The 4th Subject

Chapter 14: A Long Night

After we cut cameras, Sam pulled me aside into the back common area.

"What's up?" I asked.

"How disappointed would you be if you didn't go with Matt and Woods tomorrow?"

"I really want to go with them and see what's going on, so I guess pretty disappointed."

"Well," she started, "I don't know if I'll have the energy to go with them tomorrow. What do you want to do?"

I thought for a moment before turning and walking back to Megadesk. I swung around the doorframe, expecting to see Matt and Woods. The only person I saw was Woods.

"Where's Matt?" I asked with Sam behind me, peering in.

"I think he went to the bathroom," Woods replied, "why?"

"I was going to ask him if I could stay with him tonight."

"I don't know if I'll be awake enough tomorrow," Sam butt in.

"You stay with me if you're comfortable with that," Woods offered.

"That's really kind of you, thanks," I said.

After Matt came out and we said our goodbyes, Sam, Woods and I went to her car to get my emergency bag. It was basically a bag with pajamas, a pair of clothes and a hairbrush, along with plenty of snacks. It was one of the only things that calmed my anxiety.

I hugged Sam goodbye and followed Woods to his car. As we approached the car, I heard a strange noise. A scrawny black cat suddenly darted from underneath the car with a loud meow and ran right past me. The noise and movement scared me so much I felt my heart skip a couple beats. I felt the bubble in my chest rise, as if it was trying to escape. I pushed it back down and climbed into the passenger seat.

"You ok?" Woods asked, climbing into the drivers seat and starting the car.

"Yeah," I said quietly, "just tired. And a little overwhelmed." I wanted to mention the bubble in my chest that started to hurt, but I left it alone.

"Are you sure that's it?" Woods asked, looking at me.

"Yes," I practically whispered, "I just need sleep."

Woods nodded and pulled out of the parking lot. It was strange, as much as I was tired and as much as my body wanted and needed sleep, I dreaded the thought of trying. I was bound to be plagued with a nightmare or a random anxiety attack. Thankfully, we made it to his house before I could rest on those thoughts for too long.

I slowly climbed out of his car and walked to the door. Woods opened it and turned the light on. I set my bags down and went to the bathroom. I couldn't even bring myself to brush my teeth. I simply changed into my pj's and walked out.

My pj's consisted of a pair of pj pants that were definitely a size too big, but I could pull the drawstring tight and have no problems. My top was an oversized Stitch sweater. Again, at least one size too big, but it's for sleeping purposes, I don't really care.

I was so mentally and physically tired I tripped over my pant leg and some how hit my hip on the wall. Thankfully, I steadied myself before falling on my face.

As I walked into Woods room, he looked at me quizzically.

"Did you trip out there?"

"Yeah, how could you tell?"

He chuckled. "I heard a thud and a soft "frick", so I could only assume you tripped."

I looked at him with a tired, bored expression. "I'd come up with a cool roast or something, but I'm literally about to fall asleep."