𝑇𝐸𝑀𝑃𝐸𝑆𝑇

Chapter 13

I linger on Caspian's bed for a few moments before standing and clearing my throat, "I should get back to Atlas so she doesn't wake up to an empty bed." Caspian looks disappointed but nods in agreement.

What did he expect? I would stay the night and cuddle with him, whispering sweet nothings into his ear? Fuck no. That's way too much ooey goey for me.

I head towards the door and he follows. "Goodnight Caspian," I whisper. He blushes and looks at me for a moment, as if he was going to lean in and kiss me... but he doesn't, "goodnight Tempest," He whispers before quietly shutting his door.

I shouldn't feel offended that he didn't give me a goodnight kiss. It was just a blow job, it didn't mean anything to me and I'm sure it didn't mean anything to him.

Atlas is still sleeping peacefully as I enter her room. Movie credits flicker across the television as the film ends.

I feel a wave of exhaustion sweep over me as I climb into her bed— careful not to wake her. I hold my breath as she turns over in her sleep and settles with her back to me. My eyes flutter shut and sleep soon overcomes me.

~~~~

I awake to hear voices in the hallway, I pick out Atlas' and Caspian's. "Are you sure mum and dad would be ok with it?" Caspian asks. Ok with what? "Yes you wanker, I phoned mum this morning and she assured me that it was fine as long as Tempest felt comfortable." I climb out of the bed and open the door, "comfortable with what?"

Caspian looks a bit flustered as I enter the conversation. "Tempest! I'm so happy you're finally awake! I have the most wonderful news!" Atlas squeals excitedly. I raise my eyebrows, I'm not a big fan of surprises. "I have talked to my mum and dad and we would love for you to come stay with us. We have boatloads of open rooms in this house and I could use another woman in the house since mum is away so often." She gasps for air after her lengthy proposition, "so what do you think?"

"I'm not sure," I say reluctantly, "I wouldn't want to intrude or anything." Caspian looks at me shyly, "It's no trouble really, we wouldn't mind having you here at all." Atlas looks surprised at his words and I slip him a small smile. "Of course, I would love to stay here with you, thank you." Atlas jumps up and down with excitement, "We are going to have so much fun! It will be like a sleepover every night!" I cringe at the thought of having to be social every day.

Atlas drags me back into her room, leaving Caspian standing alone in the hallway. "First manner of business, you need to pick a room. There are 3 empty rooms on this floor, 2 on the bottom floor, and 2 upstairs, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to share a floor with Caspian." I nod, "right."

Atlas shows me the 3 rooms on her floor. One is very lightly colored, with lots of baby blues, light beiges, and whites. The next is more modern looking, decorated in simple black and and white, giving me hotel room vibes. Finally we reach a bedroom at the very end of the hall, "I have a feeling this one will be your favorite," Atlas says, "I designed it myself." I inwardly gasp when I enter the room. She was right, this was my favorite room by far.

The room was decorated in a victorian style, the walls were slate grey and in the center of the room stood a huge victorian canopy bed with red blankets and curtains. "This room is a literal fucking dream." I say memorized. "Oh, we're not done yet," Atlas giggles before leading me over to a set of french doors that open to a cozy terrace overlooking the garden in the backyard.

"I think I'll take this one" I say to Atlas, who is grinning from ear to ear. "I thought you would say that."

Atlas and I spend the rest of our day watching movies, gossiping, doing what pretty much all teenage girls do at sleepovers. I don't catch a glimpse of Caspian again, he must be up in his room, or out with friends, (not that I care...)

As five o'clock rolls around our bellies grumble with hunger, "I'm starving." Atlas says pitifully. My eyes brighten with an idea, "hey how about we make some cookies?" Atlas groans, "I would die for some cookies right now." She giggles, "one issue— I have no clue how to make cookies."

I look at Atlas in disbelief, "girl- it's just mixing ingredients together." She huffs, "I know but you have to know what those ingredients are!" I shake my head and laugh, "ok come on I'll show you how."

"Yayy," she skips out the door and down the stairs to the kitchen.