Blackmailing The Untouched

Down With The Sickness

Two days pass by, and by Thursday morning, I wake up with a burning, sore throat that causes me to whimper every time I swallow. When I swing my legs over the edge of the bed to get up, I feel so much pressure inside my head that forces me back to the blankets. After a few seconds of lying still, I let out a long spell of dry coughs that stings my throat.

How in the hell did I catch a cold?!

I can't be here with Dad if I'm sick!

I quickly rush to find my phone on the floor inside the pocket of the coat I wore last night. Once I have it in my hand, I scan through the names in my contact list until landing upon Toby. I know that we left things on an awkward note, again, but if I can't physically be here with Dad, then I would only want him to be. I muster the courage, and before I have the chance to hang up, I hear his calm, sweet voice on the other end of the phone.

"Hollie? What's up?" He asks with no hesitation.

"Toby, I'm sick, and I don't want to be here with Dad and risk him getting a cold too." I explain. My voice sounds different, and It creeps me out a little. "Can you come over here and stay with him for a few days until I kick this?"

"I suppose I can do that, Pretty girl." I hear the smile in his tone when he replies. "You need me to come over now?"

"Please." I nod even though I know he can't see it. "I really appreciate it."

"I have off the next few days, so It's no big deal, really." He explains.

"Thank you so much. I'm heading back to Sally's." I tell him with gratitude. "I'll leave the house unlocked."

"You're welcome." He says and then disconnects the call.

I quickly throw some clothes into a weekender bag, and then I leave the house as fast as I can, passing Dad snoring on the sofa.

Sally has left for work by the time I enter the apartment. I look around at the kitchen and see that it is almost spotless. There are no dishes in the sink, and there's even a large bowl of fruit in the middle of the island. In the living room, I see that the wolf throw blanket has been folded and draped over the back of the couch. It smells like cinnamon as I make my way down the hallway to my soon-to-be bedroom. When I turn on the light I notice that the bed has been made but instead of the ugly camo comforter that was there when I left last has been replaced with a mint green paisley printed quilt with specks of gold trim. The pillows that sit at the head of the bed are gold to match the design of the quilt. I place my hand down onto the soft fabric, and I drag my fingertips against it to feel how comfortable it is. A large smile appears on my face. Sally has done some shopping for me.

When I walk into the bathroom, I see more new things that Sally has splurged on. Sitting around the marble sink, I see a small silver box that has my name written on it in beautiful black cursive. Inside the box is a brand-new toothbrush, some toothpaste, a hairbrush, four different shades of nail polishes, lotions, face creams, and some eyeshadows.

Okay, I should call her!

As I walk back out into the Livingroom, I can't contain the small coughing fit that erupts from my mouth and leaves me with a tight feeling in my chest. I brace myself on the couch and wait for the coughs to subside before I pull out my cellphone and dial Sally's number. I know she's working, but we haven't seen each other for days, so I know she'll pick up.

"Hollie!" She greets me almost instantaneously. Her tone is chipper and bright. I know she's smiling from ear to ear. "Everything okay?"

No, not really. I think to myself, but this isn't the time to get into all of that. "I'm at the apartment." I say quickly before she has the chance to bring up the reason I left in the first place. "You seriously did not have to buy me anything."