Eye of the Storm

Chapter 16

“He’s at home, he was discharged yesterday morning,” mum tells me. Yesterday morning? How long have I been here?
“But I only got here last night?” mum’s expression alone answers my question.
“You’ve been asleep for two days, honey,” she leads back to the bed, sitting me down. “You’re exhausted,” I nod slowly, taking everything in. So, Leo’s ok.
“When can I see him?”
“Not for a little while, Ez,” she takes my hand in hers. “His parents flew over, they’re dangerous and I don’t want you around Leo until his parents go back home, alright?” dangerous? I guess I don’t know anything Leo’s parents, in fact, I almost assumed they were dead. The fact that he never brought it up suggests he isn’t comfortable with the subject.
“I see…” I wonder how long they’ll be here for. “And Lorenzo? How is he?” I ask, suddenly remembering the others. Mum shakes her head.
“He hasn’t woken up yet,” my heart suddenly sinks, pulling my gaze to the floor. I nod once more. Mum pats my shoulder. “I’m sure everything will be fine. I’ve brought you some fresh clothes, there’s a shower in there, get clean and dressed and we’ll talk later,”

Standing in the bathroom I see myself in the mirror for the first time. I almost have to do a double take, to make sure it’s me. My hair is brushed and pulled into a single braid down my back, mum’s handy work, I’m guessing. My skin looks flushed and dry, especially on my cheeks and ears. I don’t even have to question whether I’ve lost weight. My thighs and hips are still, how do you say… luxurious, but my stomach is almost too thin. I’ve always been skinny, with womanly curves, but never to the point where you can see my ribs. I shake my head, deciding there’s no point in dwelling on it, and step into the shower. The warm water cascades over my body, sending sensations all over. Sensations of both pleasure and pain as it drips across my damaged, sensitive skin. I have a feeling life isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows from now on.

I walk out of the shower, now in sweatpants and a t-shirt.
“Esme!” Alexia and Isla stand at the door, plastering a smile across my face for the first time since I’ve woken up. They’re ok. I walk into their arms and we all hold each other tightly, but carefully. “How are you?” Isla asks, scanning me up and down. “I’m sorry I didn’t help as much as I could on that god forsaken island, I was just so scared…” she murmurs, looking down.
“I’m fine, Isla,” I grab her shoulders, as if to say it’s ok. It’s true, I didn’t see much of her. She was mainly huddled up, enjoying her own company. A massive contrast to her normal, vibrant personality. She smiles at me. I stare at my two friends. We’re all smiling but behind our eyes you can see pain. Pain that will never quite heal. We grab each other’s hands.

This will be a long, painful journey.