Alarm

Slow It Down

So this chapter might have some sensitive material when talking about Paige's past. Please be warned and read at your own descretion.

"It's time for bed," I said picking up the blankets that they had spread over the floor to watch Elf. Bay bounced on one of the chairs while Sophia threw her Kane doll across the room before retrieving it.

   “I’m not sleepy,” Bay exclaimed jumping down from her perch on the chair.

   “There’s more stuff to do before Christmas and you don’t want to be sleepy.”

   She put a finger to her chin as she looked at our bedroom door. “Can Patrick tuck us in and you sing to us?”

   I glanced over at Kane. He was putting the Christmas cookies that we had baked in plastic baggies. We hadn’t sat beside each other after Bay asked if we were going to kiss. We had barely even spoken. I didn’t know if it was because he had wanted to kiss me or not.

    “Sure,” he said pulling himself away from the kitchen and picking Sophia up.
   We all made our way into the bedroom. Sophia was set in the bigger bed. That would be okay for tonight because I didn’t feel as though I could sleep. Bay climbed in beside her sister and lay down.

   Kane kissed them both on the forehead before tucking the blankets under their chins. When he moved to walk out of the door, Bay grabbed his hand.

   “Will you stay in here until we fall asleep?”

   It took him a moment to answer. But when he did, he couldn’t even look at me. “I’ll stay only if you promise to try and go to sleep.”

   “I promise,” Bay replied and Sophia copied what her sister said. “Will you still sing to us?”

   “Um, okay,” I said unsure of myself. It had been one thing when I hadn’t known Kane was listening, but it was completely different when I knew he was here.

I feel a filth in my bones
Wash off my hands till it’s gone
The walls they’re closing in
With velvet curtains

   Kane was studying me carefully while I sang to the girls. His eyes were filled with something that I couldn’t identify. The not knowing is what scared me the most.

Some love was made for the lights
Some kiss your cheek and goodnight
Lift up a red high heel
Lock up your door with steel

   Our eyes locked when I noticed him staring. His jaw was clenched tightly. My heart beat pounded rapidly against my chest. I swore that he could hear it.

They’re making noises in my street
My blinds are drawn I can’t see
Smashed in my car window
Didn’t touch the stereo

   I wished that Kane had kissed me earlier tonight. I wish that he would be the one holding me tonight while I can’t sleep. I wish that he didn’t have to know the truth tomorrow.

Slow it down, Angie come back to bed
Rest your arms, and rest your legs

Act like you’ve been here before
Smile less and dress up some more
Tie up your scarf real tight
These boys are out for blood tonight