Page 47 of Misery and Ecstasy

I’m here. I didn’t know if I should ring the bell or not.

Me:

No. Just come in and upstairs. We’re in Maggie’s room.

She doesn’t text back, but I hear the door open followed by light footsteps on the wooden stairs as the doc heads our way. She knows exactly where we are because she’s spent quite some time up here with Delilah.

“Who’s that?” Maggie sits up, and I follow her, my arm still around her tense shoulders. “I swear to god, if it’s Royce or Delilah, I’m going to jump out my window.”

“Woah … woah. It’s not.” I hear a soft knock on the door. “Come on in, Doc.”

“Draven, you didn’t.” Maggie pulls free from my hold.

But, when we both stand she makes like she’s trying to dart from the room.

I grab her shoulders and hold her in place. “Maggie, the doc has really been helping me the past couple days.” My eyes meet McKinsey’s over Maggie’s head, and I silently plead for her to step in quickly.

But Maggie stops fighting and faces me, breathing heavily with her arms crossed over her chest.

“I’m serious… Just talk to her. Even if it’s just for tonight. At least give her five minutes. For me? Please?”

I gingerly cup her cheeks as I raise my brows, urging her to give in.

“I really fucking hate you sometimes…” It’s Maggie’s version of acceptance. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from her.

“Thank you, Mags.” I kiss her on her forehead before walking past her.

My eyes meet the doc's, and her eyes flare before she blinks the intensity away. I pause for a brief moment, stuck between confusion and anticipation before closing the two of them in.

* * *

What did the fire in the doc’s eyes mean just before I left Maggie’s room?

I sit on the top step of the stairwell, pondering that thought for almost an hour—long after my ass falls asleep—before the door to Maggie’s room opens, and the doc steps out, turning off the light.

“How is she?” I stand and lean against the banister, giving the doc my full attention.

“She’s asleep.” McKinsey quietly closes the door behind her. “I think she’ll be okay. I told her to come see me if she thinks it will help. She didn’t seem to want to, but then she fell asleep. I left my card on top of her dresser in case she changes her mind.”

I nod, then the two of us stand here awkwardly for a second.

“Thank you … for coming out to see her at this hour. I was at a loss. As you know, I can’t keep my own shit together let alone someone else’s right now.”

“I don’t know…” she shrugs and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re good with her. You care about her.”

“Yeah.” Smiling, I look toward Maggie’s door.

“That’s good, Draven. Maybe you guys can help one another through the grief you’re both feeling.”

Her statement seems innocent enough at first, but then I remember her telling me it helps to have someone to fuck away the pain.

Well, she didn’t use quite the same phrase, but the intent was there.

Like she’s trying to find me someone else to latch on to so I don’t do it to her.

“Oh… No, no, no…” I laugh uncomfortably and shake my head, moving my finger back-and-forth from my chest to the door. “It’ssonot like that between Maggie and me. She’s like my kid sister. Jesus, thelastthing this group needs is more inter-familial relations. We’re still barely surviving Royce and Delilah.”

The doc’s shoulders fall slightly, but then I notice the almost microscopic lift at the corners of her lips and I think what I just thought was a sign of defeat was actually relief. It’s a lot like how she appeared the other day when I told her I wasn’t looking for a significant other.

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