"I HAVE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL."
Xeros' eyes shot up to mine. "What?"
I bit my lip. "It's been nearly two weeks, Xeros. I can't miss any more. I can't fail this year."
"But you need to rest," He argued. "And where do you plan on going? Back to your parents? No fucking way -"
"I can't keep hiding in the hospital, okay?" I heaved a sigh. "Besides, I have no choice. I took back my complaint on them so...It's not like there's anyone to blame for that but me."
"Isla, there is no way in hell am I allowing you to go back." He shook his head firmly. "No, it's not happening."
"I'm not asking for your permission," I snapped. "I can do what I want. It's my decision."
"Think about Devin," He hissed. Xeros' face grew a light shade of anger in frustration. "You're going to put him back in that place?"
"I can protect him," I argued. "Besides, my birthday is in a week. I'll be eighteen so I can legally do what I want."