Page 24 of Fragments
Dash is gonna need some time to adjust.
Regardless of his wariness and the lack of trust, he seems kinda cool. And I know it’s strange to say that, knowing he’s killed someone. But you’d have better luck counting the people on this island whohaven’tkilled people than those who have. It’d be a short list… Might even be just one name.
Mine.
Dash is alright so far. He’s scared, trying desperately to act like he’snot, and I feel for him. I wasn’t exaggerating when I told him I’m probably the best cellmate he could ask for. It’s true. Because, unlike many others, I won’t try to fuck him, or fight him. I won’t expect anything from him other than mutual respect, and if I can watch out for him and help him learn the ropes of this shithole, having the experience and seniority I guess I have here, then I’ll do just that.
At the same time, I should try not to get…attached. I’ve been through too many cellmates already. I hate forming a bond with someone, only to have it ripped away.
It’s happened way more than I care to think about right now.
We just got back from dinner, and Dash is fidgety. I can’t tell if it’s just the way he is, or if he’s still coming down from the crazy drugs they pumped into him to get him here. Really, he could be the most self-aware dude in the world, but it’ll take more than a few hours to get acclimated to Alabaster Pen.
Up on my bunk, I nestle into the stiff mattress, pulling a worn copy of1984out from under my pillow. I love this book, and it’s one of only a few we’ve managed to scrounge up over the years, so I force myself to read slowly. My last reread was over a year ago, meaning I’ll get some enjoyment out of it now.
Opening the book to my dog-eared page, my mind drifts to what Ren was offering earlier, in the cafeteria. He implied that he got something pretty good from Rook…I wonder what it was.
No… I don’t care.He’s just trying to manipulate me again. Using me as an excuse for more bullshit lies he spouts, easier than breathing.
I’m doing this foryou, Lex.
If I let him fuck me, I can get you whatever you want.
Huffing out loud, I shake my head.What a crock of shit.
A raspy voice grumbles from beneath where I’m lying, reminding me that I’m not alone anymore.
Right. I have a cellmate again.
“You okay down there?” I ask Dash, feeling the bunk bed shift with his obvious tossing and turning.
He doesn’t respond, but rumbles some words, kicking off his sneakers. They clunk to the floor, and more movement follows. Setting down my book, I lean over the edge of the bunk to peer at him upside down. He’s doing crunches in bed.
My brow lifts. “You like working out?”
His breathing puffs raggedly as he counts to himself, stopping to mutter, “Huh?”
“Is that something you… enjoy doing?” I ask, just making conversation. Getting to know him and such. “Or are you doing it because there’s nothing else to do?”
He does a few more crunches, then pauses once more, hazel eyes drifting up to my face. “I, um… I like doing it. I mean… I think I do?”
My lips curve into an amused grin. “You don’t know if you like it or not?”
He blinks at me, wide-eyed and reticent, biting down on his lower lip. His fingers rush over his scalp and he frowns. “It helps me burn energy. I don’t like to sit still. I hate beingconfined… I just gotta move.”
I roll my eyes, swooping back up to my bed. “Great. Another hyperactive asshole I’m stuck dealing with. Just remember, man… after lights out, I’mma need you to keep it down. And don’t be rocking this thing around all night. I like my sleep.”
He’s quiet for a second before he murmurs, “Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” I sigh. “I get it. It’s not easy being trapped like a rat in a cage.”
“Despite all my rage…” he mumbles.
My smile returns. “Smashing Pumpkins. I like it.” Shifting, I grab the bars, peeking back down at him. “You’re alright, Dash.”
His lips quirk into a small, satisfied grin. I have to say, it’s quite the difference from that scowl he seems to love rocking. I’m guessing the resting bitch face is like a mask, to keep people from seeing the real emotions underneath.
But hey… what do I know? I used to smile much more, too.
