“Why is EIon sleeping here?” I tried to ask them, curious why Eion is here. He has his own house, right?
“He usually camps here when his mind is not clear. Don’t mind him.” Hannah replied like it was the most usual thing in the world. Well, I was not close with my cousins so I didn’t experience something like this…guess they really are close with their family and relatives.
We then spent the night playing a few cards until we finally fell asleep.
I woke up in the middle of the night, my throat dry. Thirsty, I stood up and headed to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water.
I went to the living room, too awake to fall back to sleep when I remembered Eion was sleeping by the sofa.
I couldn’t help but look at his sleeping figure. It was a bit dark so I couldn’t clearly see his face but he looked peaceful. One would think what he did to me earlier didn’t even happen. That was too dangerous… especially for my heart.
Without thinking, my hand reached out to his face, wanting to stroke it. But I stop, afraid he might wake up. Retrieving my hand, I was pulled back and fell on his body as he grabbed me by the hand. I was laying on top of him.
“Got ya.” He said, whispering in my ears in his low voice.
My eyes went saucers. “Eion? What the hell? Why did you-”
He shushed me, as the lights to the kitchen turned on, and a voice called out.
“Eion? Are you okay? Are you still having nightmares?”
It was Aunt Anna’s voice. Eion tried to squeeze me, but I was squirming on top of him. “Let me go!” I whisper yelled, too nervous for Aunt Anna to approach us right now. What if she’ll see us in this position? Gosh.
I tried to scream, but Eion’s hands were on my mouth. I bit him, making him yelp in pain.
“Is something wrong?” Aunt Anna’s voice came closer and Eion tried to cover me with a blanket. “Behave or she’ll catch you,” Eion whispered, making me instantly shut my mouth.
“I’m fine, Aunt Anna,” Eion answered after a while.
“Okay then, sleep tight.” I heard Aunt Anna saying. “I’m going upstairs now. Tell me if you need anything.” And I heard footsteps going upstairs until it disappeared
When it was all silent now, and I was sure Aunt Anna wasn’t there anymore, I spoke up, “Did she leave already?” I was still wrapped in a blanket so I couldn’t see anything. I could hear his breathing and the warmth emitting from his body. He didn’t respond to my question until I felt his arms wrap around me and hug me.
“Stay still for a while.” He said in a low voice, and trailed off, “I just can’t sleep properly… Every night…”
He couldn’t sleep? Although I still don’t forgive him for the incident earlier, I didn’t move and listened to his request for once. I suddenly remembered what he said that time at the shop. Is it related to his mother? I somehow felt pity for him… He really misses her that much…just like how I did to my dad.
I wanted to comfort him, tell him that everything was going to be okay, but I shut my mouth. Perhaps all he needs right now is silence.
We stayed like that for I don’t know how long and after a while, he then removed his arms on me. “You can leave now… Thanks.” He said, loosening his grip on me. Standing up, I didn’t say a word to him and just returned upstairs to Hannah’s room, quite in a trance. I couldn’t stop thinking about what just happened.
Although deep inside me, I felt a bit disappointed that his hug ended sooner…
***
Eion was nowhere in sight the next day, and we just finished eating breakfast. I didn’t get enough sleep last night simply because my mind was racing without thoughts. I feel tired today. Good things that Luke offered to drive me home so I instantly agreed, thank goodness.
“Thanks.. for giving me a ride,” I said to him as we arrived at my house.
He just smiled at me, “No problem. If it’s you, Snow…”
I laughed his comment off. His expression then turned serious. “Actually, I offered it so I can talk to you alone..”
Talk to me alone? “What is it? I asked.
“You like Eion right?” He immediately blurted out, and I almost choked at my own spit hearing that. Why are we talking about Eion now? And how did he even arrive at that conclusion? “I don’t know how you thought of that but I don’t like him, Luke,” I said, clearing out what he was thinking.
He nodded,” I see, I was just making sure…” He trailed off, “that’s it then I see there’s no problem right?”
No problem? What is Luke saying about right now? I can’t seem to catch up with him…”To what?”
“I mean, there’s no problem in me liking you… right?” He asked and before I could even respond, he added, “Let me prove myself, Snow… I want to be your boyfriend. I won’t rush you.”
Oh… what?