Counting Sheep

Chapter 5

Hello, hello!! I'm back! I've got a new chapter for youuuu.. ;) I hope you are all doing fantastic. Remember to let me know about the Instagram account that I was talking about in the last chapter! I'm working on the next chapter, so keep your eyes open for that! I love you all. -Hannah

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CHAPTER 5: The evening air was cool and smelled sweet as Layla walked into the backyard. They sky was a painting of different golds, lavenders and crimsons that bled together without hitch. There was a lingering scent of smoke on the soft breeze that passed by, ruffling the small stalks of grass and made the pool water shiver with a blue glowing light.

Layla walked closer and found Sydney standing in front of it, back facing her.

Layla's lips thinned, but she forced herself to go closer until she stood next to the other woman. Sydney stiffened slightly, but relaxed as she glanced at Layla from the corner of her eye. It was silent between them for a long time before Layla turned fully towards Sydney, folding her arms over her chest.

She took in Sydney, from her misty eyes to the hand that held a lit cigarette.

"I didn't know you smoked." Layla said, breaking the silence.

Sydney didn't look at her, only waved the hand holding said cigarette before she brought it to her lips and pulled a long drag.

The end of it lit up to a bright red as Sydney exhaled a puff of smoke.

"I don't," She replied, flicking off a bit of ash. "I only do it when I want to fill my lungs with ill-black smoke."

Layla eyed her dubiously. "You mean when you want to get cancer?"

Sydney shrugged a shoulder, but said nothing. The pain in her eyes was like a knife to Layla's stomach and she felt it as real as one, too. She held out her hand.

"Can I try?" She asked.

Sydney turned to her, eyes narrowed slightly as they ran up and down Layla's form.

Slowly and hesitantly, she held out the small stick of paper.

"Go ahead, but only once." She said and Layla bit back a smile as she took it and brought it to her lips, inhaling the hot smoke.

She immediately began to cough, clapping at her chest as she wrinkled her nose at the taste that coated her tongue.

She held it back out to Sydney. "Ick! That is enough of that!"

Sydney chuckled as she took it back, but it was a hollow-painful sound. "It helps take your mind off of some things." She said softly.

Layla watched the emotions that flashed on the other girl's face and tried not to flinch. "You really do have feelings for him, still, don't you?" She finally asked quietly, heart aching for her friend.

Sydney stared down at the pool water as it rippled with each passing breeze.

"He was never mine," She said back, just as softly. "I wished he was at some times. Other times I wished that I never had to see or know him again. I am sure you can tell which one I want right now." She laughed bitterly.

"I think there are just some people that your heart will always inherently want. My heart happens to be a fool for Marcello. Has been a fool since I was the ripe old age of 7 years old." Sydney whispered harshly, lips thinning with frustration.

"But, there are just some things that aren't meant to be. There are just some things-some people who will do nothing but cause pain in your life. Cause heartache, but no matter how hard I tried to tell my heart to behave...it wouldn't listen. I'm an idiot, Layla."