Forever His

Chapter Three: Stella

Finally. I thought, kicking off my shoes as soon as I walked into my hotel room. It was nice. Cool, semi-dark colors decorating the walls, bedspread and furniture. A large window took up most of one of the walls, black-out curtains drawn back.

I brought my suitcase over to the dresser and opened it, pulling out a tank top and pajama bottoms. I walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower. I undressed and stepped in, letting the hot water run over my body, relieving the tension from the flight.

I grabbed some soap that smelled like lavender and jasmine. I lathered it into my curls and rinsed, the hot water continuing to soothe my aches. Both physical and mental. I scrubbed my body gently, rubbing the sore spots more to relieve the tension.

When I was done I turned the water off and stepped out, shivering a little and quickly grabbing a towel. I wrapped it around my body and grabbed another one for my hair.

I walked out of the bathroom to grab my toothbrush and toothpaste then walked back to the bathroom.

I brushed my teeth and dried off, putting my pajamas on and putting my hair into two French braids.

I walked over and closed the curtains, making my way to the bed. I collapsed on top of the covers, exhausted. Jet lag is not fun. My tense muscles relax, all the stress and tension from the day slipping. My eyes slowly shut, the pull of sleep dragging me away from consciousness.

I enjoy this feeling. When I leave my conscious state, all the burdens and drawbacks of my life leave with it, leaving my mind quiet and peaceful. Sleep is the only state I feel content in. My family isn't there to torture my every waking moment. It's just me and the darkness that accompanies sleep. It's comforting.

I walked through a crowded street made of cobblestone, shops and boutiques lining either side of it. People hurried by, eager to get wherever they were going.

A feeling of unease washes over me as I turn into an alley, cutting through it to get to the street on the other side.

This isn't right, I thought. But regardless of my protest,  my feet propelled me forward.

The buildings on either side of me cast shadows into the alley, making it feel eerie. My heart starts beating rapidly. Something's not right.

I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see who was there. No one. A chill ran down my spine and I turned to continue walking. As I took a step, I could've sworn I heard a low, raspy, whispered chuckle from behind me. But instead of turning again, I continued walking, this time at a faster pace.

Only to find that the alley seemed to stretch infinitely in front of me. I began to jog, footsteps approaching me from behind. Panic overtook me and adrenaline surged through my veins. I began to run as fast as I could, my heart beating in my ears.

He can't get me, I panicked. I won't let him.

Just as I thought those words, I felt a hand close around my arm, a grip of steel. I tried struggling free, but the grip on my arm only tightened. The same low, raspy chuckle echoed through the alley, freezing me where I stood.

I felt his arm snake around my waist, his other hand clamping around my mouth.

I woke up suddenly, my body covered in a cold sweat. My breathing was heavy, my heart beating about 500 times a minute. My pajamas clung to my sweat soaked skin. I felt disgusting and vulnerable.

Just a dream, I took a shaky breath, trying to calm my nerves.

Nightmares were a common occurrence for me, but nothing like that. This felt so real. It was terrifying. I grabbed my phone and looked at the time. 3 a.m. I draw in a shaky breath and get up, walking to the bathroom. I turn on the water and splash it over my face a few times, the cold of the water waking me up.

I didn't want to go back to sleep. That nightmare was terrifying. And so realistic. Like nothing I've ever experienced.

I grab a towel and pat my face dry. My hands are shaking. Deep breaths, Stella. It's ok, you're ok.

I walk back out to my bed then sit on the end of it. I put my head in my hands, taking in shaky breaths to try and calm down.

A sudden knock on the door makes me jump. I take one last deep breath and walk over to the door slowly.

Knock, knock, knock

I unlock the door and turn the knob slowly, opening the door.

"Finally, you're mine"