All By Myself

Chapter 16

"Cassi? Are you here?" I heard, and looked around. The time had flown and the voice took me by surprise. I knew I had locked the door, which made me wonder if Brad had given Tabbi the spare key from under the fake rock.

"In here." I called back, shifting on my knees. They hurt from the prolonged contact with the tiled floor, but I didn't mind. The pain reminded me I was still human. Well, mostly. I was surrounded by makeup palettes, creams, aftershaves, and other items. Tabbi appeared at the bathroom door and leaned against the frame. I looked up at her.

"I have to keep busy." I said. She moved over to me and reached down to help me to my feet, which I needed, wobbling on weak legs. She then hugged me and I hugged back, body shaking from renewed sobs. She held me a few moments, then pulled back.

"Have you eaten?" She asked. I shook my head and looked around the bathroom.

"I'm not hungry." I said.

"I'm guessing the last thing you ate was breakfast at my house, right? Well you need to eat, or you will never get well." She said. I looked down, knowing she was right. I was still almost a stick figure, and I was glad I wasn't returning to school looking the way I did. I doubt I could stand the looks. Tabbi headed out of the bathroom and along the hall to the kitchen, but I didn't follow her. I knew what she'd find and, sure enough, there was a loud disgusted sound from the kitchen.

"Ugh, this food is rancid!" I heard, and smiled to myself. I didn't expect her to come back though, but moments later her head peered around the door frame.

"Do you want me to tackle the kitchen, then order us something? You need to eat now before we go much further. Even Cook's cooking won't be able to help soon." She said. I looked at her.

"Food sounds good, but you don't have to touch the kitchen, I know how yuck it is in there. I appreciate the gesture." I replied. Tabbi shook her head.

"I'll order us something, no fish, then get cleaning." She said, but before she could move her phone started ringing. She looked at the display, and rolled her eyes.

"It's Dad." She said, then answered the phone.

"Hello Dad...yes, I'm at her house...no, not too good. Can she come back and stay with us for a while? Okay...yes I'll help her...see you soon. Oh okay...let me ask." Tabbi looked at me.

"You can have dinner with us instead, if you like. No fish." Tabbi said. I paused, then sighed.

"I don't know. I don't want to be a burden, but I don't mind." I replied.

"Oh shush, you're no burden." She said, then turned her attention to her phone.

"Yeah we'll be home for dinner. 6:30? Sure we'll be there. I'll bring her with me. Okay bye. Bye" She hung up, and looked at me. I nodded, slightly. I'd heard her side of the conversation. We headed back into the kitchen, and I caught a whiff of the smells from the fridge. Tabbi had been right, it was rancid.

"I should probably hire a skip. Not a huge one, just a fair one for the kitchen, bathrooms, and stuff." I said. Tabbi nodded.

"Good idea. But do it tomorrow." Tabbi said, and moved to the dishwasher, checking to see if it had dishes in it. She saw it had, so started it up. I stood there watching her, feeling lost. Once Tabbi had turned on the dishwasher she looked around at me, saw the look on my face,and came over to me, taking my hands.

"Come and sit down. You look like you're about to fall over." She said, and I followed her into the living room, sitting down on the couch.

"I don't know what to do with myself. I've never been so alone." I said softly.