SUNNY
I awakein a bed unfamiliar to my own, sweat plastering my face as I place a hand over my panting chest. My heart thrums wildly, pumping fear through my veins as a threat to my sleep. My hand moves around my neck, trying to shake the feeling of his hands gripping my throat.
It’s not real.
I sit up, looking around as realization settles on me. I’m in Tyler’s home. A night of too many drinks at family dinner resulted in a slumber party. Apparently not an uncommon theme with this group.
While it’s only my third family dinner, I’ve grown comfortable around them. Outside of that, I easily see them a few more times a week.
Gazing over at Sam and Macey, who are cuddled together, I’m thankful I didn’t wake them. Nights are hardest because I’m unable to distract my mind from uncovering the things I hide in the daylight.
A quick glance at the clock on the nightstand tells me it’s well after midnight. After trial and error, I learn it’s best to getout of bed and make use of my time instead of hashing out in the sheets, tossing and turning, to try and get sleep that won’t come.
Quietly, I slip out of the bed and explore the areas of Tyler’s townhome. Considering the amount of money they own, I was shocked to see their choices of places to live. Though it makes sense. They don’t want money to determine their lives, and I can respect that.
Bookshelves line the hallway, each meticulously placed and categorized. A smile pulls my cracked lips. Tyler is very much a type A personality. I decide to head downstairs for a glass of water and distraction.
When I make it down the open staircase, there he is. He’s sitting under the only light on in the living room, which creates an illusion of a spotlight on him, as he holds a book in his hand. The dying fireplace is the only other form of light in the darkness.
With his eyes intent on the words, I see the fatigue shadowed on his face, taunting him to go to sleep. The white t-shirt and gray sweatpants tell me he tried, but failed. Shadows seem to lurk around him no matter what, complementing his sharp features.
Hearing me approach, his head shoots up, his emeralds firing daggers of concern my way as he closes the book shut with a single thud.
I notice the scars lacing his arms, each so different. Threading as white, red, pink lines over the tanned skin. My eyes move to the single scar laced through the right corner of his lips.
Are they haunting your dreams, Tyler?
“Sunny,” he says, watching me stand on the last few steps of the staircase, shifting on my feet. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just needed some water.” I motion for the kitchen, padding my way over.
“By the look on your face, I don’t think that’s true.” He watches me scour the kitchen for a cup.
If there's anything I learned about Tyler in the last few weeks is that he’s a trained observer. He watches and picks up on things when you think no one is.
He lifts himself off the couch and walks over. Opening a cabinet, he pulls a cup out and leans over the island, handing it to me.
“Thank you. Why are you awake?” I ask, filling the cup from the tap.
He runs a hand through his hair and then down his face. “Sleep just seems impossible some nights,” he admits.
“Why is that?” I pry, it’smyturn to ask questions.
The sound of his voice is calming, bringing me back to reality as its velvetiness coats my heart.I’m so glad you’re awake, too.
“What’s with the third degree?” He teases.
I scoff before taking a sip of my water. A comfortable silence settles until he finally asks, “So, why did you come here, Sunny?” His emerald eyes focus on me. The intensity tells me that if I don’t tell the truth, he will somehow find out on his own.
I swallow hard, trying to push away the panic wanting to settle in my veins. Tyler tilts his head, observing me as the shadows of the night show off all his best features.
I can’t like you, Tyler.
“I already told you.” I take another sip of water.
“So, are you going to tell me the truth?”
I feel something inside me. Inside my chest. Something so visceral that I won’t be able to stop, no matter the destruction and pain it may cause me.
