Chapter 152

• I run around the corner, dive into the waiting lift and push the button. I quickly look up at the numbers. Come on. Come on. The doors slowly close and I run my hands through my hair. Oh fuck, it’s going up, wrong way. The lift stops at the next floor and two nurses get in. I step to the back. What am I going to do? What am I going to do? My heart is beating so hard in my chest. He will be going off his brain, I remember Max told me that security has gone back to his house. I need to get out of this hospital before they get back or they won’t let me go, I will be cornered. The lift stops at the next floor and I step out into the corridor. My eyes shoot around as I look for an exit. I’m panicked—I just need to get away. I see a sign for a fire exit, the stairwell. I open the door and start to sprint down the stairs two at a time as I sob uncontrollably. I desperately need to get out of here.
• He fucking slept with her and then he slept with me. After everything we have been through … he slept with her. I probably have AIDS now or some other STD. I dry-retch as the thought poisons me from the inside out as I keep running. I scramble for air as my lungs burn from the exertion. Finally I hit the bottom and burst out the door. Sunlight beams onto my cold face and I feel a wave of relief hit me. Daylight at last. I run to the road like a mad woman and flag down a cab as I half run in front of it.
• “Stop … please … Please just stop,” I cry. The tears run freely down my face as I pant in exhaustion.