The Stranger

Fuzziness

The nausea hit all at once, I felt as if my brain was five sizes too big for my head. Opening my eyes took much more than I think I had in me, but I knew I needed to. I had to pee and although I was tempted to just let it go, I knew I'd regret it in the long run. The sun shined rudely through the window directly into my eyes as I finally sat up, sliding on my glasses. Seeing clearly did absolutely nothing but make me feel worse. It was almost over stimulating.

I breathed in a slow deep breath but managed a small smile when I noticed a bottle of water and a bottle of aspirin sitting neatly on the table beside my bed. I wasn't sure if it was the work of Britt or Damien but I was grateful that it was there. Once the effects began to kick in and I knew I wasn't going to spill the contents of my stomach, I pulled on socks and a nearby hoodie and made my way out into the hall.

The silence worried me for a moment before it hit me that it would probably be quiet for a while with the bits and pieces I remembered of last night. Knowing them, they'd be asleep all day. Part of me wanted to do a room to room check, but I was more hungry than in the mood for being the responsible one. Plus my legs were sore for some reason and I did not want to make that worse. Maybe I'd be nice and make some breakfast for everyone, it sounded nice anyway.

"Oh, Gabriella..you're awake?" I turned to Damien and Quinn who both seemed pretty normal considering what could've been. I do slightly remember being with Damien for awhile so he might've actually been good, but Quinn? I'm not so sure.

"Yeah I'm okay. Still kicking it. Hey Quinn. You look well."

"I feel like death, but I appreciate that. You look well too. Damien says he had to play lifeguard?" I shrugged making them laugh "I'll bring it up later. Can you make me some pancakes? I'll take them upstairs so no one else sees and asks?"

"Hmm maybe. Gotta see how I feel once I actually get down there." As tired and terrible as I felt, when Damien opened his arms I moved into them taking in the much needed comfort. "Thanks for saving me. I'm sleepy."

"Don't thank me, I'd do anything for you, lavender." He squeezed me then patted my head with a giggle.

"It's lilac thank you. There is a difference! Like $50 worth." I pulled away, laughing again then sighed "alright. If you help clean up I'll make pancakes. Hurry before I change my mind." I rolled my eyes at their over the top childish cheers and led them downstairs. It didn't take long before Quinn started gushing about their dream and what it possibly meant for us. It was very predictable but I didn't have it in me to respond. Maybe after I ate.

Before I could even think of a proper way to express how I felt, our path was blocked off by Samuel laying on the floor a few feet away from the stairs. Again, kind of predictable. I stepped over him hiding a smirk.

"You know, I half expected to find you like that, gab."

"Oh please. I was not that out of it." I glared staring over at Damien who only laughed, "I wasn't!"

"That's how you remember it. But it's fine. Just start cooking, woman." Had it not been for my growling stomach, I would've had plenty to say back but I was over it before it started.

As much as I hate to admit it, I loved being in the kitchen. Well, I didn't hate to admit it, but I didn't want people to know I liked cooking. I'd never find my way out of here. It's bad enough that people like my cooking, knowing I enjoy it would take it just a tad bit over what I was willing to deal with. Though when it came to myself and just a small group of friends, I really didn't mind it.

"Ah, I see Sam didn't make it to bed. Pancakes?" I nodded, waving shortly at Brittany who had just stepped over the drunken body. "Nice. Want help or coffee?"