Ain't Your Regular Girlfriend

The day ran by, Nighttime came minutes after Steven had left, he'd intended to stay the night while Magritte took some time off, but Magritte hadn't agreed, she doesn't want me out of her sight again plus today is Sunday and Steven's got school tomorrow. 

The only time Magritte left the room was to rush back home to get stuff that I would need while Steven stays with me the whole time. He'd talk and sing to me while I listened keenly and then applauded him later. 

***

After having dinner, Magritte tucked me in bed before going to the restroom and my dad had kissed me good night. On his way out, his phone rang. I heard him say. 

"What?". before stumbling out of the room. The tone of his voice was deeper and it sounded like something had happened by the way he hurried out and then locked the door as he left. Magritte had her card with her so she would get locked out whenever my dad leaves. 

The reason for this high-level security was to prevent what happened to reoccur. My dad didn't want his daughter's life to be threatened again. So they hardly allowed visitors inside both visitors from school except the doctors and few verified nurses. 

Dad told me that Micheal visited while I was unconscious. And then I couldn't forget earlier when he called Magritte Maggie, that was new. I feel like this incident brought us closer than we were before and that something might have transpired between those two while I was away. It was... Was it hours after my waking up and I already figured that out. Lara! I scolded myself. 

I remembered how their hands touched when they both reached for the blanket on my bed and how they flinched. Awkward! I'd thought. I mean I have nothing against them. I want it for them and I'd love it if they love it. 

*Back to the moment *

"Hmm?" I wondered and then oh-no-ed. Is this the part where they distract people just to gain entrance? I said in my thoughts before turning around in the darkroom. The only light in the room was the tiny blue light coming from the medical machine in the room. 

When I turned. I gasped, I was right. It was all an act to get my dad from the room and most times I hate it when I'm right. Like this time. 

And She was there. Standing in the deep shadows of the night. I didn't assume nor imagine it this time, I knew her height, I knew her stature and also I knew what she would do. It's like I was waiting for this moment. It's like I knew she would come but I didn't know why. I'd known she would when Dad had unknowingly said to Magritte that she would be convicted to juvie after I'd testified in the court.

As for Cuba, he has already been apprehended as students both from our school and from his previous jobs testified against him. Also unknowingly the leverage we held against him kinda came out in the public and the dude was f.u.c.k.e.d pretty bad.

I didn't feel angry the moment I saw her, what I felt was way out of how to describe anger. All those compiled anger and heartbrokenness that clogged my c.h.e.s.t became molded together, it didn't soften, it got molded into one piece and that hurts. My c.h.e.s.t hurts. How did she get the room card? Probably the same way she pulled the act.

"Why are you here?"I asked in a small rough voice. 

"I just wanted to know how you are doing and to also say that I'm sorry"

"Get out or I'll call security!". I said in my loudest voice which sounded more like a whisper. 

She made to leave but then stopped "Lara, please hear me out. I wasn't myself in that place. I was so pissed at the fact that I was starting to get attached to you. I loved you Lara and that scared me. It scared me to the core that I thought I was betraying my brother by feeling the same way he did. And I got frightened, seeing the way Steve was with you grieved in me because I would never see my brother that way and I allowed jealousy get in the way of our friendship. Later on, I realized that I took the wrong steps, and I'm getting help, I've got a therapist. And they put me in a home for people like me, the court says it's for the best. Also, The thought of being your friend is what drives me to do better ". She stopped talking and took a long breath." I know that I lost my shot at being your friend but I'll keep trying and truly, Lara, I'm a changed person ". She said, while I still kept quiet without uttering a word.

In my head, I had a lot of angry words to lash out but to open my mouth and speak them wouldn't do not with everything she'd just said. Deep down I know that being angry with her would not only hurt me more but would also slow my recovery and that is what I didn't want. I want a fresh start from everything and I didn't want her in it. 

I also know that my dad or Magritte would be here any minute and the sight of her in my room wouldn't be a good eye-saw.

"I won't say all is fine Clara, all isn't... It's good you're getting help now. With everything that has happened, I can forgive but I can't forget and that hurts. Please I'd appreciate it if you leave now". I said and then turned from her.

I heard the door open and then closed and she was gone. I took a long deep breath.

It wasn't long after she'd left, my dad and Magritte walked in together. 

"Uhm, I thought I locked this door". My dad said before walking to where I lay. "Darling are you alright?". He asked. And I replied.

"Yes dad, I'm alright".