Destiny

4.

Chapter 4

The snow was still falling as I sat up in bed. My head hurt and my eyes were tired with sleep I desperately needed but refused to give to myself.

I stood up and walked over to the window. I pulled the blinds up and pressed my forehead against the glass. The cold felt good on my skin.

Dr. Martin had told the nurses and security guard to leave his office so he could talk to me one-on-one. But we didn't talk. I just stared out the window for almost an hour before being allowed back in my room.

I was starving but the last thing I wanted was to be around other people. I was pissed off at Brayden. I was hurt and angry. How could he betray me like that?

"Julia?"

I turned around and saw Amy standing in the doorway with a tray of food for me.

"I brought you some food since you weren't at dinner." On the tray of food was a small cup. One that was usually filled with pills.

I went back to my bed and sat down, watching as she set the tray on the table beside the bed.

"Do you want any company?"

I shook my head and picked up the cup of juice.

She watched me a few seconds before she left me alone.

I debated on not taking the pills but I had a feeling they would be checking on that. They had cameras everywhere. I had no doubt in my mind that they could see me dumping them down the toilet. Then I'd be in even more trouble.

---

The next morning, I spent an hour by myself in the community room. Dr. Martin got me out of group but I didn't know how long that would last.

I'd already read all of the picture books on the shelves and none of the chapter books looked any good. They were dusty and brown and smelled.

I went to the window and watched the snow fall. It had barely coated the ground below. From the community room I could see the parking lot. All of the cars had a light dusting on them as well.

"Care for some company?"

I glared at the window. "No."

"Is this a bad time?"

"Did you tell anyone what I told you yesterday?"

"What? You mean, about you... faking it?" He glanced around to make sure we were alone and no one could hear our conversation.

"Yes."

"I didn't say anything."

"Well someone did."

He raised his eyebrows. "What does that mean then?"

"No one trusts me anymore. Dr. Martin didn't even send me to group today. My progress is shot."

"I don't think that's true, Julia. Everyone likes you here."

"They liked me before they thought I was lying to them. This makes me seem even more crazy."

He nudged me with his shoulder. "I don't feel that way. I think you're funny but not crazy."

I wasn't sure I could stay mad at him for long. He was the only person I had that cared about me. That trusted me. I couldn't give that up.

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Edited 3-14-19