Headache.

************Annabeth**********

My head is banging seriously... I've been trying to sleep for over thirty minutes but nothing. I took Tylenol earlier but it has refused to budge. I'd probably need to see a doctor.

My phone rang from beneath my pillow, I picked it to see who it was. It's Karen.

" Hey."

"Hey, bitch. How are you doing? How was your day?" Karen said, thankfully not screaming.

" I'm good, I guess. I'm having a persistent headache. It has refused to leave, but asides that I'm good. Just tired."

"Hmm, don't you think you should see a doctor before it escalates to something else. It's probably because of the accident."

"Well, I really hope it's not. I'd tell Paige to go with me when she returns. Let's see if we can get it fixed before tomorrow morning."

"Okay, that would be good then. How was work? Still struggling? How's your relationship doing.... Or has he fucked up already.."

" No... nope. He hasn't.. we went quite far today." I said pausing.

"Far?! How?! Annabeth start talking, you are giving me a heartache here!" She said screaming now, I had to take the phone away from my ears. Putting it on loud speaker, I placed it on my bed.

"Karen, you forgot already that I have a headache?" I said groaning holding the front of my head. It's excruciating...

"Geezz, I'm really sorry babe. I just got excited" She said almost whispering. That's the voice she uses whenever she guilty.

"It's okay.-"

" Good, so what happened?!" She just cannot stop screaming. I shook my head and reduced the call volume. That should keep my head from blowing all over anytime soon.

"We kissed, heavily kissed.. God Karen, he tastes so good... For some reason I couldn't get enough. The way he grabs me, holds me. Not too rough or soft. Just the perfect tempo, Karen. It felt like my subconscious was going to burst into a pile of fruity candies. He touches me but doesn't go further than that. Karen I've never felt that good before." I heard her sniffing.

" What's wrong, Karen...did I say somethi-"

"Oh shut up, Annabeth. I'm so happy for you, you are finally opening up. And how can you ever feel that way, you've never done it with anyone before since that-"

"Karen" I said in a warning tone before she could finish her statement. What happened then should never be remembered or spoken of...at least not while I'm sober.

"I'm so sorry, Anna. I didn't mean to upset you. " Her voice had reduced again.

"It's okay, Karen. Let's just not mention that event anymore."

" But Anna, would you be fine? Are you fine?... Going to New York was a bold move, you know. Or have you been doing that thing you do.. 'just existing' without minding the things and people around you. You just stay there."

I honestly don't know how to answer that question. Are my just existing? Or are my invested in the life before me? My mind wandered back to the confrontation I had with Ray's Dad. The man was a total asshole...but I handled him, put him in his place and got very intricate reactions from him.

- It moved to the kiss I and Raymond shared -although, that was really far from a kiss.. more like a really heavy make out session- I blushed at the memory of how it made me feel. That's not how existing works ...

For the first time in my life, I'm living...my life.

"No, Karen. I'm not just existing, I'm living. I initiated the kiss you know.... So much for a first timer." I said laughing in between words. "But he didn't hold back, he apologized for coming at me but I couldn't help it so I followed his move. It feels so good, Karen. To be out of your shell..not caring about any other thing-"

" Not overthinking?" She shot in

"Yess!! Not overthinking. It took me time not to honestly but it's so worth it, Karen "

" You really like this guy, don't you?" Karen said in one of her numerous mother voices.

"Well, I can't get enough of him, that's certain. I get really paranoid when I feel he's making a mistake, I observe every single action of his...no matter how subtle. I feel at ease when I am with him, Karen. My head feels-"

"Alright, alright...that's enough details." She said sniffing again.

"Karen, what's the matter? And do not tell me it's because I'm opening up because that's bullshit. What happened, Karen Spencer?." My voice was stern. She doesnt like it when I sound like that but I have to... something is really wrong and she's using my story to cover up. She's like those one of those people that hand out advices and try to focus on other people's world leaving theirs behind.

"Anna, its nothing serious." She said. Her voice was hoarse now. So she has been crying. My head ached more from the too much thinking but I ignored it. This is more important.

"That's complete bullshit, Karen. Tell me what the fuck happened.."

She wasn't talking. She instead broke down in tears.

Shit. I hate it when she cries like this . The last time she did...

I dialed Jason but he didn't pick. Where the fuck is he?... I dialed his number again and again but he didn't pick.

Fuck it.

I cut the call and stood up from my bed. Grabbed my hoodie, a sweat pant and my wallet and left to the subway.

My head screamed in protest but I ignored it. She's more important.

I got to the subway in no time..the train to my town is a daily train so I had to take another train that goes to the town before mine then when I get there I'd take another to my town.

I looked at my phone as I settled in to my spot. Karen hasnt called me since I hung up.. Bad sign..bad bad sign.

I dialed Jason's number again but he wasn't picking up. I really hope his okay..

I shot a text to Raymond telling him that I wouldn't be able to make it to work tomorrow. He replied immediately but I didn't reply.

I shot another text to Karen, threatening her. I never imagined my first time returning home would be like this. But I guess we can't control everything...

Right?