Page 84 of Caged

Initially, I was annoyed when he asked to play twenty questions, but because of the game we’d gotten to know, and understand, each other. And maybe even become friends.

Roman will use that against us.

Jay singing softly with his beautiful deep voice lulled me to sleep for the second time. But it wasn’t restful.

When I awoke with a start, the first thought I had was that I didn’t want to die without apologizing to Jay for punching him.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, no.” I yawned. “I’m sorry I punched you.” My whole body felt stiff and sore. Even my hair hurt.

He laughed. “Forgiven. I’m curious though, what specifically set you off?”

“Gavin told everyone I liked being called Catie Cat and that I liked to scratch. He and his friends thought it’d be funny to make sure everyone knew it.”

“He’s an ass.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I’m sorry I called you that.”

“It’s okay, you didn’t know.” It seemed like it been a long time since the strobe or alarm had tortured us, though I wasn’t sure just how long.

“How long has it been quiet?” I asked.

“Longer than usual, but other than that I don’t have an answer.”

Jay helped me up and we walked around the cage to loosen our sore, stiff limbs. It had to be worse for him, because he’d used his body to keep me off the cold floor.

We’d finally started talking to each other like friends instead of enemies. No doubt our tenuous friendship was built on the fact neither of us thought we’d make it out alive.

As we walked, we continued our game of twenty questions, though we’d passed that number long ago. We asked each other about the good memories from our childhoods and our accomplishments. Keeping it light, and not lingering too long on any one subject.

When we got tired, we sat back down on the cold, hard concrete, with our back against the cold, hard wall.

Time dragged on and we eventually fell silent—too cold, hungry, and tired to keep talking. It seemed to me we’d beenleft alone in the dark and silence for hours, and that scared me.

It’s always calmest before the storm.

When the foghorn next sounded, Jay had to help me stand. The physical abuse combined with the lack of food was making me weaker by the hour. Sitting for too long in the cold wasn’t helping either.

“Happy Saturday my caged birds. It’s time for you to sing.” Roman’s cheerful voice sent chills down my spine.

Had he heard Jay singing to me? Or did he have a plan to make us talk?

“Happy suck-my-dick-Saturday, Dick,” Jay said, spitting out the name.

Two thoughts slammed through my head at the same time, making it hard to think.

What the fuck was he thinking, talking to Roman like that? He’d get himself killed.

And Saturday? I thought it was still Friday.Holy shit, we’ve been here more than three days. Damn it was hard to keep track of time without any change of light.

“I thought we’d moved past that, Son.” Roman’s voice dripped with sarcasm. I couldn’t see his face because the only light in the basement was behind him, casting him in a creepy silhouette.

Dramatic much?

Jay stepped forward, looking every bit like he wanted to challenge Roman. He hadn’t taken two steps before rifles lifted to shoulders and muzzles pointed at our heads.

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