Tough Love

Chapter Eight

I am sooooooooo sorry it has taken me this long to upload. There's an explanation in the author's note at the end. Please let me know what you think of this chapter & I hope you enjoy! :-)

Chapter Eight

As soon as Eli leaves, I go to the shower. I can't believe I fell asleep with him here! I'm so angry at myself right now! That was a stupid and dangerous thing to do! What was I thinking?! Between my anger and the nightmare, by the time I get out of the shower my skin is raw and almost bleeding from all the scrubbing I do. I can't stop being so angry with myself. I'm actually furious that I would allow myself to sleep with someone else in the room. I learned very quickly not to do that. If you weren't asleep, no one could take you by surprise.

A small voice inside was trying to get through to me. It was saying, 'Nothing happened, did it? Eli isn't as bad as you think. There's something different about him. You know it, you just don't want to admit it...'

I sighed and whispered, “They're all the same. They just wait until you're least expecting it and then they hurt you. That's what they all do. If I expect it, then at least I can try to prepare myself...”

I went through my morning routine of yoga and trying to cover up the dark circles under my eyes. I picked out a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and an oatmeal sweater to wear to work. I put a pair of brown combat boots on and my jacket before I headed out the door.

If I'm completely honest, the next few days were lonely because Eli wasn't there. I didn't realise how much I had come to depend on his incessant babbling until it wasn't there. I'm not saying that I was comfortable with him, but he did get me out of my own headspace even if it was only for a short time.

Ash appeared at the stairwell door on Friday evening. I'd had to stay later to finish processing some data for the Captain and it was nearly 8pm. Ash held the door open and motioned for me to step through. I shook my head and whispered, “You first, please.” He shrugged and stepped into the stairwell.

He asked, “How you doing, Dani?”

“Fine, sir. You?”

“Yeah, I'm good thanks. Eli asked me to make sure you're ok. He'll be away longer than he thought so he wants me to keep an eye on you.”

“I'm ok, sir. Thanks though.”

“He's a worry wart. I guess he can't help it. How are you settling in? Everyone been treating you well?”

“Yes sir.” I didn't really mix with anyone, so I didn't really have a true answer to that question.

“You really should come out with the team one night. We usually have a great laugh when we all let loose...”

“No thank you, sir.... This is my floor. Thanks for checking on me, but I'm fine.”

I couldn't escape quick enough and I sighed when I stepped into the safety of my house. I spent some time on the treadmill, did some more yoga and then made dinner. I sat down to eat and the sense of boredom and loneliness washed over me again. I never used to get that feeling; it must be down to Eli and probably to some extent, Ash. They were trying to befriend me and they were slowly succeeding, I guess. I wasn't friends with them or anything, but they were starting to worm their way into my life without my consent.

I tried to busy myself in the apartment and make myself sleepy enough not to dream before I went to bed. It was Friday night and I'm sure everyone was out having a great time, while I was stuck at home too scared to go anywhere. It was midnight before I actually crawled into bed.