Addiction

25 || Broken

Warning: This chapter contains mentions of
sexual assault and extended violence.

I think I am an over-thinker.

Last night, I was overthinking everything and I fell asleep very late. That's why I just woke up and it's two in the afternoon. Me, Audrey Rhode Hayden, got up that late, it's quite concerning. Thank the caffeine that runs through my body or the excessive energy I am lucky to have, because I never stay in bed that long.

Long story short, I am fucked.

I open my phone to see a lot of messages from the girls, Lucas and Dylan asking if I am okay. I informed them briefly texting them that I am sick and that I am staying in bed all day, I told Lucas that I am okay and I just wanna stay in bed. A lie. Two lies.

I am just a bitch who can't accept rejection. From someone she apparently likes.

Minutes later, Dylan, Grace and Olivia make their appearance.

"You didn't say what exactly is wrong, so we brought ice cream, but if you can't eat, I will go leave it at my room." Dylan offers.

"I can eat." I give all of them a smile. They are the sweetest. I feel so bad for not telling them the truth. "Come on, follow me." We all go in my room. I lie down on the bed and Grace and Olivia lie down with me. Dylan lies down at the end of the bed horizontally. We started eating ice cream and watching Disney movies. It's not a surprise that Dylan's personality is going to be based on Olaf from now on.

I didn't realize how many hours passed until I saw the time and it was eight past ten.

"I am hungry." Dylan complains.

"After so much ice cream?" Grace wonders.

"Yes, Gracie, it's been hours since we ate it." Dylan says pointing at his nonexistent watch.

"I am full." Grace rubs her stomach.

"I am hungry too." Olivia raises her hand.

"I can't eat anything else." I shake my head.

"Okay then, let's go eat something together." Olivia suggests looking at Dylan.

"I am in." Dylan never declines an offer that includes food.

"What about you?" She points at us.

"I will stay here."

"I am staying with her." Grace tells them.

"Gracie, I will be fine, you can go if you want." I reassure her.

"Sure, baby?" He furrows her eyebrows.

"Of course, go have fun!" I smile and she hesitates for a second but she finally gives in.

———

I hate Mondays.

Monday was a bad day. I couldn't focus on classes and I had to escape from lunch because I saw Chase coming. My exit plan was simple. I pretended my mum texted me something incredibly important and I had to call her back, rushing out of the dining hall before he reaches our table, if he was about to.