Breathe out.
Slow and steady. One breath at a time.
Another voice speaks, and I prick my ears so that I can make out what is being said.
“I’m going to have to ask you to remain calm, or you will be removed by security.” It’s Doctor Malone.
“Get out of my way, old man,” Michael says, and a part of me fears for Doctor Malone’s safety. “LUCY!”
I put my hands over my ears, not wanting to listen to Michael rage anymore.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Don’t let him rule you, Lucy.
Don’t give him the satisfaction any longer.
Kim leaves my side and goes over to Cal. “Open the door,” I hear her say and I drop my hands from my ears.
“No! Don’t!” I reply desperately, knowing that all hell will break loose if Michael sees Kim and Cal in here with me. Especially Cal. He hates Cal, and Cal doesn’t deserve to suffer because of me.
“Open the door, Cal,” Kim repeats, her tone firm, ignoring my pleas.
“LUCY!” Michael shouts again.
“Kim, what are you saying?” I ask, shocked that she would even suggest opening that fucking door.
“I’m going to tell him that he’s not welcome here,” she says as if it’s no big deal.
“Are you crazy?” I hiss at her, abandoning my breathing techniques and allowing the anxiety to flow through every fiber of my body.
“He won’t do anything to me, Lucy, and he needs to be told that he can’t come here and visit you.”
I stare at her with wide eyes.
“No, Kim, you’re not saying anything to him,” Cal interrupts. “And neither is Lucy.” My heart momentarily calms for a second, thanking the lord for Cal being level-headed. But that calmness doesn’t last long as Cal thrusts the door open and slams it shut behind him.
Oh God.
Fuck.
I need to get out there.
I need to stop this.
I can’t do any of this anymore.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I move to the edge of the bed, feeling a little dizzy as I do.
“What do you think you are doing?” Kim asks as I scramble off the side of the bed.
“I have to go out there. I can’t let him hurt Cal.” My panic levels are rising with each passing second.
