Chapter 30
Dawn
Iwasthankful Morgan had kindly untied my hands, letting me see the rope burns that were left behind. My body was still sore and weak, but it was getting better. The drugs were still in my system, but at least it leveled out the pain for the moment. I felt lightheaded, dizzy in a way. Everything seemed to be spinning around me and I couldn’t focus on just onething.
Morgan was watching something on TV as he sat on the couch next to me while Joan was slamming things around in the kitchen. His hand was on my knee, pushing me down next to him. I didn’t think I could getup.
I hardly was able to get out here to the living room on my own as it was. I nearly fell over when I tried to get up from the dirty bed I was gracedwith.
Morgan had opened the door, demanding I join them, then left me to slowly make my way out. I didn’t want to find out what would happen if I stayed lying there on the filthymattress.
“I have to apologize for your mother’s behavior; she’s coming off a high,” Morgan said as he leaned into me. I tried to lean away but ended up falling against him more than I wantedto.
“I wouldn’t be in this mood if you’d just give me more,” Joan yelled from the kitchenangrily.
“Jo,” Morgan sighed, not pleased with her. “Comesit.”
I closed my eyes as Joan came and took a seat, flopping down next to me, but far enough away that she wasn’t touchingme.
After a few minutes, I opened my eyes as Morgan coughed, clearing his throat. The movement made me feelqueasy.
“Don’t you dare get sick,” Joan said with a glare myway.
“She can’t help it. You know what the drugs do to us. It is so worth the relief from the pain,” Morgan shrugged. “Come on, little girl. Let’s at least get you to thebathroom.”
I was surprised by his tenderness, like he cared about me. He lifted me softly up from the couch and carried me to the dirty bathroom. He barely sat me down on the floor before the little contents of my stomach cameup.
Morgan made himselfscarce.
* * *
Wakingup cold and covered in sweat, I found myself back on the mattress. I felt like death. I wished I had a blanket, but at least my clothes were stillon.
The room was bathed in darkness, and I could hear loud music from, most likely, the living room. Voices floated to me, but I ignored them as much as I could. The door was closed, so I didn’t think anyone would come botherme.
I was sore again, but I ignored it, moving slowly so I could try to reach my hidden phone. I needed out of here before Morgan tried to doanything.
I’d just touched the phone when the bedroom door was roughly pushed open and the music increased in volume. Groaning, I turned over, facing theintruder.
“Ah, my girl!” Morgan slurred as he flicked the light on. I squeezed my eyes shut against thebrightness.
The sweet smell of pot reached my nose, and I tried to not to breathe in toodeeply.
“Well, are you going to come join us? It’s a party!” he said with a brightsmile.
“No thanks,” I said, faking a yawn, hoping he wouldn’t push. I had never seen him high, and I didn’t ever want to again. I hoped he’d drop it and forget all aboutme.
“Yes, come on,” Morgan said as he walked towards me. I groaned as he lifted me by my upperarm.
“I don’t want to see her,” I mumbled as he pulled me behind him. I couldn’t keep up, as my legs couldn’t fully support my weightyet.
“Here she is,” Morgan said, pushing me to sit on the couch. The room was filled with sweet-smelling smoke and my mother was lying flat on her back, looking happy and content. She only had her underwear and braon.
“’Bout time,” she smiled. “You’ve been asleep for two days now. It’s time for you to earn your keep ‘roundhere.”
I had no idea how long it had been since the car accident. I wanted to gohome.
“You are home,” Morgan said, taking a seat next tome.
