FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 26

Shanelle POV

I pulled the hoodie further down over my face, the soft fabric shielding me from prying eyes. My body was concealed beneath the comforting layers of oversized sweatpants and a baggy sweatshirt. Today, I needed to blend in, to be just another face in the crowd, a feat made challenging by the paparazzi constantly on my trail.

Entering the pharmacy, my nerves were on edge, and it was evident in my appearance. My usually styled hair was a mess, tangled and unkempt. Dark circles lingered beneath my eyes, betraying the sleepless nights I had endured. But I didn't care. All that consumed my mind was the desperate need to acquire the pills that would help me regain control of my life.

Approaching the counter, my heart raced within my chest, threatening to burst through my ribcage. I glanced at the female pharmacy technician, her sympathetic gaze meeting mine. I mustered the courage to speak, my voice trembling.

"I... I need a refill," I stammered, barely audible. 

"The medication, um... it's called Serenol."

Her eyes met mine with concern, but she remained professional. 

"Do you have a prescription?"

My heart sank. I hadn't anticipated this hurdle. Panic swelled inside me, threatening to consume my every thought. My hands began to shake uncontrollably. 

"I... I left it at home," I managed to choke out, my voice cracking.

She sighed, her empathy evident. 

"I'm sorry, but I can't provide you with the medication without a prescription."

A sudden surge of frustration ignited within me, overpowering reason. 

"No, you don't understand!" I exclaimed, my voice escalating with each word. 

"I need those pills! I need them now!"

Confusion etched across her face, mingled with a hint of fear. She glanced nervously at the security camera positioned above the counter, her hand inching towards the phone. Before she could dial, however, a massive figure dressed in all black materialized behind her, his mere presence demanding authority.

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," the security guard said firmly, his voice booming with authority. His hands moved to my shoulders, gently urging me towards the exit.

I lost control. All rationality abandoned me, consumed by an overwhelming desperation. 

"No! You can't do this!" I screamed at the technician, tears streaming down my face. 

"Give me the pills! Give them to me!"

The security guard's grip tightened, his physical strength overpowering my feeble attempts to resist. With an unyielding force, he pushed me towards the door, propelling me into the outside world I so desperately sought to escape.

I felt unsteady and stumbled at the entrance, catching the attention of people passing by. They stared at me, and I could hear them whispering things that made me feel uncomfortable. It was like their words were sharp and hurtful, like snakes hissing in my ears. I could tell they were judging me and wanting to know more about me, even though I wanted to remain anonymous.

To avoid their prying eyes, I quickly pulled my hood down further to hide my face. I walked faster, moving away from the pharmacy and their disapproving stares. I needed to escape and go back to the safety of my home.

Each step felt harder than the last, not just because of what I had done, but also because I felt like there were invisible chains holding me back. Even as I distanced myself from the pharmacy, I couldn't shake the feeling of being vulnerable, like the world wanted to see me fail.

But I was determined. I kept going, my heart beating fast in my chest, as I headed towards the familiar comfort of my solitude. I had a strong resolve in my eyes, even though tears threatened to break my calm exterior.