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Dedication: Bonnieiloveyou4 for the amazing cover on the side. Thank you, it turned out awesome! :)

So, I was taking the phrase, "they were taken kicking and screaming," to a new level. My groans of frustration were echoing around the corridor, as I was attempting to yank my arms out of the guard's vice-like grips.

"Please, let me finish her off!" I yelled out, my face inches from on of the guards to the extent his breath was fanning my face.

He chuckled, although he struggling restraining me. "There are a couple kids at this school I'd like to 'finish off', but it ain't gunna' happen."

I growled and struck one of my legs out, socking him them in the kneecaps.

"Oomph!" he said in surprise, his leg giving out on him, evidently causing him to collapse to the ground in a heap. Tears formed in his eyes as he clutched his legs, howling a series of painful cries.

I didn't even pause to smirk in satisfaction. I took the other guards lapse of judgment, due to his shock, to my advantage and brought my knee up, connecting it with his groin. He gasped out in alarm, dropping to the floor, as his partner had previously done.

The third, who was located behind me, caught me by surprise. His arm snaked around my neck, constricting around it. I could see Eliza from the corner of my eye, still rolling around in pain. That brought some joy to me, since I was in a pretty sucky situation.

"Don't. You. Dare." he breathed heavily into my ear, like he had just run a marathon.

Without verbally responding, I projected my head forward and sunk my teeth into his bare arm. He screamed out in pain as I bit him as savagely as I could. He snapped his arms away from me and I took my chance to run.

Even though I still had the stupid handcuffs on. I felt like a fugitive but I didn't care, I just wanted to get away. I made it about a minute and however many steps that takes, until I was rounding the corner. I looked over my shoulder, to see if any of them had recovered yet. Satisfied at the distance between us, I turned forward again.

Another three guards stood in a wall, in front of me. I skidded to a halt, spinning on my heel immediately. I think I'll take my chances with the injured three. I lunged forward when two arms materialised around my abdomen. I screeched out, my teeth grinding together. I swung my elbow back, getting him in the cheek. He gasped and his grip slacked, but was only replaced with another pair of arms. I rose my hands to inflict more pain, when they brought it out. I froze, my eyes widening upon seeing it, my body stiffening.

"Touch me with that and I swear to God-" I barked out, but was interrupted.

My arms were pinned painfully to my side as the guard struck his arm and and jabbed the needle into my arm. I gasped in pain, falling backwards into the guard behind me. I began wriggling furiously and thrashing wildly, needing to escape from them. My vision started turning blurry and I was blinking rapidly, trying to see clearly again. My limbs began to feel heavy, as though made of lead. My movement began to gradually slow down and my breathing changed, to heavy panting. It became a struggle to breathe.

"What the..." I trailed off, as my body began swaying dangerously. "Did- did you drug me?"

"Yes. And if you don't pass out within five seconds, I'll inject you again." he muttered back, sweat beading down his forehead. He was a baldish man, with a thick chest and sturdy arms. He looked unfit, but strong, which I bet he was.

"You son of a bitc-" I began, before my vision completely blacked out and I well and truly did, pass out.

I was dead.

I had to be, or I was in a very boring and very white hospital. After my eyes had somewhat adjusted, it became clear that I was gazing up at a plain, white ceiling. I went to sit up, but my body felt sluggish and lethargic.

What the hell?

I fell back down again with a groan, my hands instantly going to my head. My teeth were tingling, my hands were throbbing and my left wrist was aching. I slowly lowered my hands, to see both of my knuckles wrapped up and my left wrist bandaged. I attempted to sit up again and this time, I was successful. I let my eyes sweep around the room, my jaw hanging unattractively. I was in a white room. The bed was the only furniture the room contained and it consisted of one, thin sheet and a pillow, which felt more like a bag of rocks. There was a tiny, sad excuse for a window, up in the right hand corner, way out of my reach. The rest of the room, was just plain and bare. It had nothing beside a door, which didn't have a window. I blinked for a few moments, trying to recall what has happened to me.

Was I still at school?

Slowly, my adventures of yesterday... or today, I don't know, came back to me. My fight with Eliza. I couldn't help smile slightly, despite my present dilemma, at her in pain. The cow deserved it. I must have been in a rage black out, because I could hardly remember what happened to me. I'm still unsure why I went so crazy at the guards, but I was regretting it. Look where it got me.

I shuddered. After sitting stock still, glaring at the wall for God knows how long, I finally thought I'd try and do something. I stood up and swayed. I fell back onto the bed and groaned, my head throbbing painfully.

Whatever they shot me with was strong stuff. After the room had stopped spinning, I was able to stand again. Slowly wandering over to the door and leaning heavily on it, I began banging with my good hand.

"Guys?" I called out in a loud voice. "Can I have some chocolate? I'm famished."

I heard a snort from the other side of the door and smirked. Okay, so I was being guarded. Which meant I had company. I wonder if I could charm him into letting me out...

"You, on the other side, how long have I been in here?"

No response.

"Oh come on, I know you're there. No harm in telling me."

Silence.

"Just do it."

I heard a sigh and I grinned. "You've been there for almost two days."

"What? Passed out?"

"Yeah."

"What the hell did you give me?" I barked out angrily, my right hand clenching into a fist. "When I get out-"

"When do you think that will be?"

That made me pause. "Soon?"

He laughed and I frowned. "I don't think so, honey."

"What? And don't 'honey' me. How long am I in here for?" I cried out.

"At least a week. We have to wait for Andrew to get out of hospital and see how bad his leg is. If it's broken, you will be in here for a month."

"A month!?" I shrieked. "You have got to be joking! Do I even get fed?"

"Minimal food, yes."

"Well, I'm thirsty. Bring me some water."

"You don't give the orders around here." he snapped back, his voice lacing anger. "I do."

"Okay. Get me some water."

"I don't like your tone."

"And I don't like you in general. Hurry up or I'm going to attempt to cut my wrists. I have very sharp nails you know. I've done it before."

It went quiet for a long time and I groaned, sinking to the ground. Great. I scooted over and lent heavily on the wall, resting my head back. My arms were limp beside me and my legs sprawled out. I felt hungry, thirsty and just plain tired, although apparently, I've been out of it for quite some time now.

The door swung open and a guard, the same one I had an incident with about the warm milk, stood there, holding a glass of water. I raised my eyebrows, clambering to my feet instantly, slightly surprised.

"I didn't think you'd actually get it for me."

"Me either."

"Well..." I trailed off, grabbing it from him. "Thanks."

He looked at me in surprise. "You know, you don't really seem like the type to go and fight guards. There's something... almost innocent about you."

I stared at him for a few moments. I was anything but innocent, but maybe he was referring to parts the little remains of my past life, still trapped inside me.

"Well, we all have our moments." I tried to say lightly with a shrug. "I think I was in some sort of a rage black out. I wouldn't usually do that."

He shrugged. "Well, you did. Now you have to deal with the consequences."

"Can't wait." I bit out sarcastically.

He rolled his eyes and unfortunately, slithered back out of the room as fast as he came in, leaving me confused and alone once more.

I wish they had left some sort of weapon like thing in here, because if they did, I'd definitely use it on myself.

Time had been snailing by at an excruciatingly slow rate. I have no idea how long I've been here, but a couple times, the window has gone dark, so I'm assuming I've been here for a couple of days. The amount of patterns I've made with my hairband had to be a new record.

The only other human contact I've had is when a guard will bring in my food or some water every now and then. That was it. I was lounging on my bed, my head dangling off the mattress, when the door unexpectedly swung open. Light filtered into my dark room and I squeezed my eyes shut at the brightness. Slowly, I peeped through one of my eyelids, to see the outline of a guard standing there, hands on hips, at my doorway, looking more impassive than ever.

"Phone call."

"What?"

"Phone call for you."

"For me?" I echoed, slowly getting to my feet.

I padded to the door, not bothering to try and find my shoes. I'd thrown them angrily around and now couldn't find them. Probably, were under my bed as that was the only piece of furniture in the whole room. But that required actually getting down on me knees and looking. I couldn't be bothered to do that.

"Yes." he snapped like I was stupid.

"Who is ringing me? I have no one."

His face softened slightly. "It's your nan."

I froze, my whole back stiffening. Annoying guard said what now? My nan? The lady who held my utter most respect. It was my grandfather that sent me to this hell hole. I would never, ever had thought they would ring me. Swallowing nervously, I forced myself to walk, trying to remain calm and act normal. He gripped my arm, his fingers biting into my flesh as he began to drag me down the hall.

"Don't make me put you in handcuffs."

"I won't." I said, my voice small.

He turned and looked at me, shocked. I couldn't keep my 'bad-ass' facade going, not right now... not when my nan was on the phone. Family. My only family...

We reached the office where guards flooded the place. They all froze and looked at me, like I had three heads. I ignored them and sat down roughly. With trembling fingers, I slowly picked up the phone, focusing on inhaling and exhaling so I didn't pass out. I pressed it to my ear and didn't say anything. I could hear her breathing on the other side and I almost began hyperventilating.

"N-nan?" I stuttered like an idiot.

"Oh Hayley! It's so wonderful to hear your voice."

Upon hearing hers, tears threatened to pour down my face. My eyes burned and I blinked up at the ceiling, refusing to let any tears shed. I gritted my teeth, unable to reply. My tongue felt swollen in my mouth. I ducked my head, so the guards couldn't see me.

"I've been calling for weeks..." she trailed off.

"What?" I blurted. I cleared my throat and tried again. "I mean... you have?"

"Yes, of course! I've tried several times. A lot of them, no one answered. Every time I ring you seem to be in some kind of trouble. I think they got sick of me calling and finally gave in. I don't think they're too keen on outside people talking to people inside. Are you okay though? If you don't want me to ring again, I guess that's fine... I just... miss you. A lot. I really wish things didn't turn out the way they did. I regret not fighting for you every, single day."

And that, pushed me over the edge. I hiccuped loudly, sobs wracking my body. My hands were shaking so much, that the phone dropped out of my hand. I quickly scrambled to pick it up, trying to breathe normally. I could feel the stares of the guards on me but I didn't acknowledge them. They weren't going to interfere with this.

"Oh God, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry." she tumbled out, her words coming out almost as one. "Hayley-"

"I miss you so much it hurts." I whispered.

She silenced, sucking in a breath of air.

"I wish you fought for me." I murmured, not even bothering to wipe at my cheeks anymore. "I really wish you did."

I heard her sniffle, as it became evident she was also crying. God, this was getting heavy and emotional. For someone so 'strong', I could really have my weak moments. I wanted to act tough and act like this didn't bother me.

But I couldn't.

"I am so sorry."

I gulped, feeling like there wasn't enough oxygen in the room. "And to back to your previous question, I guess I'm okay. I got myself into some trouble... but it isn't anything I can't handle. I'll be fine."

"I know you will be. You're the strongest person I know."

There we go again. Hayley Larson, so "strong".

I bit my lip, hard, trying not to sob again. "H-how is... how is Grandfather?"

She was quiet for a little while, before she replied. "He's okay. He's been a little ill, so I've been taking over the business. I can tell you now, it's taking its toll on me. I'm feeling very run down and a little sick. I'm going to the doctors tomorrow, to see if it's just stress or if it's more."

"You'll be fine," I assured her. "Nothing could tear you down."

She chuckled softly. "I'm not invincible."

"You have to be."

I closed my eyes, my hands tightening around the phone. She didn't reply and I just listened to her breathing. I heard the guard near me sigh and twitched his finger, for me to wrap it up. I gave him the finger and he growled, striking his arm out to press the hang up button.

I shot up from my chair and raised my fist warningly. "Do it. I'll rearrange your face."

"I don't like threats, Ms. Larson." he barked out.

"She is my grandmother, who I haven't spoken to for weeks. She's sick. What kind of an insensitive ape are you?"

His face softened and he pursed his lips. "Five more minutes."

"Thank you." I said earnestly.

I sat back down, pressing the phone to my ear once more.

"Is everything okay?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah, all good." I waved off dismissively, pushing away the urge to cry again. "Fill me in with life. What's been happening?"

"Oh not much. You know, been working hard. It's been tough, but probably not as tough as it has been for you. How are you getting along with everyone?"

"Surprisingly well with most of them." I told her honestly. "I have actually made some good friends. Not all are bad. But there is this one girl that I don't get along with, but it's okay."

"That's good." she said and I smiled. "Would you... would you like me to keep on ringing you, if they will let me?"

"I would love you too!" I said in a rush, my cheeks burning slightly. "I mean, er... only if you want to. Don't feel pressured."

"Okay, I will."

I beamed, sniffling. I looked up at the guard who gave me 'the look' and began to tap his watch. I sighed.

"Look Nan, I have to go, but thank you... thank you so much for ringing me. Hearing your voice... you don't know how much it means to me."

"I'm so glad you feel that way. I was so scared you'd be angry with me."

"Never."

"I love you, Hayley."

I licked my lips, my eyes turning moist again. "I love you too."

Before things could get soppy again, I hung up and slammed the phone down, trying to get my breathing even. I slowly stood up and let the guard wrap his fingers around my upper arm again. He guided me back to my cell, without a word.

"Thank you." I murmured, pausing at my door. "For letting me talk to her."

The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. He nodded at me, before gently pushing me inside. He shut the door and locked it behind him. Once out of sight, I let my knees give way as I collapsed onto the floor.

I curled up into fetal position and just began to cry.

I missed her so God damn much, it hurt.

Thoughts? :)

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