Chapter 5 – Clara, I’m Sorry

• Serena
• I woke up the next morning Clara was still sleeping. It was 12 pm in the afternoon; we had slept in because we didn’t get back to the dorm until 2 am last night. Since Clara is not up yet, I decided to go get lunch and surprised her.
• Clara loves her sub, so I stop by and get her favorite, the classic B.L.T. I was in line contemplating whether I should tell her about what happen last night.
• Clara never like the idea of sex before marriage, if she found out she had been used last night she will be devastated. My thoughts were interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and frowned.
• “Nana, right?” Anderson was standing behind me, with a smile on his face. Aiden is right behind him. Seeing them reminded me of last night and stirring my anger again.
• “My name doesn’t concern you. So, leave me alone.” Just as I finished my sentence, it was my turn to pay.
• I paid for my food, picked it up and left. I don’t want to get involved with people like them. The whole time I could feel Anderson gaze burning me on the back of my head. I can’t help but wonder if he can see the scar on my head.
• When I got back to the dorm room, Clara was awake. She wasn’t smiling like she usually does every morning and I know why.
• “I got us food.” I chime, waving her favorite subs in her face. But she didn’t smile.
• “What happened last night? I feel different.” I watch as she rubs her thigh and complain about the pain between her legs. I don’t know how to start.
• “Nothing happened last night. How about we eat, I know you are hungry.” I suggest trying to sound as normal possible. But being the horrible liar that I am, she caught on right away.
• “Serena, tell me what happened last night.” She demands using my full name. Since we met, she always calls me by the nick name she gave me, Nana. When she uses my full name that mean she is serious.
• “Clara…I’m sorry. I lost you last night, you got drunk and followed some guy home. You guys…” I trail when I saw tears drizzling down her cheek. She knew what had happened without me saying it a loud.
• “Serena, what did I do? Who was I with?” She muttered, her eye dripping with tears.
• “I’m sorry it was my fault. I couldn’t protect you. I’m so sorry.” My tears threaten to fall as I pat her back gently.
• “Last night you were with Aiden, Anderson’s friend. Do you want to talk to him about it?” She shakes her head telling me no. We come to mutual agreement that to people like them this is normal. Nothing good will come from us parsing the matter so, we will forget this ever happen.
• Clara ended up spend the whole day in bed. She is in and out of her sleep, I can’t help but pity my friend. She used to tell me how she wanted to save her first time for the person that she loves. Her prince is charming. But now everything is ruin.
• I never regretted hitting Aiden last night. He deserves that and so much more. Just thinking about him make me want to punch something.
• My hand curls into a fist and my knuckle turns white, but I can’t do anything since Clara doesn’t want to get involved with him. Evening came along and Clara had finally stop sobbing.
• “Nana.” She called and I was by her side the second I heard my name.
• “Do we have anything to eat? I’m starving.” Clara asks, rubbing the dried-up tears from her cheek. I smile, relief that she is willing to eat now.
• I went out and got us dinner and ice cream. What could be better than some soul soothing ice cream and binge watch out favorite show.
• A few weeks later
• It had been a few weeks since that night, Clara was feeling better, but she had gotten sick. She been puking and gag at the first sight of food, especially her favorite subs. She tested negative for covid so, that was a relief.
• I was at the grocery store getting some water and juice for the dorm when I bumped into someone. The lady was old probably in her late 60’s, early 70’s.
• “I’m so sorry.” I apologized and she smiled at me.
• “It ok.” She looks left and right confused and ab bit delusional.
• “I’m sorry ma’am, are you lost?” What is she doing here on her own? If my guess is correct, she is showing sign of Alzheimer and I’m concern for her safety.
• “I live a couple blocks from here with my grandson. I forgot how I got here. Can you take me home?” Yep, I was right. I know this because I’ve taken a class in this disorder last semester. I’m a senior in college, a psychology major so it is required.
• “Sure, let me pay for my things and then I will take you home.” She nodded happily.
• After paying for my stuff, we got into my car, and I drove as the lady gave me direction. Surprisingly, she can remember what the road looked like but don’t know the name of her street or her address.
• “What your name?” I asked, now realizing I don’t know her name.
• “Miriam.” She chimed with a beautiful smile. My heart melted instantly. I have a soft spot for women, children, and senior. To me they are cute and innocent.
• “That a pretty name.” I commented and her smile grew bigger.
• “What your name?” She asks me back, smiling sheepishly.
• “Serena but call me Nana. It easier to remember.” I suggested, knowing that she might forget it after I left.
• “Serena, nice name.” She closes her eyes and circle her temple with her middle and index finger.
• “What are you doing?” I was intrigue, so I asked her. Trying to not to laugh at how cute she is.
• “Capturing you name so I don’t forget. My grandson told me to do when I’m out and about so I can remember my way back home.” Her smile brightened as she rambles about the grandson. She must love him very much.
• I wonder if my grandparents are still alive, would they be the same age as her. Would they have left me at the orphanage? Back then it was my uncle that left me at the orphanage. That was the last time I had seen him or any family member for that matter.
• “Anyway, my grandson is about your age, and he goes to school here.” She said right as we pulled up to her house.
• “Oh, we’re here. Thank you for the lift. Come visit sometime.” I nodded and waved her goodbye before driving off. When I got home, Clara was in bed vomiting into the bucket next to her.
• “Clara, you need to see a doctor. This is not normal. You are seriously sick.” I made my way over and tried to sooth her.
• She finally agrees after putting it off for a while. We don’t have much and must save as much as possible. So, going to the doctor is something that we have to put a lot of consideration into.