Maybe it was just something to say, so I shouldn’t think too much into it. It’s just my paranoia.
I sent him a picture of me, though you can’t really see the background, you could assume I was on the couch, right? Maybe he just guessed to not take us out of the scene? He couldn’t possibly have known that I was on the couch…
My heart is still pounding as I get up to get a drink, and then I get ready for bed, refusing to let my fears take control of me tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sailor
I regret taking so many classes. School has been insane over the last month. The only good thing about the chaos is that I’m too tired and too worried about my work to care about being home alone. Maybe it helps that Amelia is here a lot too. My place is our go-to hang out spot now. Sitting on the couch or at the dining table with our homework and take-out containers of food in front of us.
I thought the breaks between classes would be great for us to meet up, but now all we do is spend them in the library studying or taking naps because we’re up all night.
I should have taken it easy on myself, but I guess I got what I wanted. I am thoroughly distracted.
Maybe that’s what I needed all along—something to keep my mind off everything else. I’ve been home for weeks now and there hasn’t been a single issue other than that one time my door was left unlocked, which I am certain I did myself. I made sure moving forward that I stop and focus on locking the door, this way I can remember it later. It hasn’t been an issue since.
Amelia is going out to a party tonight, and I plan to stay home and catch up on sleep. I have no idea how she still has time or energy to party after everything. She invited me along, of course, but I politely declined. I’m exhausted, and I need to sleep. My professor canceled class for tonight. I’ve never been so grateful for something in my entire life. It’s just before three now, and I plan to sleep until tomorrow morning. I was smart not to schedule classes on the weekends.They’re usually spent catching up on homework, writing papers, working on projects… and sleeping every chance I get. Next semester, I’m going back to four classes. Six is just too much.
I get comfortable on my couch, my preferred place to nap, with a blanket and pillow. The TV is on, the volume low enough I can hear it, but not so loud that it’ll disturb me. I’m asleep within seconds, and wake up what feels like moments later. But the darkness outside tells me I slept for hours. Glancing at my phone, I see it’s just about seven, and I feel wide awake. I close my eyes and try to go back to sleep, but I can’t. So I get up, make some food, and eat while scrolling through my phone.
There is nothing I have to do tonight for school. I mean… I could get some stuff done, but I need a break. I already planned out what I need to do this weekend, and Amelia is coming over on Sunday so we can work on stuff together. There’s no need to do any of that tonight. I really need to just take a break.
I scroll through the messages with Shadow. He hasn’t been around much, but still checks in on me. We touched on meeting again, but we’ve both been so busy that we haven’t made solid plans yet. I’m okay with that.
It seems life is just getting better.
All in good time. I just have to be patient.
A text comes in as I’m bringing my dishes to the sink.
Amelia: Last chance to come with me to the party!
I stare at the message, and something in me lights up.
Maybe I should go to the party. I’m awake now. I feel good. I have no plans. I can go, not drink, and socialize for a little while. Nothing wrong with that. I didn’t hate the last party I went to… though, I did that for Jaxon. But still, I can do this for me. The real college experience.
Me: Okay, I’ll go.
Me: Can I have twenty minutes to get ready?
Amelia: SHUT UP ARE YOU SERIOUS
Me: Lol yes. I’ll go with you.
Amelia: OMG YOU JUST MADE MY DAYYYYY
Amelia: I’m on my way.
Shaking my head, I set my phone down and wash my dishes before going to my bedroom to look for something to change into. I’m digging through my drawer when there’s an eager knock on my front door that could only belong to Amelia. I answer it, and she squeals, jumping up and down.
“Why are you dressed like that?” I ask, gesturing to her witch-like outfit.
Her eyes widen. “I didn’t tell you! It’s a costume party.”
“A costume party? In February?”
“Yeah, it’s like a Death to Valentine’s Day thing so we’re supposed to be something dark or deadly or… you know, anti-Valentine’s Day.”
