Page 3 of Reed

I’m almost to my class when I hear my name being called.

“Lexie!!”

I spin around to greet my friend, “Hey! I was actually just thinking about you.”

Lainey gives me a curious smile, “Oh?”

I smile back and pull her to the side, trying not to gain any attention. “Yeah. I uh, I’ve been having a problem.”

Her brows crease with concern, “Are you okay?”

I tilt my head, back and forth, “Ehh. Yes and no.” I don’t want to tell her I feel like I'm being watched, she would probably make me go to the police, and I don’t want to do that if it’s nothing. Honestly they would think I’m crazy because I have no proof. “I’ve been super anxious the last couple of months and that’s just not like me. I was wondering if you had something that would help me?” I raise my eyebrows.

“Oh.” She says, seeming surprised, “Like a pill or …” She drags off giving me a look.

I steeple my hands together in front of my lips with the best cheesy grin I can muster with how I’m feeling right now, “I was thinking both. I really don’t like taking meds, but at this point I will try anything.”

She smiles sweetly and looks around before digging in her bag. Pulling out a pill bottle, she dumps a few in her hand and holds it out to me. “These are for as-needed. I would try cutting them in half or in fourths first and make sure you eat something with it.”

I shove them in my pocket and she continues. “I don’t have any mary on me right now, but if you stop by my apartment later I’ll hook you up.”

“Really? Thank you so much. How much do I owe you?” I go to grab my wallet out of my purse and she stops me.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it. Kalix keeps me stocked up on it, so it's honestly not a problem.” She smiles.

Kalix is Lainey’s new boyfriend. Well, really the only boyfriend I ever remember her having. I’ve only seen him in passing and haven’t got to meet him yet, but she has been in much better spirits since they have been seeing each other. “Well, I appreciate it. Does five work tonight?”

She nods, “Yeah, that’s perfect.”

“Great!” I say as I look down at my watch. “Well I better get in here before someone takes my seat.”

“Of course. I’ll see you later!”

The prickly feeling at the back of my neck is still there as I look over my shoulder before entering the class room. Luckily, my seat is empty and I sit.

There is a war going on in my head on whether or not I should go ahead and take a pill. I’m not sure how it’ll affect me, so I probably should just wait until I’m at home or after class.

Damnit. I should’ve asked Lainey how long it takes to kick in.

I pull my phone out of my coat pocket and send her a quick text.

LEXIE:

Hey, sorry to bother you.

But how long does it take to kick in?

I press send and shortly after the bubble pops up on the screen signaling that she’s replying. Just a second later a text comes through.

LAINEY:

About thirtyish minutes. Did you take a whole one?

LEXIE:

No. I haven’t taken it yet.

I plan on taking a half, but I’m deciding on when to.