Subterranean | H.S.

S03

Persephone's pov

Television hums in the background, little boy sits between my legs, his back pressed to my chest and together we're trying to draw dinosaurs. Crayons are scattered across the floor and carpet. The only light comes from a big, standing lamp, right above us.

''Oops.''

Arnie says quietly and looks at his dinosaur. Then he takes my drawing from me and put them both next to each other.

''Phee, mine looks nothing like yours.'' I lean over his little body and take a look at our works.

''I think your drawing it's really good.'' I stare at the pink Tyrannosaurus Rex and smile. All edges of the T-rex are curved, his arms a little too long and his legs looking like he's got some proper feet. ''I really like the colour.''

''You do?'' He turns around and looks at me.

''Yes.'' I brush my hand through his hair. ''That's a great job.'' I see how the corners of his mouth curl, which makes me even happier. ''You should try and draw another one.'' I give him a blue crayon and encourage him to try drawing some more of his favourite animals.

I look up at the television and continue watching Jurassic World.

I'm not exactly sure if something so drastic is meant for a six-year-old, but he's not really paying attention and he told me that he has already watched it. I see how he sticks his tongue out in an act of focus.

He's really obsessed with dinosaurs.

Can I blame him?

Dinosaurs can be seen everywhere. He got some on his pyjamas, his duvet, and walls. He even got a special shelf for his stuffed dinosaurs. His room feels like home inside of a big, cold hospital. I'm glad he has a place for himself where he can be himself and feel safe. It helps me get a good sleep at night, knowing that he feels free here, obviously not speaking of the gun accident.

Also, I don't complain, cause I like dinosaurs too.

I've been thinking about it for a while now. It's been over a week since it happened and I haven't seen that man again, as I'm hoping. I still feel like I can sense his touch, his fingers wrapping around my throat.

I haven't got a proper night of sleep since it all happened. I just hate being alone. When I'm spending my time with Arnie, Riley or I'm at the club I feel fine. It all breaks when everyone leaves. I'm always trying to distract myself, do more than I am able to, which makes me exhausted.

Riley offered me sleeping together, even living together, but every time I refused. I can't handle the trauma myself, but I wouldn't do it if I don't face the problem myself. I need to work on myself first.

A notification breaks my thoughts. I'm unlocking my phone and looking at the screen.

Jack: Can't wait to see you ;))

I smile at the message and when I realise what I did I stop and look away.

We've been messaging for almost a week now. I'm really thinking about trying to give us another chance. Riley knows nothing about it and I hope it stays this way until we will finally be together, cause otherwise she'd freak out and try to get this idea out of my head. Maybe it's not the wisest decision and maybe I'm gonna regret it, but I need to try just to make sure that I'm not ruining my chance to be happy. We both are willingly trying to make it work one more time.

Persephone: Can't wait to see you too

I throw my phone away and turn to Arnie.

''Wow, that's beautiful.'' I look at him and his drawing. ''It's even better than the previous one.''

''Thank you Phee.''

''You're welcome.'' He pushes his small back over mine and then turns to face me. His arms are wrapped around my neck and mine are laying flat on his back.

''Thank you.''

I smile at his moves and sniff quietly.

''Phee?'' He moves aside and looks me in the eyes.

''Yes, Arnie?''

''Do you think I could keep your dinosaur and have it hung above my bed?'' He tilts his head and looks at me, then at the wall.

''Of course, but only if you'd let me keep yours.'' He nods in agreement. ''Cool.''

''Thank you.'' He hugs me one more time and then pulls away.

''Do you wanna do it now?'' I look at the clock and then I scan his soft features.

''Yes, please.'' He stands up and grabs the tape, then gives it to me and smiles. ''Can you help me?''

''Of course, I can.''  I stand up and grab my drawing and parted tape he gave me into four pieces. I glued the three pieces and hand him the last one. ''Come here.''

He comes closer to me and I pick him up. He takes the last strap from my hand and places it on the bottom right corner.

''How do we like it?'' I ask him and put him back down.

''Very much.'' I put my hand out for him and he gives me a high five.

''Good job.'' I look at him with pride.

Such a good, little gentleman.

''Alright, I'm gonna go home now.'' I turn around and squat in front of his bed, collecting all my things.

''Already?'' He jumps on his bed and lays in front of me, on his belly.

''Yes, it's really late. You need to go to sleep and I need to rest baby.'' I smile at him and brush his hair.

''But I don't want to say 'goodbye'.'' I feel how my chest starts to burn.

''I don't want to say 'bye' either.'' I put everything into my backpack and zip it.

I come closer to the door and see him standing next to me.

''I'm gonna see you in two days, alright?''

I bend over and open my arms for him. He immediately throws himself at me and grips the sides of my shirt.

''I'm gonna miss you.'' He murmurs into my clothes.

''I'm gonna miss you too.'' My hands run across his back.

We stand like this for a while and he's not letting go of my shirt.

''Hey, everything's okay, right?'' I ask him quietly.

''I'm scared Phee.'' 

He lets go and takes a step back, now facing me. I feel my heart breaking into millions of pieces.

''What are you afraid of?'' I kneel in from of him and I'm at the same height level as he is.

''Do you promise, that you'd come to see me in two days?'' He tilts his head slowly.

''Of course baby.'' I put my hand on his shoulder.

''Okay.'' He comes closer and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

''What was that for?'' I smile and stare into his eyes.

''I hope that you'll feel better soon Phee. Have a good time resting.'' He smiles and I see his dimple pop.

''That's very nice of you, thank you, Arnie.'' I hug him for the last time and put my hand on the door handle.'' Come on, I'm gonna put you in bed.

He jumps into his bed again and I cover his body and hand him his favourite stuffed dinosaur.

''Goodnight Arnie.''

''Night Phee.'' He turns around and closes his eyes.

I smile and leave the room silently.

I pull my phone from my backpack and write to my best friend.

Persephone: Hey Ry, can you please pick me up? Prettttyyyyy pleaseeeeeeee:))) 

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