Blade

22 - The Guest

I heard the knock even from the depressing confines of my room. My heart skipped so many beats that I was surprised the poor organ was still functioning.

It had been four days since the unfortunate incident that made mum bedridden. Dad hadn't called, or texted, or generally reached out personally to Xander and I.

He had sent us a message through Ms Janet though.

Your mother is fine. I’ll be away for a while. Don't worry yourselves. Just make sure you take care of each other.

I shot out of the bed with strength I never knew I possessed, slipping into my flip flops and dashing out the door. I stopped halfway to the ground floor, heart thundering in my chest. I couldn't face dad, if it turned out to be him at the door. I bit hard on my bottom lip, fighting the dizziness that had become my constant companion since the accident.

I would wait here and see him from afar. That was the best. Then I would just have to await what happened next and hope it wouldn't crush the remaining fragments of my already shattered heart to dust.

Xander was already at the door, turning the metallic knob. My heart was in my mouth. What if he blamed me for what happened? How would I explain to him that I had tried to stop Andrew from hurting her? I blinked against tears.

Please. I pleaded with no one in particular. Dad hating me was the last thing I needed right now. Things were difficult enough as it was.

The door opened, and a mixture of disappointment and relief flooded my stomach, then both emotions were almost immediately eliminated by dread.

“Ms Sarah?" Xander asked, surprised to see the official-looking woman standing at the door.

I was surprised my brother remembered the therapist. My heart thrummed even harder against my ribcage.

What was she doing here?

“Hello Xander," she smiled warmly, fingers curled around a delicate black designer purse.

Her eyes scanned inside the house and soon found mine. I should've run while I had the chance.

“Rachel.” Her smile widened, but her sad eyes contrasted the gesture. She turned back to Xander. “Can I come in?"

My brother looked the most confused I had ever seen him. He sent me a questioning stare, and I tried as much as I could to convey my terror in my returning stare, but he merely sighed and stepped back.

“Come in."

My heart sank. I watched as Ms Sarah stepped into the house, wearing a small smile.

“Your dad asked me to come over and see how you're doing," she addressed me.

“I'm doing very fine," I replied curtly.

She looked me over with a piteous gaze.

“It doesn't look that way," she said, then looked into my eyes. "Why don't you come down and let us have a…”

"No,” I snapped, glaring at her warm features. "I don't want to talk to you. Sorry to disappoint."

I turned and began walking up the stairs as fast I could. If I locked myself up in my room, I would be fine…

Footsteps echoed behind me, and before I could make it to the final step, Xander was standing in my way.

“What are you doing?" I snapped at him.

“Dad sent her here. Won't you at least give it a try?" he asked, eyes concerned. I grinded my teeth, my nervous energy kicking in.

“Get out of the way Xander."