Colby
I opened my eyes to find Sally fast asleep beside me. I felt a pang of guilt for not expressing my feelings earlier. But the truth was, I was a tangled mess of emotions. Did I genuinely like her, or was it just a fleeting sentiment? I couldn’t decipher my own heart.
I let out a soft sigh and carefully got out of bed, trying not to disturb Sally. I dressed quietly, made sure she was comfortable, and covered her with the blanket to keep her warm. The rain outside created a soothing melody.
Just as I was about to leave, a sudden sneeze escaped my lips, and Sally’s eyes snapped open. Our gazes met, and I forced a nervous smile.
“Are you aware…?” I trailed off.
Sally’s eyebrows furrowed as she took in my appearance from head to toe. “Where are you going?” she asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
“I’m actually off to my door,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “I didn’t want to wake you, that’s why.”
Sally rubbed her head, probably from the sudden wake-up. “Can you do me a favor?” she asked, her eyes locking onto mine.
“Yes, what is it?” I asked, curious.
“I want you not to tell anyone I’m back yet,” she said, her voice low.
My eyes widened in surprise. “Why not? Don’t tell me you’re planning to leave again?” I asked, a hint of concern creeping into my voice.
Sally shook her head. “Not at all. But just promise me, for now, you won’t tell them anything, okay?”
I nodded, still a bit puzzled. “Okay, I promise.”
As I turned to leave, Sally waved at me. I nodded back and headed for the door. But just as I reached it, I stopped, turned around, and said, “Promise me you won’t leave. You’ll be here, right? You won’t go?”
Sally laughed. “Yes, I won’t. I’ll be here.”
I smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. With one last look at Sally, I left her room. As I stepped out, I let out a sigh of relief and headed straight for the door.
***
As I entered my room, I let out a deep groan, feeling utterly drained. I collapsed onto the bed, my body sinking into the soft mattress. I gazed blankly at the ceiling, my mind foggy. Suddenly, I felt a wave of fatigue wash over me, and my eyelids grew heavy. I must be coming down with something, I thought, before drifting off to sleep.
But my rest was short-lived. A shrill voice pierced the air, “Colby, your temperature is high! You have a fever!”
I jolted awake, my eyes snapping open to find Yvonne sitting beside me, her face etched with worry.
Just then, I coughed weakly, trying to reassure her. “I’m fine.”
But Yvonne’s expression remained skeptical. “No, you’re not fine,” she insisted, her voice firm but gentle.
She rummaged through my drawer, producing a bottle of medicine and a glass of water. “Here, take this.”
I obeyed, swallowing the pills and feeling a slight relief wash over me. Yvonne gently pressed a cool towel to my forehead, her touch soothing. “How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice soft with concern.
My voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m… I’m feeling better.”
Yvonne’s eyes narrowed, her gaze scrutinizing. I knew I looked pale and weak, my body trembling beneath the blankets.
Just then, Yvonne’s expression changed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So, did you meet her?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I raised an eyebrow, my mind foggy. “Meet who?” I asked, playing dumb.
Yvonne’s smile was sly. “Sally, of course.”
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sally’s name.
“No,” I replied, turning to the other side. “I didn’t see her.”
“That bitch!” she growled, her voice furious. “After I texted her? Is she being real now? I guess I have a better heart than her after all.”
I quickly turned to face her, my heart racing. “You texted her?” I asked, my voice laced with shock.
She nodded, a sly smile spreading across her face. “Yep, I did. I had to tell her about Mom’s nemesis, too.”
My eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. “Oh my goodness, so that’s why she came!”
“You told me you never saw her,” she said, her face turning serious as her brows arched.
“I… I did see her.” I sighed deeply, rubbing my forehead.
Yvonne’s eyes narrowed. “So, where is she right now?” she asked, standing up.
“And what are you up to now?” I demanded, my statement slow.
“To see her, of course!” she replied.
“Hell no, you don’t!” I snapped before letting out a strong, stubborn cough.
“Don’t stress yourself, brother,” she sighed, shaking her head. “Is she in her room right now? Let me go check since you refuse to tell me anything.”
I quickly sat up, grabbing her arm to stop her from walking further. “Don’t, Yvonne. Just let her be.”
“What’s going on, Colby?” she questioned, a small frown on her face. “Why don’t you want me to see my step-sister, huh? You’re acting strange.”
Ugh! The damn sarcasm rolling down her tongue.
I took a deep breath, unsure of how much to reveal. But Yvonne’s persistence wore me down.
“She confessed her feelings to me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Yvonne’s eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a squeal of excitement. “Oh my goodness! What else? What did she say? How did she say it? She’s so fucked, isn’t she now?” she bombarded me with questions.
I shook my head, a hint of frustration creeping into my voice. “I don’t need to tell you anything, Yvonne.”
But Yvonne’s excitement was palpable. “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe this! So, what will happen to our family now? Will our family shatter just like… you know, our old family?”
I felt a pang of irritation.
“Yvonne, please. Can you just leave? I want to sleep, alright?”
Yvonne’s expression softened, and she nodded. “Take care of yourself. Good night.”
But just before she left, I caught her arm, my voice low and urgent. “Please, don’t go to her room. Just go quietly to your own place or go back home. Don’t stir up trouble.”
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
“I’ve heard you, goodness! You talk too much. Good night!” She smiled and slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
I let out a deep sigh, hoping that Yvonne wouldn’t find a way to stir up trouble.