Muffled sounds start to wake me up from my deep sleep, and as I open my eyes I see the door handle turning- frightened, I shut my eyes once more and pretend to be asleep. Quiet footsteps are nearing me, and before you know it I hear a soft, male voice:
"I know you're awake Amber, I won't hurt you"
I instantly open my eyes out of curiosity and see a handsome boy looking over me. Wanting to get to know him I sit up and allow space for a second person to take a seat on the bed.
"Wh- Who are you?"
"I'm Sonny Edwards, 15, enjoy sport, an animal lover, love cuddles, movies and popcorn. And before you ask, I did not kidnap you and have no intention to do that. " his voice 'flows' and is a lovely melody to listen to, but I can't let myself fall in love with a guy I just met!
"Nice to meet you and all but how exactly did I get here? The last thing I remember is having a panic attack caused by a dream" I cringe as memories flood back, trying to control them is so hard!
"Yeah.. well I see you every morning when you walk to school and I know where you live- I walk past your house to my school.. Yesterday I was walking home from my Thursday job and I heard deafening screaming coming from your house, I hid around the corner and waited for something to happen.A few minutes later I saw you parents carrying you outside, I thought it was so you could breath some fresh air, but they just left you on the cold doorstep..I then took you home and hear you are now" Sonny finishes it with a comforting smile.
"Thank you so much! That was very kind of you, but I better head home now, my parents might be worried" that's such a lie! They'll be glad, I know that for sure.
"Well about that.. My parents have already had a conversation with yours- you are welcome to stay here.. That's why your suitcases are just behind me!"
"Oh, are you sure? I mean you seem nice and that but I've only just met you.." I'm kind of shocked, I mean for someone to like me, and help out through the worst stage of my life, yet is so unusual!
"Yeah, I'm sure- well I've gotta run now- school but I have left a piece of paper with my number in it, just there" he points at the bedside table where I see noting but a glass of water..Underneath which, a piece of paper."..So you can text me anytime during the day.. Bye" Sonny says, walks out the room and I'm left to wonder. The image of him is still stuck in my head; beautiful brown eyes hiding underneath an orange hood.. Most importantly his voice and the way he looked at me- as if he's never seen a girl so beautiful. That's a shame- I'm not beautiful, not with the cuts on my arm that get deeper by day, not with the irritating, metal braces fixed on my teeth.
6 hours later I hear familiar footsteps coming up the stairs, a quick check in the mirror won't hurt- I glance at myself just in time before the door opens and Sonny appears in the room. We exchange smiles for a second, but I couldn't hold myself back from suggesting to do something about the state of his room:
"Hey Sonny, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind cleaning this room? I'll obviously help! It's just that if we're both going to live in here we'll need more space.." after saying that I feel anxious and uncomfortable- afteral this isn't my room to boss around in!
"You know what? You're way more persuasive than my mother! Yeah I think we'll have to bring in the second bed, join them up- both of us won't fit in that!" he grins at me. "I'll go get it from the spare room and you can start helping in the room? Thanks, you're amazing!" Sonny walks out the room and I start with the world's messiest wardrobe ever.
"Well that went well, didn't it Amber?" we're now finished with the room- it looks so much different; way more airy and plenty of free space!
"Sir, yes Sir!" I reply jokingly and fall onto the massive bed we have constructed- it smells of roses and lavender, two of my favourite flowers. I check my phone for any texts from my parents, you never know they might have the decency to apologize for their acts.. No, nothing from them, but then again- I have Sonny and that's all I want! It feels like I'm heading towards light at the end of the tunnel!
YOU ARE READING
A Photographer in the Dark.
HorrorA touching story about a 14 year old Amber suffering from severe anxiety and depression. Signing up to a dating site has really helped her mood as being the 'new kid' in the Northampton High School isn't easy. She falls in love within seconds but...
