The Iso-Stasis Experiment (The Experiments) (23 page)

Cal couldn’t get comfortable in her bed and she told Jake he hogged up way too much room. It seemed like every time she would fall asleep, he would move and she would awaken. The night was dragging on as she lay in the silent room awakened by his roaming hand that seemed to be stuck on her breast.
Why is he touching me, is he sleeping?
His hand let go and she felt it move across her neck. As his fingers grazed, she felt the odd feeling of a pinch, a painful pinch that immediately flung her eyes open. She lifted her head and placed her fingers to her throat, it was wet.
Blood?
Trying to catch a glimpse of it in the darkness, she saw a shimmering across the room. The bright moonlight from outside the small window cast a backdrop off the shadowing figure that stood there. The moons rays reflected in his hand.

“Shit.” She rolled her body to her side. “Jake, wake up. Jake.” She shook him as he lay on his side. “Someone’s in the . . .” Shaking hard enough, she finally rolled Jake to his back. His eyes were wide open, his pillow bloody. Jake’s throat had been slit. “No!”

Breathing heavily Cal jumped up to a sitting position. It was a dream. It was all a bad dream. She was alone in her room, her dark quiet room. With her heart beating out of control, she ran her hand over the empty spot next to her. “Maybe I should have let . . .” Tightly it pulled at her, something around her neck. It choked her, burned her and took her breath away. Desperately trying not to struggle too much, Cal slipped her finger between the thin rope and her neck. She fought for air and with every ounce she had in her, she fought against the rope, pulling and managed to cry out, “Jake!” The rope loosened immediately.

There was something about Cal’s call to him that frightened him awake. She sounded desperate. Jake flung off his covers and jumped from the bed in the same motion. Charging through the bathroom into Cal’s dark room, he heard her heavy breathing. “Cal.”

“Someone was in here.” She pointed to the door. “They ran out.”

“Fuck.” Jake stormed passed her and to her door, flinging it open. He ran out into the hall. It was dark. No one was around. “Cal.” He walked back in her room. “Are you sure you weren’t dreaming?”

Cal reached out her hand and turned on her light. She positioned herself better in bed, holding her throat. “It felt real.”

“It’s just that no . . .” Jake saw it on the floor, the two foot section of clothes line. He picked it up clenching it with anger in his hand as he sat on the bed. “Did you see who it was?”

“No.” Cal rubbed her neck.

“Move your hands.” Jake lowered them and looked to the burn on her neck. “Son of a bitch!” He stood up and charged to his room. “I’ll be back.” He came back in, stepping into his pants. “Stay here!” Jake locked the door and pulled it closed.

Cal sat on her bed trying to shake the fogginess she felt. Her head was light. And all she kept thinking was the past couple weeks, Jake kept telling her someone had been in her room. She didn’t listen. Swinging her feet over the bed she could hear Jake’s loud, bellowing voice calling out. First she’d hear the banging of knocks, and then Jake call out. ‘John, get up! Dining area, now!’ Then he’d move to the next door and do the same thing, bang and call the name. She wondered if she should go to the dining area, but she decided against it. She was a little shaken and not in a state she wanted people to see her in.

^^^^

John was the last one to straggle into the dining area. His hair stood on edge, and he wore and awful shade of blue sweat pants. They were bright, and winkled. John rubbed his head and pulled out a chair at the table that everyone except for Jake sat around. “What is it, Jake? All of a sudden you decide you need friends?”

Jake’s face was stern, his lip twitched as he glared at all of them, staying quiet. Then, scaring and surprising them, he slammed his hand down on the table with a loud bang. Everyone jumped. He left behind the clothes line. “One of you was in Cal’s room. Any of you care to own up?” He waited. “I didn’t think so.” Slowly, with arms crossed over his bare chest he walked behind each of them. “I’m just going to tell all of you this. Guilty party, you better listen up. From this moment on I will be in Cal’s room. So if you want to chance coming in there again, be my guest.” Jake stopped head of the table. “I’m waiting for you.” He laid his hands on the hard surface and leaned into those seated around speaking eerily calm “If I find out who you are, if I catch you, there will be no discussions, there will be no pleading. I won’t just kill you. I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands.” He slammed his hands on the table and stepped away.

^^^^

Cal breathed in reassurance when she heard Jake open his side of his room. “Jake?”

“Yeah.” He stepped from the bathroom. “I’m sorry. I didn’t ask you. Are you all right?” He walked over to her.

“I’m fine. Did you find out who it was?” She grabbed the hand that reached to her.

“No, and we won’t.” He led her to the bed. “Whoever it was is well aware I know about him.”

Cal sat down. “I don’t understand, Jake, we’ve only been here a little over a month. Isn’t it too soon for someone to be snapping?”

“It seems to be. But we have to understand, the people running this, they’re helping push things.” Jake sat down next to her running his hand on her leg. “If they chose weak people to set against the strong, you’re going to have that—unless of course, they knowingly placed someone dangerous in here.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Send in a ringer, someone to throw us for a loop. It’s just a guess, so take it for what it’s worth. But take a look at the mental states that some of these people were in before they arrived.”

Cal’s eyes lifted to his. “Griff? He has a history . . .”

“I doubt it was Griff,” Jake said, trying to sound reassuring. “Whoever it was ran when they heard you call my name. Griff is deaf.”

Cal couldn’t believe she didn’t think of that. Her face showed it. “Sorry for the momentary lapse of stupidity.”

“You’re forgiven.” Jake stood up. “Now get some sleep. I have a feeling they may not bother you again.” He rested his hand on the side of her face and he brought his lips down, but stopped. “Good night.”

“Jake.” She grabbed his hand as he backed up. “Why didn’t you kiss me?”

“Am I allowed? I didn’t know if I could do that, you know just kiss you when I felt like it. Can I?”

Cal had to laugh. She was grateful for the tension breaker. “Absolutely.”

“Thank you.” He kissed her quickly, went to his room and moments later returned with his trusty blanket and pillow. “Goodnight, Cal.” He laid them down on the floor.

“Jake, what are you doing?”

“I don’t want to hear it Cal. I’m staying right in here from now on. Like it or not. I should have stayed in here after we . . . well, you know . . . but no, you kicked me out. So no arguments, I’m staying.”

“Jake, I’m not telling you to leave.” She folded down the other side of the blanket. “I’m trying to tell you not to sleep on the floor.” She lay in bed on her side, scooting closer to the edge.

Glad for her suggestion since the floor wasn’t his first choice of a place to sleep, he slipped into bed with her. Reaching around her, Jake shut out the light and let his arm fall over her as he closed in comfortably behind her to sleep.

“Aldo, come in.” Dr. Jefferson stood from behind his desk walking toward the angry appearing investor. “Have a seat.” He tried to seem pleasant. “What can I do for you?”

Sounding as angry as he looked, Aldo lit up a cigarette and sat in the black leather chair across from Dr. Jefferson. “Why don’t you tell me what’s up? What is this
fuckin
’ shit I’m hearing about? I come in for a visit. I stop in the observation room to pick up my poll winnings and they tell me about what happened in Cal’s room this morning. Plus . . . they said it wasn’t the first time.”

“No,” Dr. Jefferson said, “I’m sorry to tell you it wasn’t.”

“Dr. J., don’t you think it’s a bit early for this shit to be happening?”

“I certainly do. We didn’t expect it. Not yet that is.”

“This person . . .” Aldo puffed frantically and crossed his legs. “Is this person
the catch
?”

“I’m afraid so, yes. Why Cal was chosen? I don’t know.”

“This soldier guy, he can take
the catch
?” Aldo asked.

“Right now . . .” Dr. Jefferson wiped the ashes off his desk, “
the catch
is no match for Major Graison.
The Catch
however, will give him a run for his money in a small amount of time. She’s in good hands though. You couldn’t ask for anyone better to look out for her.”

Aldo sat back running his hand down his mustache. “This Graison guy, does he like her enough to
really
watch out for her?”

“Like her?” Dr. Jefferson stood up. “We believe
like
is an understatement. Watch Major Graison carefully. If anyone can do it, he will unwillingly ensure your win in this game.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Aldo smiled and smoked away.

“Cal?” Jake had to slow down as they made their way back to the building from their workout. “What is up with you? You’re dragging.”

Cal’s head hung low, she lifted it, speaking softly. “Sorry. I guess I just don’t feel like working out today.” She spoke as if she didn’t even want to talk.

“What’s up with that? We have to stay in shape, Cal. Winter’s coming. It’s going to be impossible to get a full work out then.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure out a way,” Cal said.

Jake watched her as she sniffled about three times and stared past him. “Are you sick?”

“No.”

“Are you mad at me about something?”

Cal gave a sad smile. “No, not at all.”

“Good. All right, let’s go to breakfast and . . .”

“I’m going to pass on breakfast. I don’t feel hungry.”

“And you’re not sick?” Jake was confused by her mood. “All right,” he shrugged, “I’ll grab something, bring it back to the room, and figure out something.” They reached the door to the building and Jake opened it for her. “What do you feel like doing today?”

Cal stepped through. “Dying, maybe.”

Cal’s response shocked Jake to the point where he just froze. He stood speechless, still holding the door as she kept walking. He followed behind her as she walked through the gathering room to the hall and then into her room.

Jake hesitated for a moment, caught his bearings and opened her door. Cal sat on her bed. “You want to tell me what that statement was for?”

Cal lifted her hand to him. “Don’t take me literally. Please. I’m having a bad day.”

He sat down on the bed next to her and grabbed her hand. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No, Jake,” Cal looked at him, “I’m having a bad day because . . . today is Jessie’s birthday.” Cal could feel the lump forming in her throat. “It’s the first birthday, since she died.” Her eyes closed.

Jake moved closer to her pulling her into him.

Cal fell into him. As soon as she touched him, as soon as she felt his arms, she lost it. “Jake, I can’t believe how much I miss her . . . I’m sorry.” She wiped her eyes and tried to pull away.

“No, Cal,” Jake pulled her back, “you go ahead. It’s a hard day to face. I know it is.” He cupped his hand on the back of her head, holding her tightly to his chest.

“I just don’t know how I go each day. It’s not getting easier. It’s getting harder. I keep expecting to see her, hear her. And she’s not coming back. She’ll never be back.”

Jake could feel her tremble. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but it will happen. You’ll go on. You are going on. You’re strong. And you have to let it out at times, like this. If you don’t, you’ll get hard and cold. Trust me. I know.”

“You’re not hard and cold, Jake, not like you think you are.”

“With you I’m not.” Jake pulled her back into him.

Cal let out a breath, wiping her eyes as she moved back. “You know, I don’t know how I think I’m going to make it through this project. I can’t even make it through this day without breaking.”

“This day is different. And you will make it through this project.
 
If I have to drag you, or stand before you to make sure nothing gets to you, I will. I refuse to end this thing alone. Now . . .” he ran his hand down her face and saw she seemed better, “whether you like it or not, you have to eat. I’m going to head down to the dining area and I’ll bring something back.”

“I’m not hungry. But you can go down and eat. Don’t feel you have to eat in here with me.”

“Are you kidding?” Jake waved his hand at her as he stood up. “I hate those
fuckin
’ people. I look for any excuse not to be around them. I’ll be back.”

“Why do you do it? Why do you worry so much about my eating? You always have.”

Jake shrugged his shoulders. “You mean aside from the fact that I’m crazy about you?” He saw Cal show a blushing smile. “Eating is important. Not just for survival but for the mind.” He placed his index finger to his temple. “A strong body builds a strong mind.”

“Is that on the same lines as milk does a body good?”

“Somewhat, yes,” Jake headed to the door and stopped when he realized she was making a joke. “Good one.” He smiled and pointed. “I’ll be right back.” He opened the door.

“Jake?” Cal stood up, she had caught his attention. “Are you really . . . are you really crazy about me?”

“Yeah, I am.” His hand gripped the edge of the door. “I have been since the second I met you. Why else do you think I was so mean to you?” With a laugh he closed the door.

^^^^

Refusing to bring her another granola bar, Jake looked to the shelves to see what he could possibly give Cal that she would semi eat. He grabbed two bags of cereal and two bowls. He set the pouches in the bowls to get a large glass to carry milk. He reached upward towards the cups.

“Hey, handsome.”

Jake heard Jennifer’s voice and only paused momentarily before he continued reaching for the cups.

“Jake, I’m talking to you,” she said.

“Oh.” Jake turned around to see she was right there behind him. “Excuse me.” He walked to the table setting everything down. “Spoons.” He snapped his finger and went to the utensils. “Excuse me.” he said as he moved past her.

“Do you have a minute?”

“Yeah.” Grabbing the spoons, Jake opened the refrigerator and pulled out the milk. He began to pour it in to the glass, leaving room so he didn’t splash on his way back.

Jennifer began to get dizzy watching him move about. “Jake, could you stop for a second? I have to ask you something.”

“Make it fast.”

“Thank you.” Jennifer leaned on the table facing him. “We need to talk to you about . . .” she stopped, scrunched up her face and placed her finger in her ear. “About . . .” she shook her head, still holding her ear, “about . . .”

“About what for crying out loud?” Jake yelled.

“Fr. Dan. We want to let him out. What do you think?”

Jake snickered. “I don’t give a fuck. Do what you want.”

“Don’t you care? You are part of this group.”

“No, I am not part of this group. I’m part of the experiment.”

Jennifer started to get antsy with him. “You need to voice an opinion.”

“I need to get back to my room.” Jake moved past her. “I’m getting my stuff.”

“Aren’t you concerned that he might be dangerous? We don’t want you angry if we let him out.”

“Don’t worry about me or about Cal for that matter.” Jake began with his breakfast supplies. “I have that covered.”

“No!” Jennifer shouted loudly.

 
“I’m out of here.”

Jennifer looked to her right, her head tilted down, her words mumbled as if she were hiding them. “I said shut up. Just shut up. No. Just shut up.” She gritted her teeth at thin air.

“OK.” Jake, his arms full and holding the uncovered milk, started to leave.

Mumbling to herself a bit more, Jennifer shrieked out in her loudest manner at Jake when he began leaving the room, “Where do you get off!?” Jennifer chased after him, keeping up with his quick pace. “I am talking to you. You just think that you’re the big shot, don’t you?” She continued shouting at him, “Answer me! Answer me!” She poked him in the back with her index finger.

Jake ignored her and continued down the hall, occasionally shaking his head at the loudness of her voice.

“Everyone has tried to be nice to you.” She picked up a book in the gathering room as they walked through it. “You just give everyone shit.” She sailed the book at him.

Jake felt it slam into his back. “Son of a bitch.” He turned his head and saw she had her arms full of books already aiming one at him as she followed. He picked up his pace.

“Then you have the nerve . . .” A missed toss. “. . . To wake us up in the middle of the night.” Another throw as they walked toward the sleeping rooms. “Because your girlfriend tells you one of us was in the room.” She nailed him with her last book. “Maybe it was you.”

Jake was at his wits end. He opened the door to Cal’s room and walked in calmly. “Breakfast is here.” He made sure the door was locked.

Cal’s eyes shifted from the door to Jake who put the food on the desk. “Is Jennifer yelling?”

“Yes. And throwing books at me, too. She’s gone.” He turned to Cal, hands on hips. “Want to eat?”

Cal placed her ear closer to the door. “Who is she talking to?”

Jennifer’s voice could be heard from the other side as she spoke loudly, “Do it.
 
I can’t, I’m not strong enough. You can’t take his attitude. What am I supposed to do?
 
I can’t. Step aside.”

Cal gave an odd look to Jake almost laughing. “What is she . . .” A loud rumbling bang hit into the door
 
making Cal’s ears ring. “Jake?”

Jennifer’s shouting and the banging grew louder. “Jake! Jake! Let me in there! I’m not done with you!”

Cal covered her ears at the continuous banging. “What did you do to her?”

“Nothing, I was even civil.” He fixed the cereal. “Let’s have our breakfast.” Jake walked to the door and slammed his fist on it. “Knock it off, we’re trying to eat.” He shook his head. “Dumb broad.”

A loud scream and the door shook from another blow by Jennifer. And then there was silence.

Jake shrugged. “Must have worked.”

“Jake, I don’t think so.” Cal went for the door, this time beating Jake’s reach. She opened it. Jennifer lay on the floor, her head bleeding. “Oh, my God Jake, she knocked herself out. We have to do something.

“No we don’t.” He looked down at Jennifer then shut the door. “If she banged against the door until she was unconscious, what does that tell you?”

“That she’s not in the right frame of mind?”

“No. It means she’s
fuckin
’ gone.” Jake reached the desk and said, “Now eat. And . . . get used to it, Cal. It’s only going to get worse. That’s two down.” He slid the desk chair over until her was across from Cal, grabbed his cereal and sat down. “And it’s only been a month.”