XXI
-Fine., muttered the smaller girl.
Enid sighed, glad that the girl was finally letting her take care of her cut. At least well enough until Bianca can take a look at it. The blonde went back to unbuttoning Wednesday’s pants, before pulling them down to her knees. Enid kept her eyes on the wound, looking at it.
-It’s not too deep., said Enid, mostly telling it to herself.
-Why do you care?, asked Wednesday with a frown.
-What?, frowned the blonde.
-Why do you care about me? I am a bitch to you. You could just leave me to die out here and go back to the others and they wouldn’t know about it., continued Wednesday, looking down at her.
-Because now that I’m stuck with you, I’m not letting you die on me. You can be an asshole as much as you’d like, I couldn’t care less. I’m not letting you get hurt or die., stated Enid as she grabbed the first aid kit, opening it.
-Well, I did get hurt., shrugged the smaller girl.
-Yeah, because you didn’t listen to me., scoffed Enid.
-I don’t have to listen to you. I thought I made myself clear about that., replied Wednesday.
-Right. So you rather jump head-first into danger., nodded the blonde, opening a bottle of an antiseptic cleansing.
-That is not what I said., frowned the smaller girl.
-No. But it is what you did., stated Enid, pouring the liquid on a gauze.
-Oh fuck off., replied Wednesday.
-Am I wrong? Instead of staying where you were safe, where I asked you to stay, you walked to the fucking cells, Wednesday. Why not just grab a gun and shoot yourself while you’re at it., said the blonde as she tapped the gauze on the wound.
-I don’t take orders from you!, screamed the smaller girl, losing it.
Enid frowned and looked up at her, clearly recognizing the hint of rage but also fear in her expression and tone. The blonde took a breath to not yell back at her. Instead, she stayed calm and continued to take care of her wound.
-What happened?, asked the blonde calmly.
-What?, frowned Wednesday, clearly on edge.
-You have some sort of history with an authoritative figure. What happened?, repeated Enid, her eyes on the wound.
Wednesday clenched her jaw and looked around the room, as if she was trying to find a way to dodge the question physically. After a moment of silent, Wednesday finally spoke up.
-I was 17. I was traveling alone for the first time. I was pulled aside for a random search. They took me to some room. They went through my things, not finding anything. Obviously. There was two of them. When the younger one left to grab some papers for me to sign, the older officer made…advances. Until they became more than advances. I rather not get into detail. Let’s just say, I haven’t had the best reaction to people trying to order me around ever since., said Wednesday, her eyes not leaving the door.
Enid listened silently, feeling herself growing angry but also finally understanding Wednesday reaction. Also towards her being an ex-marine maybe. The blonde got done wrapping a bandage around Wednesday’s thigh, placing some tape on it. She then looked up at the smaller girl.
-I am sorry that happened to you. That man deserves to pay. He used his authority to take advantage of you. I wish I could kill him. And you know I mean it cause I just killed that dude for you., said Enid softly.
-You didn’t kill him for me., argued Wednesday.
-Didn’t I?, chuckled the blonde.
Wednesday was silent for a moment before looking back at Enid.
-Yeah. I guess you did., shrugged the older girl.
-Look, I get why you’re struggling with this whole taking orders thing. I understand it now. But there is a huge difference between taking advantage of ones power and simply giving orders to keep someone safe., said the blonde calmly.
-I don’t like following orders. Makes me feel…weak. Like I’m stuck in that room again., admitted Wednesday, looking away.
-Wednesday., tried Enid with a softer tone.
The smaller girl couldn’t help but look at her again when she heard her name.
-I’m not him. I’m not hurting you. In any way. I hope that you will begin to trust me more with time. For now, just tell me when something I say is rubbing you the wrong way. I’ll try and refrain from giving you orders. I trust you not to jump into danger head-first again. Right?, said the younger girl, now getting up.
-Yeah. Fine., nodded Wednesday with a sigh.
-Good. Now pull your pants up., replied Enid, turning around to give Wednesday some privacy.
-Why are you turning around? You already saw it all., asked the smaller girl.
-No. I didn’t. My eyes stayed on your wound. Only your wound., replied Enid.
-Yeah right., said Wednesday.
-It’s called discipline and self-control., shrugged the blonde.
-Whatever., replied Wednesday, standing up and pulling her pants up.
-Just tell me when you’re done., sighed Enid.
-I’m done., stated the older girl.
Enid nodded and turned around, grabbing the first aid kit and packing it up again. Wednesday leaned on the wall, knowing not to put any weight on her injured leg. The blonde put the first aid kit in the duffel bag and then looked at Wednesday.
-Are you gonna slap me again if I help you walk to the car?, questioned the younger girl.
-Shut up., sighed Wednesday, wrapping her arm around Enid’s shoulder for support.
Enid carried the duffel bag in her left hand while her right arm was wrapped around Wednesday’s waist.
-Is this okay?, asked the blonde.
Wednesday just nodded and started walking without saying another word. Enid walked with her, going at Wednesday pace, not wanting the older girl to get hurt any more than she already has. They eventually got to the car. Enid opened the passenger’s door and then looked at Wednesday.
-Can you climb up or do you need a hand?, questioned Enid.
Wednesday looked at the tall car and sighed, knowing there was no way she could get in without hurting herself. She clenched her jaw and looked at the blonde. Enid knew what the look meant and nodded. She quickly threw the duffel bag in the back of the truck and then stood in front of Wednesday. She placed her hand on the smaller girl’s hips and then lifted her up, placing her on the seat. Wednesday couldn’t help the flush on her cheek, quickly looking away and sitting up straight on the seat. Enid closed the door and walked around, getting into the driver’s car. She started the vehicle and drive off, not saying another word.