Page 225 of Brainwashed

Joy stops me before we get to the first row in general population, fastening cuffs on my wrists. She spares the shackles, which I have to appreciate, but keeps her hand on her Glock while walking me to the cafeteria.

I’m still not sure what we’re doing, but I feel a little less stressed coming up to gen-pop than I used to. I’ve been up here more and more lately, mostly just for meals when Lem can’t bring me food in my room. They still make me sit by myself and feed me while I remain cuffed, but it’s better than no food at all, and being completely isolated from everyone else.

The other day, Luthor and Ren waved at me. So that was cool.

Speaking of, as we walk through the double-doors of the cafeteria, I spot them immediately. They’re not sitting in their usual spot, though. This time they’re at a table on the far side of the caf, away from everyone else. Joy nods in their direction, so I walk over there. But as we’re reaching the table, she leaves me, darting over to a guard who’s waving her down.

Luthor and Ren smile when they see me. But Kang still wears that displeased grimace when I’m around. I can’t blame him. I killed his friend, so…Yea. It’s awkward.

“Hey, it’s Darcey!” Luthor says kindly, scooting over on the bench and patting it. “Have a seat, man. Take a load off.”

Ren chuckles. “You saidload.”

“Dear God.” He rolls his eyes. “You’re painfully immature. And I’m like three years younger than you.”

Ren makes a surly face and Luthor grins at him, poking an index finger into one of Ren’s dimples. I can’t help but tilt my head at them. They seem like more of a couple than before…

I wonder how that’s come about.

Either way, they’re fucking adorable together. And I suddenly wish like hell that Lem was here so I could show off my own killer relationship.Great word choice, I know.

I sit down next to Luthor, eyeing Ren’s hand while it slides possessively onto Luthor’s thigh.

“Nice to see you again, Felix,” Ren says to me pleasantly.

“You too…” I wiggle in place under the intensity of his sky-blue eyes. “Um… I don’t really know why I’m here.”

“To eat. Obviously,” Kang grumbles.

“Byron, give it a rest.” Ren sighs. “Felix is a friend of a friend. So now he’s our friend, too. And sometimes our friends kill each other. It’s just the way of the world.”

Luthor looks horrified, and Kang finally cracks a smile.

“Wait, a friend of a friend?” I ask, bemused.

Joy stomps back over. “Sorry. Prison drama, as usual.” She drops a tray of chicken nuggets in front of me. “He should be calling any minute. Here.” She picks one up and holds it up to my mouth, helping me eat.

“Ooh, baby.” Ren wiggles his eyebrows at her. “You’re turning me on.”

“I will tase you.” She huffs, though she’s grinning. Ren laughs.

I can’t help but smile myself while chewing. I like the interactions between all of them. And I’m used to observing, so I could just sit back and watch if need be. After all, the wallflower is my default position. Though they seem to want me to be involved, which kicks up my social anxiety a few notches.

I don’t know how to act around people. And I’m certainly not used to having friends.

Maybe if I could watch them from around the corner or something…

Joy’s phone on her holster starts ringing, and she stuffs a chicken nugget in my mouth, nearly choking me. Luthor cackles.

“Joy Jameson of Jameson Industries. Go for Joyful.” She smirks.

Whoever is on the other end must be speaking because she’s obviously listening. Then she bursts out laughing. Glancing at Luthor and Ren, they’re practically bouncing. It looks like they’re on pins and needles for something and I’m finding this all very strange.

She said he should be calling… who’she?

“Glad to hear your voice, #101.” Joy sighs. “Per your request, I have another looney toon here for you.” She pauses, then chuckles. “Yea, you definitely owe me. Okay, hang on. Here he is.”

She holds the phone up to my ear, and I have no idea what’s going on, but I say, “Hello…?”