𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐘 ᵐⁱˣᵗᵉ¹⁹⁶³

02

Ant woke up suddenly, panting. She had another nightmare about her horrid mother. It was repetitive. Every night, Ant would dream about her mother abusing her.

She sat up in bed, her heart thumping. The room was awfully hot and her bed didn't feel as comfortable as before. 

She looked at the clock and saw that it was three in the morning.

Ant got out of bed and took a shower, trying to clear her mind. She still felt weird after her shower so she put some clothes on before climbing out of her window.

Her uncle owned one of the few mansions in their small town, so her room was on the second floor. That still didn't stop her from sneaking out now and then.

Her uncle wouldn't mind letting her go out, but she didn't want to worry him. The big oak tree that bent down near her window came in handy. 

One of the long branches just hung above the pane so she could easily hold onto the branch and swing herself onto the tree.

Once she made it, all she had to do was climb down.

She jumped off the tree and landed on the soft grass in the backyard. She walked past the front gate and began to walk to the park.

The cold night air soothed her mind, and she felt better now.

Ant sat down on one of the benches and pulled out her cigarettes. Lighting one up, she took a drag and stared up at the night sky.

As she blew the smoke out, she didn't see the person walking closer to her. "What are you doing here? It's late."

Ant jumped a little, startled by this person. She looked to her right and Descamps was standing there, looking down at her.

He had a piece of bandage taped over his eye. She could see a little scratch, not entirely hidden by the poor bandaging.

He was like her now. His face was ruined. As soon as she thought this, her scar tingled. In fact, at that moment, Descamp's gaze drifted to that exact area.

He blinked before focusing back on his unanswered question. "Well? Are you going to answer me?"

Ant rolled her eyes before looking him up and down. "I could ask you the same thing," she replied finally, her voice quiet.

Descamps sighed, clenching his jaw. "Why I'm out here is none of your business, Antoinette." Ant rolled her eyes at the mention of her first name. 

He knew she didn't like it. She told him when they were friends.

"Same goes for you. Why I'm out here has nothing to do with you, Joseph," she snapped angrily. He chuckled and plucked the cigarette out of her mouth.

Ant's eyebrows furrowed as he smoked. She shook her head tiredly before looking back up at the night sky.

"How's your eye?" she asked, not wanting to admit she was concerned for him. "Why? Do you care about me?" he teased, sitting beside her.

Ant scoffed. "No. Just answer me before I'll damage it even more," she said, smelling his faint cologne. He smelt so good, especially mixed with the fresh night air.

He snickered lowly, passing her the cigarette. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

Ant nodded, taking a drag and blowing the smoke out before looking back at him. She stared at his face, her gaze going over his features.

"You know, you look good with one eye," she said, putting out the cigarette and standing up to leave. "Get home safely," she said quietly before walking away.