Once I take them and get on birth control, it won't matter if Michael keeps insisting on not using protection. A fraction of the anxiety in my belly dissolves.
I push myself up and go return Gracie's phone, finding her exactly where I left her, though her expression now holds undisguised concern.
"Is everything alright?" she asks again, watching me closely.
I hesitate. I don't want to lie to her. She's been really nice to me. But at the end of the day, her loyalties belong entirely to Michael, which I don't blame her for—I just can't risk her saying something.
"Elira forgot her stuff with me, and I called to let her know," I say lightly. She doesn't look convinced, but she doesn't push. "Alright. She'll be here soon, I assume? Do you want me to prepare anything for her?"
"No, it's not necessary, I–" I pause, considering. Would it be rude to just collect the pills and rush Elira out before Michael gets back? "…Maybe something light," I correct myself. "Thank you."
