Half Mad (Sequel to Half Bad)

Chapter 13

        I opened my mouth to speak, but she grabbed my wrist and kept running, bringing me with her. Then she spoke. "I know you shouldn't trust me but this is serious. Cecilia has us in a simulation and-"

        "A what?" I asked, keeping up with her swift pace, the mere contact of her hand wrapped around my wrist burning more than fire ever could.

        "A simulation," she repeated. "None of this is real, but it feels real. In reality we're tied up in chairs two feet from each other."

        "You sound-"

        "Familiar with the concept?" She snorted. "This is only one of the awful things she's done since she took me."

        My heart clenched, my jaw tightening at the thought of the horrendous things she may have gone through. If it's anything near the torture I faced in the asylum, so help me God I'll-

        She yanked on my wrist, turning sharply into a closet, one of the only doors that wasn't locked. She closed it behind us, propping a chair under the handle and the only sounds surrounding us were the pants of our erratic breathing. I could just see her silhouette through the crack of the door, her bright eyes still sparked with fear.

        "What are we running from?" I whispered.

        She placed her finger to her lips to shush me as a reply.

        So instead I took the time to study her face, the same face I remembered so vividly all those months away from her. I felt my heart falter at the pure beauty that was still clinging to her, on the outside and in. She was peering through the crack, a strand of hair falling in her face and due to the small room, I easily bent down to tuck it behind her ear.

        "God," I mumbled to myself, though it was silent enough for her to hear me, "I missed you so much."

       Instead of responding with words, her arms were wrapped around my neck before I could process it. I sucked in a sharp breath, my arms instantly winding around her waist. I squeezed her tightly, though trying not to hurt her. Whatever was chasing us out there didn't seem to matter as I held her in that small closet, her small body still fitting perfectly against mine.

        I hadn't realized a lump had swelled in my throat, whether from having my Rose back or the fear of losing her again, I'm not sure. But I closed my eyes tightly, nuzzling my face in her neck. She still smelled of flowers, albeit her shampoo held the essence of lavender. I didn't particularly care. She could've smelled like a sewer and I still would've treasured this moment.

        "Please don't leave me again," I whispered, hating my for being so emotional but not caring all the same.

        Rose pulled back, her arms still around my waist and my hands moving to cup her face. She gave me a little smile, enough of one to make me smile back. "I'll try," she said teasingly and I almost laughed.

        The situation we were in long forgotten, I leaned in to finally feel those lips on mine again. However, the shuffle of movement outside drew us back to reality and the reunited kiss ceased to exist.

        Knowing Rose was just as strong as me, if not stronger, I still put my arm across her chest and moved her behind me. We fell silent, holding our breaths and I tried to look out the crack to see what or who had her so afraid.

        A simulation.

        I had to remember that none of this was real, except Rose and I.