Can't Love You {Sequel to "Not Sherlock Holmes"}

Chapter Eight

Veronica's POV

I slept in Martin's bedroom last night because I felt too sick, and he didn't want me to be alone. I woke up this morning with the most awful headache. One glance in the mirror and I groaned.

"I look awful!" I had said, and Martin peered inside.

"You don't look any worse than the rest of us," he said, but I knew he was just being kind. I had dark rings under my green eyes, although they didn't look green anymore. They looked dull, almost lifeless. My hair was greasy and stuck to my head.

"You're a liar. Do you know where I can find a shower in this place?" I asked irritably.

I now turn the water on high, as hot as I can get it, and steam immediately begins to form. I step into the shower, and the water feels incredible as it hits my back. I let it wash away the dirt and grime that has accumulated these past few days, and hope that it washes away my pain.

The water, however, unsuccessfully washes that away, so I step out of the shower, knowing how the soldiers feel about conservation. As I wrap a towel around me, Kelly walks into the showers. My eyes narrow, and her face falls.

"Veronica," she says, and I can hear the guilt and sympathy in her voice.

"I don't really want to deal with this right now," I say, trying to get by, but she takes my arm.

"Nica, I'm sorry," she insists, and I roll my eyes.

"What are you sorry for? You didn't kill him," I snap, and she bristles.

"I'm being kind. Don't be mistaken. I know you must think I'm awful. I know you've seen me with Jerry."

"Oh, so that's the new boy's name? What is he, 13?" Kelly looks like she's about to hit me.

"It's not any different from you and Ben," she argues. I don't admit that she's got a point. I just roll my eyes again. Her face softens. "I know you loved him. I just want to say that I'm sorry it happened. I'm sorry he's gone."

I'm glad that I was just in the shower, because the water dripping from my hair masks the water dripping from my eyes.

"Yeah, well, me, too."