Page 72 of Under Ground

“I must look like shit.”

He casts his gaze over me, and I realise he’s looking for any spots he’s missed. “No, you’re still beautiful. These spots are a little out of hand, though.”

“Are they really that bad?”

I look down the front of my nightgown and sigh. They’re not as prolific as Casey’s were yesterday, but still more than I’d like to see.

“They’ll heal. But you have to try your best not to scratch or you’ll scar.” He points above his left eyebrow. “That’s where I had them when I was Casey’s age. I scratched.”

“I’m an adult. This isn’t supposed to happen.”

He shrugs. “It’s not like you had much exposure to the outside world when you were growing up.”

“I guess not.” I sigh.

“Anyway, I am going to shoot back to my place and grab some clothes and things for the next few days.”

I lick my lips. “You don’t have to sleep on the couch, you know.”

Alex sits on the bed. “I wasn’t sure.”

I fluff my pillows and sit up on them. “I don’t know about going to the States. But I do know I made a mistake in breaking up with you. I can’t just switch off the way I feel. And Casey’s been miserable without you.”

He chuckles. “I think that was because she’s been sick.”

“Maybe a bit of both.”

Alex reaches over, and for a moment, I think he’s going to touch my cheek.

Instead, he swipes the cotton wool down it. “Anyway, I’ll leave you with this. No doubt you’ll want to see Casey anyway. She’s wide awake and watching cartoons in bed.”

I laugh. “ Of course she is.”

Alex stands and kisses my forehead. “At least you’re cooler today.” He leans back. “Though I’m not going to kiss you properly until you brush your teeth.”

“Is it that bad?” I hold my hand over my mouth.

“No. I’m just teasing.” He laughs.

“Meanie.”

“I’m just glad to be here with you.”

* * *

I poke my head around Casey’s door. “Boo.”

“Mummy,” she squeals, and I smile. “Daddy made me breakfast.”

“Did he? I hear you’re watching cartoons.”

She nods.

Once I’ve finished covering her spots, I make sure she’s comfortable and head back to my bed. I’ve had enough sleep for the moment, but I’m still feeling lousy.

I close my eyes.

Out of nowhere, a shrill ring makes my heart race, and it takes a moment to realise it’s my phone. Alex must have put it there at some point.

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