Patient A-3

Chapter 22: Nothing to Worry About

 I'm mortified. After last night, I retreated to my room, where I've remained all night and morning. None of us have spoken since, and I'm petrified of seeing them today. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to act around them, especially Wrath. He's seemed to harbor a deep resentment toward me ever since we met, even coming close to nearly killing me, yet last night he had displayed a gentleness that left me bewildered. I simply cannot comprehend it.

 I'm upset that they abandoned me afterward. I understand that Cierien has issues with blood, but the bleeding subsided almost as swiftly as it began. There was no valid reason why he couldn't have stayed with me. The way Wrath had me snuggled into his side had given me a glimmer of hope, but it all came crashing down with just a few words from Cierien that prompted Wrath to leave. They left me for a book. I can't tell whether I'm more enraged or saddened by that.

 It's not like I ever received aftercare from Ryan, but I expected and hoped for more from Cierien. On our first night together, he was kind and attentive, despite being a bit aggressive and strange about the picture-taking. What occurred last night should never repeat itself again unless I'm guaranteed the aftercare I deserve. I know that Wrath most likely isn't seeking anything emotionally significant, so I won't set my expectations too high with him. However, Cierien better step and do better from now on.

 My phone rings, breaking me from my thoughts. I inwardly curse upon noticing Sophie's name on the screen. I never called her back. I hastily tap the accept button and bring the phone to my ear. Words spill out of me in a rush, "I'm so, so sorry, Soph. I completely forgot to call you back. I—"

 "You bitch. I've been worried sick about you. What the hell is going on?" she interjects, her voice filled with frustration.

 "I know, I know. It's just been a lot. My parents—" I begin.

 "Cut the bullshit. You hated your parents. We literally celebrated their death with a bottle of tequila and cake," she snickers. "You lie, Lenny."

 I chew on my lip nervously. "Sophie, you're my best friend and I love you, but—"

 "But you're not going to tell me what's really going on?" she questions.

 "I'm sorry. I can't. Not yet, anyway."

 There's a few seconds of silence before she releases a heavy sigh. "It's okay. You don't need to tell me anything you don't want to tell me. But, come on, not texting or calling? That's not like you. I miss my best friend."

 Her sadness tugs at my heart, and I feel terrible for causing her worry. "I promise that I'll put in more effort to check in. I've been so distracted, but that's no excuse for being a shitty friend."

 "You have been pretty shitty," she laughs lightheartedly. "But apology accepted."

 I join her laughter, and a brilliant idea pops into my head. "How about I make it up to you?"

 "And how will you do that?" she asks skeptically.

 "With free food and shopping!"

 I hear her gasp, and the sound of shuffling suggests she's probably jumping out of bed. "Buy me pasta and a new dress, and all will be forgiven."

 I giggle, pulling myself out of bed as I make my way to the bathroom to start getting ready. "Let's go to the strip downtown. Text me where you wanna eat and I'll meet you there."

 "I love you most, Lenny," she says, ending the call to get ready as well.

 The day I inherited my parent's fortune, I was utterly lost. I had never encountered such a vast sum of money before. Of course, I grew up part of a wealthy family with rich parents, but I was never spoiled. Extremely privileged and well taken care of, but never spoiled. I'd learned not to ask my parents for anything unless I was prepared to be met with my mother's right hand. So, when the enormous inheritance was transferred to my name, into my bank account, I went into full-blown panic mode. Sophie was there with me when it happened, and if it hadn't been for her incredible humor, I might have succumbed to a complete breakdown.