Sillage

Prologue

Sillage.

It made my head turn and my throat dry, wondering how a simple amount of perfume left floating in the air could affect me so much. I knew I had a choice to make, but I just couldn’t seem to make the right one, the temptation being too strong and clouding my thoughts. Was there even a right one to make? Either way, things were about to change drastically and there would be no going back.

Was I to just submit to injustice and misery? Or could I take destiny into my own hands and face the consequences that may arise?

I was only human after all.

* This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

She looked around uncomfortably at the new place she was supposed to call “home” even though it was very far from that. Saria’s hands were bound by chains and her body covered by an ugly pastel pink blouse and matching pants. She walked, followed closely by two securities who looked to be far from enjoying their job. Their expressions hard and cold, definitely not a reassuring feeling for the young woman. In front of her walked a woman holding a clipboard, hair in a high ponytail and a severe expression. Her outfit was polished, flawless almost. A white blouse with embroidered beige flower outlines, camel coloured pants and black high heels. The all covered partly with the typical white labcoat, hers sporting a small hydrangea clip on the front pocket. Not a hair out of place with a perfectly made-up face, almost more robotic than human.

“Here we are, this will be your room.” She spoke, a fake smile adorning her lips as she motioned towards a room with the door already opened. Saria was slightly pushed inside as she hesitated at the entrance. The room was white with a slight peach decoration at the top of the wallpaper. The room held a bed which seemed like a mix between a one and two-person bed. Not too big, not too small. The sheets were white and clean, carrying a faint scent of vanilla that was slightly overpowered by the tangy, sterile smell wafting through the facility. The girl took a few steps, continuing to observe her surroundings.

“The bathroom is in that corner and your room will be cleaned every three days.” The woman explained, the two guards who made the way behind her were now at her side. The girl just walked towards the only window, noticing the metal bars to prevent residents from jumping out. She was lucky to have a small window seat in which she sat, ignoring the director. “Miss Williams, you are free to join the common space anytime and request books at the library.” What they called the common space was just an area with couches, some board games and colouring books. The library was small but they could order books, that facility was probably the best for Saria seeing as to how much she loved reading. She kept silent, eyes wandering the view of the extensive gardens where only the calmest patients were aloud to go for walks (supervised of course). It was impossible to run away seeing as the terrain had only one gate with security and there was a metal fence all around, quite high and with electric current chains which would shock anyone who would touch it. Saria had already been warned by the director about how secure the facility was.

Noticing how she didn’t care about listening, the director sighed and left, closing the door. Saria didn’t move, wondering if her life could get any worse. The real reason she was locked in this place was an unfair life consequence. Her stepfather, Malcolm hit her various times and when she turned 23, tried abusing her. Her mother had passed away when she was 16 and that’s when the stepfather’s true colours started to show. Just a few days after her birthday, when he tried touching her and she refused, getting hit in consequence, she did the only thing that would have stopped him from going any further. She killed him, in pure self-defense. It was accidental, but the result remained grave. However, the judge in the court who had been bribed by Malcolm’s mother refused to let it go and went with her statement of her being mentally unstable. This landed her a sentence of a minimum of 6 years in the psychiatric hopsital for “treatment”, release depending on good behaviour and treatment results.

The bell for dinner time rang, which forced all patients to get food. The cantine was divided into two sections, left side where all the crazy ones had to eat with help of doctors and some even needing to be restrained while the right side was where the calm patients ate. Some like her, others criminals who escaped prison by claiming insanity and finally those who were crazy but not harmful to the rest. She looked into the wardrobe, picking a white, soft cardigan she put on before leaving. She scanned her bracelet at the machine in line getting her tray and food quietly before heading towards an empty table on the right side upon arriving at the cantine. She could hear screams and profanities being yelled on the left area, some doctors struggling to make patients eat. She picked at her food, a steak already cut and rice with mixed vegetables inside she was supposed to eat with a plastic spoon. She saw two guys choosing their seat at her table, a little further. One had blonde dyed hair and chocolate coloured eyes whilst the other had black hair and black eyes. Both had very pale skin colours and she could see how muscled they seemed to be due to the blue t-shirt they decided on wearing, outlining their bodies. She noticed one suddenly looked at her and she turned her face, focusing on her small wrist tattoo. It was one of two small fish, representing the Yin and the Yang as they circled each other.

She got it at 17 to remind herself that in all evil is a bit of good and in all good is a bit of evil. She loved the design, it calmed her down and felt relaxing. She ate taking her time, blocking her mind from the noisy people around her and focusing solely on a song she liked. She hummed it as she ate, considering going to the library for a book after dinner. What she ignored, is her humming caught the attention of the two men sat at her table who were now staring at her. They looked at the girl with fair, white skin and long, wavy light brown hair. One caught her tattoo and became curious as to who she was and why she was here while on the other hand, his friend could not care less. Saria got up, taking her tray to stewarding and then walked through the corridors to the library. The librarian was a young guy, not over 30 who seemed rather comfortable on his chair. He watched as Saria approached the desk, curious at the new face.

“Hi, umm.. I’d like a book?” She tested, unaware of the procedure. The guy smiled,

“Very well, what book? Tell me the title or author and i’ll look it up for you.”

“Anything with sci-fy or fantasy, something I can visualize and to help pass time.” The light brunette replied fidgeting with the button on her cardigan.

“I think I have a good idea. Let me order something for you, should take two or three days to get it.” He explained as he read from his screen.

“Oh, alright then. So... can I have any other supernatural or so book in the meantime? Could you...recommend me one?” She asked shyly wondering if she was aloud to say that.

“Let me see... how about a Harry Potter book?” He suggested warmly but Saria frowned a little,

“I’ve already read them... but I guess I’ll read the order of the phoenix again then.” She said softly and he nodded, getting up and walking towards a book alley. After all, a classic was a classic.

“You’re new, I’m Thomas.” He introduced as he walked and she followed.

“Saria.”

“Unusual name, but very pretty.” He complimented but barely looked at her, examining the shelf as he looked for the book.

“Thanks..” she muttered. He finally reached out to grab the said book and handed it to her,

“All you have to do now is write your name and the book title on this clipboard. Just so we know where the books are,” he motioned with a slight chuckle but Saria missed the gist and just signed without even looking at him.

“You seriously are shit at talking to girls.” A voice was heard, the tone cold and mocking. Both turned around to see who the speaker was and Saria cocked her head to the side a little, recognising the man that sat at her table earlier, the blonde one.

“Christian.” Thomas greeted with clenched teeth, not bothering to hide his displeasure, clearly annoyed by the other man.

“Four-eyes.” Saria understood the nickname had to do with the fact Thomas wore glasses, which clearly seemed to amuse this Christian guy. She started walking back to her room, but not before looking at Thomas and mouthing a quick “goodbye”. She felt herself being observed and she was once again, not in knowledge that someone was staring at her. She walked into her room, putting the book on the window seat. A few minutes later a knock suprised her, not expecting anyone. She got up, opening the door only to reveal the blonde guy.

“Hi, we haven’t been introduced before. I’m Christian,” he said with a smirk she did not find the least bit attractive.

“Why are you here?” She sighed, turning around to sit on the window seat. The male’s smile didn’t disappear as he took a few steps,

“Meeting you. You seem rather sane to be here.” He stated, eyeing her up and down and making her feel uncomfortable.

“Right to the point. That’s because I am.” She simply let out and the boy came closer,

“Can’t I get a name? Come on, you’re too beautiful to be mean.” He flirted as was his habit to get whatever he wanted.

“Saria.” She obliged, brushing some hair behind her ear and proceeding to cross her arms.

“Nice to meet you, Saria.” He reached out to shake her hand but she just stood there, watching him show his hand. The boy chuckled and slowly grabbed her hand, shaking it.

“Let go,” she said calmly and he did, her expecting a fight but to surprisingly he didn’t annoy her further. He took something out of his pocket and offered it to her,

“It can get really lonely and you don’t seem like you want any company, but hopefully this might cheer you up?” She didn’t even bother glancing at the music player in his hands which even though irritated him, he didn’t let show. He put it next to her and left, knowing she’d say thanks later anyway.

Because she was just a lamb in these woods, a small, fragile creature who would eventually, get too close to the wolves' den.