The Void Between Stars: Book 4 Of The Orion Series

Time To Talk

[TRIGGER WARNING! Representation of self-harm. Discussion of childhood abuse. Depiction of a homicide. **Discretion is advised**]

That night I had horrible nightmares. I woke up at several points, panting, absolutely terrified. Every time I went back to sleep, the nightmares just picked up right where they had left off. It was maddening.

Finally I gave up, resigning myself to the fact that I wasn't going to sleep without nightmares. I knew sometimes writing helped calm my mind. So I switched on the lamp that was attached to the small desk in the corner, pulled out my black-bound notebook, and tried to write down some lyrics.

However, after about ten attempts and an hour later, I was starting to get angry instead of more relaxed. My head was absolutely killing me again, so I padded over to the small kitchenette and got myself a glass of water. After three glasses and my head hadn't improved, I sighed heavily and pulled on a shirt. I had some black Crocs, so I slipped those on, made sure I had my key, and then shuffled my way to the med wing for some Tylenol.

My stomach growled at me as I wound my way back to my room. So instead I took a detour and headed to the cafeteria. There wasn't anyone staffed at this hour, but they always had healthy-ish snacks out that wouldn't spoil. Half expecting the cafe area to be empty, I was shocked to find Scott sitting there.

He was curled up in an armchair that he had positioned to face the window. With the dim lights, I could see his reflection easily through the large window. He was clearly zoned out, so he didn't notice when my reflection joined his own. Outside the crescent moon still hung in the sky, though I knew in about a half hour it would recede and twilight would soon follow.

"Hey."

He jumped, spilling coffee on his hand.

"Shit," I said, quickly putting down my blueberry muffin on a table. "I am so sorry. Are you hurt?"

Scott shook out his hand. "No."

"I am so, so sorry," I tell him again. "I'll grab some napkins."

I came back with an entire fistful. He chuckles at me, shaking his head. "You're a bit of a barmy, you know that?"

"What's that mean?" I ask.

Scott grabs the clump of napkins from me, setting down extras on the table. He shakes his head still as he wipes off his hand. "Never mind, mate."

Grabbing my snack, I pull over an armchair and sit down. Scott has gone back to staring out the window. As I nibble the muffin, I watch him out of the corner of my eye. I'm sad when I notice he looks--well--sad. Really, really, sad.

"Couldn't sleep?" I try.

He merely shakes his head, then says, "You?"

"Nightmares."

"About?"

"My dad."

Scott doesn't say anything. So I take another nibble and start prattling, just to occupy the space between us.

"So, there was this one time my friends and I got jumped in the hallways at school by some bullies. Got the shit beat out of us. I'm pretty sure I had a broken rib or two."

Scott sips his coffee.

"Well, the one guy pulled a knife on me."

Now Scott swivels his head to me, surprised. "Damn."

"Yeah. So, since a weapon was involved, the police had to be called. Afterwards, well..." I clench my hand into a fist, relishing in the pain that comes from my nails. "We went home and my dad beat the ever loving shit out of me."