Remnants of a Bad Dream [Tag: Jessica]

[Emer Shallow]

Emer was sick of this gas, pulling her in and out of sleep. Her whole reality felt like a soon-to-be-forgotten dream, waving at her faintly from the very edges of her consciousness. Had any of it really happened, or just been a bad dream? Her aching body testified that it had all been real, but the soft comfort beneath her told a different story. She opened her eyes ever so slightly and glanced at the mattress beneath her. It was really comfortable, especially after all she'd been through, but it wasn't hers. Looking around more, this room definitely wasn't familiar. It looked... old. Damn, this place needs a makeover.

The lump in her throat from last night - this morning - last week? - hadn't left her, and wouldn't go away no matter how much she swallowed. As she looked down on herself the waft of dried vomit hit her hard, and it was all she could do not to throw up again. Quickly, almost in a rushed panic to get away from the previous events, she unbuttoned her shirt and flung it across the room, leaving her in only her black dress. Oh well, it wasn't as cold in here as it had been in the basement.

She watched as her shirt landed on the other bed in the room, and shrieked in panic as she saw it land on another human figure. She still wasn't alone! Who was this? Another shooter - another sociopath? Here to end what they had started earlier? Panic rose, and she stared wide-eyed at the other person.

[Jessica Fleming]

Luckily, Jessica's shame did not last long. Although she was very grateful that Geoff realized her first, Jess was very ashamed of her behavior during the "prank", so when she passed out again it was a good way to get rid of this awkward situation.

And then a female shirt was thrown at her and woke her up.

Jessica opened her eyes in a fancy, even luxurious room that did not fit her shabby clothes at all. Everything looked expensive and vintage as if this room belonged to a lady from a Victorian period. But unfortunately, Jess believed that she was not good enough for such sumptuousness. Her eyes were red from tears, she let everyone down and she looked like a mess. Despite dizziness, the girl immediately tried to get out of the bed otherwise she would stain a beautiful silver silk sheet. She looked at the shirt and held it in hand, without any thought of how it appeared on her.

And then Jess saw a girl from the event. She was Number Four and stood just in front of her, scared and in panic. Was it something wrong with Jessica? A third hand, or even worse - a pimp?

Jessica tried to calm a ginger girl down. She rose up her hands as if she was surrounding and then touched her throat, shaking her head, showing that she was a mute. Then, Jessica, staring right at the stranger pressed her hands to herself and slowly began to show the letters by her fingers, one after another, using sign language this time. If this attempt fails, well, she will try something else. However, she wondered if there was any use of a sign language that she studied so diligently (no).

It was funny that such an introduction routine calmed her down. Or maybe Jess just was too tired and mentally exhausted to think about the previous event. She had cried out all her tears already and did not feel anything.

Jessica squeezed her hand except for the little finger and made a move that reminded of the letter "J", while her thumb was above.
J-
Then she squeezed her hand again, covering thumb by the other four fingers.
J-E-
Squeezed hand once again, the thumb was above index and middle fingers.
J-E-S-
Repeat.
J-E-S-S-
Index, middle, and ring fingers were folded down. Thumb was folded across index middle and ring fingers. The little finger was straight.
J-E-S-S-I-
All fingers partially folded, even thumb. Jessica turned her hand slightly to the left so the girl could see a backward "C" shape formed by thumb and index finger.
J-E-S-S-I-C-
And at last.
A closed fist, all finger folded against the palm, the thumb was straight, alongside the index finger.
J-E-S-S-I-C-A

Jessica could only hope that it won't scare the girl even more and she will solve this riddle.

[Emer Shallow]

In her frightened state, the stranger touching her throat and shaking her head seemed more like a death threat than anything else, but as she began signing, it was clear what she wanted to convey. Oh. She's mute.

Emmy started relaxing a bit more, seeing the small girl in front of her. Her muteness only made her seem even more defenseless and unthreatening. She was certain that if it came down to it, Emmy could kill her before the stranger killed her. It was an unsettling thought that made her shiver - what was this place doing to her already? It had only been a fleeting thought, but it terrified her just the same. Did she really have it in her to kill someone, even in self defense?

Sadly, she'd never learnt ASL. Even though she had wanted to in her high school years, she'd never known anyone deaf or mute, and it had ended up seeming like too much hard work for something she may never have any use for. If she'd have known this situation was coming, she might have reconsidered.

"I'm sorry," she said at last, when the other girl had finished signing whatever it was. "I don't know ASL."

For a brief moment she thought about how unfortunate this was, how inconvenienced she would be by this girl's inability to communicate properly, but it was quickly replaced by a consideration for the stranger. However inconvenienced Emmy was, she was sure this was worse on the other girl.

"Ehmm, I'm Emmy," she tried carefully, hoping to maybe ease the girl's own fears. She looked sort of familiar, like she'd just seen her somewhere, but Emmy was sure she had no idea who this person was. If only she could tell me her name.

[Jessica Fleming]

Emer was right - Jessica really was not a fighter. She tended to avoid any conflicts, especially if physical strength was involved. However... she still had her little sword, her knitting needle that could be a dangerous weapon. At least, Jessica wanted to believe in it. Like, as if she had other options anyway.

"I'm sorry," finally said the girl at number four. "I don't know ASL."
"Braska!" swore Jessica in Antivan, making an illegible quiet sound. Jessica rarely cursed and when she did, she mostly used the most polite options... or from fandoms that she liked. Those ones were polite for sure!

In any case, the sign language was completely useless, so she should come up with something else, if she wants to be called by a name but not a "girl" "mute girl" or even worse "crybaby mute girl".

Unlike Jessica, the girl could introduce herself and Jessica was happy with it. She liked the name Emmy much more than just Number Four. It was like that awful movie, "I'm Number Four" and its title was the only thing that Jess remembered about it.

She smiled, showing Emmy that she understood her and she will memorize it. But the problem was still unsolved and Jess quickly examined the room searching for chalk or a pen or... Aha!

Filled with enthusiasm, the girl rushed to the bookshelf and grabbed one of the books. It was "Pride and Prejudice", a romantic novel of manners written by Jane Austen. Jess took this book and showed it to Emmy, beginning to point to certain letters. Luckily, all of the letters of her name were present in the title of the book and the name of the author.

Jane AuStEn
PrIde and PrejudiCe

Jessica hoped that she touched necessary letters (in the correct order, of course and "S" twice), slowly enough for Emmy to catch on. When the girl was done, she looked at her roommate with hope in her big, green eyes.

[Emer Shallow]

The fellow ginger had excitedly fetched a book from the book shelf, now showing it to Emmy with plenty of enthusiasm. As her finger eagerly pointed to the 'Jane' in 'Jane Austen', Emmy felt like she understood. Jane! Her name is Jane! But before she was able to share her revelation, the girl's finger shifted and landed on the 'Austen' of 'Jane Austen'. Her name is Jane Austen? That's a bit on the n-

No, the girl's finger shifted again, not leaving the word, but moving to a different letter. Oooooh! Something clicked in Emer, and she suddenly realized what the girl was up to. Sadly, she had completely lost the first few letters, but she tried to pay close attention from here on out. S - I - C - A. Luckily there was only one name she could think of with that ending, and she quickly checked to make sure the missing letters were available in the two words the girl had used. "Jessica? Your name is Jessica?"

She said that a little too loud, especially with the girl standing so close to her. What the fuck are you doing? She's mute, not deaf, you absolute moron. Not that it would have been a smarter move if she had been deaf. She cleared her throat hoping to reset. What was she supposed to say now? Pretty name? She didn't want to lie either, Jessica was, like, the most common name in the world.

"Do you know where we are?" she eventually asked, without knowing what would come of the question. The girl could probably nod or shake her head, but that would be about it. She kind of wished Jessica would contribute a little more than that, this conversation was starting to feel very one-sided, if she were being honest.

[Jessica Fleming]

When her little plan worked, Jessica intensely noded. She was really proud of herself. Usually, it was hard for her to improvise, but now she managed to fix her problem in a creative, as she believed, way. But unfortunately, it was still not so convenient way of communicating. Perhaps they should create a code language or something. It would be even fun.

However, Emmy began to talk too loud for some reason, forcing Jess to cover her delicate ears. Luckily, she was just mute but not deaf.

If the girl knew, that Emmy did not find her name pretty, she would definitely be upset, even though it was not like Jess adored her own name either. In her family, she was the only girl who got a typical USA name. Sometimes she was jealous of her siblings, especially Quinn. Her sister was born with the name that immediately showed, who was a queen in this room, while Jess... well, she was just one out of three Jessicas in her class.

And then people ask why she wants to draw the attention so much.

Jessica was not sure where they were, so she shrugged her shoulders. However, the girl suddenly spotted something that she was looking for in the dining room. Cameras! It was just a show after all! Maybe one of her sisters signed her... but what about the others?

Jessica pointed to the ceiling where she spotted the camera and then made a pantomime showing square with two sticks that were stuck out of it. It should represent an old TV with antennas. But hey, it was just a theory. A REALITY SHOW theory.

However, Jessica also felt that Emmy was uncomfortable around her and it was oppressive. It was always like that when somebody did not like her. Even though Jessica understood the reason but the single thought of it was breaking her tender heart. She wished she could show how fun and interesting she was... Jessica smiled sadly. She still did care about such things. Well, who knows what is the theme of the reality show. Should they make love to rise ratings or what?

But in any case, there were bare necessities that should be satisfied. She'd got rumbly in her tummy and it made her notice that there was food in the room. And not just any food, but two portions of lasagna and garlic bread, a bowl of salad (including lettuce, tomatoes, chicken pieces, cucumbers, and almonds), one bar of milk chocolate and a jug of water on the trays on a wooden vintage desk with a purple velveted chair in front.

Jessica came to the desk and carefully took a garlic bread in her hand and made a bite. She was still alive, so it was probably not poisoned. But even if it was, Jessica would rather die out of poison than of starvation. The girl turned her head to Emmy and beckoned her by the hand to share this meal with her. She was probably hungry as well.

At the same time Jessica, eating her bread while walking was very carefully observing the room, trying to find something like a pen or pencil or whatever that would help her to communicate with Emer. 

[Jessica made a perception check and is looking for pencil or pen]

[Madge Baker]

PERCEPTION CHECK: Jessica made a perception check and is looking for pencil or pen

RESULT: 8 - The girl carefully scanned the room from the right to her left. Nothing out of ordinary caught her eye, but... Huh. It seemed like there was something under the bed. Something bright yellow.

When Jessica came closer to pick up the "artifact" she has found a little yellow carton box with a set of crayons in it. Some of the colors were lost, some of them (the red and green ones) were slightly chewed on as if the kid who this set could belong to loved to chew on tips of pens and pencils while thinking.

Jessica has found a box of used crayons (with red, blue, green, purple and black colors).

[Emer Shallow]

Emmy followed Jessica's finger to the cameras mounted in the corners of the room. Oh my gods. It's a pervert.
She couldn't believe she hadn't seen them before now, but in her defense she had been quite distracted by everything else going on. Now she kind of wished she hadn't chucked her shirt away, though, she instantly felt the need to cover herself, and crossed her arms in front of her chest before she turned back to Jessica. She understood the square to be the camera, but she had no idea what the peace sign or whatever she'd done was. Not that it seemed to matter, because within moments, the girl was preoccupied with the food she'd found. We have food? It seemed obvious now, the smell was heavy in the room, but she hadn't even noticed it until now.

She took a few steps towards the tempting plate before stopping herself. She wasn't entirely sure this was a good idea. Something in her just didn't trust this. Emmy had wanted to share her concerns, but Jessica had already taken a bite out of the bread, and it seemed a bad idea to scare her now if she was wrong. Instead, she just shook her head and smiled faintly. "I'm not very hungry," she lied, before realizing what a horrible lie that was. Jessica probably hadn't eaten in as long as Emer, and probably knew exactly how hungry she really was. "I mean, my stomach isn't all there, so I'll wait." That part at least wasn't entirely untruthful, her stomach really was off. Way off.

The girl started wandering around the room, seemingly looking for something. Maybe it was a good idea, Emmy hadn't even noticed the cameras or the food - what else had she not noticed? They really should explore this room a little. But the girl didn't linger on any one thing too long, so she wasn't examining and exploring at random, it seemed like she was looking for something specific.

"What are you looking for? Maybe I could help you look." The pantomime hadn't been entirely successful earlier, but she promised in her little mind that she'd do her utmost to focus properly this time. Before she knew it, the girl was kneeling down by the bed and reaching under it. Now, that was odd. "What is it?" Emmy asked, her curiousity thoroughly peaked. "Is it a key?!" Too hopeful. Way too hopeful. Even she knew it.

[Jessica Fleming]

Maybe Jessica would not be so calm if she did not convince herself that it was just a show. A toxic reality show in a sick, sad world. But right now, even though she was exhausted, she managed to calm herself down and focus no her needs.

Well, it seemed that Jessica was not so good actress as she thought, at pantomime at least. Maybe that was a reason why she failed to enter the theater school in the first place?

Hearing that Emmy was not hungry, Jessica threw a suspicious glance at her. She could not believe it. They did not eat for days! Emmy quickly realized that and tried to get out of it, but Jessica knew what she was thinking about. Poison. Mostly because it was her first thought as well. Like, fancy food, fancy room, fancy poison, obvious fit! But even though the murder live would make huge ratings, Jessica was sure that TV people won't go that far, so she was eating quite peacefully.

When Jessica heard Emmy's question, she turned her head and opened a mouth, wanting to explain but quickly shut it. Instead, she made a quick gesture as if she was writing something.

Eventually, luck was on her side. Apparently, she was a really good finder! The online test that sorted her to Hufflepuff did not lie after all. The girl has found a little yellow carton box with a set of crayons in it under the bed. It was not a pen, but Jessica was still happy about it. Unlike Emmy. Jess did not want to disappoint her but she still showed her find.

In any case, everything should be easier now. Jess had any desire to spoil the books but there was no paper nearby, so it was not like she had any choice. The girl opened a random one and wrote at the corner of the page, showing it to Emmy:

"Don't worry. I believe it's just a reality show. The food is not poisoned. I'm alive. See?" Luckily, Jessica's handwriting was not so bad even though black crayon was not the best tool for that.

[Emer Shallow]

"Don't worry. I believe it's just a reality show. The food is not poisoned. I'm alive. See?"

Emmy stared at the page in disbelief. Oh lord almighty, I'm stuck in here with a mute moron. Perhaps that was a little harsh, and hypocritical - until recently Emmy herself had believed everything to be an escape room. But how could she still believe that after the dining r- That's where I recognize her from!

This couldn't possibly be televised, not when they'd all been kidnapped against their will. This was America, not Saudi-Arabia or North Korea. And even if they had been in a country completely void of human rights, this was the age of the internet. Within hours, people would be rioting all over the world, trying to free them. Right? Right?

Emmy opened her mouth, about to explain that poison really didn't work that quick, but decided against it. Again, what was the point in scaring her? Instead, she just smiled politely and nodded. "Here's hoping you're right." She didn't know who'd be mental enough to televise this, but no matter how insane Jessica sounded, she saw how the belief could be comforting. She almost hoped the girl could hold on to that hope for a long while yet, for her own sake.

As Jessica had been looking around the room, Emmy had afforded a quick glance herself, and noticed the big wardrobe. Good job, Emmy, you noticed the biggest furniture in the room. She honestly thought there was as good of a chance finding Narnia as any clothes, but she tried it none the less, and was pleasantly surprised. Not Narnia, but it'll do. She got out a green, warm-looking cardigan and wrapped herself in it, for once not really caring about how she looked as much as how comfortable and covered she was. I must look like someone's grandmother.

"You want a change?" she asked and smiled at Jessica. There were some expensive-looking stuff in there. Not that Jessica looked bad at all, but it could be a nice activity to pass the time, exploring the closet.

[Jessica Fleming]

Actually, the dining room convinced Jessica in her reality show theory. She believed that if it was an actual maniac, they would finish them off right away. Even though some murders like to play with their victims, it was still too long... and too much preparation.

However, she may reconsider her theory. Maybe it was some kind of psychological experiment of some crazy scientists. Jess could not stick to one specific opinion but in any case, she managed to convince herself that they'll be fine. And it was very for the best, especially for Emmy. She would prefer a naive roommate than that one, who continuously cries in the corner. Jess tent to overreact and if she knew for sure that her life was in danger she could not live with it.

Jessica nodded. Of course, she was right, she was always right! She had so many theories that one of them had to be true! Let's hope it would be a reality show one and without poison.

When Jessica saw what Emmy has found she rushed to her immediately, leaving her crayons on the bed. She even forgot about the food. Jess adored beautiful, fancy outfits and the girl knew that they were expensive ones. She suddenly felt as if she were Belle, locked in the castle with beautiful gowns in the wardrobe... Luckily this one did not talk.

Looking at the green cardigan that Emmy has wrapped in, Jess raised her thumb, showing her approval. She approached the closet and began her search. All of these outfits were so pretty!

Eventually, Jess has decided. Maybe it was not the most practical one but she could not resist the beauty. It was a silver dress with cold shoulder style and narrow detachable straps. It was not too short and not too long - the front part of it was knee-length, while the back one a little longer. The ruffled high-low hem and cutout back detail added the perfect finishing touches.

Jessica held this dress tight and showed it to Emmy, wanting to hear her opinion. Jess gave her a guilty smile and pointed at herself. She knew that it was not the most rational option but most of the outfits in the closet were rather beautiful than practical. And Jessica was tired of her jeans and she wanted some dress that was comfortable for moving, not too long and not too tight. This one was perfect.

[Emer Shallow]

Emmy knew most girls enjoyed pretty clothes, but she hadn't expected the enthusiasm with which Jessica whipped through the wardrobe. She was such a happy girl Emmy couldn't help but let some of it rub off on her. In this situation, she would cling to every last bit of excitement and glee she could. Especially when the girl turned around with a fancy silver dress, showing it off as if she wanted approval.

Emmy went from smiling genuinely to trying to hold back a laugh - unsuccessfully. "You got a date tonight or something?" The joke stung a little, reminding her of how they were trapped here indefinitely. Perhaps forever. No, she wouldn't - couldn't - think about that right now. It would drive her crazy. "It's beautiful. You're gonna make me look like a slob now," she said, smiling.

A part of her had started to feel bad about how she was treating the girl. She couldn't help her muteness, or her naivety, and she seemed friendly and innocent enough. Like a child. It made her wonder if Jessica was perhaps developmentally challenged, but that was another mean thought she wanted to push away. Stop yourself. You don't even know this girl.

[Jessica Fleming]

Hearing her question, Jessica snorted with something that reminded laughter. She pointed at Emmy and shrugged her shoulders. Her roommate was the only one who could be her date to the pep rally tonight.

Even though Jessica sometimes judged the book by its cover, she did find Emmy being a slob in her outfit. But... The girl hesitated for a second and pointed on Emer and then on the wardrobe. Her cardigan was fine but it was not enough. She needed a change as well. Even if Jessica was wrong and all of them will die here, she wanted to die in something more elegant than in dirty jeans.

Speaking of which...

Leading by curiosity, Jessica left Emer and went to the bathroom. She was dreaming about having a shower, but there was one tiny problem... Cameras. Why do they also have cames in the bathroom? What if it was not a reality show after all?

Jessica shrugged and shake her head. "No-no-no. Don't think about it. You were thinking too much in the basement. Did it help you? Not at all." There had to be a reasonable explanation... Why this obsessed with the weddings alien maniac from an evil organization could not like just explain what they were doing and why? Jessica was not a fighter and deep inside she desired adventures even though she would not the most appropriate person for them. If only villain revealed their intentions! The girl would cooperate, she would do everything to keep herself and her friends safe. "Argh! Why does it have to be so complicated?" She whined and grabbed her head, heavily breathing.

"Relax, Jess. Problems should be addressed and resolved as they arose." And now Jessica wanted only one thing - to take a shower and change her stinky clothes. And she did not want the camera to see her naked body. Jessica turned her head, looking for something that could prevent the camera to look at her and took a towel in her hand. She waited until Emer approached her, then pointed at the camera and pretended as if she threw her towel on it, explaining what she was going to do. Jess could use some help.

[Action Roll: Jessica with the help of Emer is trying to throw a towel on the camera in the bathroom to let girls have their shower without Madge's monitoring. What a pervert woman!]

[Madge Baker]

ACTION ROLL: Jessica with the help of Emer is trying to throw a towel on the camera in the bathroom to let girls have their shower without Madge's monitoring. What a pervert woman!

RESULT: 9 - Allez hop! On the first try, Emer understood Jessica's idea and threw the towel onto the bathroom camera, blocking the view. So they are safe from Madge's "all looking eye"... for now.

[Emer Shallow]

Emer backed away from the wardrobe with an uncomfortable look on her face. She was glad Jessica was having fun, but she didn't really like the idea of dressing up for whatever sick pervert was behind this whole thing. She glanced back at the camera wondering who was watching them, and secretly hoped it was more of a Paul John Knowles type than a John Wayne Gacy. Is it just me or are there a lot of serial killers named John?

By the time she turned back around to face Jessica, she had already buggered off towards the bathroom. She almost felt like she was babysitting this grown stranger, paying attention to all her childish whims and curiousities. Somewhere in the back of her head, Emmy wondered if that very curiosity was going to get her killed at some point. Relax, Em, no one has died yet, our kidnapper might not have it in him.

Following the girl into the bathroom, Emer recoiled at what she saw. There were cameras in the bathroom as well. She didn't know why she was surprised, she'd already labeled their kidnapper as a pervert, so of course there would be cameras in the bathroom. She shuddered - every shower or toilet break was going to make her feel like an exhibitionist. Luckily, Jessica had a plan.

At first Emmy was hesitant. He might not like it if they messed with his stuff. He'd put these cameras up for a reason, and he was well in his power to punish them for interfering. Emmy was just assuming it was a he - what woman would be up to something this nasty unless it was personal. And as far as Emmy knew, she hadn't slept with anyone's husband or worn the same dress to a party. Wow. That's some internalized sexism right there.

Even so, the thought of being watched creeped her out more than a snubbed kidnapper, and so she went along with the plan, getting up on the toilet seat and chucking the towel over the lens. Hopefully that would stick. It seemed like it would, but Emmy would make sure to check it at every bathroom visit. "There," she said happily and turned to Jessica. "Now the only creep you'll have to deal with is me."