29. The Best Day Of The Year

29. The Best Day Of The Year

Niles

I startle awake as thecages open automatically. A stampede of soldiers rush through the long hallway toward the showers, bare feet slapping against the stone floors, bodies of all shapes and sizes bump into each other in a haste to get to the front of the mob.

“Morning,” Ruth says through a long yawn, stretching like a lazy cat.

I respond with an unenthusiastic smile.

As usual, we wait to exit our cages until everyone clears out, starting a walk behind Dessin to start our day. I look around at my friends, watching silently as they have their morning conversations. Dessin grumbles something I can’t hear. Skylenna snickers, giving him a small shove. Warrose and Ruth don’t say a word as they fall in step with each other.

There are far too many snide comments that flow through my head as those two awkwardly steal glances. Brown and hazel eyes clashing. Did he catch you masturbating, Ruth? Or, no morning arguments? They must have fucked! I don’t say anything that comes to mind, pushing them aside so I can keep walking in silence.

Marilynn pats me on the shoulder. “You didn’t wake up in pain last night. That’s a good sign.”

I guess. It still didn’t stop the nightmares. I am grateful that the pain has lessened significantly, but the pity party I threw myself was agonizing enough.

“You okay?” she asks, trying to match my long strides.

I hesitate before answering. Would telling her that today is my birthday make me sound like a spoiled child? Maybe not, but it would make her feel bad. Think about it, we’re in this disgusting, creepy-as-hell prison. What could she possibly do to wish me a happy birthday? What could any of them do?

It would be sad.

I would hang my head.

And everyone would feel so guilty.

It’s my fault for even letting this get to me. A while back, Belinda hosed me down in the asylum and made me walk back to my room, wet and naked. It was my twenty-second birthday. She said it was a present. I was quite loud and obnoxious back then, so I claimed that when I got out of there, my friends would throw me a party.

Belinda spit in my face and said, “What friends?”

I vowed that if I ever had friends, we’d make a big deal out of birthdays. We’d eat sweets and dance and sing together, despite Belinda.

May her soul rest agonizingly in hell.

“I’m okay, thanks for asking,” I reply with a clipped tone.

I’m still not quite sure about Marilynn. After getting to know her, I started developing sensations all over my body, like tiny insects crawling across my skin when she’s around. My stomach dips as if the floor has fallen out from under my feet. I find myself watching her like she might disappear, run away, or die in front of me.

But Kaspias planted that doubt, and it’s messing with my head.

Stupid twin brother of Kane. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I bet all members of that family are annoying and mean. I bet they eat bland toast without butter, hate puppies, and deface children’s toys for fun.

Guilt brushes past me.

His family is dead.

What’s wrong with me?

Oh yeah, I’m grumpy as shit. It’s my birthday, no one knows, and I’m spending it wallowing in a fucking sadistic prison.

“Your jaw is tight, and your nostrils are flaring,” Marilynn adds, stepping under the freezing water of the shitty shower, reeking of mildew and body odor. A shiver climbs up the base of my spine, and we dart our eyes away from each other’s naked bodies.

It’s obviously not easy. From my peripheral view, she’s luscious in every sense of the word. Full, shiny red hair. And she’s soft all over. Soft, tender thighs. Large, voluptuous breasts. A round ass that I want to squeeze so badly I’m driving myself up a wall.

“This place is just getting to me.” But a thought occurs to me. “Are you keeping track of my body language?”

She pauses, rubbing soap through her hair. “Maybe.”

That might be the only source of my smile this entire day.

After we’re dressed, cold, and dried off, we head to the grimy commissary. With my head down like a dog that has just been kicked, I trudge through the assembly line, accepting my tray absently.

Is it bad that I’m a little pissed at the people closest to me for not noticing I’m upset? Other than Marilynn, of course. Skylenna and Dessin are so brainy, and for what? They can’t even use their fat heads to pick up on my sour mood. How much do they care, really?

I pick at my food. Poke at my food. Stab at my food like it has committed a crime.

“Niles, you’re bringing the energy down with your shitty mood. Cheer up.” Dessin. Fucking Dessin says it.

Oh, so they do notice that I’m upset. They just don’t care. Got it. Great. Good!

Skylenna tries to stifle her laugh with the back of her hand, nudging him with her elbow. And I scowl in her direction shamelessly. I wouldn’t be surprised if smoke was puffing from my widening nostrils.

Really, Skylenna? You’re supposed to be my fucking sister!

Someone approaches behind me, their wide shadow draping over my food. I can’t find it in me to care, turn around, or look up.

“He’s right, Niles,” Skylenna says with a little too much volume to her voice.

My gaze snaps up to hers in a fierce grimace. I’m about to lash out, curse, and tell her that I’m very disappointed in her so-called special skills with the void. She should have been able to see it.

“The birthday boy shouldn’t be wearing a frown.”

My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach. I blink. My mouth opens and closes repeatedly. The faces around me are beaming expectantly.

As if on cue, someone behind me lowers what looks like a brown pastry or a glazed cake to the center of our table. It has a melting white candle sticking out of the middle.

My eyes flick up to meet Skylenna. And suddenly, my vision isn’t so clear. It’s cloudy and warm. My heart melts into something gooey.

“Did you…?”

“We all did.” She grins. My sister looks back at me with so much love, so much kindness. I want to crawl under the table and die for every horrible thought I just had toward her.

She cares. They all care!

“Marilynn made the cake,” Skylenna adds.

A small hand pats my thigh twice. “Happy birthday, Niles.”

Is it hot in here? Is it humid and misting?

I don’t realize that I’m full-on crying until Marilynn wipes my cheeks.

“Make a wish before the candle wax ruins the cake!” Ruth pipes up.

I close my wet eyes, taking in a deep breath. I only have one wish that has always remained constant.

I wish for a life filled with love.

In a single huff, I blow out the candle and wait as Warrose cuts me a slice.

I dig in like it’s my last meal. The shell of the glaze tastes like maple syrup. It’s unique and tasty, and I’ve never loved a dessert so much in my life.

“How did you know?” I finally ask with a full mouth of sugary goodness.

Skylenna wipes her mouth, jerking her head in Dessin’s direction.

“It was…you?” I ask in both horror and delight, meeting Dessin’s dark brown irises.

“Don’t cream your pants over it.”

“But…you? Really?”

Dessin rolls his eyes, shoveling more food into his mouth.

I might cream my pants. I really might.

“How?” I lick my fork, watching Dessin intently.

“I went through your file in the asylum. When Skylenna noticed you were upset, I went through different scenarios until I landed on that one.”

He went through my file. Wow, what a little creep.

“You stalked me?”

Skylenna laughs, but Dessin just stares at me. Blinks.

“Not funny?” I ask.

“No.”

~

I swing my legs backand forth like a giddy child as we sit on the stage.

“What do you want for your birthday?” Skylenna asks, then pauses in thought. “Within reason, of course.”

Hmm. Within reason. I sway back and forth in a little thinking dance. I’d ask to kiss Marilynn again, but come on, I’m no pervert.

What could they give me that would make this wonderful day that much better? What could—

Dessin crosses his arms over his chest. The movement steals my attention, roping me in until…I’ve got it! There is only one thing I want in the whole world. It will make this the best day of the year. We’ll never forget it.

“I’ve got it.” My eyes must look crazy. Excitement buzzes through me in a flash. My legs start shaking.

Dessin does a double take. Eyebrows crawling up his forehead.

“No,” he says without hesitation.

“And you can’t say no!” I blurt out in a panic.

“He’s right, Dessin. It’s Niles’s birthday.”

The urge to release an evil bout of laughter is more than tempting. But Dessin, for the first time since I’ve known him, looks genuinely nervous. His hands are fidgeting. Fidgeting!

“I want us to have a secret best friend handshake,” I announce without breaking eye contact with him.

“All of us?” Ruth asks.

“No.” I cross my arms, rising to my feet to mimic Dessin’s posture. “Just me and Patient Thirteen.”

Dessin glares at me for a long moment. He’s not breathing. Not blinking. I giggle on the inside.

“Why?” The intimidating idiot has the nerve to ask.

“Because I want us to be best friends,” I answer simply.

Skylenna coos, sweet little oohs and awes. Dessin’s sigh sounds painful, as if an arrow is being extracted from his chest.

“Forever.” I add the life sentence on with a final tone that implies negotiations are not on the table. This will be binding. Forever and ever. Amen.

“Fine.”

“You’re okay with that?” I push like a giant asshole.

“I said fine, didn’t I?”

“Then why is your eye twitching?” I narrow my gaze on him.

Warrose throws his head back and lets out a laugh that is infectious. Everyone except for Dessin and me snickers at his expense.

“Let’s get this over with.” He practically growls each word.

“Yippy!” I leap, clicking my heels together.

Standing in front of the oversized meanie, I realize, maybe for the first time, that he’s definitely taller than me. Not sure I like that, but what can you do? His creepy, dark gaze looks bored, but his jaw is clenched so tightly that I wouldn’t be surprised if his bottom row of teeth was wired together with his top row.

I rub my hands together, levitating with sheer joy and sadistic satisfaction.

“Okay. First move, fist pump, like this…” I hold my fist out to tap his, only to be greeted with a semi-violent punch, making my knuckles yelp in pain. “Ouchie, yep. Good job, big guy.”

Dessin’s large eyes sweep over the perimeter for a moment, noticing how our friends are formed around us with big, dopey grins that turn their cheeks pink.

“Don’t worry about them. It’s just us. We’re all that matters now,” I tell him calmly, sweetly. It earns me that look. That dangerous, frightening, murderous look he gives those he’s about to dissect or…eat, maybe. I’m not sure what kind of freak he is.

“Next move! Open your fist, now our hands slap, back of hand, then front of hand. Like they’re in a fight. One of them cheated on the other, right? Haha!” I slap his knuckles with mine, then our palms collide. Damn, his hand is big. Whew. Go, Skylenna!

Ruth does a little clap after our second move is complete. My heart is racing. I can’t believe we’re going to have our own secret handshake. This is the best day ever!

“Third move—”

“And final move?” Dessin asks with a grimace.

I laugh, slapping him on the arm with my other hand. “Not even close!”

He looks at the space on his arm I slapped for a moment too long, making me instantly regret touching him. I giggle nervously, shooting wide, alert “help me” eyes to Skylenna.

“Third move! Our hands fought, now they have to make up. Pinch your fingers together—yep, like that. Then turn them side to side while touching them to my fingers. Kiss, kiss. Muah, muah!”

Dessin yanks his hand away as if he’s just been burned by a stove.

“Niles,” he warns.

But it’s Skylenna’s wheezing laughter that removes his attention from me, dragging it across the amused faces around us until his eyes land on her. She looks as giddy as I feel. Her face is the bright shade of a pomegranate, her eyes watery, and she’s holding onto Warrose’s bulky shoulder to steady herself.

The frustration scrunching Patient Thirteen’s brows together loosens its grip on him. His taut shoulders relax. A brief smirk wavers over his full lips at the glimpse of my sister chuckling.

And I remember the moment I explained what a soulmate is to Skylenna in my room in the asylum. Because once you find them, there is no life without them.

It’s true, isn’t it? When he died in her arms, she lost all meaning in her own life. She wandered around those forests aimlessly. They really are soulmates. There was only one time before my life in the asylum that I knew I spotted a pair of soulmates. And trust me, I knew it in the depths of my spirit. It was a man and a woman I found arguing once. The woman slapped him, stormed off, and…well, this is back when I had lost my mind.

Am I ashamed of what I put that couple through? Yes. Hell yes. It’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. But I was so determined to prove true love existed. I was hellbent on healing the wounds I had from my father. And knowing what I know now about him, it was all for nothing.

I tried to prove they were soulmates by locking them in my basement. If I could just scare them enough, the man would try to protect the woman. And he did. It was a huge relief until the man said something to me. Maybe I was hallucinating from the psychotic break, maybe it was divine intervention. But I let them go.

“Niles?” Dessin asks with a raised brow.

“Sorry, okay, fourth move.” I make Dessin memorize eleven more moves, which he does with ease and annoyance. The entire handshake includes kissy-hands, a hip bump, a mirrored-bicep flex, me miming catching him on a fishing rod and pulling him in, a catchphrase of “Niles has a big…” (showing size with a two-handed gesture), and ending in a nice brotherly hug.

By the end of it, I’m grinning ear to ear, and Dessin is rubbing his temples.

Warrose walks up to Dessin, slapping him on the back. “I’ll commit this to memory for the rest of my life.”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” Dessin replies.

Turning around, Skylenna and Ruth loop their arms through mine, walking us away from the group in a sneaky fashion.

“What’s happening, ladies?” I ask.

“It’s time for some girl talk,” Ruth whispers.

“Oh! My favorite kind.” I sit down with them in a few seats higher up in the stadium. They immediately go for it without any lube to smooth the entry.

“What’s going on with you and Marilynn?” Skylenna asks.

I rub my jaw. Scratch my head. Ignore the way my heart stutters to a stop, then starts up again in my chest.

“I don’t know.” I shrug.

“Pfft, Niles! You of all men should know how to express your feelings!” Ruth bumps her knee to mine. “Throw us a bone!”

“There’s something there,” I admit, keeping my facial expressions to a minimum.

“What’s wrong?” Skylenna leans in, looking suspicious. “Why’re you so reserved?”

I shrug again.

“It’s because of what Kaspias said, isn’t it?”

I let out the breath I’ve been holding.

Ruth nudges me again. “Who cares? Let’s pretend he never said it, okay? Tell us the truth.”

“I might like her,” I mutter, feeling bad for possibly having a thing for the potential traitor. “She’s pretty.”

She’s more than pretty. Living in a fucked-up society where the women starve themselves…I’ve never seen a woman who hasn’t. Her soft curves and appetite are beautiful. Stunning. I’ve become infatuated with her confidence, her shape, her disregard for the lady-doll regimen rules. And that’s not even mentioning that radiant crimson hair. The smoldering depth of those sapphire blue eyes. What’s not to like?

“We’re your best friends, Niles. You can tell us everything,” Skylenna says with a smile, giving me the push I needed to spill.

My emotions burst like a balloon in their faces. “We kissed at the Ecstasy Dance. Holy hell, it was amazing. Seriously. The kiss was a show of fireworks. A phenomenon made possible by the stars. I was immediately attracted to her, obviously. She’s a beauty, right? But she’s been telling me how I’ve been her favorite story in the prophecies she’s heard about as a kid. It’s the first time I’ve felt important. Special. Legendary.”

I look down to see Ruth and Skylenna holding my hands, stroking my scarred skin with their thumbs.

“I feel good with her,” I add shyly.

Skylenna releases a pent-up breath. “Kaspias better have been lying. I’m so happy for you, Niles.”

I hope to God he was lying, too.