His Mission

Numb.

I decided to ditch school after my confrontation with Jake. I can't shake the disappointment in his expression when I lied to him about the bruise under my eye. Guilt consumes me, and it only becomes worse when Trish calls me several times. I allow the call to go through to voicemail. I know I'm spiraling out of control with my lies, but I don't know how to swim back to the surface. It feels like I'm being held underwater, and there's no way out. I head to the local pharmacy in search of pain relief, and to keep myself busy.

The pharmacy is empty when I enter. The bell chimes above the door, and I begin scanning the shelves for pain relief. I need something stronger than average painkillers, especially if I want to try and convince Jake nothing is wrong with me. It's game over if he finds me in a moment of weakness. I can't believe a handful of interactions with him has led to him almost figuring out my secret.

"Can I help you?" The lady behind the till calls out to me. I snap out of my thoughts before shooting a warm smile in her direction. Over the years, I've fabricated many stories to get enough help without raising suspicion. I walk over to the counter while resisting the urge to wince with pain. The aftermath of Trevor's last two beatings are lingering longer than I'd anticipated.

"Hi. My brother participates in boxing as a sport. He came down with an injury, and he's complaining of pain in his abdomen. Do you have anything to help him?" I ask her. A deep frown immediately takes over her face.

"It sounds like he needs to be treated professionally. Over the counter medication isn't going to help."

Damn it, I was afraid of that. I force myself to remain calm so I don't peak her suspicion.

"He is being treated professionally, but he needs strong painkillers. His prescription isn't ready for another day, but he can't wait that long. He's in too much pain." I talk a little too fast, and I hope she doesn't notice the blush staining my cheeks. The web of lies I've been spinning lately begins to tangle deeper and deeper.

"I should be able to find a temporary fix. Follow me." The lady says before disappearing down an aisle. I breathe a sigh of relief before following behind her. She holds up a box of painkillers before taking them to the counter.

"Make sure your parents read the instructions before they administer the medication to him. It's the strongest pain relief we sell, so it should be used carefully." She tells me before ringing up the medication. I nod my head to show her I'm listening before I grab another box, and add it inside the bag. I'm desperate to try anything at this point. My actions cause her to pause a little, and she leans forward to peer outside of the pharmacy.

"Are your parents outside?"

"N-no. My mom is taking care of my brother, so she asked me to purchase them."

"I would need to see an ID. You need to be over eighteen to purchase –"

"I have my ID with me." I cut her off before reaching into my pocket. I'd spent an entire weekend cooped up in my bedroom making a fake ID for this exact situation. I know I shouldn't be lying, but I'm technically only a year away from being the legal age. I've always needed stronger medication, and I didn't want to rely on Mom to buy them for me. The lady examines my ID before nodding in agreement.

"Okay, perfect. Here you go," she hands me the bag and I pay for the medication. I scurry out of the shop before releasing the breath I'm holding. I glance down at the bag before muttering under my breath with hope –

"Please work for me."

I can sense the tension in the air as soon as I enter the house. I slowly pull my key out of the door before listening for any sound in the house. It's eerily silent which isn't a good thing. I shut the door softly before heading for the stairs. I'm halfway up when I hear footsteps coming from the living room.