Chapter 46
Maeve
Monday
The knock on Maeve’s bedroom door sounds quiet and unsure, which means her mum has heard her being sick and is probably worrying she has an eating disorder.
If only it was an eating disorder and not the end of her life as she knows it.
Maeve sits on her bed, staring at her phone, at the notifications lighting up as more and more people see the video. What is she going to do?
Another knock. “Maeve? Are you OK?”
“I’m fine!” Go away. Please.
The door is opening.
“Mum, don’t come in without asking.” She flops back on the bed, shoving the phone under her pillow.
“I thought I heard someone being sick?” Leesa steps forward. “You’re very pale. Are you OK?”
“It wasn’t me. Maybe Aoife?”
A voice comes from behind Leesa. “Nope, wasn’t me.”
Jesus Christ, why is Aoife always hovering? Listening. Creeping.
“Are you sure? Sit up so I can see you properly.” Leesa is moving toward her, hand outstretched to feel her forehead. Maeve pushes up on one elbow.
“You’re quite clammy.” Leesa keeps her hand on her forehead. It’s cool against Maeve’s skin and suddenly this is all she wants. Her mum’s hand on her head, her mum’s arms around her. But then she imagines telling her. Imagines showing her the video of the diary. Those words. Her face burns.
“I’m fine, I told you. God, Mum, you never listen.”
Leesa steps back, hurt washing over her face, then a forced smile as she tries to hide it. And now Maeve feels bad and, also, more annoyed than ever.
A creak from outside. Aoife is still hovering. God, Aoife is going to see the video. Everyone is going to see the video.
“Can you both leave me in peace, please?” Maeve snaps.
Leesa holds up her hands. “I’m going. But if you need anything or you feel sick, tell me. OK?”
“OK.”
Leesa leaves and closes the bedroom door.
Maeve lies back then turns on her side and curls into a ball, shoulders shaking, tears streaming. What is she going to do?