The Hurt Game

❧ twenty-seven

Despite waking up with a headache, despite waking up restless and even more tired than before, despite Daniela's protests, I had found my way to work. Arthur immediately showed his concern when I had arrived. Apparently I looked terrible. I couldn't be bothered much.

Every sudden sound rang through my ears. Every brightness made my eyes sting and burn. My head spun whenever I turned around or stood up too fast. Yet I couldn't find myself leaving.

I needed a distraction from everything that had happened last evening. I needed to clear my mind, and staying in my room the whole day wasn't going to help me.

Luckily my father had already left for work, so I wouldn't have to face him. And if I had, I would turn around and leave the room. Seeing him would make me sick. I wasn't sure if I could ever look at him again.

My phone showed several missed calls and around ten missed messages. All were from Royden, but I couldn't bring myself to reply or listen to the voicemails. I didn't want him to worry about me. I didn't want him to be mad and do something he would regret.

The bell rang. I winced at the sudden noise, closing in on myself as I held my head. A deep sigh lifted my chest up and down before it settled to the steady breathing. I shoved a couple books to the side to place a misplaced book in the right place.

"Is Waverly in?"

Royden.

I stopped in my tracks. My heartbeat quickened as I glanced over my shoulder. He couldn't see me like this. He was not supposed to be here. How was I going to hide the traces of despair on my face?

"She is somewhere in the back. She seems... bothered, so it is good you're here," Arthur replied to him.

My eyes closed as I leaned against the bookcase. Arthur was too good of a person. He cared too much. It didn't surprise me he was voicing his concern to the person who cared about me as much as he did. I appreciated it, but today I wished he hadn't said anything.

"Thanks, Arthur," Royden said before his footsteps echoed towards me. I glanced over my shoulder and through the aisles, but I couldn't see him yet. As I stepped towards the last aisle, my eyes landed on him.

His eyes met mine and immediately he showed me a small smile. His frown was etched in concern and before he could say anything, I turned my back on him.

Swiftly I disappeared in another aisle, cursing myself for acting so childish. My feet stumbled over the other with the hurried paces I tried to take. My feet couldn't keep up with the desire of going unseen, of being left alone.

I should have known Royden wasn't going to give up. He grabbed my elbow and spun me around, which made the whole room spin. My hand grasped his bicep while my other flew to my head. My legs gave out and I slumped against the shelf.

"Woah, hey, careful," Royden spoke softly. It was as if he knew my head hurt.

I sat on the ground in front of him. My forehead lay on my arms which were resting on top of my knees. My temples were pounding and even though my eyes were closed, everything swayed.

"Princess, what's wrong? Can you look at me?" he questioned.

"Not now," I muttered.

"Please, Wave, what's going on? Why have you not been answering my messages or calls? I've been worried sick about you."

"Please, go away. I'm fine."

"Clearly not. You cannot even look at me. What happened?"

"Just go, Roy." My voice cracked as a lump formed in my throat. My head was throbbing. All I wanted to do, was sleep and be swept away from this cruel world.