Suicide Watch

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Isa POV

I force Temi to go on walks with me for the rest of the weekend. Of course, she protests and grumbles and makes snarky comments throughout, but I put up with it because I know it's beneficial for her in the long-run.

As usual, we would walk together in silence. I try to make conversation, but Temi wouldn't reply. So I'd stop talking and just bask in the silence instead.

I have gotten used to it. I've even gotten used to Temi and her fits. I know firsthand that grief often manifests itself in different ways, and Temi's anger is just one of them. Being on the receiving end of her anger is something that is definitely not ideal-but it is something I just have to deal with, regardless.

The new week starts and, as usual, I follow Temi to classes, staying stationed outside of the building for the entire duration of her class periods. Temi doesn't attempt running off again, which I am thankful for.

Temi's last class period for the day just ended. I watch her as she comes out of class; her eyes rest on me for a few seconds before they instantly turn hard and she walks past me as if I'm not there.

At least she's alive. That is the most important thing. Right?

I continue to sleep on Temi's bedroom floor each night. I am not as bothered by the hard, cold floor any longer, and I have grown accustomed to the sound of Temi's breathing. I would suddenly wake up at points during the night to make sure that Temi is still there and has not run off again.

Thankfully, she is there each time and I would slowly fall back asleep listening to the sound of her breathing. Sometimes it is steady and calm. Most times it is labored and heavy, usually when she's having a nightmare.

Regardless, I don't do anything. I can't do anything.

"I want to go study in the library."

I am seated in the living room and Temi is standing directly in front of me with her arms folded over her chest, frowning at me, while simultaneously blocking out the Animal Planet program I am watching.

"Did you know the ocean is part whale pee?" I say, ignoring her previous comment.

Temi's expression only grows angrier. "I don't care about fucking whales."

"I'd like to think not. Not only would that be gross, but I'm pretty sure it's classified under animal abuse."

I watch with a satisfied smirk on my face as Temi's facial expression morphs into one of horror.

"You're disgusting."

I ignore her. "Did you know whale vomit is used in perfumes?"

"My vomit will be your perfume in the next few minutes if you don't stop."

My eyes widen in shock slightly as I stare at the angry girl standing in front of me. My shock isn't about the fact that she has just threatened to throw-up on me, but more so about the fact she just made a joke.

"What?" Temi says after a while of me staring at her in bewilderment.

"Nothing," I quickly respond. I realize Temi is talking to me. This is one of the few times she has ever instigated a conversation. I quickly rack my brain of something to say to keep her talking, but not piss her off that she just walks off. "You usually study in your room. Why do you want to go to the library now?"

"Seriously?" Temi says, rolling her eyes. "You're always the one telling me I shouldn't stay cooped up in my room. Now you're questioning me?"

She has a valid point and I can't think of anything to say in response. So I settle with an 'okay' and go to grab my jacket.