Chapter 14 Sickness
I jolted awake, my heart hammering against my ribs like it was trying to escape. Sweat clung to my skin, soaking through the back of my shirt, and a sick heat crawled up my throat.
Panic immediately surged.
I quickly kicked off the covers and stumbled out of bed, my legs trembling and vision spinning. The nausea hit so hard it stole the breath from my lungs. I barely made it to the bathroom as my fingers clutched the doorframe for balance before I dropped to my knees just in time and threw up into the toilet.
It hurt. My stomach kept twisting and pushing everything out. I couldn’t stop it. I gasped for air between each wave, my throat burning and my eyes full of tears.
When it was finally over, I stayed there for a second, breathing hard. Then I reached up and flushed the toilet. I didn’t want to look at it, I just wanted it gone.
I stood up slowly, holding onto the sink so I wouldn’t fall. I turned on the tap, splashed cold water on my face, and rinsed out my mouth again and again until the awful taste started to fade.
My attention moved to the mirror and I sighed heavily looking at my reflection. I looked sick, pale, sweaty, and scared. The worst part of it is that I am all of that.
I know exactly what was going on and I know exactly what I needed the most.
I turned off the light and walked out of the bathroom, still feeling weak and a little dizzy. Walking back into the room I quickly opened my bag, the bag Carlos got for me from the main house. I looked through it desperately and eager to find what I needed
My medicine
But it wasn’t there. Panic instantly filled me up, I became scared, I emptied the whole bag looking for it but still nothing.
My heart pounded in my chest as I fell to the ground, tired. I need my medicine before I get drained completely.
I sat back taking deep breaths trying to compose myself. Being a patient with Mitochondrial disorder, I could really lose my mind if I don’t get my drugs in time.
I turned back to Carlos, he was still fast asleep. This might just be my only chance.
I quietly stood up, grabbed one of his hoodie, put it on and then opened the wardrobe to take some cash. Once I got everything needed, I walked out of the room.
I tiptoed downstairs, my heartbeat loud in my ears. Each step felt heavy like my body might give out any second.
When I reached the bottom, I froze. Two guards were standing right in front of the main door. Tall. Alert. Watching everything.
I ducked behind the wall before they saw me. My chest was tight, and I pressed a hand over my mouth to keep my breathing quiet. I couldn’t go that way. If they saw me, they’d stop me. They’d ask where I was going, or worse, make a big deal out of it and tell Carlos…. I can’t afford that.
I turned around and headed toward the kitchen instead. My legs were weak, but I kept moving, one step at a time.
In the kitchen, I walked slowly, acting like I was just going to the pantry. One of the maids passed by, not paying attention. I waited until they all shifted to the other side of the kitchen, talking and busy with morning work.
Then I slipped out through the side door.
The cool air hit me, and I paused for a second, my heart racing. I grabbed the spare car keys from the counter where I saw them last night. My fingers were shaking. I felt sick and dizzy, but I didn’t stop. I needed my medicine as soon as possible
I went straight to the car, opened the door, and climbed in. I didn’t know how much time I had before someone noticed I was gone. Maybe minutes. Maybe less. But either ways, they will definitely find out and I will be in deep trouble.
But I started the engine, covered my face with the hoodie, and drove fast. I managed to leave the mansion and once I was on the main road, I started to panic.
I have no idea where to get the medicine from but despite that, I kept driving. After driving for almost an hour, I spotted a gas station a mile down so I drove there.
Getting to the spot, I quickly climbed out of the car and walked into the small pharmacy on the edge of the station.
I pulled my hoodie over my head and stepped inside, hoping I didn’t look as sick and scared as I felt.
Approaching the reception, the receptionist looked up and smiled politely. "Hi there. Can I help you?"
I cleared my throat. "Yeah… I was wondering if you sell Coenzyme Q10?" My voice was soft, almost unsure. "It’s for mitochondrial disorder."
She nodded right away. "Yes, we do. It’s over the counter, but we keep the higher doses behind the counter. Do you know which strength you need?"
I thought for a moment, then gave her a number I remembered from one of the old bottles. "300 milligrams, if you have it."
"Sure. One moment."
She turned to the shelf behind her, and I glanced around quickly, heart racing. No cameras pointed at the door. No one else inside.
The receptionist came back with a small white pill bottle. "Here you go."
"Cash," I said quickly, already digging into my pocket.
She took the money, and gave me a receipt with a soft "Take care."
I gave a small nod, mumbled a thank you, and hurried back out before my body could give up on me completely. Inside the car, I swallowed two pills and chased them down with water. I sat there for a few minutes, trying to steady myself, gathering the strength to finally start the engine.
That’s the thing about my condition, one day I feel perfectly fine, and the next, it’s like death is sitting in the passenger seat.
Moments later, I turned the car on and started driving. The drive back to the mansion felt even heavier. I couldn’t help but think about how Carlos would be so mad, I’m sure by now he must have known I was not home.
As I got back, I pulled into the driveway only to see Carlos standing outside.
Shirtless. Barefoot. Stone-faced.
His arms were crossed over his chest, and he didn’t move a muscle. I slipped the pills into my pocket and carefully stepped out of the car.
Carlos didn’t say a word, he was just staring at me but I could tell that he’s mad and I’m about to bear the consequences of my actions.
When I got close to him, he turned his face away.
Good. I didn’t think I could handle his stare right now.
I walked straight past him, up the steps, and into the house. Carlos was right behind me. I didn’t even need to turn around to feel the weight of his anger pressing into my back.
"Where were you?" He asked once we were inside the house
His voice was low but sounded dangerous.
I swallowed hard. "Nowhere," I said quietly as I continued walking. "I just needed air."
"Stop!" He commanded. I immediately abide. "Turn around and face me when I’m talking to you."
I turned around slowly, just as he walked up and stopped inches from me, face to face.
Then his voice exploded. "I don’t care where you went or why. You never leave this house without my permission. Ever again, do you understand that?"
I flinched. His words hit me like a blow, sharp and sudden. I nodded quickly
"There are rules for a reason, Nala," He said, his voice trembling with rage. "If you leave again, I will treat you in ways you won’t want to be treated."
I don’t know what he means by that but it sounded scary.
I gave a slow nod, saying nothing. My fingers curled tighter around the pill bottle hidden deep in my pocket. I could feel it pressing against my palm. The range in Carlos fears me and it only makes me wonder what he will do to me if I went out again.