Someone Hiding in the Shadows...

55 - A Fog of Uneasiness (Part 3)

Jarod drove me home and as he fussed over me the whole time, acting as the perfect fiancé; to the extent I really wasn't sure if I was going ever so slightly mad or if the drink really had gone to my head.

For once, Jarod went the whole hog and made sure I was safely in my flat before driving off and had even stopped en-route with essentials for me, so I didn't have to go out, this wasn't his usual demeanor.

As I closed the door on them and I was truly alone, I breathed a sigh of relief for the sanctuary and took myself off to bed. The sleep I craved was disappointing, restless and intermittent due to throwing up. The clock revealed that I didn't wake until Sunday lunchtime.

-0-

I couldn't believe I had slept so long and my stomach really felt as though I had eaten something that had not agreed with me, rumbling like a washing machine. There were several text messages from Jarod. Asking if I was okay and what time should he come over. My eyes went like slits in horror. I didn't want to go anywhere and I didn't want to see anyone. I needed time alone. I tried to text him straight back but for some reason, I couldn't seem to focus too well, so I just put my phone back down.

Now awake, I had to time to think and gather my thoughts. I still couldn't work out if all what I could remember what a crazy dream or if some or all of it was true, with just flashes of hazy images and snatches of conversations. It made no sense at all. I didn't know what to believe or what to think. It felt as if I was slightly losing it and I was scared. I had this feeling that I was losing control of everything and I didn't like that one bit.

I sat there almost willing myself to recall everything I could but it was fruitless, I was no further forward.

Oh Emily, I am sure I would feel better if I could talk to you now. I felt sure she would somehow convince me that I really was sane, if only I was able to talk to her and silent tears slowly slid down my face.

I eased myself out of the bed, every muscle of my body still ached. I winced as I eased my buttocks off the bed and slowly stood up. I went into the bathroom and began to run a bath, the sound of the running water calming me. As my clothes fell to the floor, I caught sight of my naked back side in the full length mirror.

"Ahhhhh," I gasped, in horror. There covering my bum, were several long dark red raised welts. There was numerous bruising on my legs, my wrists and ankles although not bruised, ached greatly.

I fell to the floor in a heap, and sobbed, rocking my body backwards and forwards with arms wrapped tightly around me. Distraught and lost within my distress, the bath almost overflowed until I suddenly realised with a start that the water was starting to trickle onto me, as I turned the taps off.

Somehow, I forced myself to take deep breaths and try and control my breathing, "Athina, you need to regain control!" I told myself, just like my father taught me when I was child, when I use to panic. Then when I felt a little calmer and managed to stop myself sobbing, I cautiously, slid into the warm comforting water.

I emptied my head of all thoughts, as I submerged further into the water. I wanted to think of nothing, as I closed my eyes to the outside world and the confusion it held. I didn't want to move, so that is where I stayed, until the water went cold!

E2 - 07/10/2016

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No part of this may be reproduced or transmitted in any forms or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission by the author. Many thanks Kimberley S B Lieb

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