Choices by Sydney Lane

Author:Sydney Lane [Lane, Sydney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B00DK7EGCI
Publisher: Sydney Lane
Published: 2013-06-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

When I wake up, the silence is deafening. My throat is sore, and my eyes are swollen from crying myself to sleep. Deciding that I need some fresh air, I get dressed and put on my running shoes. A quick run and breakfast may actually make me feel human again.

Running is a stress reliever for me. Back home, there are some great parks with trails where I run. It’s always been an escape for me. When Katie has her meltdowns, it’s so easy to grab my iPod, put on my headphones, and run as far away as I can get. But today, it isn’t as effective. Because, today, I am running from myself.

After I eat, I decide to walk back to the dorm. I don’t have to be anywhere until this evening when I work. Rounding the corner, I see someone sitting on the steps of Baxter Hall. As I get closer, I realize it is Katie. What is she doing here?

I walk to the steps and sit beside her. “Whatcha doing, Katie?” I’m trying to gauge her mood, but she isn’t giving anything away. “I was just out running.”

She rolls her tongue around her mouth a few times, eyes darting in every direction, and says, “I need to borrow some money. Mom and Dad wouldn’t help me out, but I’m in trouble.” She just laid all of her cards on the table. It doesn’t take much to figure out she’s on something. Her arms are mottled with needle tracks and bruises. My neck prickles with apprehension. When she is manic and on drugs, she can easily become paranoid or violent. And we’re pretty much alone here.

“Katie, you know I don’t have any money or else I’d give it to you.” I am aware that if I give her money it’s as good as putting a needle in her arm myself.

“Get real, Quince. I know you’ve got it. You have a job, and Mommy and Daddy help you out all of the time. So don’t lie to me.” I sense that she is ready to crack, but I have no idea what to do. “I owe somebody, and he’s going to come after me if you don’t help me out. He might kill me!” Her eyes are wide, as she gets lost in her mind. But I’ve heard this story too many times. No one is after her but herself.

“Katie, how did you get here?” I try to change the subject, but I already know that this is not going to end well.

“Does it matter? Come on, Quince. Go get me some money.” She quickly stands, leering down at me. I jump up and move up the steps.

“OK, Katie. Just stay out here, and I’ll go get it. How much do you need?” Moving toward the door, I try to pacify her.

“Anything. Just give me what you have.” She calms down the minute she thinks I’m going to give her money. I back toward the door because I’m afraid to turn my back on her.

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