Page 19 of Psychotic Nightmares

“Natalieeeee, heeeelllllooooo.” I come out of my daydream to a waving hand in my face. “Where were you? Somewhere nice by that smile forming.” shepokes at the corner of my lip. “I was trying to tell you you can get dressed now.” She hands me some clothes. “They may be a little big, but if you roll them up like this,” she points to the pants rolled up around her hips, “then they shouldn’t fall down.”

I nod, reaching back to unclasp my bra. I wince, forgetting about the damaged ribs. “Here, let me.” She walks behind me and quickly unclasps the horrid thing. Why do they even exist, they are so damn uncomfortable. Sliding it off, I quickly put on the shirt and boxers. Leaving the sweatpants off for now. “Comfortable?” She asks. I nod again. “Then I’ll get started, I’ll cut it a little at a time until you tell me to stop.”

“Cut to here.” I say, pointing to just above my shoulder. She gasps and asks if I’m sure. “I’m sure. That’s how I used to have it.” That way no-one can pull it either, not as much as they can now with my hair almost waist length. “I don’t want to hide anymore.” She doesn’t say anything back, just puts a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Flips my hair over the back of the chair and starts chopping. The more she chops the lighter I feel, both physically and mentally. I look out the corner of my eye to see the mop of damp hair all over the floor around the chair. “Can…” I start to ask, I have never really had my hair properly styled, yet I’m not sure if I can ask her.

“What’s up?” She asks. “Want me to stop?”

“No,” I go to shakemy head but still quickly. “I was just wondering if you knew how to style hair. I have always kind of wanted bangs, but I’m not sure if they’ll suit me.”

“Oh, my, GOD.” she squeals quietly, “you would totally rock some bangs, I’ll even blend them. Oh this is going to be fun!” I chuckle a genuine laugh. “And that’s my job complete. I made a vow to myself to get you to laugh today.” She comes around and stands in front of me, “now close your eyes and I’ll get started on the bangs.”

A few minutes of silence passes as she concentrates on styling my hair, I keep my eyes closed as she does the last few bits and turns on the hairdryer.

“All done.” She claps once, “you look so pretty!”

“You really do.” Bulls deep voice has me opening my eyes. He stands by the door, a duffel bag in his hand. He no longer wears the full black outfit andinstead is wearing a flannel shirt, jeans and a baseball cap. His demeanor is calm, a wide smile crossing his face. “I love the new hair.”

“Thank you, Mateo.” I give him a small smile and nod.

His eyes go wide, then he glares at Peacock. She bursts out laughing, then hides behind the chair as Bull digsfor something in his bag. He pulls out a knife, it’s not quite as big as his machete, but larger than a kitchen knife. I look at it intrigued. The blade has a blue-ish hue to it and the handle is a dark purple. I notice the edge of an engraving, but can’t see the whole design. “Come on Bull. It was a joke. No need for weapons.” Peacock’s still giggling away behind me, but I can’t laugh. I freeze on the chair, keeping an eye on the knife the whole time. My breathing becomes erratic, I close my eyes again. I trusted them and I shouldn’t have. I knew having friends was too good to be true, especially for someone like me. I gasp for air as panic sets in.

“Put the knife down.” Peacock's voice is stern.

“Shit.” I hear something clatter to the floor and heavy footsteps get closer. Strong arms lift me from the chair to the bed. “Situp, Natalie. Deep breaths.”

“You idiot, Bull.” I hear Peacock tut. I feel a hand gently rub my shoulder. “Are you okay?” She whispers.

“Mmm,” I manageto get out after a few seconds. “Sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Bull sighs. “Me and Pea mess around all the time, I should have thought before I acted. My apologies.”

I nod and slowly open my eyes to see two very concerned faces looking back at me. “I guess you don’t like your name?”

“I don’t mind it, I just don’t like people knowing it. I’m not mad at you, darlin’. I know she asked you,” he nods towards Peacock. “So I’ll get her back later, we will have to remember to cool it down around you.”

“Aww come on, Bull.” Peacock moans from the other side of the room, “I was only having a laugh, no need for payback.” She holds her hands up in defeat. “Come on, I was just trying to cheer Natalie up.” She gives him her widest grin. “Forgive me?”

“Nope.” He pops the P as he answers her then turns back to me. “Are you comfortable enough to let me look over all your wounds? Peacock here will staythe whole time if you want.” I nod my head, “okay, Pea, do you want to go and get your drinks? I saw they were on the side, then comestraight back.”

“Sir, yes Sir.” She salutes him playfully and opens the door. I turn to see Bull pulling out some gauzes, ointments and whatever else he needs when I am distracted by a cup being shoved into my vision. “Best drink it while it's still hot.” Peacock smiles. I take the cup from her, take a sip and sigh contentedly. Drinking Julian's favourite beverage always makes me feel even a little bit relaxed. “He may be a grumpy asshole at times, but he sure knows how to make a good cuppa.”

“Cuppa?”

“Yeah, I’ve never understood it either, but that’s what Julian likes to call tea sometimes. He’s a little weird.” She shrugs and pulls a face. “But we love him so it’s all good. We all love each other and will do anything for one another here. You are now part of that as the boss’ girlfriend.”There’s that word again. Girlfriend.She takes my hand as Bull starts putting some ointment on my legs. I watch him confused. “That’s for the bruises.”

“Natalie,” Bull sounds serious as he looks my way. “Think of me as your doctor right now okay?” I nod. “I need you to tell me what happened in that office. I saw the blood and Howard definitely wasn’t injured until Miss Shooty here hurt him.” Peacock huffs out a laugh beside me. “So, can you tell me what happened?”

They both havemixed expressions on their faces once I finish telling them what happened. Peacocks is amix of anger and sadness, Bulls is amix of pity and fury. I look between the two, unsure of what to do now.

“I knew he used the gun on you, I saw the blood, but I thought it was vaginally.” Peacock says quietly.

“Can I examine you?” Bull asks, pointing to between my legs. “If you don’t feel comfortable we can take you to a female doctor, she will be discreet and won'task you anything.”

“No, I don’t want to leave here.” I shake my head quickly. “I feel safe here.”

“Oh, Natalie.” Peacock's lip quivers. I whimper then clear my throat. I’ve cried too much the last couple of days, I can’t cry again.

“Pea.” Bull shakes his head. “So, may I?”