The room was dark, but not dark enough Gail noticed as she pulled herself into a tighter ball on her bed. Even her hair hurt. Someone had opened her window a crack, letting in cold, fresh air that made breathing a possibility. Thank God the room had finally stopped spinning, though she was still afraid to move and upset the delicate balance that held the lack of contents in her stomach in check. How did she get here and how long had it been? She wasn’t sure, but she knew that she would be owing the boys big time in the future.

The door to her room opened, someone quietly came inside and closed it again.

“Go ‘way.” She muttered

The edge of her bed dipped slightly under someone’s weight. Her head throbbed, and her stomach churned.

“Uuggg…” She moaned “Go ’way.”

Cool soft hands gently touched her face and applied a cool damp cloth to her forehead. It felt so good! She took it and rubbed it over her eyes, nose and mouth, breathing in the comforting damp air, and feeling somewhat refreshed, if that were possible. She rolled onto her other side to face this intruder.

“Hey.” Holly said softly “How are you feeling?” leaning over to kiss Gail lightly on the head.

Gail sighed. “What are you doing here, Holly?” sounding slightly annoyed.

“I think we both know the answer to that question” Holly said evenly.

“Who let you in here?” Gail demanded as loudly as she could, in barely a whisper.

Holly just laughed.

“ I am going to fucking kill Chris!” Gail continued, “And Dov!”

“I don’t think you are in any shape to kill anyone right now.” Holly said, sounding far too amused for Gail’s liking.

“Go ‘way, I don wanna talk to you.” Gail whined, giving Holly a little shove.

“Oh yeah, and how are you going to make me leave?” Holly responded “You and what army?”

Gail shoved her weakly again and whimpered. Her head throbbed. Her stomach threatened to revolt, again. Holly waited, pushing down her anger, knowing that if this turned into a fight she might lose Gail forever. So, instead, she reached out tenderly and stroked Gail’s hair.

“Gail,” she said firmly, “you know we have to talk.”