ELARA
It's been three days since I've been sitting in my room without going out.
My parents kept knocking on my door, but I ignored them. I ignored William… and Dr. T as well. At one point, William tried to get into my room through the window. I didn't let him. We ended up arguing badly. Poor guy couldn't understand what made me so angry. At one point, he thought he was the reason. I think my parents explained it wasn't because of him, because he kept coming back, asking who had upset me. Then he started telling me I shouldn't be so angry at my parents because they want what's best for me.
That's when I lost it again.
What do you mean they want what's best for me? They put me through hell, they don't explain anything, and I'm just supposed to understand? Oh, and let's not forget the fact that I might not even be human. Let's add that to the list too.
Dr. T tried to reach me mentally, but I didn't answer. Then he kept calling me. I had to turn my phone off. I don't need his stupid ass right now. He's the one who put all of this in my head in the first place. Even if it makes sense… still.
God… this is driving me insane.
I started feeling weak too. I hadn't eaten or drunk anything. I shouldn't punish my body just because I'm having a mental breakdown… but I couldn't help it. And now I was too embarrassed to go out and eat. If I did, my mom and grandma would think I was not upset anymore. That I was okay. I didn't want that. I wanted them to give in.
Suddenly, my necklace turned warm.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Don't tell me—
"Open the door."
Dr. T.
Of course.
Why is he here? Wait… did my parents call him? Are they serious?
Open the door. His voice echoed in my mind.
"Go away!" I shouted.
"I said open the door, Elara."
He sounded serious. Annoyed. Maybe because I ignored him.
"NO!"
"Open the goddamn door before I lose my patience and break it."
"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
I'm literally playing with fire.
"Just go away."
"3."
"Counting won't scare me."
"2."
I tried to convince myself he was bluffing. Who kicks down someone's door? Especially someone they barely know?
He didn't even say one. He just—
KICKED IT.
The door flew across the room and slammed into the window.
"Are you serious?!" I shouted, jumping up.
"I'm a man of my word. You didn't listen."
"Well, I don't care. Learn to respect people's choices," I snapped, poking his chest.
"You are not 'people'."
"What?" I whispered, stunned.
Before I could react, he lifted me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.
"What are you doing?! Put me down!"
I hit him. I bit him. Nothing. He didn't even react.
Like he wasn't human.
Oh wait.
He isn't.
He carried me all the way to the living room in silence while I kept yelling like a broken record. He put me down on the couch. Then, calmly, he held out his hand.
"The food, please."
Is he serious?
"I said I'm not eating!"
I tried to get up. He pushed me back down. He leaned close to my ear.
"Starving yourself like a child won't give you the answers you want."
Then he stood up and took a plate from my mom. Only then did I notice everyone was watching.
My parents. My grandma. William. All of them.
Dr. T sat beside me, lifted the chopsticks, and brought ramen toward my mouth. I glanced at the bowl.
Ramen.
I quickly looked away, trying not to give in.
"Eat," he said firmly.
I glared at him. Nothing.
Drop the stubborn act for two minutes and eat. He said mentally.
Fine.
I took a bite. Then another. Then I grabbed the bowl and started eating like I hadn't eaten in days. Because I hadn't.
Will you tell me what you know? i asked mentally.
At the right time.
I scoffed.
Don't make it obvious. If they suspect something, they'll make you move.
I snapped my head toward him.
William suddenly sat next to me, his hands on my thighs. Dr. T's jaw clenched. His eyes darkened.
"I'm thankful, doctor, for making my girl eat," William said.
"No problem."
"I don't know how you convinced her, but thank you," my mom added.
"I'm a doctor. I know how to get under a patient's skin."
Doctor my ass.
In my human form, I am technically a doctor.
What are you? Vampire? I asked curiously.
No.
Then what?
You'll find out soon.
Leave before I punch you.
Patience, baby girl.
I rolled my eyes.
My grandma said, "Stay for dinner."
"I can't. I have to return to the hospital."
"Tomorrow?" she pressed.
Why is she so pushy?
She's suspicious of me.
You should be careful.
Are you worried about me?
I rolled my eyes again.
Since when do you call me baby girl?
"I should go," Dr. T said.
"Are you sure?" my mom asked.
"Yes."
"Thank you for making her eat," my dad added.
"And about the door—"
"As long as she ate, I don't care," my dad said.
"I insist. I'll come tomorrow to fix it."
Tomorrow?
"Sounds good," my dad said.
"Sounds good to me too," my grandma added.
Dr. T took a few steps, then stopped and looked at me.
"Don't be stubborn. Eat. Your health matters."
"Yes, Doctor," I said lazily. Then he left.
I knew he was right. My family wouldn't tell me anything. Even if I were dying, they would avoid the truth. So starving myself? Pointless. But I still didn't want to see them.
I looked at William. Poor guy. He has no idea what's going on. I shouldn't take it out on him. But I can't help it. And yet…
With Dr. T, I can't help but listen. Not because he's controlling. Because he makes sense. He understands me. He's the only one who truly understands me. And I hate that he's hiding things too.
"I'm going to my room," I said.
"I'm coming too," William said immediately.
I nodded.
But before I could leave—
"Are you still upset?" my grandma asked.
"What do you think?" I replied, coldly.
"Please—"
"Let's not start", I cut my mom off. "I came out because I was forced to eat. Otherwise, I'd still be in my room."
And I left.
William followed behind me.