Collecting Polaroids |Slowburn|

Chapter 36

Isla's POV

"Get up you fatass," a voice came from the door as I heard it open. I was still half asleep when I felt the covers ripped off of my body. My body shivered and I snuggled closer to the heater next to me. 

Heater? 

Something was warm and cuddly next to me and I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to cuddle in such cold weather. It was the type of morning cold that made you want to stay in bed forvever, tucking your arms under the soft blankets. My brain was confused as the warm thing started to move. 

"What the fuck?" I heard Luisa's voice exclaim and then something plopped on my head. I let out a groan and turned over, burying my face in the pillow. 

"Elliot what is this?"

I heard Elliot's deep voice hush his sister and their voices gradually got quieter. After a few moments I realized I couldn't fall asleep again. I sat up, itching the sleep out of my eyes.

Glancing around the room, I realized I wasn't in my room. Or Luisa's room. My eyes flitted around the room with dark curtains that blocked out the sun. A frame of Elliot and his sister stood on the dresser to my right. Elliot always slept in pitch darkness. Like me. 

I was in Elliot's room. I didn't really remember what happened the night before. Just that I nearly had a mental breakdown from the stress. 

I stood up, feeling something heavy drop from my jacket pocket. Reaching down, I picked up my phone, feeling my heart drop as I saw the date. 

September 17. 

Just one more day. Till that horrible night. 

"Good morning," Elliot greeted from the doorway, watching me intently. 

"Morning," I replied, running a hand through my tangled hair. "I'm sorry. I was a mess last ni-"

"Stop. You don't have to apologize. Not to me. Ever," he spoke, crossing the room to where I was standing. I stared at him before nodding. 

"Thank you."

"Of course," he smiled, turning to leave. "One thing. I know it's short notice, but my parents want to go to dinner before we leave. Would that be alright?"

"Okay, what time?" I nodded after a few moments. 

"7 pm," Elliot said. "We can leave right after so it's not late when we get home."

"Sounds like a plan."

I quickly freshened up before heading down to the kitchen. 

"Isla! How are you feeling?" Luisa exclaimed, coming to hug me. 

"Absolutely amazing," I laughed, turning to greet Henri. 

"Come meet Adilyn," she said, taking my hand and pulling me to the room. She lifted the bundle of blankets, gently rocking the newborn as she came to me. 

"Adilyn. I like it," I smiled, gazing down at the baby. She had dark brown locks, her eyes a dark brown that was starting to show. 

"She's beautiful," I breathed, reaching to tickle her cheek. A giggle left her lips as she gazed up at me, filling my heart with warmth. 

"Here, hold her," Luisa encouraged. I immediately shook my head, taking a step back. 

"Um, no it's alright," I mumbled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. 

"Don't be silly," she huffed, placing the bundle in my arms. I was always hesitant to hold babies considering I was already the clumsiest person on the planet.