Stuck together (teacherxstudent)

Chapter 27

I opened my eyes and looked around the room, feeling a sense of disorientation. It took me a few seconds to realize that I wasn't alone. Adrianna was lying next to me, still sound asleep.

As I watched her sleep, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sight before me. Her long, dark hair lay gently across the pillow, framing her face in a way that made her look even more delicate and peaceful. Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly, and the rise and fall of her chest was slow and steady. Every now and then, a gentle sigh would escape her lips, reminding me of how peaceful it is to be asleep, not conscious to experience all the bullshit this world has to offer.

Despite the fact that she was asleep, there was a certain vibrancy to her features that made her look so beautiful. Her eyes, even despite them being closed, were normally so bright and intense, but now looked soft and relaxed, giving her a sense of vulnerability that I had never seen before.

I looked at her and I couldn't help but feel guilty. Ever since I got here I have been struggling and I always seemed to drag her into it. As peaceful as she looks now, as worried she'll be when she wakes up, and I know I am partially to blame for that.

I couldn't help but lean in and place a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling the softness of her skin against my lips. She stirred slightly in her sleep, but then settled back into her peaceful repose. I let out a sigh of relief. I didn't want to wake her, I just wanted to feel her once more, because I knew I had to let go of her at some point. Not for myself, but for her. She had enough stuff to deal with that I didn't want to contribute to.

I quietly got out of bed. It was only 7am and I hadn't been asleep for long but my body didn't allow me to sleep any longer. I put on my shoes and exited her room. It was better this way, I told myself.

I quietly open the door to my room, hoping to slip in unnoticed. But as soon as I step inside, Allie's voice cuts through the silence.

"Hey, where have you been?" she asks, sitting up in bed.

I freeze, my heart racing. I don't want to lie to her, but I can't bring myself to tell the truth either. I didn't want to risk Adrianna getting in trouble.

"Just out," I say, trying to sound nonchalant as I slip off my shoes.

"How did you even get out?" she presses, looking at me with a furrowed brow.

"I mean not really out, I was just at Julian," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Allie's eyes narrow as she studies me. "Is everything okay?" she asks, concern etched on her face.

I bite my lip, unsure of what to say. Allie had been my best friend at the school and she had been the absolute best person I could have ever met, but I've never told her about my feelings for Adrianna. And I'm not sure if I wanted to.

"I just needed to get out," I finally say, avoiding her gaze. "Being here, this room.. It's just- I don't know."

Allie nods, but I can tell she's not convinced. "Do you want to talk about it?" she offers, scooting over on the bed to make room for me.

I shake my head, thankful for her attempt but there was really nothing to tell. "No, I'm okay," I say, forcing a smile. "Just tired."

Allie looks at me skeptically, but she didn't push the issue any further. Instead, she turned off the lamp on her bedside table and settled back into her pillow.

As I climb into my own bed, I can feel her eyes on me, and I know she's still worried. But I can't bring myself to say anything. My mind is too full of thoughts of Adrianna, and the way her body felt next to mine as we slept.