I jolt awake, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The room is dark, shadows creeping in the corners. My breath comes in short, ragged gasps, the remnants of the nightmare clinging to me like a second skin.
My hands tremble as I reach for the lamp on my nightstand, the click of the switch bringing a dim light to the room. The shadows retreat, but the fear remains.
I sit up, pulling my knees to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. My eyes dart around the room before I slowly shut them trying to calm myself.
The clock on my nightstand reads 3:14 AM. I know I won't be able to sleep again. I push back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet touching the cool floor. I stand up, my body still trembling, and make my way to the bathroom. I need to splash some water on my face, anything to shake off the lingering terror.
In the harsh fluorescent light, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My eyes are wide, pupils dilated, a haunted look etched into my features. I can hardly recognize myself.
All I see is her.
I turn on the faucet, letting the cold water run over my hands before cupping them and bringing it to my face. The shock of the cold helps, a little.
I walk over to Pete's room, starting at the door, but not wanting to be a burden, I walk back into my room.
I sink to the floor, back against the wall, and wrap my arms around my knees again.
I close my eyes and try to focus on my breathing again. In and out. In and out. I count each breath, trying to find some semblance of calm.
The minutes tick by, each one an eternity. Eventually, the trembling subsides, and I feel a little more in control. I stand up, legs still shaky, and make my way back to the bedroom. I grab a blanket from the bed and wrap it around myself, curling up in the armchair by the window.
I grab my journal from the coffee table and sink into the armchair some more. I pause, staring at the page.
"This is stupid" I mutter angrily before throwing the book across my room
I sit there for a few minutes, trying to gather the strength to move. Eventually, I push myself up from the couch and head toward the kitchen. Maybe some coffee will help calm my nerves.
As I shuffle down the hallway, I notice a faint light spilling out from the kitchen. I furrow my brow, wondering if I left the light on. But then I hear the clinking of dishes and realize I'm not alone. I turn the corner and see Peter, rummaging through the cabinets.
"Pete" My voice is hoarse, a mix of surprise and lingering fear. He turns, holding a mug in one hand and a box of tea in the other.
"Hey," he says softly, his eyes filled with concern. "I heard you stirring. Figured you might need some company."
"I'm fine," I say quickly, too quickly. I'm not fine, and we both know it.
Peter raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. He sets the mug down and takes a step toward me.
"Another nightmare?"
I nod, avoiding his gaze. I hate how he can see right through me, but at the same time, it's a relief not to have to explain everything.
"Just couldn't sleep."
"Come here," he says engulfing me in a hug
"I miss her so much"
"I know, I know," he says in a hushed tone
"I'm here and I'm not going anywhere"
I close my eyes, feeling the tears threatening to spill again.
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
"Shayna Idris!" Talia's voice snaps me out of my trance
"What? Who's here? where am I?" I say in a breath
"Juri was just asking why you're wearing sunglasses and I would like to know too"
"oh, nothing serious, my eye bags-" I say, stopping mid-sentence and watching Talia, who is slightly distracted by Kyle Alain.
Ahhh. Kyle Alain.
Kyle was in the Performing Arts club, and everyone knew him for his amazing voice and ability to play different instruments; he was also on the basketball team but hardly ever played. His complexion is a medium to deep brown. His hairstyle is mostly clean conrows. He had a slim but athletic build and was moderately tall.
"So what's up with you and him," I say nudging her
"Who Kyle?" She says and we both nod
"Nothing"
"Come on, We see the way you look at him or rather the way y'all look at each other" I tease her
"Yeah, eye fucking in the hallway is wildddd, We don't judge though" Juri winks at her
"I do NOT like Kyle, we're just friends" She rolls her eyes
"Okay, okay," Juri says before Shayla walks up to us.
"Hey"
"Heyyy" I smile at her goofily
"Is the world about to end or did I just see you smiling at her?" Juri says confused
"We've made up, sorry I forgot to inform you guys"
"Oh, welcome to the cult," Talia says
"Where do I make the blood sacrifice," Shayla says casually
"I like you already" Juri gives her a fist bump
"Are you still on for Saturday? Yes, no?" Juri says scanning my face for a reply
"Yeah?"
"Awesome, I'm going to make you look so good, you won't walk out of there single"
"Oh no" I mumble under my breath
"Hell, yeah"
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Hey you,
I hope you're enjoying the read. Don't forget to leave a comment, share with your friends, give it a thumbs up, and hit that follow button.
With love,
Sharon🧸
YOU ARE READING
6 Years Ago
Romance6 years ago follows the lives of two teenagers; Shayna Idris, a driven art student who carries the weight of an unresolved past that has shaped her present, and Arian Mansour an aspiring basketball player who works in her favorite coffee shop. Arian...
