The Unknowables

Chapter 3

As soon as the door closes behind Nita a wave of exhaustion sweeps over me. I stagger over to the stairs and grasp the railing for support. My back spasms and I gasp at the intensity of this pain and slowly,  my back seizing with every step, I pull myself up the stairs. The walk down the hall to my room seems to take forever but I finally summon the strength and stumble through the door, closing it behind me.

The dress falls from my hand to pool like molten silver on the dark wood floor. The sky blue walls spin as I fall into my bed, the skin on my back stretches and burns with heat. As the exhaustion wins out over the pain and I drift toward sleep, I can't help but wonder to myself.

"...how much longer can I keep this secret?"

*******

My dreams are filled with the sensations of flying and falling and watching eyes. I swing between these fevered dreams and waking, wracked with pain, for I don't know how long. Eventually the sun rises and lights up my room to find me curled into a loose fetal position on my tousled bed. Despite the fact I've been lying here most of the morning sleep refuses to release me. I can't even summon the energy to change my clothes into something more comfortable. A knock sounds on the door, It's Nita.

"Wren? May I come in?"

I pull my quilt a little higher over myself before answering.

"Come in."

Nita pokes her head in and slowly walks over to me, concern in her warm brown eyes.

"Chelsea called, she's wondering if you wanted to get together. Are you feeling alright? It's not like you to stay locked in your room all day."

"I'm fine, just a little sick," technically not a lie.

My voice is hoarse from sleep adding to the effect. Nita feels my forehead for a fever.

"Is there anything I can get you? Medicine, some food perhaps?"

"Water would be nice and if you could tell Chelsea I'll see her tomorrow at the party."

" Do you think you'll be well enough to go tomorrow?"

"I think I just need to sleep it off, Chelsea worked to hard to throw this party for me to back out now."

"Ok, we'll see if your better tomorrow but don't push yourself to hard, Chelsea will understand."

"Ok."

Nita closes the door quietly behind her and before she comes back with a glass of water I fall into a dreamless sleep.

**********

The sun wakes me again and for a moment I think it's still saturday, I check my phone to confirm the date. It's noon on sunday and the party is tonight. I peel myself from my bed and gulp down the lukewarm water on my bedside table. My back is sore but no longer burns or seizes when I move. I grab a change of clothes, sweat pants and a comfy T-shirt, and take a long shower. Once out I feel refreshed, the strange sickness nothing but a memory. As I walk down the hall I can hear Nita's sewing machine coming from the sewing room, over the sound of my own growling stomach. The front door bell rings.

"I'll get it!" I call.

I lightly spring down the stairs and swing open the door to be greeted by Chelsea's cheery smile.

"Hey! Looks like your feeling better. I came to help you get ready for the party." She invites herself in and jumps up to sit on the counter. Dressed in a bright pink jacket and green corduroy pants she stands out in the spotless kitchen like a rainbow.

"As the birthday girl you have to be the most stunning one there and as your best friend it's my job to help you."

I roll my eyes at her.