Just The Way You Like It - Under Construction

Chapter Fifty-Five

“Is that what they called it?” Alice nodded her head, hoping she was right. Still, Blake was right too. She couldn't be sure, but it seemed unlikely that this was unrelated from her first abduction. Something wasn't adding up, and Alice hated not knowing what was going on. They sat in silence for a while, and Alice used the time to think about their options. Nothing was coming to mind. No great scheme to get them out, no superhero to set them free. “Did you try the door?” Alice asked Blake. It was a stupid thought, but maybe it was unlocked.

“Hours ago. No luck.”

“Didn't think so.”

Again their silence filled the room, there was nothing they could do but wait. “Alice.” Blake said, touching her broken leg tenderly. “I think we're going to have to fix this. I'm worried you're bleeding too much.” Alice looked back down to her leg. Just below the knee, her leg bent off at on odd angle. At least the bone wasn't sticking out, that was always the worst.

“Okay.”

“It's gonna hurt.”

“I know. Not the first time, remember?”

“First things first though, huh?” Alice didn't understand at first, but she watched as Blake scooted over to the corner of the room that was closest to them. He wedged his shoulder into the crack, and prepared to pop his shoulder back into place.

“Wait.” Alice said, moments before he attempted his idiotic maneuver. “Can you take your belt off?”

“Alice, this really isn't the time for . . .”

“Just do it. Obviously, you've never popped a shoulder back in with no pain killers first.” Blake understood right away, and worked his belt off loop by loop before sticking it in between his teeth. Alice turned her head away at the last second, knowing the pain that Blake was in as the loud pop and his equally loud scream echoed around the empty room.

Crawling back, this time on his hands and knees, Alice saw the tears run down Blake's face before he stoically wiped them away. “There. Good as new.” He said, gasping for breath as he dropped his belt to the floor beside Alice. He had almost bitten it clean through, but at least it hadn't been his tongue. “Now, you ready?”

Alice nodded, knowing full well the pain she was about to face. Blake fiddled with his shoes for a minute, untying the laces and yanking them free. Once the laces were out, he tied them one end to another, making one long cord. Alice watched as he tied the string tightly around her leg, just above the break. Once her toes started to tingle slightly, Alice held her breath as Blake wrapped his strong hands around her leg. Using his knees to pin her to the floor, he pushed the bone back in place.

Quickly, Alice held in her scream as the fiery pain broke free. Her hands were clenched so tightly that she drew blood as her nails dug into her palms. It had hurt, but not as badly as what she remembered. Slowly, the pain died down, and Alice was able to breath again.

With her leg back in place, Blake used what was left of his belt to help bandage it together. Alice doubted she would be able to walk, at least not right away. But, the pain was now only a low dull throb, something she could deal with.

“What are you, Superwoman?” Blake asked.

“What?”

“You didn't make a sound. I've seen grown men cry like babies, even with drugs, from having a bone reset.”

“Habit.” Alice said, now proud of herself for being better than others. “The no talking rule applied to screaming too. It's easier when you don't have to watch it happen though, that was kinda gross.”

“You're amazing, Alice. You know that?”

“So I've been told.”

They talked for a long time, coming up with their options. There weren’t any, at least none that would get them out of there. They had no food, no water, and there was no sign of anyone coming to the door. Both sore and exhausted, they finally decided to try and get some sleep. Blake helped Alice into the corner before he leaned his body against the two walls.

 It felt good to be near Blake again, and somehow Alice knew that as long as they stuck together, they would end up okay. His familiar smell and touch was all it took to reassure her. They belonged together, and at least for now, they were together. It really didn't bother Alice that they were stuck in some empty, moldy room. She loved Blake, and he loved her, and that was all that mattered. Alice felt Blake's hands nestle softly into her hair as he gently ran his fingers through the curls. His breathing deepened and slowed as he quickly drifted off to sleep beside her. And, for the first time in ages, Alice began to talk to herself again. 'It'll be okay, Alice. Just hang in there, and stay calm. Someone will find us, and Blake and I will be happy. We'll stay together forever, and nothing will stand in our way. Just hang in there, you've been through worse, and this will get better. It'll be just the way you like it.'