Side-by-Side

Chapter 21

The look on Daryl's face was torturing. The hurt and confusion he held on his face was agonizing. I wanted to walk out of here and go apologize to him, but I knew I couldn't. He probably hates me now.

When I woke up from the small nap, my head was hurting. I needed some Advil, but everything was downstairs. I debated on whether I should go downstairs or not, but thinking wasn't really helping my head. I finally decided just to show my face.

As I walked into the hall, all was quiet. I couldn't even hear Chase. I felt a little dizzy, as I began to walk more, and I leant against the wall, only causing me to lose my balance and fall to the floor. The sound must have attracted someone because all I heard were feet coming up the stairs.

"Are you okay?" Chase's soft voice was alarmed, as he rushed to my side. I tried to get up, but I felt weak, and my stomach was feeling off. My throat burned as I could feel the acid from my empty stomach rising.

"Go get Maggie." I pleaded. I brought myself to my knees.

"How about Daryl?" He asked.

I knew I should be calling Daryl, but I have a feeling he wouldn't be so kind. I shook my head, "Maggie. Only Maggie, sweetheart. Please."

Just as he ran to the stairs, I got enough power to stand, rushing to the bathroom down the hall. Just as I arrived at the door the burning liquid filled my mouth and was let go into the toilet. I sunk down onto my knees, rest my head in my arms, waiting for the next wave to hit.

"Carly?" I heard Maggie yell from the hall, but her footsteps quickly getting closer and louder as my mouth opened again.

I began coughing, and gagging, and just as the last one hit, Maggie was quickly next to me, holding my hair and rubbing my back.

"Let it all out." She whispered as the next mouthful was gone too. Tears pricked in my eyes as my throats burned more than ever.

"I know... is there anymore?" I head my finger up, as I puked again. I didn't eat anything, and I was throwing up. It didn't make sense to me.

After I was sure there was nothing left to empty out, I sat down and rested my back against Maggie's knees. I held my head in my hands and allowed myself to take deep breaths.

"Daryl's worried." Maggie whispered, breaking the silence that has filled the small room.

"I'm sure he is." I sarcastically remarked.

"He is. When Chase came to get me, he was asking what happened. When Chase said you fell, he was ready to run. But stopped quickly when he was told that you wanted me, not him." She said as she took the hair out of my face.

"I didn't know what was happening. I felt dizzy, I fell, I threw up. I also think he hates me. That's why I needed you. Not him." I explained.

"He's worried." She repeated. I nodded my head, mentally reminding myself to talk to him after.

"It's odd how you seem to be gaining weight." Maggie observed. I took a look at myself from my position.

"Probably just the way I'm sitting." I reasoned.

"No, even when you stand, you can see... there is some meat." She said, rubbing my back.

"I did finish my period."

"Did you and Daryl have sex recently?" She questioned and I turned around to gasp her blunt question.

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" I questioned.

"Protected?"

"Maggie, I'm not. I just finished my period."

"Ovulation. Don't you know how the body works?" She questioned and I realized she was right.