Star Kiss

Chapter 8

I woke slowly with a pounding headache. My eyes were glued shut and once I tried opening my lids the pounding in my head increased to the point where I cried in pain. I knew that lingering in bed wouldn't do me any favors. I stretched my arms, my body felt sore.

Slowly, very carefully I opened my eyes only to be met by the stabbing bright light -that's the sunlight coming from the open shutters. I sheltered my eyes with my palm and stumbled to the bathroom for Tylenol.

I will never drink again. I will never drink again. The words were repeating in my head like a mantra as I gazed horrified at my reflection in the mirror. Sunken eyes and messy hair. Disgusted I looked away and dug into the cabinet under the sink for my medications.

"Ah Alexandra" my mothers voice rang too loud for my liking. "You're awake at last, that's good."

I took out Tylenol and quickly swallowed it, right before she stepped into the bathroom. I wouldn't want to grant her the satisfaction of seeing me in pain. She run her suspicious gaze over me and then scrunched her nose in disgust.

"Ehh, you look horrible, darling."

"Thanks mom" I smiled sardonically.

After a pause of awkward staring, shaking heads and sighing, she said.

"Your father was worried sick about you. I believe you owe him some explaining"

My father, but not my mother.

"Is he mad at me?"

"No, he was just panicking last night, since you didn't call."

I felt guilty. I had to call when I was leaving the apartment, but I totally forgot.

"Anyway" she smiled. "We're glad you're okay. See you at lunch in an hour."

I nodded and sighed in relief that the talk was over. Her company isn't one of the most pleasant days like this. I'd prefer dad to her. To my great disappointment she turned around and looked grossed out once again.

"Don't forget to take a shower, you smell like an ashtray. And wear something presentable, your father will attend to us."

With that she finally left. I locked the door and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water flow over me. It felt heavenly, soothing my body and my migraine was soon gone. I shampooed my hair and rinsed it once I was done scrubbing my scalp. The heat of the water became unpleasant and I turned it on a cooler one. After I was done soaping up my body, I grabbed my loofah to rub the dirt out of me. I stepped out when I felt fresh and clean.

"My daughter is back" My mother exclaimed as I entered the dining hall. "Don't you look fabulous? So much better than the earlier version of you."

Why so sweet mother? I forced a smile as I took a seat at one end of the table with my parents at the opposite side. They were both dressed in black suits. It felt as if we were going to have a business conference rather than a family lunch. I was dressed in my mothers favorite floral sleeveless dress and brown sandals, to please her and maybe to lessen the severity of punishment she already had in store for me.

"Good afternoon, sweetie" my dad smiled -it lifted a heavy weight off my heart. "Glad, to see you made it home last night."

I looked at him poker-faced, remaining silent. Not wanting to provoke him. Like there ever was a night when I didn't come back.

"Good afternoon, dad"

My mother was first to start eating, then dad followed her and then I. We ate in silence. I toyed with my lasagna, the silence was driving me crazy. They were supposed to say something. I placed my fork down and folded my arms on the table, looking at my parents eat like nothing happened.