Shooting Star and Swallow's Song

Why Are You Sad?

After a number of hours, Alex gradually woke, eyes fluttering open. Looking with blurred vision at her jacket sleeve, she realized her clothes were still on. Alex immediately sat up and looked around the room, one hand searching around the bed for her glasses, hoping she didn't knock them down in her sleep. A second later though she had her hand around the frames and put them on. The world now in focus, her mind followed suit.

Fuck...today's the wake.

Alex knew she'd have to be downstairs at seven o'clock, but it was the last thing she wanted to think about. She crawled under the covers, curling up and shutting her eyes, futilely trying to go back to sleep. At some point in her attempt, Alex's eyes shot open.

What time is it!?

Panic filled her as she pictured everyone downstairs just letting her sleep through the wake. Alex didn't consider the irony as she hobbled out of bed to grab her phone and check the time.

6:37

I'm not late.

Alex lowered the phone, closing her eyes as she let out a sigh of relief. Now calmer, she brought it back up to view, remembering there were text notifications.

The texts from Steph weren't on top, but she tapped on hers first anyways.

Steph: Hey girl, sorry I didn't say goodbye but I had to work today

Steph: I wanted to let you sleep but promise I'll be there today. Maybe I should stop texting if you're still sleeping, sorry.

Steph: btw, text me whenever if you want. Sorry. Last text. Promise

Alex couldn't help but smile at the awkward but attentive last text.

I should let her know I'm awake.

In the back of her mind, Alex knew that she was mostly replying in hopes to get more texts from Steph. She buried her self-loathing for wanting to take more pity from Steph deep inside, along with the other complicated feelings she was repressing.

Alex: Hey Steph, awake now

A few moments later she got a reply.

Steph: That was a long nap. Hope it was a good one?

Alex smiled simply at getting such a quick response from her, because it was her.

Alex: It was okay, but actually I woke up for a bit and slept again.

She thought it better not to mention the visit from Charlotte right now. Maybe never if she could get away with it. Alex didn't think Steph needed more to worry about with how exhausted she seemed. She then started recalling her in the chair by the bed and immediately felt a pain of guilt for not asking how she was feeling. Fingers typed away a quick text.

Alex: Did you sleep?

Steph: Yep, got some sleep. Hope your naps added up to one good sleep

Some sleep?

That wasn't too reassuring for Alex. Steph was redirecting the conversation from herself. She'd done it enough to know when she saw it, but also knew better than to press her.

Steph: I'll be leaving in a minute

Steph: See you soon as I can get there

She stared at her phone, indecisive on how to respond for several seconds until settling on something simple.

Alex: See you soon

That was that then for now, she thought, but then one more text came.

Steph: For sure