Eternally yours(Sequel to 'Will you my saviour?')

Chapter 11- What is owed to you?

"How do I get out of here?"

"You first have to believe Ashley."

As I rocked back and forth against the wall, holding my knees to my chest, I thought about what he said. I do believe. I reached my arms out to him but his touch was a stranger to my body. I quickly released my arm and looked up.

"Ashley? Come on. You need to have breakfast."

It wasn't Andy. Once again.

The lady tried to grab my arm again, but I immediately pulled away from her. I can walk by myself. I followed her to where the other patients were. A wave of relieve cooled me. My usual spot was open. I moved to my usual place and waited for my dinner to arrive. A week ago I was out of it. And now I'm even worse. I thought things would get better over time, but it hasn't. Why am I in here? I shouldn't be. I'm totally capable of looking after myself.

"Purdy!"

Great. It's Richard again. This guy has been making my life a miserable hell since he was allowed back here. He was separated from us when I first got here. Apparently he "was" too dangerous to be with us. And he, like me, also doesn't belong here. I can tell . What is it with this place and having patients here that shouldn't be here?

"Miss me?" He asks as he sits down next to me.

The floor beneath my feet suddenly becomes the most interesting thing in the room.

"I said miss me?!"

"Yes," I quickly reply.

I fight back my tears as he scans my face. My shaking fingertips finds its way to my face and wipes away the tear that fell from my eye.

"Look at baby Purdy crying. It's such a shame."

I sighed in relief when he moved away from me.  At least I would be alone for the time being.

I was given my breakfast and I ate in silence as I thought about what to do  today. How do I even get out of this situation? How do I get out of here?
I scanned the faces of everyone else in the room with me as I contemplated my answer. Most people here were happy, but me. I can't accept the fact that this is what my life has come to. I put one spoon of porridge in my mouth and chewed it slowly, trying to adjust to it's coldness. They can't even provide us with proper food. I really need to get out of here? But how ? Maybe I should keep up good behaviour. They'll see I don't belong here. The crying and talking about Andy needs to stop. But how do I do that when I keep hallucinating about Andy?

As I put the last spoon of porridge in my mouth, my bowl is knocked out of my hands. My eyes meet the eyes of an angry Richard. I look around for help, but none of the workers are available and everyone else in the room are oblivious to what's happening. I keep back a scream as Richard steps on my fingers which were attempting to pick up the broken pieces of the bowl.

"Richard please," I beg not being able to do anything. I have no strength to fight back. I am weak to my core.

Covering my ears from his sadistic laughing, I attempt to get up but am pushed back to the floor. I close my eyes, waiting for his final blow but open it when nothing happens. Richard has disappeared from my face while the other patients are going on with their lives, singing, playing games and watching tv.

"Ashley, where is Richard? Wasn't he just here?", the lady who had helped me out of my room earlier asked.

"I think he went to the bathroom," I quickly lie.

She sighs, "and what are you doing on the floor?"

I quickly pick up the broken pieces of the bowl.