The pain overwhelms me and I stumble, unable to keep my weight on my left leg.
Her footsteps thunder behind me. Her hand grabs my bicep, supporting me. “Nat, let’s go to the hospital.”
No, no, no.
Just a few seconds ago, I was floating on clouds. Holding Riley, confessing my love to her, it was as perfect as a dream.
And now, this mysterious pain is stealing in, trying to turn my dream into a nightmare.
I sink against the wall, pressing my palm on the wallpaper to remain upright.
“I-I just need a minute. It’s manageable.”
“You look like you’re about to pass out,” Riley argues.
“It’s not that bad,” I croak.
Riley’s touch on my face is feather-like as if she’s afraid I’ll shatter if she presses too hard. “Nat, you’re scaring me.”
My eyes shift to the bathroom further down the hallway. But it might as well be all the way across the world. I’m not going to make it.
“Riles, can you get me some water?”
“Nat, you don’t need water. You need a doctor.”
“Please.” I stare at her, begging.
Her shoulders hike to her ears, but she whirls around and sprints to the kitchen. I hear cupboard doors opening and slamming shut. Quickly followed by the tap running.
I don’t have time.
Reaching into my pocket with a shaky hand, I grab the pills that I always keep close to my person and knock them back dry.
Riley enters the hallway just as I’m trying to push the bottle back into my pocket.
“What is that?” Her voice slashes the air.
My nerves razor-thin, I jump and the bottle goes sailing out of my hand where it rolls on the floor. If I were feeling better, I would have easily snapped that right up, but I can’t move from the wall.
Riley’s the one who scoops up the bottle instead. She pops the cap and peers inside. Her eyes widen. “Nat, this is practically empty. How many of these have you been taking a day?”
“Just a few,” I say.
“Don’tlie to me.”
I flinch and tell her the real number.
Her jaw drops.
I rush to add, “But it’s not a strong prescription. It’s just over-the-counter meds.”
“I’m familiar with what they are, Nat.” Her teacher voice slaps me in the face. “And I’m also aware that you’re only supposed to take them every six to eight hours. Not every hour on the hour.”
I try to smile, but I can feel my lips trembling. “Don’t worry, Riles. It’s not as bad as it looks. Believe me.”
“Believe you? You told me you were ‘sore from training’. This looks a lot more serious than that, Nat.” She shakes her head. “You need a doctor. You need to stop.”
Panic engulfs me and I temporarily forget the pain I’m in. “I can’t.”
