Hey guys! Sorry this took so long! I found out I would be getting a new laptop for my 16th birthday, I wanted to wait until then. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
New Girl Chapter 25
Tobias/ Four Pov
"Okay," Uriah starts. "Would you rather jump off a moving train or jump into a hole, not knowing what's on the bottom?"
"Off the train," Everyone choruses together.
"Would you rather be locked in a cage with a lion or a bear?" Marlene asks.
"Bear," we all answer together again.
"Would you rather only eat Zeke or Uriah's cooking for the rest of your life?" Shauna asks.
Everyone stays silent for a couple seconds, since either option is a death sentence, before saying "Uriah's!"
"Yes!" Uriah shouts.
"Okay, but here's the real question," Tris starts with a smile. "Will's or Uriah's?"
Again we stay quiet, Will's cooking is always overdone, but Uriah's might make you sick.
"Will's," We all answer.
"Okay, would you rather-" Al starts but stops, looking at the clock on the wall. "Tris! It's almost one! We have ten minutes to get you to Bud's!"
"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Tris starts shouting as she gathers her things. Once she's done she comes up to me."Bye baby. You're staying here right?"
"Yeah. I'll probably spend the night," I answer her.
"Okay. I'll come over and show you as soon as I'm done. Bye, love you!" She gives me a quick kiss before running out the door with Al on her heels.
"Remind me, why did she take Al but not you?" Zeke asks me.
"She wants to surprise me. She won't even tell me what kind of tattoo she's getting! It's driving me insane! I just want to know already!"
"It's really personal to her. She's just worried you won't like it," Chris tells me.
"Why wouldn't I like it?"
"The placement, the meaning behind it. It actually makes a lot of sense once you know what it is."
"She told you?"
"Yes. She wanted a second opinion besides Tori before she got it."
"But why did she have to take Al?"
"He's like her brother. She wanted someone there since it will be painful. You couldn't be there she took the next closest guy."
"Why a guy?"
"Because us girls do not want to watch her getting a needle stuck in her skin repeatedly."
"I thought you wanted a tattoo though," Will comments.
"I do. Letting someone stick me with a needle is different from watching someone else get stuck with a needle. We may be dauntless but watching that gives us the chills."
"Alright. Whatever. Let's get back to the game. Will, go!"
"Alright. Calm down Four. Drink a beer or something."
"Can't, Mom will be home soon."
"You act like she'll care if you have one beer."
"With me? Yes. She expects me to be the responsible one."
"He's right. God forbid she relies on her oldest son," Zeke says half jokingly.
"We could go to my house. My parents aren't home," Shauna offers.
"But Tris is going to come back here and doesn't know where your house is," I sigh. "If she would just let me go we wouldn't have this problem."
"Four! Stop being jealous! She won't do anything with him and Tori is with her if he tries anything!" Shauna yells.
"I'm not jealous," I mutter. Everyone groans ready to retaliate, but Will saves me.
"Let's make some food. I'm starving." We all agree and head into the kitchen.
"What do you guys want?" I ask.
"Mac and cheese!" Uriah shouts excitedly. We all laugh and Shuana and I begin to make the food.
I'm the only guy that can cook because Amar taught me and my dad has me make dinner every night he's home.
"Foury! Hurry up!" Uriah shouts five minutes later.
"Dude. I can only cook the food so fast if you want it to taste good."
"It's boxed mac and cheese. How long does it take?"
"Long enough to for the water to boil, the macaroni to cook, butter to melt, and the cheese and milk to mix in. The water is almost done boiling."
"Ugh! I'm hungry!"
"Calm down or I'll feed you canned dog food!"
"I'm done!"
"You know what we should do?" Zeke asks a couple of minutes of silence later.
"What?" We all ask.
"We should take a trip to Albuquerque."
"In the van?" Shauna asks.
"Yeah. We'll all fit, including Al, Tris, and Molly. We always have plenty of extra room. We can all pitch in money to get some hotel rooms and stay the night."
"What if, instead of a hotel, we drive back a little early then camp in Mcgaffey," I suggest. "Then we can spend the next day out there hanging out and come back that night."
"It will also break up the drive back into two days," Shuana agrees. "We can get the van to the camping spot right?"
"Yeah. We do it all the time. It's a hippy van, it works."
"Alright. Let's do it. We can let Tris and Al know whenever they get back."
"Hopefully soon." I mutter checking the macaroni.
"Stop brooding or we'll lock you my room," Zeke threatens.
"I said food will be done soon." Great coverup Tobias. I mentally slap myself for it.
"Sure," everyone says dragging out the 'u' sound.
Four hours later everyone but Shauna and I have left Zeke and Uriah. We sit around watching Tammy and laughing. There's a knock at the door and everyone looks at me to get it. With a groan I stand up and go to open the door. Caleb stands at the other side looking exhausted.
"Is Beatrice here? She hasn't answered any of my texts or calls and I figured this is where she would be."
"No. She's not here yet."
"Yet? What do you mean yet?"
I look to Zeke for help and he walks over to me. "You're Tris' brother right?"
"Yes."
"Okay, look, she should be here in a few minutes I'm sure, ten at the most. It's already been four and a half hours and I'm sure what she's doing won't take more than that."
"What is she doing?"
"We'll wait for her to tell you that. Why don't you come in and sit. We're just watching a movie." Caleb gives a stiff nod and we let him in. He sits awkwardly as we all wait. What feels like hours later, though it's only five minutes, Tris and Al walk through the door. Tris immediately spots Caleb.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to look for you and they told me you'd be here soon. What were you doing? Why didn't you answer me?"
"I left my phone here charging in Zeke's room. Let me show you what I was doing but I promised Four I'd show him first."
"What is it Beatrice?"
"Four, come here." I get up and walk over to her. That's when I notice the bandage sticking out of her shirt. She pulls her shirt down to just above her bra where the bandage ends. She finally takes off most of the bandage so it's only hanging by the end closest to everyone else. I close my eyes for a second before looking at the tattoo.
It's beautiful. Three birds, ravens if I'm correct, go across her collar bone. They Almost look as if they're flying to her heart. I can see why I wouldn't like it. A tattoo on your collarbone isn't the best. But I can't help but love it.
"What do you think?" She asks nervously.
"It's amazing. Absolutely amazing."
"Can I see what she did now?" Caleb asks impatiently. Tris gives a sigh before turning to face everyone else. Uriah, Zeke, and Shuana gasp before coming to get a closer look. Caleb glares at the tattoo.
"Why did you do that to your body?" He asks angrily. "That is permanent! It doesn't come off if you get tired of it! You're just like those other people here that walk around covered in tattoos. Like that Eric guy that tried to hurt you!" I didn't even know he knew about him.
"I have a tattoo because I'm dauntless! All of my friends have tattoos! Not just Eric! You don't even know what this tattoo means so stop!"
"What does it mean then? What in the world could three birds mean?"
"It's you, Mom, and Dad! You overprotective idiot! They signify the three of you so I will always have my family with me. In case something happens!"
"Do Mom and Dad even know you got this?"
"Who do you think signed the paper for me to get it done? I am still a minor. Even Tori can't give me a tattoo in the shop without parent permission. You found me and know what I was doing. You can go hang out with your friends or something now."
"Fine. Bye." Caleb storms out the door and slams it shut. Tris gives a heavy sigh before moving to the couch.
"You do realizes not all of us have tattoos right?" Al asks jokingly.
Tris gives a small laugh before replying. "Yes, but it doesn't sound as convincing to say that some of my friends have tattoos."
"It doesn't matter," I say walking over to her and recovering her tattoo. "You and your mom were okay with this. You truly wanted this. Those two things are all that matter. He's just too much of a Nose to accept it."
"You called him Stiff the other day."
"Yeah well now that I've met him a little better I can tell he's truly a Nose."
"Hey, Noses aren't that bad," Uriah starts. "Will's sister is a Nose and she's kinda hot."
"I guess, but in a nerdy type of way," Zeke agrees, earning him a slap on the arm from Shauna.
"I mean she's pretty, but not like you. Not my type."
"Mhm. Whatever you say babe." We all laugh as they sit down on the couch. I lift Tris up before sitting and putting her on my lap.
"I'm gonna head home. I'll see you guys later," Al says starting towards the door.
"Before you go, we need to tell you something," Zeke says, stopping him. "We decided to go to Albuquerque sometime soon then camp out at McGaffey on the way back. If you have a weekend that works best let us know and we'll decide when to go."
"Sweet!" Tris says happily.
"I'll let you know. Bye!" Al says walking out the door, looking upset.
"Is he okay?" I ask Tris.
"I don't know. He was perfectly happy when we got here."
"Weird. You should ask him about it later."
"I will. And thank you for caring. I know you don't like him so much or truly care like you make it sound."
Everyone starts laughing as I turn red. I'm trying to care but I don't really like him. He's a wimp and annoying.
"You don't have to like him. It's okay. You don't even like my blood brother and I don't blame you for not liking him."
"Your brother's okay. Just a little annoying." Again we all laugh before Tris stands up.
"I'm gonna head home. I'll see you guys later."
"Come by tomorrow," Zeke says. "We'll all be hanging out before the baseball match." I almost forgot about the girls vs. guys baseball game we decided to have this weekend.
"Alright. See you tomorrow then." She gives me a quick kiss before going to get her phone heading out the door.
"Alright. Let's watch some movies and pig out!" Uriah shouts running into the kitchen. We all laugh but agree to spend the rest of the night doing just that.
"Four! Wake up!" Someone shouts making me jump from my sleep.
"Damn you!" I yell, rubbing to sleep out of my eyes. As I finish Zeke comes into focus. "Why in the world must you wake me up?"
"Because it's one o'clock, friends are here, and we want to sit on the couch." I groan in response but sit up and move my blankets from the couch nonetheless. I notice everyone but Tris and Al standing around in the living.
"Where are the other two?" I ask.
"Al told me he's sick and Tris hasn't said anything to us," Chris answers.
"I just checked Four's phone," Zeke says from beside me. "Tris said that she can't make it because some family stuff came up. She's sorry and she loves you."
"Can you let me check my own phone?" I ask, only half serious.
"I could, but I don't want to."
"Well, I guess we better move the game to next weekend," Shauna suggests.
"Yeah, it would only be fair. Let's start texting our extras that were supposed to go," Will agrees.
After texting everyone we spend the day watching tv, playing truth or dare, and planning our trip to Albuquerque. Soon everyone is heading home to rest for school tomorrow.
My phone wakes me up, telling me it's time to get ready for school. I check it and see I have a message from Tris.
Tris- I'm not going to school today so don't worry about picking me up.
Me- Why aren't you going?
Tris- Family stuff. Love you. Have a good day.
Me- Love you too. Can I stop by after school?
Tris- Not today. Sorry.
I sigh and get ready to head to school. Within ten minutes I'm out the door and driving to school. When I get there Zeke, Uriah, Shuana, Lynn, and Molly are all at the table.
"Hey. Where's Tris?" Uriah asks.
"Family stuff still I guess. She text me this morning," I answer.
Throughout the day all of the teachers skip over Tris' name in the attendance or make a comment about her being excused. We get to rehearsals and circle up to begin.
"I have an announcement," Mrs. Taver tells us. "We start dress rehearsals next week. We also perform next week. But we have a small set back in rehearsals. Tris will not be with us until this Wednesday at the earliest. We will have a stage manager read her part and work with a ghost actor. Let's get started."
Tris didn't tell me she would be gone that long. Something isn't adding up and I can tell everyone else notices as well.
After rehearsals I decide to stop by Tris' house anyways since my dad isn't home this week. When I knock on the door it doesn't open immediately. I listen through the door for the sound of foot steps. I soon hear them coming down the stairs but they are heavier then Tris'. The door opens to reveal a boy about my age. He has blonde hair and is almost the same height as me.
"Hi. Can I help you?" He asks.
"I'm here to see Tris. Who are you?"
"Tris? You mean Beatrice?"
"Yes. Again, who are you?"
"Robert, but look I gotta go. Bea needs me. She doesn't want visitors right now." With that he shuts the door and I hear his footsteps going up the stairs again. I decide to call Zeke.
"Hey," he says into the phone.
"Hey. Do you remember Tris ever mentioning a Robert?"
"Wasn't that the guy she had sex with back in Albuquerque?"
"That's what I thought. Did she ever say what he looked like?"
"Not to me. But I think she mentioned to Christina that he was blonde the other day."
"Do you remember anything else she said about him?"
"I think she told Christina that she misses him and wants to see him again but that's it. Why?"
"He's at her house right now. He just answered the door and wouldn't let me in."
"Shit dude. You don't think she's ditching us for him do you?"
"I don't know. But it seems likely doesn't it?"
"I don't know, dude. I mean if family stuff came up doesn't it make sense that her family friend would be there?"
"I don't know. But I don't like this."
It's now Wednesday rehearsals and Mrs. Taver has told us Tris will be back Monday. I tired to ask her if she knew why Tris was out of school but she said she can't tell us. I also tried to go see her again yesterday but this time her mom wouldn't let me in. I decided I would go today and demand to see her. I need to know what's going on.
After rehearsals I go straight to Tris' house. I knock and Caleb answers the door.
"Four, we told you that you can't see her."
"I need to know what's going on. This isn't family stuff. I know she's lying. What's going on Caleb?"
"She doesn't want any visitors." I see tears forming in Caleb's eyes but before I can say anything there's a quiet thump from upstairs followed by a faint voice calling Caleb's name. He immediately rushes up the stairs, not noticing I followed him. He goes straight into Tris' room. Once I step in I see her small form laying on the floor, except it doesn't quite look like her.
She's much paler and skinnier than when I last saw her. Her hair is a mess and she has a distant look in her eye. I also notice she has a hospital style bed tray set up beside her bed. On it sits a bowl full of soup and half a glass of water.
"What are you doing?" Caleb asks sternly, picking her up from the floor and into his arms.
"I needed the bathroom."
"You know you need to wait for someone to take you. You can't walk on your own. Stop trying." Her eyes land on me over Caleb's shoulder and worry fills her eyes.
"Why is Four here?"
"He was at the door when you fell. I must have forgot to close the door when I rushed up. I'm sorry. You should tell him though. I think it's time."
"Okay. But take me to the bathroom first."
"Okay. Four, wait here."
"Text everyone else and tell them to come over. Except Molly. I'm just not close enough with her yet."
They leave the room and I immediately text everyone. They all say they'll be here in a few minutes. They make it over before Tris even gets back from the bathroom, but she's been in there fifteen minutes.
"What's going on?" Chris asks as she steps into Tris' bedroom.
"Tris asked me to tell you to come over. I guess she's going to tell us what's going on."
A second later Caleb comes back, carrying Tris. This time with Robert behind him. Caleb sets her on the bed and steps back. "Do you want me here?"
She gives a small nod yes. "Both of you. In case I can't finish."
Beatrice/Tris Pov
I wake up at ten o'clock. Plenty of time to get ready to go to Zeke's house. I walk down to the kitchen and that's when I feel it.
The familiar dizzy feeling takes over my body. I lower myself to the floor but I doesn't help.
"Mom!" I yell weakly. "Caleb! Dad!" Everything goes black and I feel myself falling to the floor. I land on something soft. I think it's a lap but I can't tell. It isn't long before I feel the rest of my consciousness start to slip away.
I wake up still lying on the floor with my head on the soft thing. As I become more aware I realize it is a lap. Caleb's lap. My parents are standing over me. My mom holds a glass of what I'm sure is water. I slowly sit up and lean against the wall.
"Drink up," my mom tells me handing me the glass. It is indeed water, which I quickly chug down.
"How long was I out?" I ask weakly.
"Three minutes this time. Not the worst," Caleb answers.
"Carry her to bed. I'll make some soup," my mom orders. Caleb picks me up and carries me to my room because we already know I'm too weak to walk. Once I'm laying down I turn to Caleb.
"Will you get me my phone. I need to let Four know I won't be going over to Zeke's house today."
"I'll let him know. You don't need to be looking at your phone. Just tell me what to say."
"Just tell him that some family stuff came up. Say that I'm sorry and I love him also."
"Why don't you tell him you're sick?"
"I don't want anyone to know what's going on yet. I don't want them to worry or watch me like a hawk."
"Bea, you need to be watched like a hawk. This can happen at any second. They need to know what's going on."
"I'll tell them. Just not yet. Please Cay?"
"Fine."
Caleb grabs my phone and sends the message for me. He sets the phone on my bedside table before getting up and turning my t.v. on. He hands me the remote so I can flip through channels to find something to watch.
"Where's your tray?"
"I'm the closet."
He pulls out my hospital style tray and sets it up by my bed. He sits with me until my mom brings my soup then says he's going to call the pharmacy to get my prescription filled. I start to eat soup but can only get a couple of bites in before I feel full.
"Come on Bea. You have to eat more," Mom says gently. I give a weak nod and start eating more even though I don't want to. Once I finish the bowl I lay my head down and start to feel sleep me pull away.
When I wake up I check my phone and see it's already the next morning. I decide to text Tobias and let him know not to pick me up.
Me- I'm not going to school today so don't worry about picking me up.
Tobias- Why aren't you going?
Me- Family stuff. Love you. Have a good day.
Tobias- Love you too. Can I stop by after school?
Me- Not today. Sorry.
I sigh and lay back down as my mom comes into my room.
"Okay, so I'm staying with you today so Caleb can talk to all your teachers and let them know what happened and that you can't do any work right now."
"Okay. Is he staying the rest of time?"
"Yes. I already talked to the school when we first moved and told them he has to be home to take care of you for these. He will get his work for today through Wednesday and if you're still not feeling better he'll have his friend Cara bring his work for the rest of the week."
"Okay. When I'm I supposed to eat next?"
"Well you missed dinner so I'm making you oatmeal now."
"Okay."
"After you eat we'll put you in the bath."
I give a soft nod as I find my remote to turn on my t.v. and lay down. My mom stands up as Caleb comes into my room.
"I'm sorry I got so upset about the tattoo. It was stupid for me to try to control you. I have to remember that you aren't me."
"It's okay. I really don't care. I knew you would be upset at first but I also knew you would get over it. Just get back right after school okay?"
"I will Bea. See you soon." He kisses my forehead and walks out the door.
After I eat my mom takes me into the bathroom and helps me get into the bath. I sit, thinking, for awhile.
How am I supposed to explain this to Tobias. To Chris, Uriah, Al, Lynn, Zeke, and Shauna. I know I don't want to tell Molly. She may be Lynn's girlfriend but something about her has always put me off. She not like us and I don't want her knowing this about me.
I'm not sure how I will explain this to any of them. All of my teachers will be told about it today and asked not to tell anyone. I can only hope this includes my friends. When they find out, I want to be the one to tell them. The thought almost brings me to tears but I don't let it. I have to be strong in times like this because I know it's hard for my family to.
When I get out I look down at my body and realize I'm already getting skinnier. But I don't worry because I know the weight will come back quickly when I'm better. But I also know that by time Caleb comes home I won't have the energy or strength to stand on my own.
I look at the time and realize rehearsals are already done. I spent the entire day laying in bed watching t.v. and sleeping. My phone buzzes with a text so I check it.
Chris- What's going on? Where were you today? Why won't you be back till Wednesday?
Me- Just some family stuff. Don't worry. Talk to you soon.
Chris- You better tell me what's going on.
Me- I will. Soon. I promise.
Chris- Okay.
With a sigh I set my phone down. Caleb walks in with a new glass of water for me along with another bowl of soup. He sets them both on my tray and moves it over as someone knocks on the door.
"Don't let anyone in that's here to see me," I beg.
"You need to tell them Beatrice, but I'll send them away today."
He comes back a second later but he's not alone. Behind him is Robert.
"Bea!" He yells rushing to me. "Your mom told my mom you were sick again. I couldn't stay away. I know you need my help with this."
"Thank you so much Rob." I pull him into a hug. Tears stinging my eyes. Before we can say anything else there's another knock at the door.
"I got it, Caleb already told me you don't want visitors," Robert says standing up and walking out the door. I hear voices but I can't make out what they say. I distinctly hear Four's voice talking to Robert though. Soon the door shuts and Robert reappears in the room. He sits down by me and takes my hand.
I'm extremely happy he's here. I've missed him and he always helped me through these times. I could never get through it without him.
He helps me eat my soup then makes sure I lay down and go to sleep, promising to be there when I wake up like he always is.
I wake up feeling weaker than I have the past three days.
"How are you doing? It's Wednesday so Caleb needs to know if you're going back tomorrow," my mom says bringing my oatmeal into my room.
"Weaker. I think this might be my weakest day. I won't be better by tomorrow."
"That's fine sweetie. Caleb can text Cara today so she can bring his work by. He already told her he can't say what's wrong but he mentioned that her brother is asking questions."
"I'll tell them all soon Mom. I'm just not ready yet. What will they think when they find out?"
"They will know they need to watch you and will probably find any way they can to help you. They love you Beatrice. This won't change that."
"Okay. I'll tell them the next time I see them. Is Robert up yet?"
"Yes. I'll send him up with a glass of water."
"Can I have some tea instead?"
"Sure."
Robert spends the day with me like he has since he got here. He almost never leaves my side and always make sure I have what I need. He also runs my bath so it's easier for Caleb to help me in.
It isn't long before I notice rehearsals have just ended yet again. I miss being on stage and I miss my friends.
Tobias stopped by again yesterday and my mom answered. I'm worried of what he thought of Robert answering on Monday.
Robert gets up to go call home and let his mom know he'll be here the rest of the week, leaving me alone.
There's a knock on the door once again and I hear Caleb answer it. I decide to go to the bathroom. I stand up and begin to walk but fall almost immediately. I call out Caleb's name hoping he'll hear me.
Within seconds he's lifting me into his arms.
"What are you doing?" He asks.
"I needed the bathroom."
"You know you need to wait for someone to take you. You can't walk on your own. Stop trying." I look over his shoulder and notice Tobias standing by my bedroom door. A look of worry across his face.
"Why is Four here?"
"He was at the door when you fell. I must have forgot to close the door when I rushed up. I'm sorry. You should tell him though. I think it's time."
"Okay. But take me to the bathroom first."
"Okay. Four, wait here."
"Text everyone else and tell them to come over. Except Molly. I'm just not close enough with her yet."
Caleb carries me to the bathroom. Going to the bathroom takes a while since I can't stand up on my own very well. One by one I hear my friends start to arrive and get sent to my room. When I'm done I stand up, using the counter to support me, flush, pull up my pants, and knock on the door. Caleb comes in and helps hold me up to wash my hands. He picks me up again and carries me out. When we step out I see Robert waiting by the door.
"Seven people have got here since you went in. They're all waiting in your room," he tells me.
"That's everyone. I guess it's time."
Caleb carries me to my room and sets me on my bed again.
"Do you want me here?" He asks.
I give him a small nod. "Both of you. In case I can't finish.
Robert takes his seat on my bed and takes my hand in his before kissing my cheek and giving me a encouraging smile.
"What's going on?" Chris asks.
Everyone stands in front of me with looks of concern on their faces. Tobias takes a second to glare and Robert's hand around mine before turning back to look at me.
"Come here," I tell him. "I can't reach for you. I'm too weak." A slight look of relief fills him as he moves closer to me and grabs my hand. I sigh at his touch. It gives me the courage to explain what's been happening all this time. He sits on my other side and kisses my forehead.
"You can tell us, Tris. It's okay."
"Well, I guess I'll start with introductions," I say with a small smile. "Everyone, this is Robert, my friend from Albuquerque. Can you guys tell him your names? I can't really point you out since it's hard to lift my arms." They all introduce themselves with a small smile.
"Four is my boyfriend, he has been since not long after I moved. Maybe a couple of weeks after," I tell Robert.
"I've heard good things about you from Natalie. And I'm sure Bea would have a lot to say as well if she had the energy," Robert tells Tobias.
"What's going on, Tris?" Will asks gently.
"Well," I start, looking down at my lap, "it all started about a year ago. I had fainted and didn't wake up for about five minutes. When we went to the doctor they couldn't find anything wrong but thought I might be malnourished or dehydrated. I started drinking a lot of water but it didn't help. I also tried to eat but I wasn't hungry so it was hard.
"I got really weak and couldn't hold up my own weight. When I stood I got dizzy and couldn't focus. Sometimes I would feel far off and things wouldn't make sense or be processed in my brain for a few seconds. I started loosing weight quickly from not eating.
"I went on like this for about a week before I started getting better. My weight came back within a couple of days. But, we still never figured out exactly what happened to me. We don't know what is wrong with me. It still happens every once in awhile. There's no warning for when it happens. It can happen at any time and any day." I stop there because the tears I've been holding in these past few days finally start to fall.
"I've helped her since it all started," Robert continues for me. "It's kind of hard to deal with. Sometimes she'll completely lose track of time. You can be talking to her and she'll randomly stop responding in the middle of the conversation. Sometimes you can start talking to her and she won't hear any of it. She won't even remember you trying to talk to her.
"She spends most of her time sleeping. My job taking care of her is basically to make sure she doesn't sleep for more than twelve hours, help her eat, and get to the bathroom."
"I help her bathe, and make her food," Caleb puts in. "All she eats is soup. She drinks water and tea all day. Eating doesn't help her weight, it just keeps her from passing out for any longer. She gets the nutrients, just not the weight." By now I know Caleb has tears running down his face as well as Robert.
"It's been really heard," I start again. "There's nothing we can do to stop it. I'm on some pills that help keep me more aware but that's all. We don't know what's causing any of this and there's no way to stop it."
I finally chance a look at my friends. They are all either pale or crying. I look at Tobias and see he has the most pained expression I have ever seen on his face, staring right at me.
"It's okay," he tells me gently. "We'll be here for you and not out of pity. I know that's why you were scared to tell us. And I know you're also scared we'll leave you alone now but we won't."
"I don't want anyone else sucked into this painful cycle. I love all of you and I don't want to see the look on your faces when I faint in front of you."
"What do we do?" Zeke asks. "I mean if you faint."
"Get under her so her head doesn't hit the floor," Caleb answers. "Time how long she's out. You don't need an exact time, just estimated. She'll want to know when she wakes up. It isn't truly relevant to anything. It's just for her. Make sure she drinks a glass of water and lay her down on a bed or couch. Don't put her in a car for a few hours. Just call me or my mom and let us know so we can get everything ready here. After that she'll just have to take time to heal. Sometimes she's better in a day, sometimes it will take two weeks. The best thing you can do is be there for her."
"We will," they all say with sad smiles. Chris comes up and hugs me. One by one the rest follow. Tobias is last. After he hugs me he gives me a gentle kiss on the lips.
"Can I stay with you for awhile?" He asks.
"Can he Robert?" I ask, turning towards him.
"Well, I'm okay with it but you should probably ask Caleb."
"Caleb?" I ask, giving him puppy dog eyes.
"Yes, he can. It will be good for him to learn how to take care of you and what to do when your like this. Robert can't drive down every time this happens. Robert can teach him since he knows everything I do as well."
"Thank you."
"Of course. But everyone else should get going. You need your rest."
"Okay," I answer turning back to my friends. "You guys can stop by tomorrow if you want. I won't be back in school till Monday and I don't know how I'll be feeling this weekend."
They all nod and take turns hugging me, except Lynn, who just pats my shoulder, and Tobias.
"Okay, Bea," Robert starts once everyone except Tobias has left, "I'll reheat your soup, it's already been an hour since I made it. After you eat you'll need to take a bath, your mom should be home by then, if not Caleb can take you. As soon as you get out you'll need to go to sleep. You've had a long day and don't need to be up much longer."
With a sigh I begin to follow his instructions.
So this was a bit of an intense chapter. I was going to leave the explaining till the next chapter but it seemed to short without it. If any of you were wondering what my sickness we like when I couldn't write it is similar to what I wrote in this chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed! Review favorite and follow! Thanks for reading!