Love Disorder (Lesbian, Girlxgirl)

Chapter 7. Chance

Chapter 7. Chance

To what extent did religious practices require a person to seclude herself from the rest of the world? As far as I could tell, Uno hasn't resurfaced in the land of the living for weeks. Her lockdown was still in effect. I was worried, and I wasn't the type to worry. She did eat. The tray that I continuously placed in front of her room was clean whenever I returned to retrieve it. Yet I was still worried.

What could she be doing there? Praying? Watching TV? Kneeling? The part of me that didn't like getting into other's business wanted to leave her alone. The bigger half of me that has known her to be a good person wanted to make sure that she was alright. Doctor Sanders' message also came to mind. See her at once or it was going to get worse. Add that to the hidden door in Uno's room and the message behind the picture, and I've got myself the world's biggest mystery next to the Loch Ness monster and Big Foot.

I pounded my fist on Uno's door. "Open up," I said. "What are you doing there?" Like yesterday, and the numerous days before that, there was nothing but the sound of my breathing. I pounded harder. "Have you spoken to Doctor Sanders? You need to see her." I pressed my ear on her door. If only I could hear something- a television game show or the sound of an instrument. Then at least I'd know that she was alright. "If you don't open this door, I will call the police. This has been going on for too long."

Footsteps. Those were definitely footsteps. I took a step back as the door opened a crack. I could see her blue eyes peeking at me from the dark room. "Are you alright?" I asked. "You haven't come out in days."

"I'm good," she said in a raspy voice. The kind of voice that said she hasn't been speaking for a long time. "I'd really appreciate it if you tone it down a notch. I'm trying to rest." It was unsettling to just see half of her face, mostly her eyes, and not the other parts of her because of the darkness.

My caring instinct kicked in. "Are you sick? I can take you to the doctor if you are. Tell me what's wrong so I can help you." I attempted to move closer. The crack on the door became narrower, making me stop on my heels. "You want me to be your manager right? I think it's the manager's duty to make sure her talent is ok." What was I saying? I had no experience with this. Fake it till you make it?

"I'm feeling under the weather," she said. "I'll come around soon. Why don't you take the time to visit your friends. Think of it as a vacation. My treat." She cleared her throat. "There's a wallet in the glove compartment of the truck. Use the money there to buy grocery for the house and other stuff you need. You can also treat yourself to new clothes."

"It feels like I'm being bribed," I said uncertainly.

"Then consider it a command from your employer. If you're serious about this as you said, you can't say no to my request. And trust me, I'm fine." As an afterthought she said, "Manager Chance did this for me too. She gave me an alone time whenever I needed it. Can you do that for me?"

I shifted my weight on the other leg. I wanted nothing more than to kick the door open, but that would be too much. "Is this for religion?"

"Nothing to do with that. It's a personal journey."

"Okay then." I sighed. "You know my number. Call me."

I was driving the truck on the way to buy food and stock for the pantry when my phone vibrated. Thinking that it was Uno needing something from me, I didn't hesitate to push the speaker button. This would be quick, I promised myself. "Hello, I'm driving. Hurry up or I'll go to jail for this. I'm not even allowed to drive alone yet."

"Sheesh, talk about uptight," Carter said. "You're turning eighteen soon. And guess what I have for you?"

"I don't know. I'm stopping this call."