CHAPTER FIFTY''ONE

Elisabeth.

I wake up feeling sore all over my body and feel stupid for falling asleep on this hard floor. I sigh in resignation and sit up, letting out a few grumbles when I feel my arms go numb and my neck stiffen.

Why did I sleep on the floor anyway? I might end up getting sick from it.

I struggle to my feet and walk to the bathroom looking like a zombie. I look at my reflection in the mirror and I'm not even surprised by my finished appearance. I remove my clothes from yesterday, feeling the smell of mulch come out of them and I go into the shower, already turning on the shower.

My head hurts and soon memories of the past surface, leaving me feeling very bad.

'' I need to get out of here.

See, Elisa, they don't love you… We told you that… You didn't believe what we said… nobody loves you. No one will care if you die...

I place my hands on top of my head, squeezing tightly, as do my eyes.

'' Shut up!

Die... no one will miss you... die... die... die...

I stare at my reflection through the foggy glass of the mirror, still wet and with the towel wrapped around my body, seeing my own image laughing at myself.

“I told you they don't love you, Elisa. You're too stupid, you should slit your wrists and put an end to your pain.

'' You are not real! '' Close my eyes. “You're not real, you're not real, it's just in my head. '' I whisper non''stop for a few minutes and, when I open my eyes again, I realize that my reflection is normal.

This is all just in my head.

I try to control my breathing and give up facing myself, returning to the bedroom, the towel wrapped around my body and going to the closet lazily.

I grab a long black dress and gray panties, no patience for the bra at this point. When I finish getting ready, I throw myself on the bed, take my cell phone and look for Jessica's contact, thus making a video call.

Calling... Calling...

'' Hey, no. I smiled as I answered. “I loved that nude picture of you, huh?! '' laughs, but stops when he sees me serious. “What happened?”

“They lied to me again, Jessica. They had a girl for five years and didn't tell me. They broke up with her when I woke up. Worst of all, she looks like me. It has some characteristics similar to mine.

Jess's mouth opens.

'' What? How could they do this? Sons of a bitch! she yells irritably and I completely agree with her.

'' They tried to talk to me, but I didn't even pay attention. I don't want to hear any more excuses. '' Sigh. “And the voices… they're back, my friend.

'' Friend, remember what I told you. This is just in your head, these voices are not real. '' She argues and then lets out her breath, as if she's tired. “You should come back here, friend. I don't want you to do shit because of those bastards.

“I was thinking of leaving too, but knowing them, I might not succeed. I rub my face, feeling defeated.

'' Don't think about them, my friend, think about yourself, because you're like this because of those idiots. Threaten them to get what you want, say you'll kill yourself to convince them, but please don't do that, for God's sake.

I end up laughing.

'' All good. Anyway, I'm going down to eat, then we'll talk.

'' All good. Take care and take care of your health.

"Of course, friend, thank you."

I end the call and finally breathe a little easier, ready to leave the room.

I walk determinedly down the hall, without worrying about anything and I go down the stairs, seeing the five boys with that girl.

It was just what I needed in this shit.

“Lisa. '' Alex calls me by a nickname never said before and attracts the attention of the others.

'' What do you want? '' I ask sharply.

'' We can talk? Please? Just let us explain our side, please. Thomas pleads, making me huff.

'' Five minutes. I cross my arms, irritated.

“When you fell into a coma, we decided to come here to solve some problems, to try to make this town as safe as possible for you. Thomas begins.

“But we always visited you, all these years. Christopher adds.

'' We were having a party celebrating our company when we met Larissa, she reminded us of you. So we decided to stay with her so we wouldn't have to stay with several women. Alex continues. “But we warned her that as soon as you woke up, it would be over. We were with her temporarily, without any commitments, because the woman we love was in a coma and as soon as you woke up, everything went back to normal.

“Yes, they're right. She says, catching my attention. “They warned me that I shouldn't fall in love with them because it would just be an affair and nothing more. Only five years passed and I fell in love. When they broke up with me, I got really angry, even though I knew they weren't to blame for anything. I was angry that you woke up, that's why I made a scene yesterday '' she lowers her head, embarrassed.

“We didn't say anything for fear you'd leave us, so we lied,” Lorenzo declares. “Forgive us, angel, we were really, really sorry, we were afraid you'd leave us. You are the only woman we love, always will be. We know we hurt you again and we promise not to, sorry.

I sigh, staring at him.

'' All good. They stare at me, eyes shining. “But I'm still pretty hurt and pissed off, so it's going to take a long time for me to forgive you. ’ Quickly, the glow from those five pairs of eyes disappeared.

“Fine, we deserve this. Thomas gives a sad smile.

“Well then, excuse me. I'm going to eat something. I say, pushing past them, purposefully bumping into Dylan, leaving them alone.