Page 114 of One More Kiss

“What do you need? Are you hungry?” I sit on the edge of her bed, my hand over hers.

“You kn-know what I need.” Her grip tightens slightly the only indication of her frustration.

“I’m not getting you drugs.” I say carefully as I move to stand.

“This is yo-your f-fault!” She snaps and her uncuffed hand swings towards my face. I turn quickly, her nails just hitting my cheek. She screams pulling on her cuffed hand, causing blood to draw and the blankets to fall.

The nurses rush in and I move out of her room. Hot tears falling sting my cheeks as I move through the halls trying to find the exit.

“Ma’am? Ma’am, I think we should clean that,” the nurse from before says rushing towards me.

“Clean what?” I ask through a haze.

“Your cheek, ma’am.” She says gently placing her hand on my shoulder to guide me to an empty room. My hand instinctively goes to my face causing me to wince from the burn, as my fingertips come back damp with my blood. I guess she made contact after all.

The nurse cleans my wounds, and I can’t help but miss Asher. I know he would be furious, but at least I wouldn’t be alone.

“I’m going to have the doctor stop by here and just make sure he doesn’t think stiches are necessary, okay?” I nod, desperately trying to hold the tears at bay.

Inhale.

Exhale.

“Ms. Myers? How did this happen?” My mom’s doctor says coming into the room.

“Withdrawal.” I answer simply.

“I see,” he says nodding and examining my cheek.

“What do I need to sign to have her sent to rehab?” I ask quietly.

“Well because of her parole violation and now this, you may not have to sign anything. I’ll get ahold of her parole officer, and we’ll make an appearance in front of a judge to ask for involuntary commitment since it’s clear now she’s a danger to not only herself, but the people around her.” He says as he places steri-strips across the cuts on my face.

“How long do you think the process will take?” I ask as he pulls his gloves off and tosses them in the trash bin.

“I’m unsure, but I think due to the circumstances we can get an appearance rather quickly. I’ll start on things tonight, and keep you updated. Now, make sure to clean your cheek with mild soap and water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel or cloth. Do not pull, tug or rub the Steri-Strips. They will fall off on their own in about two weeks, and it should be healed. Any questions?” He asks standing and clasping his hands in front of him.

“Do I need to put anything on it?” I ask.

“If it begins to itch you can put a very thin layer of anti-bacterial ointment on it or Vaseline. Only if it begins to itch, otherwise it should be fine.”

My phone pings a text from Margot as I stare up at the popcorn ceiling.

Margot: Did you make it home okay?

Me: Yeah, I did.

Margot: Prove it girl. Pic me, got to make sure you not in someone’s basement.

My eyes roll as I turn on the flash in the dark room and take a selfie.

Me: Basement would be an upgrade LOL

Margot: OMG

Margot: What happened to your face?!

Margot: Are you okay?

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