Page 164 of The Secret We Keep
Like an animal in a cage, the chains around my feet clang together as I stand, hearing the front door knock. “That’s Holly,” I say quietly, slowly stepping towards my bathroom door.
When nobody moves, I turn back around to face them.
Six eyes are watching me like I’m a bomb about to detonate.
“Can someone let her in?” I say weakly.
The door knocks again, louder this time.
Jerry runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll go.”
Closing the bathroom door behind me, I sit on the lid of the toilet, dropping my head into my hands. I can hear muffled voices and people going downstairs, but no actual words.
Weighted down by dread, I stay as I am until I hear Holly come into my room.
“Where is she?”
“In here,” I shout, getting off the toilet, but only to let her in.
She looks me up and down before looking back at Paddy. “You can go.”
He doesn’t acknowledge her.
“It’s fine, Paddy. You don’t have to stay.”
His head slowly shakes side to side. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Fine.” Holly pushes her way into the bathroom.
I lock the door.
“What’s going on?” she asks, worry making her eyes widen.
Rubbing my head, I move to the sink and wash my face with cold water. “I don’t know.”
“Did you two fight?” She sits on the toilet.
I grab the small towel hanging on the hook. “A little.”
Her face flames red. “Fucker.” She’s on her feet in a heartbeat.
“Sit down,” I say firmly, dabbing my face, not needing any more drama.
The tablets I took seem to be working. The heavy head and inability to see or hear clearly, push back against the black. The negative feeling of conflict begins to subside. The voices retreat, no longer enjoying their games.
“I was hearing people.” I think.
“Hearing people?” Holly recites back to me, voice thick and edgy. “Like, people, people?”
All I can do is nod.
“Are they talking to you right now?”
I lean my head back against the door. “I think I’m sick.”
“Well, get your head over the toilet.” She moves out the way for me.
“Not that kind of sick.” I slide down the door.
