Page 107 of Habits

We’re in the middle of a heated discussion on whether we should usepretérito imperfectorindefinidowhen the doorbell rings, waking up Lola from her slumber. Barking, she runs toward the sound of the noise with Lia on her heels.

“That’s the delivery guy,” she throws over her shoulder. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

“I seriously think thattuvieramakes more sense in this sentence.”

I shake my head. “It’s a description in the past. Something that’s been going on for a while … It just seems logical to puttenía…”

“The food’s here,” Lia says loudly as she returns, putting the plastic bag on the coffee table. “If I hear one more conjugation, just one, my head will explode.”

Sighing, Brook and I exchange a look.

“I guess a dinner break won’t kill us,” I agree as she tears into the bag and takes out the little white boxes.

“I wasn’t sure what you were in the mood for, but we had an urge to eat Chinese so …”

Lia keeps on talking, but I tune her out. From the corner of my eye, I can see Brook closing the books and notebooks to make space for the food. Lia opens the carton, and the spicy smell of chicken, rice and vegetables fills the room, intensifying the queasiness in my stomach that I’ve been feeling all day.

Gulping down, I feel bile rising in my throat suddenly and I barely get enough time to cover my mouth before I’m on my feet, dashing out of the room and down the hall where I know the downstairs bathroom is located.

I don’t even bother with turning on the light. Tumbling down in front of the toilet, my shaky fingers grip the seat as I lean forward and empty everything that’s inside of me.

My whole body is shivering, in complete contrast with my heated skin, as I try to get it all out.

I hear hurried footsteps nearing. The light turns on, and then there is a soft touch on the nape of my neck, a cool hand pulling back my hair so it doesn’t get all messy.

“Jeanette, are you okay?”

Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I stay seated for a moment to assess my body. My heart is slowly starting to slow down, and my breathing is deep and steady. My clothes cling to my still sweaty skin, but all in all, I don’t think my stomach will rumble in protest if I move.

Slowly, with the help of Amelia, I get to my feet. “Yeah … just feeling a little queasy. That’s it. I think it’s a bug or something. I’ll just …”

I wave my hand in the direction of the sink. Taking a small sip of water, I rinse my mouth as best as I can, washing away the lingering stale taste.

“A bug?” Brook asks from the doorway. “You were fine just a few minutes ago.”

“I’ve been feeling off the last few days. It just comes and goes …”

Brook chuckles, making Lia frown.

“If I didn’t know better I’d say you’re …” she stops mid-sentence her eyes growing wide.

“Brook, seriously stop it. Can’t you see she’s not feeling well?” Lia huffs, her grip on me tightening as my legs give under me.

It can’t be. Simply can’t.

My heart starts beating faster again as panic spreads through my veins, icy cold and terrifying.

This can’t be happening.

“Jeanette?” Lia asks worriedly, but I can barely hear her through the hectic thumping in my ears. What is that noise?

My lungs constrict and it’s hard to breathe. I try to open my mouth to inhale, but the only thing that comes out is low wheezing.

My vision blurs, and I have to close my eyes to regain my footing.

“No, you won’t.”

Strong hands grab my chin, shaking me slightly.

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