Pure Punishment(46)
They must have it wrong.
It has to be wrong.
“Who is this?” I ask, facing Kai. His face looks pained, but I need the answers.
“Her name is Kayla and I actually met her before you.”
“And what, you befriended me because you wanted her?” I ask, pointing to the girl that looks just like me.
“Kristy, think! Are you tired in the morning? Experiencing loss of memory? Do you ever have people suggesting they’ve seen you and you haven’t seen them before?”
I think about it and yes, I’m tired in the mornings. What college student isn’t? Bianca spoke to me like she’d seen me dress provocatively and was a slut. I had no idea what she was talking about. But when I look at the girl up in the frozen television, I see it… it’s me, but it’s not me.
“I know it’s a shock, Kristy, but I can help you. There’s a reason this has happened to you and I want to help resolve this for the both of you.”
“Kai, why did you give up that case?” I ask, thinking back to the case he just recently ended because the girl was getting help.
“You don’t need to know,” he says, facing away from me.
“If it has nothing to do with me, I agree. Does it have to do with me?” He looks at me and then at the doctor and then back to me.
“Yes.”
“Is she a bad person? Does that make me a bad person?” I ask, turning back to the doctor.
“You’re not a bad person. You are far from it,” Kai says, grabbing my hand.
“How could this be happening to me?” I ask, turning back to the doctor, wanting answers that I’m still not sure about.
“Multiple personalities are usually caused by childhood trauma.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. The only thing that has happened to me is that I lost my parents,” I say, shaking my head, and then I remember the daydreams… the bad daydreams.
“Alters are created to help you deal with it. In your case, Kristy, Kayla was created.”
“There are other ways to bring alters out, Kristy. Usually, there’s a trigger and in time we can figure out what that trigger is.”
I look at him, baffled.
Trigger? What the hell is a trigger?
“Kristy, I’m sorry I have to do this,” Kai says, grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze before he lets go. “Doc, is your camera going?”
The doctor nods his head and Kai opens his mouth. The song he starts to sing reminds me of things and the memories are too painful. I can’t handle it.
“Kai stop, you're hurting me,” I say in between heavy breaths.
He doesn’t stop though, he continues, “Three, four – you better open your door.”
His hands are on me, I don’t know why. Why are his hands all over me? I tell him to stop and he gives me a look that tells me I better keep quiet. I don’t want to, but I know I have to.
My eyes snap open and I look around the room. A man is sitting in front of me and Kai is by my side. My mouth curves upwards and I edge myself closer to him.
“So, you sang to her.” I smile at him and he looks hurt and angry at me. I turn to the man across from me. He looks shocked at first, but he changes his expression quickly.
“I guess you’re the good doctor?” I say, standing and walking toward him. He’s good because he doesn’t flinch or react to me in the slightest.
“Yes, and I assume you’re Kayla? It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” he says, holding out his hand. I look to it, but don’t take it. I resume my seat next to Kai.
“How’s our girl holding up on this fine day? I must say Kai, I’m surprised you listened. You know she won’t be happy. I’m guessing she’ll leave you. But don’t worry, I can always bring her back,” I say with a wink.
“Kayla, can I ask you a question” the good doctor asks me. I nod my head for him to continue. “Why do you feel the need to protect?”
“Because I fucking can. I know what happens when adults don’t protect. I will make it all right, you fucking watch me.”
“Do you take enjoyment from it?”
“You mean does the blood that comes from their arteries entice me? Or do you mean the way they scream for me to stop when they don’t deserve it?”
I look to either side of me and see shocked expressions.
Why are they looking at me like that?
“What’s wrong?” I ask. Then I remember the song and inch myself away from Kai.
“I’m sorry, Kristy, I didn’t mean to hurt you,” his voice is so soft, it’s barely audible. I automatically accept his apology and let him take hold of my hand.