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Chapter Four
Branson
I’m in my room for a few days before Bud comes to get me and bring me back to the cage. I’ve been let out twice since the first time to go upstairs and clean, but haven’t been taken to the workroom. It’s the longest I’ve stayed out of there since I can remember.
I haven’t seen Amelia and I can’t get her out of my mind. I’m so distracted and excited that I might get to see her soon that I’m not even bothered like I usually would be when Bud locks me in my cage and shuts the door behind me.
It isn’t too long before Jane comes in with Amelia following closely behind. She’s wearing another girly dress and looks well. Even still, I know better than anyone that much of Jane’s torment is not visible to the eye.
"Okay, Teddy, Mama is going to get the next subject with Uncle Bud, so you go back in here like a good girl now." Jane leads Amelia over to her own cage, but the young girl stops and looks over at me.
"Can I go with Branson?" she asks timidly. Jane's face reddens, and I wanted to scream at the girl for drawing attention to me. Through gritted teeth Jane replies, this time with a much sharper tone.
"No. Get in your cage." Amelia doesn’t object further and steps in, immediately picking up a toy bear she had arrived with. Jane glares at me before leaving the room.
I wait a few minutes to make sure she isn't coming back right away before leaning forward to grab the bars.
"You can't do that," I tell her. "Don't ask questions, don't argue. Just do what Jane tells ya, okay?"
Amelia's bottom lip quivers. "I just wanted to..."
"No!" I say a bit too sharply. Seeing Amelia wince at my tone, I soften my voice. "Amelia, I know this is all new for you, but please listen to me, okay?”
The girl nods at me.
“Whatever Jane tells you, you do it, okay? Don’t matter what it is. Do not argue, don’t ask questions. Got it?” For a moment, Amelia says nothing but finally she nods.
I lean back against my cage and close my eyes.
???
A routine forms and about once a week, we are brought into our respective cages for Jane’s projects. I’ll go back to my room for a few days, go upstairs to clean once or twice, then it all repeats. I’m eating better and Amelia calms me in a way nothing ever has.
The next few subjects are sedated or dead and I’m thankful, both for Amelia’s sake and my own. I can always tell when they are sedated and not dead, though, because my books have taught me that the dead don’t bleed.
Amelia seems to be fascinated by what she sees, not at all disturbed like I was when young. As much as this small girl exudes innocence, I know there is a darkness hiding beneath those big eyes. Where darkness was brought into my life, I think Amelia brought it with her.
When we are alone, Amelia talks to me. Tells me about her life before this and things she has seen. I have come to look forward to it and our time together, waiting for Jane and Bud to return with the latest subject. I guess it is easier to keep Amelia down here than risk her trying to leave from upstairs, not that I think Amelia would leave. I’m not totally sure how much of what is happening she understands, and I am not about to suggest something that is sure to get her punished.
I listen to Amelia tell me a story about her favorite foods, one I’ve heard before but always love to hear. She likes ice cream and pasta and loathes anything with pickles. I don’t remember what those things taste like, but seeing how happy and excited she is when she talks about it makes my insides feel warm. Watching her face get all screwed up when she talks about pickles makes me laugh. For the first time I can remember, Amelia is making me feel some semblance of happiness.
Until we hear footsteps come down the corridor and I know our time is ended for today. Jane strolls in, Bud follows behind her with a man he is dragging by his armpits. I hear a small groan and know the man is still alive. Amelia is watching Jane with curiosity when she walks over to open her cage. I watch with trepidation as Jane kneels down to address the small girl.
“Teddy, baby, today is the day!”
The small girl's eyes light up with excitement.
“Really?” She squeals, and Jane smiles at her affectionately.
I think I’m going to be sick. Amelia skips over to the table with Jane and looks down at the man with interest.
“Why is he still sleeping, Mama?”
Jane sighs and puts her hand on Amelia’s head.
“Well, sweetie. This man was very bad before he came here to us to be saved. He did drugs and bad things and poisoned his body. Since it is your first time, he agreed to stay asleep so you can do your art in peace.”
Amelia smiles before turning back to me. “I get to make art!”
