Vulnerable

11

Why am I smelling antiseptic everywhere?

Where am I again?

Remember, Audrey.

I think I should open my eyes first and then it would be easier to decipher where I am

Brilliant

I opened my eyes and was met with the sight of a disheveled looking Derrick.

Derrick!

Derrick?

"Derrick what are you doing here?" I said but my voice came up squeaky, my throat feeling dry.

"Oh my God! You are awake!" Derrick said with so much enthusiasm and relief washing his eyes out.

That English doesn't sound correct.

"Can I please get water?" I asked feeling so thirsty all of a sudden.

"Oh, okay. Water, sure." Derrick quickly runs out, coming back with a bottle of water and a lady who I believe is a nurse.

Then, I must be in the hospital, aren't I?

That's when everything came back to me.
The attempted rape and my attempted suicide.

Just then, my hands involuntarily moved towards my stomach, where I stabbed.

I can't believe I did that to myself

I almost killed myself

What was I thinking ?

"Audrey ? Don't you want the water anymore?" I heard Derrick ask

"Yes... Thanks" I said in a squeaky tone as I drank up.

"My name is miss Samantha and I'm the nurse taking care of you. How are you feeling Audrey?" The nurse asked.

"Fine... I guess?" I said, clearing my throat as I tried to sit up properly only to be struck with a sharp pain straight in my stomach.

I hissed, quickly clinging to the hurt ab.

"Gentle, Gentle" the nurse said.

"I would have to contact the doctor to check on you and give you some medications" The nurse continued.

I nodded and she left the room.

"Where is my mum and Andy? Tomiwa?" I asked, inspecting the room like they would pop out somewhere.

"They went to grab a few bites"Derrick replied looking at me in a way I can't decipher.

"Oh... Ok. Have you eaten already? Why didn't you go with them?" I asked. Trying to break the awkward tension

"Not hungry" he said, still looking at me that way

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable.

"Why did you do it?" He asked

"Do what?" I asked

"Scare me" he rasped

And my body gave a reaction I didn't understand...

"How did I scare you?" I inquired

"I thought I lost you... Seeing you almost lifeless on the floor. You have no idea what it did to me. Don't you ever do that again. Don't. Please" he said as he croaked in the last part while his hands traveled down his braided hair

I felt terrible

"I'm sorry" I said in a brim of tears

"No, it's not your fault. Tomiwa told me everything. Your home is too toxic for you. I don't know, when you are better we would talk more. I believe you are hungry?"Derrick inquired as he brought out his iPhone