Page 91 of Rich Girl
“It’s just me, Hayden,” the faceless voice tells me.
“Addie,” I whisper when I realize it’s my friend. She is currently my only friend. I cut the other two off. I’m done with them.
She sits on the bed and pulls me into a tight hug that only makes me cry harder. I wrap my arms around her shoulders and refuse to let go even when she tries to put some distance between us.
“I thought we could get you out of here for a bit tonight.”
She starts patting me on the back, whispering words of encouragement in my ear.
“I don’t want to,” I wail. “My head hurts and I like it here.”
She holds me for a little longer, rocking me from side to side like you would with a small child.
“I really don’t want younotbe a part of my wedding.”
Her voice sounds chocked up when she says the words, shocking me to my core. I finally let go of her, pushing myself away and against the headboard.
“When is the wedding?”
She looks at me with tears in her eyes, so many emotions crossing her beautiful features. One thing is for certain. I am ruining this experience for her.
“The wedding is this Saturday,” she tells me in a hushed tone, like she doesn’t want to scare me.
I stare at her, unsure of what month we are in, let alone day of the week.
“What day is it today?”
“Today is Thursday,” she tells me with a small shrug.
I drop my face in my hands and rest my elbows on my knees. How did I miss the last three weeks like this? I don’t remember doing anything during this time. My parents tried calling once, but I had Maria come up with an excuse.
I also remember that Jeanine and Emma came over to talk to me. I told Maria not to open the door to them. Ever.
Adeline has been the only one who didn’t give up on me. Even if she couldn’t talk to me because I was out of it, she would chat with Maria, ask her how I was doing and whether I was eating enough. I only know this because Maria would come and tell me that every time she brought me food and water.
I am like a prisoner in my own home, in a prison of my own making.
“I’m so sorry,” I tell Adeline. “I hate myself for ruining this for you. I…”
She touches my arm gently. “I understand. I’d be devastated if Derek broke up with me.”
I nod in thanks, trying my hardest not to lose it again.
“Did you…” I hesitate for a second because I worry about the answer. “Did you have a bachelorette party?”
It really shouldn’t be anywhere on my priority list, but we were all so excited about it before.
“No. There was no way I’d have one without you. Besides,” she shrugs, “I never wanted one to begin with. I was just going along with the three of you. Derek was relieved as well when I canceled all the plans for it.”
“W-hat did Jeanine and Emma say about it?”
Adeline rolls her eyes at me. “They’ve been extremely dramatic about everything. They act like they didn’t do anything wrong. They feel like you owe them an apology.”
“What?” I cannot believe my ears.
“Oh, and you’re going to love this!” She grins at me like she is about to give me the best news. “Chase and Rebecca are out! I told Derek there was no way I’d have Chase Hawthorne there after he sabotaged my best friend’s chance at happiness.”
I press both hands to my chest. “You did?”
