Chapter 10 (Get Well Soon)
The Cliffhangers sat in their usual corner of the lodge. The sun was setting and it cast and orange glow over the opposite wall. Daisy idly watched the shadows deepen until the sun sunk behind the western mountain.
"Why does it get cold so quickly once the sun sets?" Juliette asked.
Shelby's reply was cut short by Auggie. "You cold, Jules?"
"A little." She smiled sweetly at him. Auggie stood up and closed the curtains before sitting next to her and wrapping his arms around her. "Better?" he asked.
"Much." She purred.
Scott and Shelby were also cosy on a couch. Scott was reading a book and Shelby was playing with his hair, staring at him adoringly.
Daisy shook her head at the two couples and felt a sudden pang of longing for Helen. Ezra was scribbling in a note book and David was sitting with one of the newer girls to Horizon on the far side of the wall.
Daisy smiled to herself. Everyone seemed to be paring up, except Ezra. She wondered if he was doomed to eternal lonliness, especially since his dream woman had spent the previous evening kissing Daisy until her lips were raw. Daisy wondered how soon it would be until she caught the flu, and how soon it would be until she could slip away to the cabin again.
Two male students came into the lodge with wood and started to build a fire. Daisy snuggled deeper into her chair and sighed. Shelby tore her eyes away from Scott and stared at Daisy. She gave her friend a questioning smile. Daisy hadn't told her about Helen, yet, and was not sure if she should. She didn't know if there was anything to tell. The consequences of the previous evening were hidden to her.
That night when the girls were getting ready for bed, Shelby lingered in the bathroom once Juliette had finished her pre-bed routine. she leaned against the basin and stared quizically at Daisy.
"So?"
daisy dried her face in her soft, navy towel. "What?"
"You did a lot more than just deliver a meal to Helen."
Daisy straightened herself. She wondered how obvious it was, and wether or not it was only Shelby who had noticed it. Was it Horizon or her best friend that had begun to tear away at her mask?
When Shelby realised Daisy would not offer a further explanation to her she hugged her and left her alone in the harshly lit flourescant bathroom. Daisy hadn't needed Helen to tell her that secrecy was required.
Daisy didn't try to slip away that night. She was motionlessly restless in her bed and drifted into a light sleep some time near dawn. Juliette shook her awake at the appointed time and the three roommates went through their morning routine in silence.
Peter approached the Cliffhangers at their breakfast table. "Morning." He greeted them. They responded with little enthusiasm.
He frowned at them. "I was wondering if you guys wanted to surprise Helen. I thought it might cheer her up, help her recover sooner."
Ezra smiled broadly at the prospect of seeing his beloved Helen. Daisy stared at her plate, her stomach twisted in a tight knot.
"I suppose its pointless being here without constant attention from our councillor." Scott said.
"I have a couple of gifts for her in my office. Flowers and chocolates. After class today, will you guys come fetch them and go visit her?"
"Is this a compulsory visit?" Shelby asked.
"Yes." Peter said. When he got no response he left the cafeteria.
Daisy found that the morning passed slowly, yet sped by at the same time. She was unsure how to behave around Helen, especially with the Cliffhangers around. She questioned Helen's passionate response to her kiss and considered it might have been delirium from the fever she had felt burning in the womans body.
Ezra buzzed through the day and Daisy watched him with mild amusement. She was also aware that Shelby was watching her with interest.
A bewildered Daisy found herself on Helen's doorstep surrounded by her friends. Ezra clutched a bunch of flowers and Juliette held the chocolates. David knocked on the door and opened it after Helen's response.
"Surprise!" he shouted, leading in the procession.
Helen was shocked at the sudden appearance of her students and greeted them in her initial confusion. She sent Juliette into the kitchen for a vase and instructed the students to be seated. Daisy felt a pang of jealousy as Ezra sat at Helen's feet on the couch.
"How are you feeling?" he asked enthusiastically.
"Better." Helen answered. "should be up and about in a few days."
"That's great." Juliette squeaked.
Helen's eyes fell upon Daisy and she smiled softly at her, sending her heart into a flutter.
The group made small talk for about half an hour before they left. As they approached the door, Helen called out to Daisy, asking her to bring her some food after the evening meal.
Daisy's face flushed. No one but Shelby noticed. Ezra opened his mouth to offer his services, but was shoved out of the door by David.
Daisy was silent as they made their way back to Peter's office to report. She smiled inwardly, but wondered how safe she was under Helen's spell.