She was the girl who was afraid of love. Terrified of it. It isn't permanent, she believed, it leaves you and it leaves you broken.
He was the boy who desperately needed it. Love--the only thing that could've rooted him to this world.
Ophelia and...
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That night (near midnight) when I couldn't fall asleep, I got out of my room and padded across the dark corridor. Then I sat down at the top first step of the stairs and Mum and Dad's hushed, angry whispers trailed into my ears.
They were fighting again. And I don't know why I was out here listening to them arguing when I always spent these cruel few moments curled up on my bed, trying to smother their voices with my pillow.
Maybe, I thought. Maybe I was trying to move past it.
I took out my phone after a little while and typed Alastair a text. Strangely, I didn't think twice before texting him. Maybe today had brought out some normalcy between us after all.
Me: can't sleep.
He, surprisingly, messaged me back right away.
Alastair: tough day?
Night too, I wanted to add. But I didn't.
Me: something like that. Did I wake you up?
Alastair: I was already awake.
I frowned a little. Why? I asked him.
Alastair: allergies are acting up.
I smiled softly at the screen.
Alastair: maybe having milo around was a bad idea.
Me: you think?
He took a moment to reply, almost as if contemplating.
Alastair: are you having nightmares again?
I didn't remember telling him about my nightmares. Had I? With my fingers hovering over my phone screen, I couldn't decide what to say to him.
Then I saw him typing again.
Alastair: you seemed to be having one when you stayed over at mine.
My mouth parted in surprise. Was I talking in my sleep? I asked him with a grimace.
Alastair: a little :)
I sighed, leaning sideways on the staircase.
Me: well no. no nightmares for now.
Then I felt obliged to add, Mum and Dad's arguing downstairs. I couldn't sleep.
It strangely felt nice to be honest.
Im sorry, he texted me.
I stared at it for a while, not really thinking about anything in particular. I could hear Mum's voice raising a little over Dad's. Then I sighed.
