THOSE SUMMER NIGHTS

[30]

[30]

- EDEN -

-

(PSA: Please don't steal the work written in the chapter. I hope that goes without saying. TW: suicide.)

JULIA SLEPT IN the bed next to me, small puffs of air leaving her lips as she dreamed about things much more pleasant than I.

A thin sheen of sweat slicked my forehead and I quickly wiped it away, taking a deep, calming breath. I was warm all over and frustratedly kicked my covers away. I was dressed in a pair of shorts and a tank top, but yet, I felt like I was sweating buckets and found it hard to breathe.

I stumbled out of bed and glanced at myself in the mirror, grimacing slightly at my smeared makeup, chapped lips, and knotted hair. Looking around the room, my eyes landed on a bikini I had brought out a few days ago to wear to the pool. It was a simple dark green bikini.

I quickly grabbed it and as quietly as possible, slipped into the bathroom and got changed. I attempted to brush my hair and got halfway to the top before giving up. I washed my face and brushed my teeth and slipped my bikini on.

After deciding that I looked okay enough, I slipped out of the bathroom and grabbed an oversized linen cover-up to slip on over the bikini. Once I had slipped my sandals on, I grabbed my keycard and made my way out the door.

As I neared the elevator and wondered if the pool was even open, I stopped in front of Jude and Atlas's room.

I was almost sure Atlas wasn't asleep and wondered if he'd even want to join me downstairs. Jude was a pretty heavy sleeper compared to everyone else. You could bang a pan over his head and it'd take him a long while to even stir a little bit.

So, with a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

After waiting there a few seconds, the door clicked open and Atlas's eyes landed on me, a small frown on his lips. His eyes were squinted as they adjusted to the bright lights of the hallway.

"Hey," I smiled, nervously.

He rubbed his eyes, helping them adjust to the light and smiled to himself, "What do you want?"

I smiled, "Will you come with me to the pool?"

He frowned, "I was sleeping,"

I gave him a bored look, "No you weren't,"

At that, he cracked a smile and nodded softly before he closed the door. I waited there a while before he finally stepped out of his room. He slipped out of his sweats and shirt and was now dressed in a pair of black swim trunks and a black tee with a small white logo at the corner of the shirt. In his hands, he held a notebook and behind his ear sat a pencil.

I smiled at him before turning around and leading him down the carpeted corridor and towards the metal elevator doors. When we were finally in the elevator and making our way downstairs, Atlas looked down at me.

"Did you sleep much?"

I shook my head, "Just a little bit. What about you?"

He shrugged, smiling softly, "Just a little bit,"

I smiled and nodded, waiting for the elevator doors to fully open before walking out. I glanced back at Atlas as I made our way down the halls and towards the pool. His colored eyes were on me, watching my every step and every move. I turned back around and slid my keycard against the scanner. When it beeped open, I swung the door open and held it open for Atlas. He walked in and I followed.