Speak Now

Chapter 19: Elvis Presley's album makes me cry

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows."
-Helen Keller
♡♡♡♡♡

There's nothing like waking up and realising you've missed another school day in one week. Especially for a girl who's topped her class since forever.

That's what I first think of when my eyes open.

Pale sunlight filters in through the window, setting my room aglow in a golden shower. Dust motes dance in front of my eyes and I rub them to dispel the sleepiness that still threatens to drag me back into bed.

Besides me, my phone's screen is lit up and there's a long scroll of notifications. I let out a huff and push myself out of the sheets and onto the polished wooden floor.

The events of last night crash into me and I lean on the bed post for support.

"Shit,"I mutter angrily. Missing school always bothers me, even if it's sports day or I have a doctors appointment. I worry at the amount of work I'd need to catch up on.

I turn around and pick up my phone.

15 notifications. 10 missed calls from Miranda, Kayla and Tristan. 5 messages from Adrian.

My stomach in a knot, I don't know what to feel as I read Adrian's messages first.

Adrian: Thank God you're okay 
               Maddie!!
               I'm so sorry! It's completely
               my fault. I should've come
               with you to the hospital 😔
                Call me when you're  
                awake.    
                Please. I'm waiting.

He has sent few more sad emoji followed by a "Forgive me" GIF.

As if that makes things okay, I think, and then chide myself for being so harsh. The poor guy must be freaking out over what mess he just landed me in. What happened was his fault but he didn't know about my history with alcohol. I shouldn't be holding such a heavy grudge.

I sit back down on my bed and text him back.

Me: I'm fine Ad! It's okay! Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm resting and I'm okay. See you in school tomorrow.

I drop my phone back on my table and head into the bahroom, eager for a hot bath to wash away my worries.

♡♡♡♡

After breakfast, I pull out my laptop and finish an essay Mr.Blake assigned us a few days ago. It isn't due until next week but it would be better if I finish it early.

I'm typing and scribbling notes on paper, my glasses resting precariously on the edge of my nose, when I hear the doorbell ring.

Annoyed, I push myself out of my bean bag and head downstairs. I hope it isn't anyone important because I'm still in my Hello Kitty yellow PJs and my hair is in a very bad updo.

When I swing the door open, I curse.

Tris grins at me.

"Yes?" I put as much indifference in my tone as possible, but all I can think about is him holding me in the hospital. I bit my lip hard to dispel the memory.

"Can I come in?" He inquires.

Behind him stands the same black bike, glittering under the afternoon sun. The helmets hang against the pedestal.

"We don't have to go," He says,"if you don't want to."

I bite my lips, wondering if I should go. My headache has subsided and I feel much better than I did last night, but do I want to go?