SUPERNATURAL FILES #2: LIPSTICK

CHAPTER 8

"Unholy mother of pearl." Giselle leaped in shock after she opened her roommate's door in an attempt to wake her up, not knowing that she's already awake on the floor

"Uhh, Aerin-ah?" the taller ravenette cautiously crouched to the smaller one, yet received no response.

At this moment, Giselle already had shivers down her spine when she closely saw her friend's state.

Aerin is just on the floor, legs folded on her right side as her hands were lazily clamped on her thighs, her shoulders slumping in the lowest level as they could. She's blankly staring at the plain peach wall, eyes droopy, and red, obvious bags under it. Her lips were a centimeter parted, pale and chapped, labored breathing one after another.

Giselle bit her lower lip, craning her neck towards the girl in an attempt to at least shock or scare her if she'd suddenly bring her face near, but failed.

"Aerin-ah, I'm seriously getting scared," she said in a minimal volume, still soft-toned as if things would go worse, yet her heart was beating in a frantic way.

Several thoughts already bugged her mind the second she saw her there.

She looked like a zombie or the famous white lady, especially since she's wearing plain white pajamas. She looked lifeless—not to that extent, but Giselle doubted that she could hear or even sense anything around her.

With a gulp, she crawled in front of her. Luckily, there's enough space for her to settle in between Aerin and the wall. She then held her shoulders and gently shook her at the start.

"Aerin-ah, Kim Aerin. You know me, right?"

With the first attempt, Aerin did land her eyes on her but still held that blank and exhausted manner.

Giselle sighed. "Do you want me to help you up the bed? Nod if you want."

Aerin minimally nodded once at the suggestion; honestly, she can't find the strength to use her voice. Nevertheless, with a struggle with just enough morning energy, Giselle did manage to guide the smaller's weakened body back to her bed.

Giselle pursed her lips when she felt the mattress cold, meaning Aerin was on the floor for way too long to possibly know.

"Do you need anything? Water? At least water?" she hummed, hoping that Aerin would at least keep herself hydrated.

But instead of answering, a sob escaped her lips, and then the first flow of hot tears emerged after a second.

And to say it another way, Aeri Giselle Uchinaga panicked. She immediately hopped closer to her and engulfed her in a frantic yet warm hug.

"Hey, shhh, I'm sorry. I didn't know what you went through last night, but whatever it is, make sure to tell me if you're ready."

"I-I th-thought..." Aerin croaked, her voice raspy and audibly shaky as if she's still learning her first words, "I t-thought.. h-he.. he'll k-kill me."

Kill!? Giselle mentally pondered while still trying her best to support the smaller's trembling body.

"I can't sleep.. thought he would come back and bite... me," Aerin continued, hands clutching the taller girl's shirt as if she's signing that she doesn't want to be alone.