Chapter 18

                                    

                                          
Mature content ahead 
———
I didn't go to dinner. Instead, I stayed in my dorm, lost in my own thoughts.
The others were probably wondering where I was since I hadn't told anyone I wouldn't be joining them. I had already missed most of the school day. I attended the first two classes but got yelled at by Batsheeda for falling asleep during her lesson. After lunch, I decided to skip the rest of the day, and taking the risks of getting attention. 
I was exhausted—not just physically, but from the past few days, which had been draining. However, today felt different. I wasn't just tired like I had been all week; I felt nauseous, sick.
I couldn't shake the image of what I had seen last night in Astoria's dorm. I knew what I saw, even if it had been just a fleeting glimpse. I couldn't be entirely sure of what had happened, but I knew something was wrong.
Still, I didn't think Malfoy would let something like that happen. Maybe I wasn't as sure as I thought. But I know what rape looks like—I've experienced it myself.
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Ana and Theo bursted into the room.
"Why didn't you come to dinner?" Ana asked as she sat on her bed. Theo stood in the doorway. "It was Shepherd's Pie," Theo added.
I almost regretted not going. Theo knew it was my favorite meal.
But I didn't show any excitement. 
"I wasn't hungry," I replied, glancing at Theo.
"Suit yourself," he shrugged and came over to sit on my bed.
"Theo!" Ana snapped. "She might not be feeling well," she said, shifting closer to me. 
"Are you okay?" she asked.
I gave her a faint smile. "I'm fine," I answered, looking over at Theo, who seemed worried.
"You never skip a meal, Nellie. Come on, tell us," Theo urged, flashing a smile.
I sighed. How could they always tell when something was wrong with me?
"Not everything has to be a big deal. I'm just tired, that's all," I said, rolling my eyes at him.
"So, just another bad day, that's it?" 
I turned my head towards Ana.  
"Mmh," I mumbled, turning over in bed so my back was facing both of them. 
I could feel the silent glances Ana and Theo exchanged, the room heavy with unspoken words. 
"You don't convince us with an 'I'm fine' when you shut us out like this, Nellie. Of course we're worried when you skip classes and dinner without telling anyone," Ana said, her frustration starting to show. 
I sighed. I didn't want this to escalate. I got up from my bed abruptly and went to my drawer to grab a hoodie. Their eyes followed me, clearly waiting for a response.
"Ana, can I talk to Theo alone for a minute?"
Silence.
Without a word, she turned and left the room. 
Great.
All I wanted was to talk to Theo and clear the air. Yesterday had been rough, and we hadn't had a chance to really talk after that night.
"You shouldn't have done that," Theo sighed. "You know she's just trying to help."
"And I appreciate it, Theo, but I said I'm fine. What don't you get?" I snapped, harsher than I intended. I saw Theo's face fall, his expression darkening into a frown.