Under the Lesser Light: A Friends To Lovers PARANORMAL-ROMANCE✓

Chapter 2

I didn't know the time I'd fallen asleep. But then as I allow myself to slowly recover from my drowsiness, I feel more at ease. 

I don't often sleep on my waterbed. 

I am usually in my apartment which is just across from the lake on south Wabash avenue. I would wait for dusk to come, and that would be my cue to leave the waters beneath, and head to my apartment. But sometimes, I would stay outside for a while, watching the street lights. After all, I am usually more alive at night. That's how it's always been. You see, I can't stay in the daylight for long. That's why I am usually in the water. It's one of the elements that strengthens me. And if I'm not in the water, I am in my apartment.

When I stay outside for a long time, I feel myself disconnecting from the human world. It begins slowly at first, and then, within the twinkling of an eye, I am out of sight. But that is about to come to an end though. As soon as I marry Ashton, it'll all be over.

I yawn as I begin getting ready for the day. I look at my alarm clock, I smile wickedly as I realize I beat it again this time. It's become a habit - waking up before my alarm goes off. It is still early. So I use that as an opportunity to swim above the depths, still in the short dress that I'd fallen asleep in. Mimi swims to my side. I smile at her as I pat her spines. I know she'll miss me, but I'll be back in the water after my interview. No, wait, after my lunch date with Ashton. I sigh again as I continue to swim. 

Then I feel Mimi tugging at my left hand. She usually does that when she knows I'll be gone for long. She is my star, star fish

"Mimi. I'll be back before you take your next breath, okay." I say to her as she continues resting on me. And then before I know it, she gently pulls my ring off my finger. She knows exactly what to do to keep me from leaving.

"Not today, Mimi." I say to her calmly. 

I never go anywhere without my engagement ring. It somehow reminds me of my fate, especially when I feel like giving up. I chase after Mimi who seems to be enjoying the swim. I turn around and do the backstroke to distract her but she doesn't budge. So I snap my fingers and she looks up at my hands, only to see me suddenly in front of her. She stops for a second. 

My teleporting always gets her. Then before I know it, she picks up speed again. 

This time, in the opposite direction. I turn around and focus on the waters, stirring them up with my eyes, and that does it. Good, I say to myself as I watch her suddenly stop in front of me and start to swim towards me. I stop stirring the waters when she swims to where I am. Then I stretch out my hand to get my ring, but she quickly averts it and swims away, underneath the deep lake. I giggle as I realize what just happened. I will have to come get my ring before my lunch date. Also, I don't want to be late for my interview.

I relax at the bottom of the lake and close my eyes; and in 247 zeptoseconds, I am in my apartment. I go straight to my room and check my phone. Five missed calls from Ashton. He should know better than to call me when I am buried deep beneath the lake. The lake is my utmost serenity and purity. I roll my eyes as I bypass his missed calls and my eyes land on Anna's text message.

Hey, I got back last night. Come get some tea before you start your day, okay. Love ya.

I quickly respond to her text message as a smile begins to form on my lips. I have missed Anna, and I am glad she is finally back from her honeymoon. I return my phone to my nightstand as I make my way to the bathroom.

****

Ian's POV

I feel restless as I turn to my sides, trying to stir myself up from the dream. It's always the same dream. I kick away the blanket after what seems like a minute of trying to get some more rest, then I finally get up. I check my alarm system, it is still early. Just fifteen minutes past four. I force myself out of bed.