally. But it's not a hindrance. I assume I'll be fine after another day without the stuff. Hopefully whatever they used to keep me under doesn't have long lasting effects.

When I'm finished with my meal I push my empty tray to the edge of the table and let my stomach get used to the new food in it. It's enjoyable not to be drugged but now what am I supposed to do with the time I've gained? There's nowhere to go and nothing to do besides sleep. Maybe this is all a test to see what I do. Whatever the case, I shrug and go into my futuristic bathroom to shower. I'm still not used to how the wall slides away to reveal the amenities, but it's not as scary as when I first discovered it. This whole place has effectively help thrust me into the 21st century.

I shower, annoyed at how much hair I have to clean, then dry and dress in the seemingly endless wear that's always left for me. No matter what, when I need them, there's a whole outfit left for me in the little cubby hole beside the sink. Perhaps if I'm still left conscious for the next few days I'll figure out how that happens.

As I sit on the edge of my bed and try to figure out how I should start managing my long hair on my own since no one will probably be brushing it anymore while I'm drugged, the door to my room buzzes and clicks unlocked. I push my damp hair to my back then stand, already knowing who it is. I could feel her coming.

Jennie steps into my room, but leaves the door wide open. She smiles lightly at me and shows me her palms at her sides. "Want to go for a walk?"

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Lisa nods eagerly and I swear she blushes. Her mood is infectious and my smile widens slightly, then I gesture for her to follow me. She steps to my left and lets me lead as we make our way into the hall and let her room's door shut and lock behind us.

"Where are we going?" she asks softly, looking embarrassed.

Sandara's passing comment some time ago about Lisa having a crush on me surfaces, and I quickly shake the memory away. It doesn't matter how she feels about that. It would be an abuse of power for me to even bring it up. "Just around," I say, walking slowly along. "You need to stretch your legs."

"Are we allowed to do this?"

"You're my priority now. I have the last word on your well being. I say you need to exercise."

"Am I getting fat?"

My foot falters and I trip up, but Lisa catches my arm and sets me right. "What? No," I chuckle. I never expected her to come to that conclusion. "You're in fantastic shape. What I meant was you need something to do. Stretching your legs seems like a great idea, doesn't it?"

"Oh. Yes, that seems great."

We fall into a companionable silence after that, and I wonder how I should bring up living together. I'm sure Lisa would do it if I said she had to, but I don't want to force her to do it if it isn't what she truly wants. The General will pressure me if I take too long, I'm sure, but he doesn't understand how I'm trying to give Lisa her life back, in whatever way I can. She's had her will stripped from her for too long.