Page 82 of No Fear

She nodded. “Yes. I can do that.”

Mackie closed the door, leaving her standing in the hallway. Her imagination ran wild. Was Donnie disfigured, scarred? Lost a limb?

The door opened and Mackie stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in, then he closed it behind her. In silence, he led her into the apartment. Donnie sat on the sofa looking like... well... Donnie.

“Jeez. You tell me I can come visit you anytime, and this is the welcome I get?” she said teasingly.

Donnie didn’t move, staring at a blank TV screen. His face was grim, his mouth a thin line, and his body radiated tension.

“What are you doing here, Charlie?” His low voice sounded almost angry.

“I heard you were hurt. I wanted to see for myself that you were OK. See if I could help.” She stood a few feet away from him, conscious of Mackie behind her. Donnie still hadn’t looked at her.

“Well, here I am. Alive and well,” he snapped.

“Wow. OK. I guess I’ll go then.” Her voice wobbled.

“Donnie. Don’t be an asshole,” Mackie said then added, “Sorry, for my language.”

“I never asked her to come,” Donnie said.

“No, you didn’t, but she came anyway. You were pissed when she wouldn’t answer your calls. Just tell her.”

“Tell me what?” Charlie looked between the two men. Donnie was still staring at the TV “Donnie, look at me.”

He didn’t move. She looked at Mackie confused, but his expression said nothing.

Taking a deep breath, she walked forward, and stopped in front of Donnie. Still, he didn't move.

“Donnie?” she said more softly, a knot of worry in her gut. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

She crouched in front of him and placed her hands on his. When he jumped, she frowned. His eyes still didn’t meet hers.

“Donnie? Look at me?” she whispered.

“You shouldn't be here. Just go. Please.” His voice held a note of desperation she had never heard from him before.

“Why won’t you look at me?” Her gut twisted as she looked at his eyes which stared through her to the blank TV screen.

Donnie moved his hands away.

“Mackie, get her out of here.”

“You can’t see me, can you?” She looked from Donnie to Mackie, but his friend remained silent. “Donnie?”

“No. I can't fucking see. Are you satisfied now? You’ve seen me. I’m blind. Go and report back if that’s what you need to do but get the fuck out of here.”

***

DONNIE WAITED, HAVING heard her gasp. Charlie didn’t move. He sensed her in front of him. He could still smell her shampoo, that flowery scent. Silence filled the room before Mackie broke it.

“Donnie, cut it out. There’s no need to talk to her like that. You’re way out of line.”

“It’s OK,” Charlie said.

“No, it isn’t. I’ll apologize on his behalf for him being such an asshole.”

Donnie leaned back on the sofa with a sigh. Mackie was right. He was being an asshole. Fuck, he wasn't ready for this. For telling people. But it looked like he was going to have to.