Page 41 of Broken
Chapter Eighteen
Izzy
I’ve barely gotten out of bed for the past two days.
The door opens and I look up to see Lucy. “Hey, chica, you still sick?”
I nod the way I have when anyone else has asked me this question. It’s true. I’m sick.
Sick about the person I am.
Sick over the things I’m supposed to do.
Sick to death about what might happen to me if I don’t.
“I brought you some tea. Twisted said he’s going to call Doc if you don’t feel better tomorrow. Anything I can do?” She sits next to me, her hand stroking my head. Lucy is an amazing person. She’s so honest and caring. I don’t deserve any of it.
I’m scum.
I’m a rat.
I hate myself for what I remembered. I wish I could go back to the blissful nothingness I lived in before.
“No, thanks,” I tell her.
“Okay, I have to ask. What did Max do to you?” She huffs.
I look at her in confusion.
“Listen, I’ve been there. I’ve had the kind of depression where you can’t even get out of bed. I know you aren’t physically sick. You can talk to me.” Her hand rests on my shoulder.
I can’t.
Not about this.
“Max didn’t do anything to me. He’s been great.” My voice is dull.
I have distanced myself from everyone to lessen the blow when I lose them all.
“Then what is it?” She looks at me, waiting for an answer she’ll never get. I can see the disappointment as she looks at me. “When you’re ready, when you need someone to talk to and be in your corner, I’ll be here. No judgment.”
Lucy gets up and walks out of the room. I feel like shit for being like this to her. She has been such a good friend to me, a sister. Not to mention everyone else here. Since the other day, I have been plagued with memories. Each one more vile than the next. I can’t believe I allowed myself to be treated like that. Not only that, but I desperately wanted to be part of those monsters’ family. Looking back, living on the streets was a much better option than what I chose to do.
My phone buzzes beside me.
Tracie: You still sick? You’re scheduled to work tonight.
Maybe work is just what I need. It’s normal. I text Tracie back that I’ll be in. I force myself to get out of bed and into the shower.
The entire time all I can hear are Hades’ words.
You need to get me some goddamn information.
If not I’ll make good on my promise and find out what I need a different way.
A chill runs through me. All of the Sons were scary and cruel; Hades was by far the worst.
I grab a towel, wrapping it around myself and walking out of the bathroom.
