LOOKING OUT FOR YOU (Ko Eris)

Chapter 24 : Something's Blooming!

I was wide awake and was thinking what to say if he comes. Suddenly I heard footsteps approaching my room. I think he's coming!
I quickly shut my eyes and pretended that I was asleep.

"Are you asleep?" He said.

I opened my eyes. I looked at him and said "uh-I I am trying to sleep."

He stared at me and said "are you feeling uncomfortable that I'm here?"

"N-No I don't feel uncomfortable. It's just that I am not ready for....."

"Ready for what?" He asked.

You know! Our first night. I said loudly even though I was too embarrassed to look at him.

"Haha, Delphi." He laughed loudly.
"I didn't mean 'that' when I asked if we could sleep together. I just want us to sleep together in one room on the same bed." He said as he was moving closer to the bed.

It's a relief. If that is what he meant. I exhaled and came to my senses after hearing his words.

"So you mean you will just sleep here, right?" I asked

"Yes!"

I felt all the tension leaving my body. I think I can sleep now. I chuckled I was way too terrified to think straight.

He is lying next to me on the same bed. I don't want to look his way!
I can sense his breathing. I rustled the sheets and turned my face to the other side.
Now that I think about it, he did look good in that white shirt. Stop thinking about that now. Just sleep already.
It was stark silence as if every sound had become void.
I peeked his way to see if he was still awake. Oh! He is sleeping! How can someone sleep that quickly. I chuckled.
I can look at his sleeping face now. I looked away as I got startled by seeing him so close.
I closed my eyes and heard my heart beating faster. I held my breath for a moment. I could feel something in my stomach, it was as if something was moving inside. I didn't know why it was happening! I tried to calm down.

He looks good while sleeping as well! Those long lashes and pursed lips. That pretty small nose and his messed up hair. I can touch his hair now! I giggled.

What if I end up waking him up. I should sleep instead of punishing the sleeping person. I mumbled.

Sleep already!

NEXT MORNING

Casey came to help me like any other day. She was beaming as she was combing my hair.
I can't really tell her that it's not like that. I chuckled. Let her be in her imaginative world. I thought.

"Madam, does this hairstyle suit your dress or should I do some other hairstyle?"

"Oh, it looks fine! I like this braided hairstyle. Thank you, Casey. You really are good with all these!" I smiled as I complimented her.

"I'm glad you liked it, madam."

Now that I think about it Velver left before I woke up. So is it going to be like this from now on? We will just sleep together? He will come late and leave earlier? That is really going to disturb my sleep! I can't really sleep with all sorts of thoughts enveloping me and drowning me with all that could happen! It really worries me! It's like I'm trapped and have nowhere to go.

"Madam, Sir Duke asked to have dinner together."

So now I have to meet him!

DINNER TABLE

"Oh! Delphi, you're here!"

"Yes! Is there something you have to talk to me about?" I asked.

"Not much! I wanted to know about your tea-party." He replied.

"Uh, that I have sent invitations to the Ladies and I will make the remaining preparations tomorrow." I said.

"That's good to know! If you need any help please let the Butler know. Please remember you don't have to tire yourself by doing things alone." He said with worried eyes.

"Yes, I will keep that in mind. You don't have to worry about that Velver."

He left as usual after finishing his dinner.

I was there wondering what preparations are to be made for the tea party. I was so occupied with the thought of a fancy tea-party that I didn't notice him there.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" He whispered.

Huh! I turned around to look at him as his voice tickled my ear but I was shocked with his sudden appearance.

"Velver? What are you doing here?"

"Oh! Was I not supposed to be here?" He asked.

"That's not what I meant. But you came earlier than you came yesterday."
I defended myself quickly as I didn't want him to misunderstand.

"I finished my work earlier so I came to sleep then I saw you sitting there lost in thoughts so I..." He said as if he was mocking the situation.

"Oh that! I was thinking about what preparations I have to make tomorrow." I said simply as I was trying to cut the conversation.

"I'm tired. I am going to sleep." I said as I started walking to the bed.

He didn't say anything and went to bed. I guess I might've offended him. What should I do now. I was just trying to keep my calm. Delphi you ruined it. What if he's mad at me for behaving this way! I will apologize to him tomorrow. I should sleep as well. I've tons of things to do.

Where am I? What is this familiar feeling? As if I know this place! A dense forest. Pink flowers? Oh and that butterfly! It keeps appearing in my dreams. Why do I always see it!
Swoosh! That wind was strong. What is happening why is everything making such a loud sound? I can't bear this! That butterfly disappeared again.  Aah-aa-aa! I got sucked into something. What is that? This place is dark and I can see a few things, what are those letters? I do recognise them but I can't read them.

Ah! My head! It's that butterfly again for how long are you going to me torture me? Tell me what is the meaning of all this!
I was sleeping but this dream made me close my tight. My breath was fluctuating. I was in constant struggle. I was trying to move but I couldn't. It's hard. I'm screaming for help but no one is here! Velver? Can you hear me? Aah I am lost in this forest. I'm frightened!

(Delphimium is experiencing sleep paralysis. In sleep paralysis the body voluntarily refuses to work or take actions as it can harm the person in any manner. Whether it's screaming or moving hands or feet. It happens while dreaming.)

NEXT MORNING

It's morning? I feel like I'm forgetting something! But what?
I don't feel as refreshed as usual maybe I didn't sleep properly with all the tension and anxiety about preparation for the tea-party!

"Casey, help me get ready we have many things to take care of."

"Yes, madam. Please do not worry everything will turn out just fine. Worrying could be harmful for your health."

"Casey... Thank you for your concern." I said with a warm facial expression as I was touched by her words and care.

"I am ready to leave. Casey please get a carriage ready for us to leave."

"Yes, madam."
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What is this man doing here? This is the last thing I want to deal with!

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