Freaks (Ticci Toby) ((Sequel to Outcasts))

Chapter Twenty-Eight;

Kerigan

The showers hot water rushed over me. I had forgotten how good the water pressure is in this house.

A flash of blood, swirling around the drain in the water, pounded through my head. I closed my eyes.

It was almost like I could feel the wounds opening on my thighs and my wrists. The deep, muscle deep cuts, cuts where I couldnt reach any further with the razor blade. The blood, hot, pouring down my body.

No, please, no. You've been so long without it, please. I know, I know, seeing it makes you want it but you dont need it. Please, you're past that now. You're stronger than that now. You dont have to--

"Kerigan?" Isaac's voice scared me out of my trance. The water was going cold. How long have I been in here?

"Y-Yeah?" I call.

"You... you okay? You've been in there a while." His voice was full of concern. My heart jumped into my throat.

Be honest with him, Kerigan. Please. It's what he deserves.

"No... I'm not, can you please come in?" I ask, voice shaky and weak. The bathroom door opens and I can hear him pad into the room.

"You still in the shower?"

"Y-Yeah... can you get me a towel?" I ask, turning off the cold water. His hand appears out of the shower curtains, clenching a towel. I take it and wrap it around my body.

It actually fits around you.

God, you're like a skeleton.

"I'm disgusting." I whisper. Shock and worry explodes off of Isaac.

"What?? No you're not! What's wrong? Please come out."

"I cant. I'm disgusting and ugly. I'm too skinny. My body isnt made to be this skinny. I used to hate my fat stomach and huge thighs and jiggly arms but now I cant look in the mirror without wanting to throw up. I look emaciated. And the worst thing is is that Toby probably preferred me like this. Small. Skinny. Fragile. This is how everyone wants me. Taking up the least amount of space as possible." I rant, my rambling slightly unhinged. Isaac gently peeled back the curtain, his hair hanging and clinging to his forehead from sweat in the steamy bathroom. His eyes were wide.

"Kerigan, hon, come here." He asks, holding his arms out for me. I shiver and gently step out, leaning against his strong chest. "You were starved and forced into intense physical labor. You were kept terrified and hungry so they could break you down." He whispered, going to brush my hair back. He made a face and wiped his finger on his Jean's. I still had conditioner in my fluffy short hair. "I promise you, you'll bulk back up. I'll fatten you up if you want." He winked, trying to calm me down. I giggle shyly and look away.

"I'm sorry. I'm just... I'm being ridiculous."

"Your emotions arent ridiculous, Kerigan. I promise. Your feelings are valid, and you dont have to apologize for how you feel."

I was quiet for a few moments.

"Do you remember the night we first met?" I asked suddenly.

"When you caught a knife and handed me--"

"No." I cut him off. "The Halloween party, you cornered me next to the couch and--"

"And got threatened by Jack. Yeah, I remember. I also remember that adorably short skirt and how great those heeled boots made your legs look." He purred. My cheeks flushed and I giggled again.