Half Mad (Sequel to Half Bad)

Chapter 4

✖ Chapter 4 ✖

        I DIDN'T SPEAK much the next day. In fact, I would have stayed in that uncomfortable bed all day had it not been for the guards and William saying social interaction was for the better. Yet I got in trouble for "interacting" yesterday. They should really be specific with their wording.

        Daniel was rambling about something I didn't care to know and had the rest of the table intrigued. All except Aiden.

        I nudged him with my elbow. "Do you ever say anything?"

        Of course, he looked down at the table.

        Pursing my lips, I nodded before fiddling with the garbage food they had on the menu today. I was using the fork as a rake for the mashed potatoes when Megan snapped her fingers in my face.

        I caught her hand and shot a glare her way. "Don't ever put your hands in my face again."

        She swallowed, retracting her hand as she nodded once. "I... I was just going to ask if you were okay..."

        The statement brought a bitter laugh to leave my lips. I heaved a hand through my hair, clenching my fist around the plastic fork and watched it snap easily. Then I dragged both hands through my tangled hair, stress getting the best of me.

        "I'm locked in a mental institution with no control over what happens outside of it," I snapped. "How do you think I feel?"

        "Pretty useless."

        "That's an understatement," I grumbled under my breath.

        Daniel rose an eyebrow. "Did something happen yesterday? I mean, I know you were psychotic yesterday, too, but what did William say to you?"

        "Nothing," I said through clenched teeth. "He said nothing. And that is my problem."

        "Then what-"

        "They have Rose, Daniel!" I didn't mean to yell, but I did and I captured the attention of nearly everyone in the cafeteria. Digging my nails into my palms, I looked down and shook my head. "Sorry."

        "No, I get it." Daniel leaned forward on his elbows. "Did they let you talk to her?"

        "I almost think it would've been better if they hadn't."

        He perked up a bit, eyebrows raising. "What did she say? Is she okay?"

        I gave him a look.

        "Right, stupid question."

        Megan raised her hand. "Totally lost. I've heard of this Rose girl from the news and stuff. Ran away from home or whatever, but..."

        "But it's also none of your business," I told her. 

        "Fair enough, but-"

        "But I'd like to change the subject."

        Everyone fell silent for a moment, and I was fighting against my anger to not flip the table across the room. To not murder every damn person who got in my way so I could get to her. I didn't trust Cecilia. Not one bit, and the fact that whatever they were doing with Rose was a secret to me, only increased my hatred and panic.

        Marcus walked in a moment later, taking a seat without getting lunch. He seemed a bit on edge, but I didn't question it. I didn't need anything else to stress about in my life when there was nothing I could do about it.