Page 18 of Enchanted Kisses
“Lily? Pixy Sticks? You awake?” Dad’s voice floated to my ears.
Disoriented, I opened my eyes and glanced around my dim room. The small lamp on my nightstand cast a yellow glow over my lime-green walls and white furniture.
I laid horizontally across the mattress near the foot of the bed. I couldn’t remember how I’d gotten here for the life of me.
I searched my brain for answers. My memories stopped when Raysa left and I headed for the shower. Panic constricted my airways, and a frightened voice uttered in my head,You’re losing it.
“Lily?” Dad stepped into my room.
I rolled to my side. My body ached like I’d overexercised. I fixed my gaze on my dad. “Why are you home?”
He pushed his reading glasses into his thick salt-and-pepper hair, his eyes narrowed with concern. “It’s eight o’clock. I’ve been home. This is the third time I’ve tried to wake you. How ya feeling?”
I sat up with a wince. Wet hair fell over my white robe. Clearly, I’d taken a shower, but that would have been hours ago. So why was my hair still wet? Had I taken another shower? Had I passed out after Raysa left? I didn’t know anymore. It was possible that I was not only hallucinating but losing gaps of time. Did they go hand in hand? I didn’t want to ask Dad and raise his suspicions.
“It’s eight at night?” The question was stupid. If it had been eight in the morning, the sun would be brightening my room.
“Yes. Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, just a little tired.” I tried to sound calm, even though panic squeezed my chest.
Dad put his hand to my forehead. “No fever. That’s good. You hungry? I ordered pizza. I can bring you a slice.”
“I can get it.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed and clipped a groan. Why were my muscles so sore?
“Don’t be silly.” Dad touched my shoulder. “Lie down and let me take care of you for a change.”
A minute later, he returned with two slices of pizza on a plate and a glass filled with green juice.
“Where’d you get that? Is Raysa here?” My gaze darted to the dark hallway outside my bedroom.
Dad came around the bed to where I sat.
I had moved to the headboard so I could rest my back against my pillow.
“Raysa left a pitcher of it in the fridge with specific instructions to give you a glass if you still weren’t feeling well. It smells good, like berries, even though it’s green.” His features twisted with confusion. He set the plate and drink on the nightstand. “I hope it goes well with pizza.”
“It’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.” I studied him for any signs of stress, hoping I didn’t look as pale as I felt. Of course, having him think I was sick was better than him thinking I’d inherited the family mental disorder.
“You sure you’re okay?”
“Yep. I’ll be even better after this.” I pointed to the food and drink. “Thanks for bringing it to me.”
Neither of us spoke for a few moments. I wanted him to leave in case Raysa’s miracle juice didn’t make me feel better, but I didn’t want to kick him out.
“You need anything else?”
“Nope.” I forced a smile. “I’m good.”
“Guess I’ll go to bed, then. Got an early flight tomorrow.” He stopped at the foot of the bed. “I could cancel the trip if you need me…”
“Don’t be silly, Dad. I’m fine. You’re going.”
“Do you and Raysa have any special plans for spring break?” he asked.
“No.” I shook my head. “We’ll probably do the usual. Beach. Movies. Shopping.” Mostly on Raysa’s end because her wallet was fuller than mine.
Dad smiled. “Well, if I don’t see you in the morning, have a great spring break.”
