Free In Chains by Michelle Abbott

their conversation and look around at my companions. The guy sitting opposite looks a couple of years younger than me. He has the same blue and brown eyes and dark hair as Kayden but this guy’s hair is longer, wavy and flopping into his eyes. He notices me looking at him. “The names Trent. Nice to meet you Miss.”
    I’m about to tell him to call me Savannah but I made that mistake with Kayden, so I keep my mouth shut. “Nice to meet you too.”
    I look to the other guy. He’s about my age. He’s shirtless and lean and toned like Kayden. His hair is shaved close to his scalp but what distinguishes him the most are the scars and bruises all over his face and body and the thick metal collar around his neck. There are scars on his arms that look like someone has carved letters into his skin with a knife. Looking closer I see they are in fact letters. FUK on his bicep and U on his forearm, is it supposed to be ‘fuck you’. I quickly close my mouth, suddenly aware that I’ve been gawping at him. He’s glaring at me. His eyes are hard and glacial. Nervous, I turn towards a friendlier face, Trent’s.
    He’s pouring liquid from a plastic bottle into some tin mugs and he hands one to me. Putting it to my lips, my eyes water, it smells like paint stripper. I can’t get past the smell to be able to drink the contents. “What is this?”
    Trent sniggers. “It’s home-made potato wine Miss. It’s ninety percent proof, so go easy.”
    Everyone else is drinking it, so I hold my nose and take a mouthful of the foul smelling liquid. Oh God, my throat is on fire! Coughing and spluttering I can feel Kayden rubbing my back. “It takes some getting used to Savannah.”
    I take another mouthful, not looking at him. I’m in the mood to get drunk. His hand still rests on my back. What’s his game? Is he using me to make his girlfriend jealous? Now I’m being ridiculous, I couldn’t make her jealous if I tried. I guess the alcohol has given me confidence and I tell him to take his hand off my back. He does but now he’s frowning at me.
    “I’ve brought some food.” I open the cool bag. “There’s eggs, crisps, peanut butter sandwiches and muffins. Help yourselves.”
    Kayden leans towards me. “Thank you,” he says softly.
    I just nod. I’m still not looking at him but I can feel his eyes burning into the side of my face. Trent and the beauty queen dive into the food. The guy with the collar just looks at it, he seems pissed off. Kayden isn’t eating anything either. I had no intention of having any, I can get food anytime.
    Kayden leans in towards me again. “The girl’s name is Kaci and-”
    I don’t let him finish. Standing up I walk away from the fire and light a cigarette. I don’t want to know her damn name. Kaci and Kayden, even their names are perfect for each other. Pinching the bridge of my nose I want to go back home more than ever. I finish smoking, put out my cigarette and walk back over to them.
    Kayden is hanging his head, his shoulders are slumped and he’s picking at his fingers. Then I spot the source of his misery. Kaci is sitting on the lap of the guy with the collar, feeding him egg. Unrequited love. I know how that feels. I should be glad that she’s not his girlfriend but watching him mope over her is actually worse. Trent has disappeared.
    I turn the radio on, I need a distraction. The DJ announces it’s the love hour. Oh great! Kayden raises his head. “Will you dance with me Savannah?” An hour ago I would have jumped at the chance, but not now. He only wants to dance with me because he can’t have Kaci. I shake my head. His eyes drop to his hands and he resumes picking at his fingers.
    Trent returns with another plastic bottle full of hooch. I hold my mug out to him for a top up. Kaci is now snogging her boyfriend, Kayden is still moping over her and I don’t want to watch this anymore. I mouth to Trent, “Do you want to dance?”
    He nods his head and grins as he takes my hand.