Blood

Seventeen

I didn't sleep properly for the remainder of the night. Not because of Eli lying next to me, it was actually calming hearing his breathing, but sleep just wouldn't come.

I felt hollow when it was time for me to finally get up and face the day. My mind was empty, but I felt like I was being pinned down with the weight of one thousand secrets. I felt so confused.

"Are you hungry?"

I didn't answer and I felt Eli shift on the bed beside me.

"Daisy," he said softly.

I sighed and rolled over so I was facing him. He was propped up on his elbow and he rubbed his eyes tiredly before looking down at me.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"I am hungry," I said.

Eli kept his eyes on me for a few moments before nodding. "I'll make you some food, Princess."

"Can you find out when Richard is coming?"

"Of course." I watched as Eli climbed out of bed and walked to the door. He looked over his shoulder at me. "Do you want me to send the guys out today?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know."

"If you want them gone then they'll be gone. Just say the word."

I sat up once Eli had left and yawned. I had the whole day ahead of me and I didn't even want to get out of bed, I didn't know how I was going to do this.

There was a light tap on the door and my heart jumped into my chest, a wave of nausea flooding me. "What?" I called and pulled the bed sheets around me, covering myself up. I cursed myself silently when my voice shook.

The door opened slowly and a familiar dark-haired girl poked her head into the room. "I heard that a gal needed her best friend?" Beth smiled at me and I let myself relax, the bed covers slipping from my fingers as Beth stepped into the room.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Eli called." Beth placed a bag onto the ground beside the bed.

"Of course he did," I nodded. "What's in the bag?"

"Your clothes," Beth said and perched on the edge of the bed. "I went to Eli's flat to get some of your things so you could shower and can change into your own clothes. I thought you'd be more comfortable that way?"

"I would. Thank you."

"You're welcome, babe. Did you want to shower now? I can stay in here and make sure no one comes in?"

I raised my hand to stop Beth from talking. "What did Eli tell you?" I asked.

"Enough for me to know that you need me," Beth said simply. "I wanted to bring five bottles of wine and a bucket of cigarettes for you but Eli threatened me when I suggested that, so you're stuck with just me. I hope that's not too disappointing."

A short laugh escaped my lips. "I could do with a bottle of wine right about now."

"Do you want to talk about it, babe?" Beth asked. Her voice wasn't laced with sympathy and she wasn't talking to me like I was going to crumble at the first gust of wind, she sounded genuinely curious. "I don't know the whole story but I've been told the majority-"

"I think I should shower."

She nodded straight away. "You do you, boo. Take as long as you want, I've got endless tinder profiles to swipe through to keep myself entertained."

I looked at Beth curiously. "Are you and Tom not together anymore?"

"Oh, babe." Beth raised a perfectly plucked dark eyebrow at me. "We have a lot of catching up to do, but that story will have to be told over a bottle of wine. I'm not getting into it sober."