AllFreeNovel
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I know she’s getting annoyed, but I need to know what the risks are.
“Only because I’m broke.”
“Where are you getting money?”
“Lady, I don’t know you. Why’re you asking so many fucking questions?”
“Hey, if you want a safe space to detox, you need to help me out, or I’m calling the police. You don’t have a car, and you’re not going to make it far in the condition you’re in.”
“Rhys gives me rent money.”
“Do you still have the apartment or are you couch surfing?”
“Surfing.” Based on her condition, she’s either squatting or crashing at dope houses.
“That’s nice.”
“Fuck you too.”
That’s fair, it was a low blow.
“Sorry.” I hold out my hand. “Here, give me your clothes.”
“Uh. No, thanks.”
“Seriously, I’ll wash them and give you something clean to wear. My clothes will fit you.”
A child’s clothes would probably fit her. Mine will be baggy, she’s thin as a rail.
“Have you got the strength to take a shower?”
“I don’t know.”
“’K’, I’ll help you.” The handheld showerhead I bought will pay for itself tonight.
The bathroom slowly fills with steam as the water heats up. As soon as she steps in, the water around her feet turns cloudy with dirt and who knows what else. Then the water turns brown.Shit brown.
“Wait!” she yells, realizing what’s happening.
She’s lost control of her bowels. Fuck, I wish Rhys were here to help me. You know it’s bad if I’m wishing for his presence, but it’s true. I could use another set of hands.
“I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m so sorry, I can’t—”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. I hated that shower curtain anyway. It’s fine. Really.”
“Oh my God,” she sobs. “This is so gross.”
“Don’t think about it.”
Tears stream down her face, and my heart breaks for her, and for Rhys.
“Hey, how old are you?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
“Nine—”Sniffle.“Teen.”
Jesus, she’s a teenager. Once she’s stable, I start with her hair. My expensive deep conditioner works wonders to help get out a few matted sections of hair. Then I shampoo her hair, then another round of conditioner.
“That smells good,” she mumbles, barely above a whisper. A brief window into the sweet girl locked inside her frail, addicted body. Jesus, I could cry.
