When she opened her eyes, she was back in her little cot. Her body hurt all over, but it felt and looked clean and washed. Nick walked in with cotton balls and what looked like antiseptic in his hands. He sat next to her, his eyes quiet and serious. As he gently began to swab her welts, Hailey burst into sobs. Immediately, he picked her up, cradled her in his arms, and tenderly rocked her. Hailey burrowed into his comforting arms, incoherently mumbling her pleas and apologies. Nick held her for a long time, until she finally calmed down. Then, for the first time, he carried her to his bedroom. That night, Hailey slept like a baby in Nick's bed, tucked safely into his body. Surprisingly enough, so did Nick.
Hailey woke up the next morning with gentle hands massaging her sore body. She opened her eyes to find Nick watching her with a quiet, thoughtful _expression. Hailey opened her mouth to apologize again, but he stopped her with a finger on her lips.
"Later, Hailey."
He picked her up, carried her to the bathroom, waited patiently until she was finished and brought her back to his bedroom again. A tall, cold glass of milk awaited her, along with two pain medications. Nick then propped her up on soft, comfortable pillows, and sat directly in front of her.
"Hailey, we need to talk. Don't interrupt me until I am finished, OK love?" Hailey nodded, her heart beating fast.
"What we are doing is not a joke to me, Hailey. It is very, very serious. I know we started as a game and a bet, but it is not a game now. I think I miscalculated when I did make the bet with you, and made a serious error. So now, you have two choices...."
"I know what my choice is Nick - I'll never try to escape again. I promise, you'll never have to punish me for that again. I promise, I really do." Hailey's interruption was eager and desperate. Nick sighed and placed his hand on her mouth again.
"Shhhh, Hailey. That is not the choice that you have to make. You can choose to stay with me and complete the year, or you can leave now, free and clear. Remember, if you do choose to stay, it has to be under my rules and conditions. I don't want to force you into something that you are not ready for."