In Love

"I'm already en route to the mad house."

"He wasn't in his room. And I wasn't in mine. Instead, we were in some invisible third space. And we loved it."
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Chapter 9

I turned the key in the lock and the door opened with a creak. Dropping my bag near the shoe rack, I made my way inside the house. I didn't bother wiping the tear stains from my face because fresh ones kept coming.

After aimlessly walking on the streets for God knows how long, some sense kicked in and I realized I need to get home before someone mistakes me for a zombie.

I couldn't get his voice out of my mind. His face, his dimples, the freckles on his nose, they all haunted my mind. There was no point in blocking him out because he was everywhere. I didn't need to miss him, he was always on my mind.

"We need to talk."

I jumped a little, surprised to hear mom's voice. I looked up and saw her expression changing from anger to fear. I know what she was feared of. Me, losing my fucking mind.

I sighed. Great, lecture time. Thank you Zoe, you're so dead!

I was mentally picturing pushing Zoe off a cliff for telling mom everything despite our arguement earlier today. But nothing could stop Zoe.

I dragged myself to the sofa and plopped down without looking at mom. I tried to wipe, more like scrub away the tear stains but she already noticed my state.

"Don't look at me like that!" I mumbled.

"Natasha, this can't go on forever. Do you think I don't hear your screams at night? Or you sneaking out of the house at three in the morning to escape reality?" She came and sat beside me. "You can't run from yourself." She whispered.

"What do you want me to do, mom?" I said, a little annoyed.

"Visit Diana. That's all I'm asking."

Diana Hughes was mom's best friend, who also happened to be a psychiatrist. Yay, lucky me!

She must have noticed the look of pure horror on my face.

"Just try. For me?" Mom gave me her best puppy-dog eyes, which to be honest looked like she was constipated. I smiled at my stupid thought. I looked up and saw mom smiling too.

"Ok." Was all I uttered before mom tackled me in the biggest bear-hug. I laughed and rested my head on her shoulder. No matter how old you are, its amazing what a hug from mom could solve.

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I rested my head on the pillow and looked up at the ceiling. I agreed to visit Diana but I wasn't sure what I'd say to her. I recieved therapy for six months a year ago and it was painful enough to last me a lifetime. The thought of telling someone everything, replaying all those moments in my head was like dying.

I kept tossing and turning but sleep seemed like a distant dream. Out of nowhere, I recalled the conversation with Jake where he said and I quote, 'The thoughts of my sexy body kept you awake?' I smiled. Well, it would have been better if I could blame his 'sexy body' for my insomnia.

I picked up my phone to check if he was online. I checked the activity panel which showed he liked a picture mere seconds ago.

I hastily typed a message.

Me: Your hot body is not letting me sleep!

I knew my message would definitely inflate his ego but I couldn't care less. I was going to re-unite with my psychotherapist tomorrow so I might as well take some advantage of being insane. That way, if I do something wrong, I could blame my insanity. Lame? I know.

His reply was almost instant.

Him: Guess what? Your sexy body is not letting me sleep as well.

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. I wasn't expecting this. He kind-of complimented me, not to mention he called me sexy. My cheeks turned hot and I'm sure I looked like a tomato. Why I blush so easily, I will never understand. Ignoring the stupid feels in my stomach, I typed my smartest comeback.

Me: Goodnight : )

I couldn't think of anything else? What the hell Natasha! The guy just complimented me, called me sexy and all I could say was goodnight?! Not even a thanks!

Mom was right. I'm so gone!

He took a while to reply. He probably thought I'm some psychotic girl. Which I was but he doesn't know that. Right?

I tossed my phone on the bedside table, cursing myself for my stupid behaviour. My phone beeped indicating I had a notification and I restrained myself from doing a happy dance.

Him: Sleepy already? My body not hot enough for you? Ok princess. Sleep well :-*

I sighed. I somehow managed to ruin the little amount of fun I had in my life. I debated on texting him again. Will he think I'm desperate? I said goodnight right?

Chuck it. I'm already en route to the mad house. Might as well make some good use of my time. I'll worry about my self-respect later.

I started typing a message.

Me: Are you always this flirty?

Him: I'm on my best behaviour.

Me: Really?

Him: Yes Ma'am.

I realized I ran out of replies. At times like this, I wished I wasn't such an anti-social person.

Me: Ok.

There we go again with the stupid replies. I pity myself, really.

Him: Can I ask you something?

My eyes widened at his reply. Not to mention my heart's sporadic beating. Was he going to ask for my number? God! I hope not. I was going to die now and here.

I typed the reply with shaky hands.

Me: Yeah?

Him: What's your name, princess?

I'm sure I had a 'Duh' expression on my face. Didn't he bother to read my bio?

Me: Oh. I'm Natasha. Hey : )

Him: Your name suits you. Cute name, cute you. ; )

And that killed me and took me to heaven.

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A lot of you may think Natasha over-reacts over minor things. But before you judge her, remember she's been through a lot and in that course, her feelings got all messed up. So yeah, get into her shoes ; )

So sorry for the long wait. I've been really busy these days. I aim on updating every week. Hopefully I will achieve it.

Jake is back. I missed you, hottie ;-)

You liking the story so far? Let me know what' ya think.

Criticism is welcome.

Btw, I need to put up a cast. Help me!

Vote/Comment. Pweezzz ♡

Lotsa love,
Simran