Chapter 17: Her Past Memory
1357 Words
"Here's a place for you to sleep," Kellan said as she pulled the door open and entered into the room.
Alecia was the first to step in. The room was larger than any room she had seen before. Six single steel beds stood against the cement wall.
"You can choose whatever bed." Kellan grabbed the handle of the door and closed as the three stepped out. She walked with them further down the passage.
Virgil sighed. "I appreciate what you and your father is doing, but we can't stay the night, we really need to be on our way."
He took once glance behind him.
"I understand that," Kellan said with a reasonable tone. "I'm sorry, but you can't leave today."
They turned a corner, entering into a place where people were seated near steel tables. Their clothing was all rotten and dull, small holes in their clothes. They were far too busy with their exchange of words, unaware of the visitors. Alecia scanned across the room, looking at each of them, intrigued.
"I don't really understand why we should stay the night," Virgil said to Kellan whose back faced him.
Kellan lowered her head and sighed, turning around. "I'm beginning to lose my patience. Are you even aware of those hunters?"
Virgil stared at her for a moment, irritated.
"I am," replied he, lifting his chin and gazing down at her.
"Then you should know how they can track you and how dangerous they are."
Kellan met his eyes. "You want to leave? I can't stop you. But you can endanger everyone here and if you decide to go. . ." Her gaze now filled in sorrow.
"Good luck outrunning that armored vehicle of theirs."
She turned away from him and walked her way down the hallway. Virgil sighed as he looked around the crowded room.
"I guess we can go sit there," he said, gesturing his hand and moving forward, but he got interrupted by a hand grabbing his shoulder. When he turned, an armored guy with a weapon stood before him.
"What do you think you're doing with weapons in here? Give them to me."
"Why? You've got a weapon," Virgil said, leaning in for a quick look.
"I'm not a visitor."
"Let's just give them up, Virgil," Diana said, handing the man her weapon.
Virgil handed him the weapon, sighing irritably.
"How about you, darling?" asked he, turning to Alecia.
Alecia took out hers and stared at it, hesitating.
"Now, Silver Hair," he said impatiently.
She glared up at the man and handed it to him. He turned away and walked into the passage.
-
Alecia, Diana, and Virgil sat around the table. Alecia didn't seem to pay attention to Virgil or Diana; she only watched the people walking in and out of the room. Occasionally, they'd take a second glance at her. She understood why they stare as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking down at the table.
"Are you okay?" Virgil said, his arms folded. "You should talk more often. Tell me what you think of this place."
"It feels like I'm back in the room I woke up in."
She locked eyes on an unshaven man walking past her. His clothing made everyone else's look appealing. She looked at Virgil uneasily.
"It doesn't feel right being here."
"I know how you feel. Just try and bear with it, okay?"
Diana cleared her throat. "I wonder when this place was established."
"Well, it's a weird place to live in," Virgil said as he tapped his finger on the table.
He looked up at Alecia who was leaning on her hand rested against her forehead.
"What's bothering you?" asked he, concerned, as he tried to catch her eyes. "Alecia?"
"My head," she said softly. "It hurts so much."
"But a while ago, you were fine?" asked Diana with a narrowed look. "Why so sudden?"
"It started when we came here. At first, I thought it went away, but it came back. Don't worry about me."
"Do you want to go lie down?" Virgil said.
"Would that help?"
"It helps me when I have a headache." Virgil smiled and shrugged.
"Do you want me to take you to that room she showed us?"
"No. It's fine," Alecia said, shaking her head.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable being in a place like this," she said, scanning her eyes around the room.
"I can stay with you while you rest there if you like?" Virgil said, slightly tilting his head.
"It's fine."
"You shouldn't worry about me."
Diana seemed to zone out of their conversation as she watched the activity around them.
"Do you want to tag along, too?" Virgil said, looking at Diana.
She shook her head.
"You two can go. I'll stay here for a bit," she said and continued to watch the activity around them.
Virgil stood from his chair and gestured his hand to Alecia. She stared at his hand for a moment, frowning.
"Come on," Virgil said cheerfully.
Alecia ignored his gesture and stood, walking past him as she bumped his shoulder.
He stared at Alecia, puzzled.
"I'll be back now," he said to Diana, walking with Alecia down the passage.
Diana watched them walk out of view with a calm, thoughtful gaze. Alecia and Virgil continued to walk down the passage while Virgil tried talking to her, only to see Kellan walking toward them, her gaze fixed on them both.
Her fringe was tucked behind her ear, revealing brown eyes.
"I just talked to my father," she said.
"About?" Virgil asked.
"Well, since he doesn't want you to feel like you're being kept here against your will," she rubbed the back of her head in thought, "he thought it'd be a good idea to have the three of you to come to eat with us."
"Oh, that's kind of him," Virgil said, turning to Alecia, however, she didn't return the look.
"So do you accept?" Kellan said, a slight relief in her eyes.
Virgil nodded. "Sure. Why not."
"How about you?" Kellan turned to Alecia.
She smiled slightly. "Well, I'm hungry."
"That's good. I'll meet you guys later?" Kellan raised her brows at Virgil.
"Sure," replied he.
"Cool," Kellan muttered, going back to the passage where she came in.
"What's with you?" Virgil asked Alecia, frustrated.
"Just leave it, please."
"No. What is it that really bothers you?" Virgil asked and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't touch me." Alecia averted her gaze.
"I'm just trying to help."
She sighed. "I'm sorry, Virgil, I know you're just trying to be a friend."
She smiled and continued walking down the passage. Virgil followed her.
-
Alecia and Virgil entered the room with six beds. Virgil locked his gaze at an old man who rested on the fifth bed.
"How's your head?"
She walked to the third bed. "It still hurts. But it'll be fine after a while, I hope."
"Me too." He took his seat on the fourth bed across from her. "A good rest will help a lot, right?"
"Shouldn't you go back to Diana?"
"She'll be fine."
She nodded, lowering his gaze.
"Can I ask a question?"
"Okay."
"Diana told me you have amnesia. Is that true?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Do you think it's the cause of your headache?"
"It might be."
Virgil sighed and paused for a moment.
"Do you ever think about those you've forgotten? Friends, family? Your parents?"
Alecia shook her head. "No."
"You don't remember them?"
"Mother," muttered she, closing her eyes. "My mother, she has beautiful eyes. She hardly smiles, but I can see her love through the way she looked at me. I remember her now like it's so near, but a white fog persistently surrounds her until I can't see her anymore."
She looked at Virgil. "I remember her."
"Do you know where she is?"
"No."
"What about your other memories? Do you remember them?"
She shook her head.
Virgil sighed. "Get some rest, okay?"
"Okay," she said, as a tear streamed down her face. She quickly rubbed it off and laid her head down on the pillow.
"Is there something else bothering you?"
"I'm just tired being looked down." She blinked her eyes, staring blankly. "I feel like I always have to please everyone. I'm tired of being used."
"You don't have to do what anyone asks or tells you to do." He looked down at her compassionately. "You should think about what you want for yourself for a change."
Alecia didn't say a word, turning to the other side of the bed. Virgil sighed as he averted his gaze.
"Get some rest."
She sniffed. "Okay."
Virgil stood and moved towards the doorway. He turned to look at her, giving a slight smile, and stepped out.
- Writer
