Chapter 16

• I didn't eat all day, I didn't go downstairs, I didn't answer the phone when I got a call. I just told my boss that I was sick again. The boss snorted, argued, and then hung up. Gregory called five times, but I couldn't talk to him. Even Veronica called, but I didn't answer her either. I didn't want to see or hear from anyone; just lay there in the same position I'd been in when I'd gotten the news that I no longer belonged in our three-way chat room. I saw that Owen and Aaron took turns being online, I wanted to text them. Aaron would reply, Owen probably wouldn't. But what could I say, all the words seemed ridiculous. It wasn't my brother who took me away from them, it was Owen, and Aaron let him.
• Veronica was right, this is the worst relationship I've ever been in. It was worse than being with Patrick or Jack. And definitely worse than being with a married Irishman with a creepy, unpronounceable name. It was even worse than the year I spent with Richard the drug dealer.
• Veronica... Every time I thought of her, she called. I really wanted to answer the phone, but to tell her what happened, to explain, to talk and cry again... No, I didn't have the strength. She called again and then sent a message: "I know everything. We're coming tonight with Katrine." I cried until my strength finally left me, and then I fell asleep. I had a bad dream; I was dragged by my hands on the floor, carried somewhere against my will. I screamed, but no one listened to me. I resisted, but no one cared. I was awakened by a phone call; I grabbed the phone, hoping to see one of the two names I loved. But it was Veronica, and I was happy for her. My horrible dream had been interrupted, and even the most nightmarish day is better spent with friends, not alone.