When You Came

Chapter 9

I'm aware of beeping coming from next to me. I slowly open my eyes and am blinded my light, so I quickly close them. 

"Alex?" 

"The lights," I croak out. 

After a few seconds it gets darker and I'm able to open my eyes all the way this time. Mia is standing next to my bed and looks worried. I try to smile at her, but my mouth doesn't move. 

"You went through a lot. You got a broken leg, one broken rib, a broken nose, a bruised throat, and a concussion. You've been asleep for a week now," she says handing me a water bottle. I suck the whole bottle down and realize just how hungry I was. She smiles at me and hands me a pack of crackers. 

"The doc says you are to eat small amounts for a few days, so you don't throw up," she says. 

I nod in response because I'm already eating. I look around and see I have a view of the courtyard. Mia sees where my eyes go. 

"Sorry, only the guards that brought you in, Mr. Deraci, and me know you're back. Mr. Deraci is telling your teachers today."

I frown and nod. I look to the corner and see my bag. 

"Can I have the bag?" I ask my voice hoarse. 

She hands it to me. I look through it until I find what I'm looking for, the necklace. I pull it out and show it to Mia. I would talk how I got it, but it hurts to talk. She smiles and her eyes sparkle. 

"Can I see it?" She asks. I hand it to her and she examines it. 

"It's beautiful," she whispers handing it back. 

I put it on the table next to my bed. I pull out the rest of my money before setting the bag on the ground, I don't need it anymore. The money gets put under the necklace. 

"I better let you get some sleep," Mia says glancing towards the door. I wave good bye to her as she leaves and then I'm alone. Soon I will see Dylan again, it's been too long since the last time I saw him. 

I fall asleep and waken later when I hear the door open. Deraci closes the door behind him and sits down in the only chair in the room. 

"Good to see you're awake," he says. 

I nod and look out the window. Its dark out and I can see a few shadows moving around. 

"It has come to my attention that you did not attack that student, so we are removing all of your punishments and the Center sincerely apologizes for what happened to you," he says slowly. "I want to welcome you back to the Center."

I shouldn't speak, but I can't resist it. "I'm guessing you thought I would try and escape again?"

He glances down before nodding. "I didn't think you would come back, which was the only reason I was able to get the chip for you." 

"The chip would have told you where I was, I'm not stupid."

He glances down at his watch before standing. "I know, now if you will excuse me, I have some business to attend to. We're glad to have you back." 

        He shakes my hand before leaving. I smile when I realized what just happened, I get to see Dylan now. I don't have to stay away from him. 

        For the first time in a long time, I was able to sleep without waking upat the slightest of noises. I look around and see I'm alone. I push aside the sheets and sit at the end of the bed with my feet dangling above the floor. I stand for the first time since I woke. I see a better cast then the splint I made on my leg, obviously. I slowly walk to the window and sit down when I'm next to it. The sun is well up and I look out into the empty courtyard before the first students cross it.