"Stop," I mumbled, shaking my head. Let's forget it, okay? I'm fine.Well traumatized , a voice murmured in my mind.My mother sighed, grimaced, and nodded without any trace of that joy that I used to see in her every day."Good night," he said, stroking my head.Realizing that I wouldn't be able to lift her spirits, at least not for now, I left and headed to my room. I bolted the door to make sure no one entered unexpectedly… and I stayed like that, with my back against the wood. I wasn't sure how much time passed, but there, without my parents or anyone from whom I had to hide what I really felt, which was not a simple fear of being attacked by a misdiagnosed girl, I began to cry.Hot tears slid down my face, and contrary to what I was used to, I didn't stop them. I allowed myself to cry like a terrified child, because if she didn't, she would drive me crazy. I cried because my arm hurt, and also because of the deep fear of having been attacked. Because my reality had been destroyed
And I was going to do it.~*~*~*~"No," my father sentenced, returning his attention to the tablet in his hands to continue reading after my interruption."Can I at least know why?""Should I remind you?" Her," she inquired surly, raising her eyebrows. You should be grounded, Amy. And don't think I can't forbid you to go out. You may be very old, but I am your father.I wanted to reply to that, but I decided that it was better to go the quiet way."But... now I'm going to go see a friend," I lied. My tone trembled, but I hoped he wouldn't notice it was because of the trick, but because of the reprimand."And that friend isn't Diana?""No, it's not," I replied with a slight annoyance. I'm in a fight with Diana. I want to go see Nat."And where do you know this Nat from?"“I met her at work. Out of desperation I added, "Anthony has already seen her."Anthony, who was sprawled on the couch frantically moving his fingers over his cell phone, flinched and froze for a second. My father's ey
I growled. I didn't know how to try otherwise. Maybe I had to do some other step, maybe it didn't work out in the open, or maybe I needed something grotesque like spilling my blood on the bracelet or something. I continued advancing a couple of meters, and leaned against a fence made of logs slightly covered with mold. He would have to find a way to help Claire until bloody Azazziel deigned to appear again, since he could never know when she would be the next time she saw him.Suddenly, from one second to the next, the atmosphere became colder.-What do you want?I jumped and turned around.The image in front of me puzzled me.Azazziel was bare-chested, and for some reason seemed unaffected by the currents of wind that made the leaves of the trees move. I frowned when I realized that his chest was swelling and contracting due to his heavy breathing... Just as I could also be aware of the light layer of sweat that covered him. However, instead of looking tired, he looked more imposing
Azazziel did not trust me."Do you think I called you for fun?" I asked, not quite believing it. Hey, I don't even like being with you! Believe me I wouldn't have done this if I knew what to do."And why didn't you wear the bracelet at that time?"" Damn , because…" I pursed my lips with a lump of pure nervousness in my throat. I-I don't use it all the time.-That? Suddenly a new shade of deep anger suffused her features. It's a joke, right?"I'll never take it off again, okay?" I hastened to say. But really, you have to save that girl." Save that girl?" She repeated, frowning even more.Then, he started laughing, but it was brief when he noticed my expression, which didn't have an ounce of grace. She sighed heavily and reached up a hand to touch the bridge of her nose with thumb and forefinger."Look," he said, exuding irritation, "if what you say is true, I'll see what I can do to make him leave you alone, but with that chick I can't do anything."A gasp of genuine uneasiness left
"And you'll accept it to save Claire's life?"I pursed my lips, still not having the courage to look at him."Yes," I muttered, completely unsure. She wasn't. Actually, she wasn't."What are you willing to give to save her?"I frowned at him."Wh-that the pact isn't enough for you?" A corner of her lips curved into a mischievous half smile, and I gasped. That? But if you were asking for it…!"It's not enough," he interrupted me. Not now. I have no idea what demon I'm up against, Amy. Perhaps he is one of higher rank, and I won't risk it just for a pact of honesty. I need something more.I swallowed. I felt like my stomach was taking a nosedive.-And what do you want?"Answer what I just asked you.I closed my eyes tight. What was she willing to give up to save Claire? I didn't even know. It wasn't something she could express out loud, because she had no idea how far she was capable of going.I slid my palms down my face to brush the hair off me, and sighed, my gaze fixed on the ground
The drive to Claire's house—despite not being that long—had seemed like an eternity. My stomach ached again as I tried to imagine what she would say to Joane. I was aware that she might not be welcome, and it made me nervous to come up with a quick excuse. But I had to risk it.I did breathing exercises before vigorously pounding on the door, immediately regretting sounding pushy. Joane opened it after a few seconds, and her brown eyes—darkened by circles and puffy, as if she'd cried—widened in shock."Amy…" he murmured, then shook his head. Darling, what are you doing here? I thought…“I'm so sorry about yesterday,” I said quickly, “but I need to see Claire.She opened her mouth to reply, but her lips trembled and she closed it. She shook her head slowly."I don't think that's a good idea," he decided.I bit my bottom lip and inhaled deeply."Please," I begged. I really need… I need to see her again.-What's happening to you? -He frowned-. You are shaking."I…" I didn't know how to c
"You're a fucking bitch!" he bellowed angrily. Who do you think you are?!A tiny red cross was marked on her forehead, and her chest had heaved just as much as mine. I watched as she tried to pick up her arms to get rid of the restraints, and I hurried to reach into her bag again. When she saw what I pulled out, her eyes widened again."Not true," he muttered in surprise, looking at how she was holding the bottle of holy water.-What's your name? I demanded.He let out a growl."The one I'll write with a knife to your throat, witch!"I uncovered the bottle, without any consideration.-Who are you?-No no! Hey…” Fortuitously, the anger vanished from his features, he smiled and used a much more pleasant tone. Look, I see we got off to a bad start, I accept that. But let me stay here another couple of days, and this will all be over! I promise! Do you think this bitch cares if you save her? You want to die! Her," she assured, laughing. He told me so many times, Amy."Shut up," I mumbled,
"Think about it, girl," he insisted.The last thing I saw was her smile, before the door came between us.On the stairs, we heard another scream from Claire, and Joane, ahead of me, let out a sorrowful groan."The damn treatment is supposed to help him." I heard her speak so softly, I wasn't sure if it was for me or her. She's supposed to be able to live with it. She—she reached the living room and plopped down on the sofa. But she's getting worse every day...Her voice cracked and she covered her eyes, letting out a weary sigh."Did a father come today?" I inquired cautiously.She raised her face to frown at me."Father Kenae, yes," she replied, confused. How do you know?—M-my mother told me… And did he…? I pursed my lips, not sure how to phrase the question. I mean, are you sure she has… well, schizophrenia?"Of course," he said with a certain austere note."And what did the father say?" I insisted. Did he see something strange in Claire? Something... different from the disease?—F