The room felt vast, a solitary confinement stretching into eternity. I’d settled into a strange sort of comfort, despite wearing the same sweat-soaked cheerleading uniform. Stripping down to shorts and a t-shirt hadn't helped, so I discarded them both and burrowed under the comforter on the bed.
All that remained was a thong and sports bra, but I wasn’t overly concerned. The blanket shielded me. The sound of keys jingling snapped me awake, a wave of annoyance quickly replaced by a chilling fear as I remembered where I was.
I sat up abruptly, forgetting my scant attire as the blanket slipped down to my stomach, exposing the outline of my sports bra. The girl with blue hair entered, carrying a tray with water and a stack of pancakes. Her eyes lingered on my chest, and a flush rose on my cheeks as I instinctively pulled the blanket higher.
“Mmm, you liked the blanket down better,” Billie murmured, licking her lips as she placed the plate within reach. “Hungry, babygirl?”
I nodded, already reaching for the pancakes. Cheerleading last night had burned through calories, leaving me ravenous. Billie sat across from me, watching in silence. My gaze kept returning to her lips. Damn those lips… Focus. She *is* the enemy. She’d stolen my life, ripped me away from everything. But she didn’t seem cruel or angry, more… wanting to be friends. Would she let me go home soon? Was that a possibility?
I finished the last bite and set the plate aside.
“You were hungry, weren’t you?” she asked, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I looked down, embarrassed. Billie’s hand on my chin lifted my face, forcing me to meet her icy gaze.
“Look me in the face when I speak to you, princess. I can make your life hell here.”
I swallowed hard, tears welling in my eyes. I could be a pathetic mess, so easily broken. Billie’s expression softened, her hand moving to the small of my back, her thumb tracing slow circles. She hummed softly.
“Don’t cry, baby. I won’t hurt you… unless I have to.”
I stared at her, fear twisting in my gut. The thought of being hurt lingered, a dark shadow over everything. What would that point be? What would she do? As my thoughts spiraled, Billie pulled me closer, her lips meeting mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. Then, she rested her forehead against mine.
“Now let’s get to know each other.”