Chapter 10
TEN
Rule Number Seven of Adeline’s Guide to Overcoming Loneliness: Adeline, write down three things you noticed today.
Just things that caught your attention; the sound of rain, the laugh of a stranger in the distance.
It doesn’t have to be every day, just some days.
Noticing things outside yourself can make the loneliness feel just a bit overshadowed, even if it’s just for a moment.
My eyes flutter open, and for a brief moment, I’m enveloped in confusion. The surroundings seem unfamiliar; the air scented with antiseptic.
It takes a few seconds for my senses to adjust, and for my mind to catch up with my surroundings. I’m lying in a bed—surprisingly comfortable—in… the school’s medical wing?
The events leading up to this moment begin to slowly piece together in my mind.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart and calm the remnants of panic. My breath hitches, and I press a hand to my chest, trying to steady my racing heartbeat and quell the lingering panic.
I fainted.
I fainted.
Seriously?
I can’t believe that happened again. Seeing me awake, the nurse makes her way over, concern etched on her face. “Hello there, you’re awake. How are you feeling?” she says gently, reassuring. And as much as I would like to express my gratitude, the situation also isn’t ideal.
“What happened? Why am I here? Did something…?” My questions tumble out in a rush.
“Take a deep breath, dear,” she interrupts, her gaze steady. “You seem to have fainted. You collapsed in the hallway, and Liam Grey brought you here.”
Liam Grey?
The name rings a bell. Lilia had mentioned him once.
The nurse continues to speak, but I can’t seem to stop my mind from drifting off. I was certain I had seen a different pair of eyes before everything went black. Why had Liam been the one to bring me here?
Why would he? No one’s ever done that before, not even my sisters.
“Now, Adeline, can you recall what happened before you fainted? Did you feel lightheaded or experience any unusual symptoms?” The nurse’s voice cuts through my reverie.
My nerves tighten. I know deep down that I should be honest… yet I can’t bring myself to admit it.
That I have been starving myself for my sisters.
That I can’t afford a proper meal.
“Um, well… I… I’m not really sure. I think I just felt a bit dizzy. It’s probably nothing. I’ve been pushing myself too hard lately.”
The lie slips out so easily I almost hate myself for it. The nurse just stares, her gaze so intense I’m shocked I don’t spill the beans right then and there. Technically it wasn’t a complete lie.
“Adeline, it’s important to be honest about what you’re experiencing. Fainting can be a sign of underlying issues, and it’s crucial to address them. Are you sure you’ve been feeling fine lately? This isn’t the first time, is it?”
My chest tightens. Breathe. Just breathe.
“No, this is the first time,” I manage, my voice shaking. “I promise, I’ll take it easy from now on. It was probably just a fluke.”
I am terrible at lying under pressure. Obviously. The nurse doesn’t look convinced either. Her eyes bore into mine, as if that would carve the truth out of me.
“Have you been getting enough sleep lately?” she presses.
“Oh, yes,” I say quickly, staring at my hands. “I’ve been sleeping fine.”
I can’t breathe.
Someone get me a bucket.
I can sense the nurse’s doubt lingering in the air. “And what about your eating habits, Adeline? Have you been eating well and nourishing your body?”
Silence stretches uncomfortably. My throat tightens.
“Adeline? Have you been eating?”
“Absolutely,” I force out, the words wavering. “I eat regularly. There’s nothing to worry about.”
My voice wavers slightly, and I curse at my inability to make myself sound believable. Stupid nerves. If I tell this woman the truth, it will inevitably lead to questions. Ones I can’t answer. Ones I haven’t got time to answer, either.
“Adeline, it’s important to be honest about these things. Proper nutrition is vital for your well-being, especially during times of stress. Are you sure you’ve been taking care of yourself?” she asks again, utterly unconvinced.
“I assure you, I’ve been eating well. There’s nothing to worry about,” I say again.
“Adeline, I’m here for you. If you ever feel ready to open up, know that I’m here to listen. Your well-being is important.” She sighs softly.
And I almost laugh. That’s what they all say.
As much as I want to believe her words are true, I just can’t. Why would she want to help me? A complete stranger. When even my own sisters wouldn’t. It’s not like she’s getting anything out of it. It’s not like she actually cares. So, I simply nod, avoiding her gaze.
“You have friends waiting for you outside,” she says, her tone lighter. “They seemed worried.”
My heart skips a beat. Friends? Waiting for me? Huh?
“Are you sure?” I ask, not entirely convinced I heard her right.
The nurse smiles warmly. “Yes, they’ve been quite concerned about you,” she says.
I quickly thank the nurse and practically jump out of the bed at that. My legs feel shaky, but I manage to make it to the door. The door swings open, revealing Lilia and Bea standing there, eyes wide.
“Addie! Thank goodness you’re alright!” Lilia exclaims, her voice rising. “Are you okay? Did they give you food? Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Lilia,” Bea cuts in with a smirk, “you’re overwhelming her.”
“What? I was worried!” Lilia retorts, her hands flying up in exasperation.
Her concern shifts to frustration as she turns her attention to the room I just came out of.
“Seriously, what’s with this nurse? She wouldn’t let us in to see you!
I swear, I was about to sneak in through the air vents or something! ”
We hear a cough from behind us, and we turn to find the nurse standing there with a disapproving gaze.
Oh.
Lilia’s eyes widen again. “Oh, uh, I mean, it was just a joke! We would never actually —”
The nurse’s stern expression softens, and she chuckles, shaking her head. “I have to admit, it would make for an interesting sight. But rules are rules, even for visiting friends.”
Lilia’s face reddens, and she sheepishly apologizes. “I’m really sorry I just—”
“She means she’s sorry. We were just really worried about Adeline here. I promise we won’t cause any more trouble,” Bea cuts her off.
The nurse gives us one final warm smile and turns around and walks back in through the door.
Lilia lets out a breath of relief. “Damn, she scares me.”
“We brought you food!” Bea announces and my jaw drops all the way to the floor as Lilia and Bea unveil the array of dishes they’ve brought. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and—oh my god—cake. I can’t even remember the last time I had cake. I’m rendered speechless for a moment.
“You… you brought all this for me?” I ask, stunned.
“Duh,” Bea says with a grin. “We didn’t know what you liked, so we got everything.”
Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back, overwhelmed by their kindness. “Thank you. But I can’t let you pay for this…”
Bea waves me off. “Don’t be ridiculous. As if I’d let you pay after what just happened.”
“Bea, I can’t just take this without paying you back. I promise, I’ll find a way to repay you. Please, let me do something,” I ask, panicked. How could they just pay all of this money for someone they had just met a few hours before? Are they crazy?
Bea’s looks at me like I’ve just uttered something completely irrational. She looks to Lilia, then back to me. And they both chuckle softly.
“Are you out of your mind? We’re friends, Addie.” She smiles.
Her words hit me harder than I expect, and I can’t help but smile back.
I reach for a sandwich, taking a tentative bite. The flavours explode on my tongue, and before I know it, I’m devouring the food with a level of enthusiasm that I can’t at all hide. Lilia and Bea exchange a glance, concern flickering in their eyes, but they don’t say anything.
***
I don’t think I realize just how savagely I attacked that meal. But frankly I’m too hungry to care. Who knew sandwiches were so damn good?
For the first time in forever, I feel full.
***
School after lunch passes in a blur, faster than I’d expected, though not fast enough to keep me from worrying about the time. I have to get to the café soon. I can’t afford to be late—not again.
I’m halfway to the exit when something catches my eye. Or someone.
By the school gates, Christian stands with Liam, their presence almost impossible to ignore.
They’re taller than everyone around them, like they belong to some different species entirely.
My gaze lingers, caught against my will.
There’s something magnetic about them, the way they seem so at ease, like they know the world is theirs to command.
Christian turns his head slightly, saying something to Liam before walking away, leaving Liam standing alone by the gates. The spell breaks, and I blink, scolding myself for staring. Damn them and their stupid, stupid good looks.
I’m ready to leave, to focus on getting to the café on time, but my feet betray me, carrying me toward Liam. My heart pounds harder with every step, and I’m already rehearsing what to say. I need to thank him for earlier. It’s the right thing to do.
When I reach him, my confidence evaporates. The words I’d practiced dissolve into a jumble, and all I can feel is the warmth creeping up my cheeks. “Uh, hi… Liam. Um… I just wanted to say…”
Liam’s gaze shifts to me, cool and steady. He doesn’t rush me, doesn’t look annoyed. He just waits, his calm demeanour making my nervousness even worse.
“I just wanted to say thank you,” I manage to get out, my voice quieter than I’d hoped. “For helping me earlier.”
Liam’s gaze shifts from the distance to me, his eyes piercing but guarded. I can’t help but notice his eyes briefly flicking to my worn-out shoes, and a flush of embarrassment makes me instinctively look down to the floor instead of him.