Secrets Sleeves Sheltered

Lies

Freak. Freak. You are a freak.

My hands and body shaking. My arms burn as if someone poured acid on my bare skin. My mother reached for my hand with a pitiful look in her hazel eyes. Dr. Willems in an even softer voice spoke my name. He breathed my name afraid as if his voice would scare me away.

CHILD.

"Cora, are you okay love?" My mom questioned. Her voice frail and cracking aging with every minute. I went to open my mouth to speak but no words would leave my dry lips. I was speechless, my throat was on fire from my previous outburst. Vile was inside my throat. I could feel the build up. This wasn't a normal throw up. I could feel all the lies I've ever told. Lies. My life has been one big lie.

Liar. Cora you are a liar.

I felt my throat open. My most common lie came out of my mouth, "I'm okay" I stated to my mother with a forced smile on my face. Dr. Willems stood there confused on what to do next. I must be a freak show.

You bring the whole damn zoo Cora.

Dr. Willems took Val, my mom, outside to speak with her in private. I could make out some words from their conversation like, 'help', 'Drugs', 'behavior health' and other vague words. I swear I heard 'glucose levels' whatever that means.

Hey. That guy.

Guy. What. Guy? 

You know. THE. Guy.

Brandon. I could still feel his melting breath on my skin. His eyes on my body. His model face. He could pass as a male god. Maybe he's a devil. Aren't they hot as hell?

Hotter than hell.

I squint as I see my moms silhouette come out from outside my cell. Her eyes are puffy and her nose a cherry blossom color. She smiles at me and the doctor follows behind me and unhooks me from the hospital machine.
"Come on Cora lets take a walk," Her voice was timid. Her eyes darting away as if she was about to betray me. She reaches out her hand to take mine. Her hand was shaking. Or I was. Either way we were both lying to each other.