20. The Dream
Chapter twenty
The Dream
Astoria
Despite my exhaustion, it takes time for me to fall asleep after he leaves. Not only because I'm wondering how he will punish me but also because again, he tore my insides. It hurts so much.
The sound of my door unlocking wakes me. The light hits my face before I can sit up. When I open my eyes again, I realize it's not Julian, it’s Dr. Michaelson.
“Don’t worry. I killed him. You’re free,” he consoles me and I cry on his shoulder, still not feeling safe. Only when I hear police sirens, do I breathe out in relief. He kisses me, touches me everywhere and I take it because it’s not Julian’s hands on me, it’s my beautiful doctor. Things progress quickly. I guess he was worried about me. He’s inside me, fucking me fast but gently caressing me. The climax is so strong it becomes painful. Suddenly, I can’t take it. My own moans wake me and I realize no one saved me. I was just dreaming and I’m still here, all alone. An excruciating cramp in my belly takes my breath away.
“Ah––!” My scream is long and echoes. I push on my belly and lift my upper body off the drenched bed. It’s not just a drop or two, it’s a puddle of blood. The intensity of the pain pushes tears from my eyes.
Oh no, not this. Not here. Fuck. It hurts so bad. The anguish comes in waves as if someone were squeezing my uterus. I crawl to the dim-lit bathroom, already knowing what’s going to happen. Everything comes out of me. It feels like an eternity, but the pain will just not cease.
"Julia–n!" I scream as loud as possible.
It doesn’t help that I’m not properly hydrated. After the fifth vomiting spree, I know I’m in critical condition. I spend what feels like hours in the bathroom, going between the shower and the toilet. Big clumps of blood accumulate in the shower. I use the hot water to calm the pain, and to clean myself and the space.
While sitting with my knees to my chest against a corner, I scratch at the wall as another wave of hell courses through me. By the time another wave of agony arrives, I can only wish it away in my mind. I don’t have the energy to scream, cry, or even moan. Even breathing is a struggle. My eyelids are too heavy.