Trigger Warning

Chapter Five

The next morning I woke up with one hand in the popcorn bowl, and the other over my face. Clarissa was in the recliner, curled up in a little ball. I got up and went to the bathroom.

I splashed some cold water over my face, and brushed my teeth. I leaned over the sink for a long time, staring into my reflection. Minutes later, I heard a knock at the door.

"Stasia, that you in there?" Clarissa asked.

"Mm-hmm," I replied. I opened the bathroom door and smiled at her. She smiled back sleepily, the eye-boogers still in the corners of her eyes.

"Good morning," She greeted.

"Brush your teeth, please," I replied, moving out of her way. She laughed, and walked past me to the sink. "Do you have work today?"

"Yeah, actually. I can drop you off at home prior to that, though, if you would like." Clarissa offered, her mouth full of toothpaste. I nodded, and began to think about last night.

It was mostly a blur of tears and stories, but I do remember telling Clarissa about Calvin, and she told me about Danika. She knows. Will she tell anyone? "Hey, Riss," I began. She looked up to me, and then spit into the sink. I stared at her for a moment, and she smiled over at me. "Thank you for being here for me,"

"I always will be," she said reassuringly.

For the first time in awhile, I wasn't worried about anything.

I got home as my mom was leaving for work. "Oh you back so soon!" my mother greeted. She grabbed her purse off the counter and walked past me, planting a kiss on my cheek. "You got doctor appointment Tuesday!"

Doctor appointment... For my baby.

Hours passed as I stayed in the living room, watching television and letting my mind wonder aimlessly. My phone went off, surprisingly. I never got texts unless it was from Emmett or Clarissa, and they were both working.

We need to talk, asap. I'll stop by your house whenever you're alone. it's Calvin.

My heart stopped as I read the message, once, twice, three times... I couldn't breathe and the idea of being alone with him made my feel uncomfortable in my own skin.

Do I reply? if so, how? will he stop by even if I don't reply?

I didn't reply, and I texted Clarissa.

When you get off, come by the apartment.. I need help.

I decided to take a nap, then. Clear my mind of all the terrible things I was starting to remember.