Fighting the Disquiet

9

"I'm the type to ignore a pebble in my boot until it gives me a blister. I've made ignoring problems an art form."
― Tessa Bailey

"Whatever, she's not really my sister," he smirks, looking at me in a way I know he shouldn't be. 

I sit up, my heart racing, and look around the room. I take some deep breaths, feeling like I'm about to throw up. No, no, no. I'm not gonna throw up. I'm not going to. I decide to go splash some cold water on my face in the bathroom and I leave Summer's room. I tell myself about twenty times that I'm not going to throw up as the cold water tingles my hands and face. But when I close my eyes all I can see is Wade's stupid face and the words he says start ringing in my ears. 

Luckily, the toilet seat is already up and I'm able to vomit inside it. When I think I'm done I lean back and take some cleansing breaths. I hate throwing up. I mean, I'm sure everyone does, but I especially hate it. The door suddenly opens and a groggy Scott stares at me.

"Sum-" he pauses rubbing his eyes, "Sorry. El? Are you okay?"

I'm about to reply 'yes, I'm fine please get out', but my stomach has other plans for me and I empty the rest of its contents in the toilet. I can feel someone pulling my hair into a ponytail and when I'm done the toilet flushes.

I sit back on my heels to see who it is, and I'm surprised to see that it's Summer and not Scott.

"I'm so sorry," I apologize, standing up and taking a seat on the closed toilet.

"Don't worry about it. Are you okay?" she asks giving me a pitiful expression.

I nod, "God, that's so gross. I'm sorry I woke you up."

She laughs softly, probably in an attempt to not wake anyone else up, and leans against the bathroom counter.

"Seriously I don't care, I'm like immune to vomit after taking care of my mom through her chemo treatment in middle school," she smiles.

"Thanks," I say still feeling embarrassed. 

"I'll go grab your toothbrush," she says leaving me alone in the bathroom.

I rub my temples, closing my eyes, and try to block out the nightmare. What the hell? Please tell me this is not going to become a recurring nightmare.

"Here you go," she says as she enters the bathroom holding my toothbrush and toothpaste.

I smile in thanks and grab them from her. She's watching me while I brush my teeth, which is a little awkward, but when I'm done she finally speaks again.

"Do you need anything? Crackers? Soda?" she asks smiling.

"No, no. I'm okay. I think it was probably just all the junk food. 10 out of 10 would not recommend eating a whole bag of hot Cheetos," I say trying to make her stop worrying.

She laughs and nods, "Well, let's go back to bed."

I nod following her out of the bathroom.

"Hey, Summer," she turns to face me in the dark hallway, "Thanks again."

"What are friends for?" she shrugs before turning and opening her bedroom door.

I crawl back into my makeshift bed on the floor and try to bury everything I'm feeling deep, deep inside of me where I can't ever reach it again. I try to think about something happy but it's kind of hard to do when the last nine months of your life you were depressed, angry, and alone. A scratching sound startles me and I strain my ears. I realize it's coming from the door so I stand up and open it.