White Noises

"Happy birthday, sleepyhead!" I exclaimed, shaking Baylen awake.

"Go away."

I hugged him. "You're sixteen now!"

"Leave me alone."

"Nooooooo. I wanna celebrate your birthday with youuuuuuuu."

Baylen opened his eyes. "Wanna know a secret?"

"Yes!"

"If you don't piss me off and make a big deal about my birthday, I'll tell you at the end of the day."

I squealed. "Promise?"

Baylen nodded. "I promise."

He was absolutely adorable when he was sleepy. His eyes were half closed as he looked over at me. I smiled at him.

"I have to go see Dr. Yates," I sighed.

Baylen pouted. "Don't leave me!"

"I have to, baby."

Shit. Why did I say that?

"Cos you're a fuckin' idiot," Cyan laughed.

Fuck you.

I left the room before Baylen could reply.

I knocked on Yates' door before entering.

"Hello, Adryan."

"I'm almost out of meds. Figured I'd let you know."

"Ok, thanks. How are they working?"

"They work well for the most part."

"That's good. They won't completely rid you of hallucinations, only mostly."

"Well, I'm gonna go. It's Bay's birthday today."

Dr. Yates smiled. "Have fun."

"Ok bye."

Instead of going back to our room, I went to get breakfast. Baylen was already sitting at a table when I came in. "Hey."

"Hi," I said. "Not eating?"

"Shut the fuck up!" Baylen snapped. "You always ask me, and the answer's always no. I don't eat unless I'm forced to!"

I felt tears coming to my eyes. I always cried when people yelled at me or were angry with me. "Sorry."

Baylen noticed I was upset. "No, I'm sorry. I forgot."

I shrugged. "It's ok."

He looked at me and wiped my eyes. "It's not ok. I shouldn't get upset over you just asking me a simple question."

I felt nervous. I took a breath. "Why, um, why don't you eat?"

"So I don't get fat."

I felt weird. I knew he was anorexic, but now that it was confirmed, I felt like I should say something, but my mouth wouldn't form words.

"I thought you wouldn't judge me?" Baylen asked quietly. "I thought you were different. Oh well."

He walked out.

I followed him. "Baylen-"

He shook his head and walked away from me. He went to the bathroom and locked himself in.

What do I do now?

"You tell Yates, you idiot."

But then Baylen will hate me more.

"Then just threaten to tell Yates."

I want him to trust me.

"I'm sorry."

I reached out to hug Cyan before remembering he wasn't real.

I went back to our room and took a nap.

~

"Adryan, wake up."

I slowly opened my eyes. "Hmm?"

"I have to talk to you," Baylen whispered.

"About what?"

"I… I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Oh. But we've known each other for like a month."

"I know. I'm sorry."

I lifted Baylen's face up. "You have the most beautiful eyes ever."

Baylen shrugged.

I continued. "Your face makes me want to kiss you repeatedly."

Baylen looked at me.

Before he could speak, I cut in. "I think you're absolutely beautiful, from head to toe."

Then I kissed him.