Page 95 of Rage

The way she says “relax” makes my skin crawl.Dr.Ramirez shakes her head frantically, pressing herself farther into the corner as if trying to meld with the wall itself.

I step between them, my protective instincts kicking into high gear.“I think Dr.Ramirez just needs some quiet,” I say firmly, meeting Jenny’s gaze.“Why don’t you go back to the party?I’ll make sure she’s all right.”

For a moment, something dark and ugly flashes across Jenny’s face.It’s gone in an instant, replaced by a bright smile that doesn’t look genuine.“Of course,” she chirps.“Just wanted to check on her.Let me know if you need anything!”

As Jenny backs out of the room, her gaze locks with Dr.Ramirez’s one last time.

The door clicks shut behind Jenny, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.I turn back to Dr.Ramirez, whose breathing has become rapid and shallow.Whatever was about to be revealed before Jenny’s interruption seems to have retreated behind walls of fear once more.

I don’t want to press her any more but I don’t like the fact that it seems Jenny is a secret bully.

I swallow hard to keep back the anger and not make any rash decisions.Jenny is in the kitchen drinking a bottle of water.“Are you okay?”I ask her.

She shrugs.“I’m not a good drunk person, and I feel bad that I spilled my drink on Sarah.Sometimes I try too hard to make people like me.”

I feel some sympathy for her in that sense.

I nod in understanding at Jenny’s words, though I can’t quite shake the unease I felt earlier.“It’s okay, accidents happen.Why don’t you take it easy on the drinks for a bit?Maybe have some water and snacks instead.”

Jenny smiles brightly, but there’s something off about it that I can’t put my finger on.“That’s a great idea!I’ll just grab some chips and head back to the party.”

As she bustles around the kitchen, I can’t help but notice how her movements seem exaggerated, like she’s putting on a show.It’s as if she’s playing the role of “tipsy party girl” rather than actually being one.

I’m about to head back to check on Dr.Ramirez when Sarah appears in the doorway, her hair damp from her shower.

“Hey,” she says softly.“Everything okay out here?”

I force a smile, not wanting to worry her.“Yeah, just getting some snacks.How are you feeling?”

Sarah shrugs, wrapping her arms around herself.“I’m fine.It was just beer, after all.”But there’s a vulnerability in her eyes that breaks my heart.She’s been through so much already, she doesn’t need any more stress or drama.

“Listen,” I say, lowering my voice.“If you’re not feeling up to rejoining the party, why don’t you go keep Dr.Ramirez company?I think she could use a quiet night in.”

Sarah’s brow furrows with concern.“Is she okay?”

I hesitate, not wanting to betray Dr.Ramirez’s confidence.“She’s just feeling a bit overwhelmed, I think.Maybe you two could watch a movie or something?”

Sarah nods, relief evident on her face at the prospect of a low-key evening.“That sounds perfect, actually.I’ll go check on her now.”

As Sarah heads toward Dr.Ramirez’s room, I turn back to find Jenny watching us intently.The friendly smile is still plastered on her face, but there’s a calculating look in her eyes that sends a chill down my spine.

“Everything all right?”Jenny asks, her voice syrupy sweet.

I nod, plastering on my own fake smile.“Just fine.Sarah’s going to keep Maria company for a bit.Why don’t we head back to the others?”

* * *

One by one everyone seems to drift off to bed after midnight.Maria is in my room now along with Sarah and Elle.

I’m lying in bed next to Elle, who is fast asleep holding her stomach, and I grin at the sight.

There is a slight knock on the door and I wait for whomever it is to walk in, but they don’t.

I yawn and slide out of bed, my bare feet sinking into the plush carpet.The moonlight filters through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room.Elle shifts in her sleep, one hand protectively cradling her pregnant belly.Sarah and Maria are curled up together on the other bed, their breathing soft and even.

Another gentle knock sounds at the door.Curious, I pad quietly across the room, careful not to wake the others.The floorboards creak softly under my weight as I approach the door.My hand hesitates on the cool metal of the doorknob for just a moment before I turn it.

The door swings open silently, revealing the darkened hallway beyond.For a heartbeat, I see nothing but shadows.Then my eyes adjust, and my breath catches in my throat.

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