Set Her Free

6.

"So I spoke to my mom yesterday about the whole thing. She said you can stay over at our place for as long as you want until you make up your mind." I pull at the thread at the end of my cardigan, fidgeting with the soft material.

"WHAT? NO!"

"What do you mean no, I can't let you go back there hurt like this, your parents are idiots and you're not fit to deal with whatever they throw at you ! You're coming to my house and that's final!" I snapped and got up to get some fresh air. I can't be getting angry at Ariana but she also has to think about herself for once , she's always looking out for others and the least her parents can do for her is be around when she's weak and needs them the most.

"Liz I just-" she began to talk but I cut her off knowing what she was going to say. She's so stubborn.

"I don't want you getting hurt Ari. You know going back there is going to cost you so much and you're just leaving the hospital with fresh stitches and internal wounds so I'll say this for the last time , you're not going back there even if you have to stay with me for an entire year. I'll go grab some of your clothes or you can even dress up from my stuff, I don't mind." I reassured her and step closer trying to brighten up the mood, "I doubt my clothes would even fit you your fat behind!" We both burst out laughing and and she swats my hand knowing how she hates it when people call her butt 'fat' or her body 'thick'. I wish I got those praises.

The sky was dim the whole drive home as Ariana and I sat in silence, welcoming the low hum of instrumental music into our ears. I didn't know what else to say about this situation and the only way to make her better is if she forgets about all this which could be possible if neither my mother or I bring it up. It hurts me still to see her like this.

"So are you ready for finals," the sudden conversation stirs me from my thoughts and cause me to panic. I've been so caught up with Ariana, my mother and Yale in these few days that I even forgot about finals.

"Not really. I haven't had time to really go over my notes and stuff," I mumble. She looks over to me giving me the same worried look I was giving her before.

"It's only two more days Lizzy you have to make sure you're ready, you can't be worrying about other things when your life depends on this."

"I'm not worrying about other things. I just... I don't know," I huff, "It just seems so soon and everything keeps happening too fast. I have the general knowledge for most of the subjects but I still don't feel prepared." Thinking about what will happen if I failed my finals made my heart hurt but I know I won't fail.

"You can do it don't overthink it okay, I'm sorry if I brought it up at the wrong time but you've skipped classes at school two days before your finals and I just don't want you to fail because of me." I pull up into the driveway of the huge mansion and turn to my best friend.

"What do you want to do today? I don't want you to explode from boredom but I know you're kind of tired too." If finals was all we were going to talk about, I would be the one exploding not Ariana.

"We can just watch some movies and relax, I'm not in the mood for any outdoor activity.I just need to get some clothes first."

"I'll go get your stuff now , you can go down and shower. Tell my mom to give you any of my cotton pajamas and I'll be back in twenty minutes." I kiss her cheek and she nods, leaving me alone in the car when she shuts the door behind her.

The drive to Ariana's house took only ten minutes. Panic flowed through my body as I knocked on the smooth wooden door , over what I was going to tell Ariana's parents if they were inside. They would probably ask where she was and if she needed anything. I doubt they'll ask about her health since they couldn't even make it to the hospital.