Tomorrow she will get to gloat and say I told you so. I get a toothbrush from the guest bathroom and wash my face after brushing my teeth. Back in my old bedroom I strip out of my leggings and slide into bed in Liam’s t-shirt. I’m too tired and lazy to dig around in my old clothes for something else.
As soon as my head hits the pillow I’m out.
Sunlight streams in my face nearly blinding me when I open my eyes. My mom is sitting on the other side of my bed strumming her fingers through my hair. “Time to wake up, sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?” I yawn and sit up to stretch. My whole body aches but not as deeply as my heart or what’s left of it.
“Past noon. You missed breakfast and lunch.”
“Hmm. Maybe I can miss dinner too.” I wipe my finger over the creases of my eyes.
“You need to eat, sweetie. You’re so pale and skinny. What’d that boy do to you?”
“Nothing. Everything. I don’t want to talk about, Killian.” His name gets stuck in my throat for a moment, but I don’t cry. I don’t have any tears left. I’m exhausted.
“Well if and when you do, I’m here. I promise to keep my judgmental comments to myself.”
“No, you don’t.”
She smiles but it’s a tired smile. “I suppose not, but I’d still listen.”
“I know, Mom. I’m tired, and I don’t want to even think about him or anyone back at Crestwood.” My chest burns, and every breath I take hurts more than the last.
“That bad, huh?”
“Is Paris still on the table?” My voice is raspy, and my throat is raw. My eyes are puffy, and I think even my eyelashes hurt. I feel like I was steamrolled. This is worse than any flu. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone except for Jackie. The thought of her has my fists tightening into balls. I’d love to hit her again. My hand hurts and I wince.
“If that’s what you want. I’m sure Theo can still get you in.”
“I do.”
“Are you sure you won’t be back with Killian in a few days?”
I shake my head. “Not this time.”
“When I talk to him tomorrow, I will let him know.”
“He’s not home?”
“He’s got an apartment with his mistress.”
“Oh. I see. No one can keep their dick in their pants I guess.”
“Oh, honey.” She hugs me, and I curl into her side. She’s safe and warm, but I still feel so empty.
Surprisingly she doesn’t comment about what I just said. I figured she wouldn’t be able to wait to pounce on being right about Killian. I guess Mother does know best.
“I have so much to tell you, but it can all wait till you feel up to talking. What happened to your hands?”
“I cut this one on some glass after a picture fell off the wall and well this one.” I flex my right hand. My knuckles are swollen. “I um might have punched a girl in the face.”
“Well I’m sure she deserved it. I’m getting you in to see Doc first thing tomorrow. I want him to examin
e your hands and test your blood. I think you have low iron or something.”
“I’m fine. I need to destress.”
“Fine, but he’s still checking out those cuts.”