My Chemistry Tutor

CHAPTER 20

JENNIE'S POV

Never in my life would I have ever thought I'd be holding Lisa in my arms as she peacefully slept.

This... this feels like a dream come true.

I know I should probably be sleeping too, especially since I have school in just a few hours, but I simply can't. Every time I close my eyes, fear creeps in.

What if, when I wake up later, Lisa isn't here? What if this is all just a dream that slips away the moment I drift off?

I glance down at her. Even though she's resting in my arms, she looks troubled. Lisa is probably having another nightmare she already woke up a few times earlier in fright, trembling until I comforted her back to sleep.

I wish I could take away all of her pain. She suffers far too much for someone who is honestly too good, too pure, too undeserving of all the cruelty life has thrown her way.

I gently brush strands of her hair away from her face, tucking them behind her ear. Her eyelids flutter, and she opens her sleepy eyes.

For a moment, her gaze softens, and she gives me the smallest, sweetest smile.

"You need to rest too," she whispered, her voice groggy but tender.

"What if you have another nightmare? I need to be awake to comfort you," I reply, smiling back at her.

Lisa sighs and carefully moves out of my arms, sitting up a little.

"I'll feel bad if you don't get rest. I don't want to annoy you... I can leave," she says slowly, her voice low and hesitant.

"No!" I respond immediately, louder than I intended.

Her face softens, and she lets out a small sigh of relief. "Okay then... but you need to sleep. Please. Otherwise I'll just end up feeling bad."

"But you need me," I whine stubbornly, refusing to let go.

Lisa chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I don't."

"Yes, you do," I glare at her playfully, refusing to let her words stand.

She sighs again, relenting. "Okay... I'll admit it. I do need your help. But if I say that, will you finally go to sleep?"

"Maybe... but only if you promise you won't run. That you'll still be here when I wake up," I reply, looking away shyly.

"I won't run. And for the record, you're the one who runs," she teases, smirking.

"That's not—" I start to defend myself, but then the memory of our kiss from earlier comes crashing back.

My face burns hot, and suddenly, I can't bring myself to look at Lisa.

I just know she's smirking right now.

"You know what... I think I'll just go to sleep," I mutter, turning around quickly.

Lisa chuckles, clearly amused, as I yank the blanket over myself. Just as I'm about to close my eyes, I feel her hand reach over, gently finding mine. She intertwines our fingers together, her touch warm and reassuring.

"Goodnight, love," she whispers.

"Goodnight, Lisayah. Don't let the bedbugs bite," I reply with a small smile before finally letting my eyes close.

When I wake up the next morning and stretch my arms, the first thing I do is reach over to feel for Lisa. But the space beside me is empty.

My heart drops. I sit up immediately, panic rushing through me. She isn't anywhere in sight.