Adventures of the Introvert

Chapter 4

"Is hugging necessary?" Sophia mumbled at his chest.

"No, but your hair smells nice."

Stefan was pushed away by all the strength she had.

"Wait..." He pointed a finger at her. "I think it's lavender."

"Wait..." She imitated his move, pointing her finger back at him. "I think it's an idiot."

"You went from shy to sassy so fast." He smirked. "I knew it was going to affect you."

"What was going to affect me?"

"My hug." He winked and smirked again.

They stood in the dark room. It seemed abandoned and smelled of dust and damp. She stared at him, eyes wide open. Weak sunlight peered through the broken window and illuminated his face.

There was something in that moment that cleared up her mind. She was finally aware of how stupid and imprudent she was acting. A quiver passed down her spine.

"That was a joke." Stefan's face suddenly became serious and a bit concerned. He might have seen the fear rising in her eyes. "It was actually... Your talisman."

"My what?"

"Look, I can explain it all to you--"

"Great, then let's start with," Sophia pointed at the great dusty painting she had jumped out of a few moments ago. "How do I go back in there?"

"Nah..." He crossed his arms. "Let's start with something else."

"Who are you and why am I here with you?"

"We will get to that later." He said, trying to hold a smirk. "Next!"

"Could you just stop?" She yelled. "I woke up in a house I have never seen before, surrounded by strangers." Her voice was shaky. "I felt like drugged the entire morning." She emphasised. "I have no idea what was happening to me, but I couldn't... think straight. And right now, the only thing I want is to go back home." She turned her back at him and started examining the painting, looking for hidden door, handles, lever. Then she swiftly turned back to him. "And all you do is compliment my hair?"

"Look, I know how you feel." She rolled her eyes at that, so Stefan continued. "I really do. Trust me - I've been there."

"And how have you left?"

"I haven't."

"Can you please just..." She sighed, shifting her hair on right side. "Tell me everything? Because I'm really tired of all of this."

"Of course. That's what I was trying to do before you interrupted me with your whining." He provoked.

"You are annoying again." She crossed her arms.

"Annoying? Me?" He faked a shocked face. "And that's how you show gratefulness?"

"Why would I show gratefulness to you? So far you have made my day even worse."

"I was the one who saved you last night."

Stefan's words made her stand stiffly and stare at him, speechless.

"I saved your life, Curles." He spoke again.

"What are you talking about?" She finally took a breath.

"You really don't remember?"

"I have no idea what are you--"

"Nothing from last night?"

"No--"

"Maybe snow?"

She shook her head.

"Birds?"