Page 25 of Cup of Lies

I don’t want to leave her and I certainly don’t want to change out of my clothes, but if I don’t comply, I’m not sure what he’ll do. Playing along is my best bet right now until I see my opportunity.

While Seth shows Kaitlyn to one of the cabinets, I walk to the bathroom in the exam room. He is gentle and kind as he explains all the supplies and equipment he plans to use. Once inside the bathroom, I’m disappointed to discover there’s no window or doors. Just a toilet and a sink. I change out of my clothes and tug on the gown. I’m tempted to keep my shoes on but know that won’t fly. Finally, I exit and find Seth showing Kaitlyn a blood pressure cuff.

“Get onto the exam table,” Seth tells me. “I’m going to take Kaitlyn down to visit Nurse Ella. She has new stickers.”

Kaitlyn brightens at the mention of stickers. My stomach twists at the thought of being separated from her. She casts me a look over her shoulder, smiling happily at me. It’s a stab to the heart.

“Maybe she should stay,” I blurt out.

Seth ignores me, tugging her by the hand out of the room.

I start after them, unsure exactly what I plan on doing. The door reopens but instead of Seth, another man walks in. His nametag says Doc Junior.

“Going somewhere?” He arches an eyebrow and flashes me an evil grin.

I deflate and wonder if I’ll be given an opportunity to be alone for three minutes to make my escape.

“Feeling sick,” I rush out, waving a hand in front of my face. “Crackers? Sprite? I need something so I don’t puke all over the place.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll grab some stuff for you. Sit down before you pass out. You’re looking a little pale.”

I take a seat near the door, lean back, and close my eyes. His stare bores into me, probably looking for sincerity in feeling ill. When he deems me to be telling the truth, he leaves the room. I force myself to count to ten before rising to my feet and then slowly pulling open the door.

When I peek my head out, he’s nowhere to be found. I may only have minutes, or even seconds, to slip from their grasp.

I have to find Kaitlyn.

Her giggling can be heard around the corner to the left, but I see an exit sign to my right. If I go after her, I’ll encounter Seth. I’ll be right back in the same boat. But if I take my exit while I can, I can escape.

I can’t leave her.

I have to.

Seth is a monster, creating false memories in the minds of his false family, but I know he won’t hurt her. If I can safely get away, I will come back for her as soon as I can.

It’s my only option.

Still, my legs don’t want to work.

My motherly instinct screams at me to grab my little girl and run.

Reality smacks me in the face when I hear a clatter somewhere nearby. I have to go. Now.

I take off toward the right, running in a slight jog. I’m shoeless and wearing a stupid gown, but I may not get another chance. Since I paid close attention before, I’m able to navigate down a series of hallways back toward the break room.

If Janet’s still there, I’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure she doesn’t stand in my way. I’ll throw a chair at the old woman if I have to.

I enter the break room, ready for a fight. I’m relieved to discover it empty. The door is so close.

Then what?

Seth has his keys, so I can’t steal his car. I’m going to have to run toward the main road and hope no one notices I’m gone. They’ll easily catch up to me once they realize I’ve escaped.

I can’t let them catch me.

The rain has picked back up and pours from the clouds as if God’s about to flood the Earth again. I’m grateful for the thunder and sounds of rain that mask my escape. Getting drenched in three seconds and almost busting my ass on the slick concrete steps is another story.

This sucks.

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