Tortured Souls (Rebels of Sandland 2)

I sipped my coffee to avoid having to answer and let them prattle on, talking about anything and everything. They chatted for ages, and even though I didn’t contribute all that much, they didn’t make me feel bad about staying quiet. I quite liked playing the role of a girl with no worries for a while. This was all new for me.

After a while, I said my goodbyes and left, telling Emily I hoped she had a good date night, and Liv that I hoped she enjoyed her special purchase too. Emily sprang out of her chair to hug me before I went. I’d never really been a hugger, but I didn’t push her away. I didn’t want to be rude.

As I walked back to my car, the sick feeling that was always heavy and stagnant in my stomach felt less overwhelming. I was proud of myself. I’d gone out, had coffee, and made some conversation. Maybe I wasn’t a total freak after all.

When I got home, I made my way upstairs to my room and logged onto the chat.

LadyStoneheart23 has joined the chat.

HangingWithMyGnomies- I feel like that some days. Sometimes it’s enough that you made it to the end of the day, mate.

Regina_Phalange – Alan, I lost my sister two years ago and I still cry most days. Coming on here is the release I need sometimes.

Fucking_Alan- Fucking sucks.

Regina_Phalange- Whatever gets you through the day. As long as it isn’t illegal or harmful to your health, that is.

Fucking_Alan- Today’s a fucking right-off. I’m gonna log off and do a John Wick marathon. Or maybe I’ll go old school and do The Matrix.

HangingWithMyGnomies- You do you, bud. Always here if you need us.

Legion has joined the chat.

My heart jumped into my throat when I saw his name pop up and then the private chat box appeared below.

Legion – You okay?

LadyStoneheart23 – Yeah. You weren’t joking about that bat call, were you?

Legion- Always here when you need me. So, what’s up?

LadyStoneheart23- I took your advice. Went out and had a coffee with his best friend’s girlfriend of all people.

Legion. How did it go?

LadyStoneheart23- Surprisingly… not awful. She’s actually really nice. She made me feel welcome and… normal, I guess.

Legion- Do you like feeling normal?

LadyStoneheart23- That’s a weird question. But actually, I don’t think I’ll ever be normal. I always felt a little bit crazy even before my brother died.

Legion- Good. Normal is overrated. And what is normal, anyway? One guy’s normal is another guy’s crazy.

LadyStoneheart23- I’m thinking you lie further in the crazy camp than the normal one.

Legion- What gave me away?

LadyStoneheart23- Apart from your name meaning you’re possessed by demons? Lol. The way you seem to not give a fuck.

Legion- I don’t.

LadyStoneheart23- I like that.

Legion- Makes life a lot simpler.

LadyStoneheart23- I need to take a leaf out of your book. I want to not give a fuck.

Legion- But then you wouldn’t be being true to yourself. You’re the little warrior. Warriors who don’t give a fuck are dangerous.